J.C. Higgins Model 66

About the J.C. Higgins Model 66

The J.C. Higgins Model 66 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, manufactured by High Standard and sold under the J.C. Higgins house brand through Sears, Roebuck & Co. from the mid-1950s. It replaced the earlier long-recoil Model 60, adopting a smooth-cycling gas-operated action, a walnut stock and forend, and a steel receiver. Frequently fitted with an adjustable choke, it served as an affordable and dependable field gun for hunting, clay shooting, and general use, and is regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern semi-automatic sporting shotgun.

Sold through the Sears catalog under the J.C. Higgins sporting-goods brand, the Model 66 brought an affordable gas-operated autoloader to American hunters at a time when semi-automatic shotguns were still a premium item, helping popularize the design for everyday field use.

J.C. Higgins Model 66 specifications

Sold as a Sears house-brand rebadge of a High Standard Supermatic-pattern gas-operated shotgun. Barrels were offered in 22, 24, 26, 27, and 28 inch lengths with tube magazine capacities of four or five shells depending on configuration.