I have a J.C. Higgins bolt-action 20 gauge shotgun. its in pretty good condition, just want to know how much it might be worth, but DEFINITELY not sellin.

Some of them were Mossberg's, some were High Standard ...
There should be a model # on the barrell ...
That'll help identify it and help in it's value estimate

it says 583.19 and its a sears roebuck and co. thats all thats on the barrel besides the chamber measurement...

I did a little further checking and found evidence that your gun may have been part of a recall. Serious injury resulting from the bolt hitting the shooters in the face was the basis of the recall.
I would urge you to check with a gunsmith who will be able to give you an estimate of it's worth and/or an opinion of it's danger.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=583.19+j.+c.+higgi ns+20+gauge+recall+sears&start=0&sa=N

Old bolt action shotguns generally aren't worth a whole lot. I had a J.C. Higgins 12ga bolt action and it was in very good condition. I was told it was worth about $85.

yeah... i knew that. and im gonna get that checked out once my friend gets back from a trip. and i just wanted to know how much it might be worth before anybody does any screwin around with it.

I have an old Sears 20 Gauge Goose Gun Bolt action with a 3 shot magazine, Same model number I beleive which cross refrenced to a Mossberg. Only worth about 95.00 in good condition. But fun to shoot if you can handle it

I have on in 16 gauge.. only 80$ or 90$ probably, but I enjoy hunting with it.
-Jake

UPDATE --- I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE FROM THE RECALL HOTLINE
Only the 12 gauge models are subject to the recall .. the other gauge shotguns with similar model #'s are not considered to be unsafe and are therefore NOT a part of the recall.

I also have one of these older workhorses in 16 gauge ...model # is 583.14 and it is a dandy slug gun when just shoooting 2 3/4 " 16 ga punkin balls.

It groups unbelievably well at around 75 yards with some cheap plastic sights I taped on to it. They actually screw/clamp on to the barrell but were a little loose so a few wraps of electical tape held it tight. I can group around 3" at 75 yards with it.... plenty good enough for some late season walks in the woods.

oh... thanks for that info. maybe my 20 gauge will get those kind of results!