High Standard Hi Ten Series A 10-A 10A 12 GA 18″ Semi-Auto Bullpup Shotgun

SOLD FOR: $1000

LSB#: 210417RC39

Make: High Standard

Model: Ten Series A (10-A)

Serial Number: 10012

Year of Manufacture: 1967-1977

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells (High Brass, Buckshot & Slugs recommended, light target loads may not properly cycle this gun)

Action Type: Gas Operated Semi-Automatic, Tube Magazine Fed, Bullpup Shotgun

Markings: The right-rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number and a High Standard proof. The right of the polymer shell is marked “CAUTION – DO NOT SHOOT FROM LEFT SHOULDER” under the ejection port and over the grip with “MODEL TEN / SERIES A / POLICE SHOTGUN”, and “-AMMUNITION- / 12 GA. 2 3/4 IN. SHELLS / MAGNUM OR HIGH BRASS”. The left side of the shell is marked “THE HIGH STANDARD MFG. CORP. – HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT / U.S.A.” and “CAUTION – DO NOT SHOOT FROM LEFT SHOULDER”.

Barrel Length: 18”

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the front of the carry handle. The carry handle has a groove that can be used as a sighting plane. There is a flashlight mounted in an integral base in the carry handle. The light does not work currently.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock consists of a black polymer shell covering the action and rear of the barrel with ribbed grip areas at the front, textured pistol grip with finger grooves, and an interesting buttplate which incorporates a sling swivel (the other is mounted to the magazine cap), and most interesting freely rotates at the rear of the receiver. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and general light handling marks. There are some scratches, most noticeable on the left at the rear and on the right of the pistol grip. There are no chips or cracks. The ribbing and texturing is well defined. The LOP measures approximately 14 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. There are a few spots of stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The exposed portions of the barrel and receiver show some scuffs, some have thinned the finish. There are some spots of surface oxidation on the barrel. There is some thinning on the edges. The receiver has a couple scratches. There are some light handling marks. There is some white and light blue substance surrounding the flashlight cap. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Though High Standard is perhaps best known for their rimfire target pistols, they also had a full line of shotguns from field to security, pumps and semi-autos, and then there is the Model Ten. The first commercially made bullpup shotgun, the Model 10 was essentially a High Standard C1200 Supermatic barrel and receiver mounted in a polymer shell with a linkage from the forward-mounted trigger to the original sear engagement. The polymer shell had a pistol grip as well as a rotating buttplate which was intended to allow use from the shoulder or fired single-handed with the buttplate held against the bicep. The original Ten Series A, or 10-A model, was developed with an integral flashlight mount and a fixed carry handle. Originally intended for and sold only to law enforcement agencies, slow sales brought in commercial sales and eventually the model was discontinued in 1977. This 10-A example is in Very Good condition showing wear consistent with use but retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether your a fan of bullpups, High Standard firearms, or just interesting guns, this shotgun would make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!