J.C. Higgins M.66 {583.605} Custom Model 66 reviewed.


The 1968 Model 66 12gauge shot gun was a rebranded shotgun sold under the Sears and Roebuck nomenclature. Mine was bought for me at age 14 and has served semi-faithfully (nothing was the weapons fault). When I received it the barrel and receiver were both blued a very dark shade. Rust and being in a wooden closet unprotected for many years took their toll on the weapons finish, ruining it to the point that it had to be completely stripped. Instead of reblueing the weapon I decided to polish it and engrave the buttstock and forearm with a personal touch. I also polished the hammer and all travel paths, the pushrod, and bolt. The inside of the reciever was sanded with a very fine grit to remove all imperfections (as far a I'd allow myself). The piston, gasblock, and magtube (which is the pistons travel path) were also touched up to remove rough surfaces. I also replaced the original aluminum magtube with a steel one.


The weapon is a gas operated semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun w/a lock lug type bolt chambered in 2 3/4 inch. The trigger feels smooth as glass with an estimated 4-7 pound trigger pull. Since polishing/smoothing the working parts the weapon fires and feeds very quickly, about twice as fast as when I got it (pretty much stock mfg) and four times faster than several months ago. This weapon is no longer available new (its great grandchildren are however apparently the model 870 remmington pump bears more than a passing resemblance, and a local gunsmith called it an old winchester). The weapon has been prone to jamming in the past due to what I assume is old age, a possible fix for this would be replacing the return spring thing, or filling down the mouth of the chamber to give a better "feed ramp" type situation. I've adjusted the gas block to allow less to escape to work the action harder, this may fix the jamming. On the bright side, the weapon is beautiful and the jams easy to clear. In a situation without time to clear the jam, like zombies attakin, the weapon is very heavy and could easily be used to bash in some zombie heads.

overall

8/10 ease of use
6/10 reliablity (will update as the weapon is worked on)
10/10 balance
4/10 ammo cap (4+1)
2/10 weight (very very heavy 15 pounds is my guess)


Test fired again, 3/25/2010. Gas system at full use, shell continues to stick. Diag. is feed ramp not fully accuating due to worn out lifter components, weapon is not combat ready but fires well enough for recreational use. Firing #8 steel fine shot from federal, I'll be taking it to a gunsmith for further repairs :(. has been repaired, needed new feed ramp actuator lever.

~seek~