High Standard J.C Higgins Sears Model 31 .22 S/L/LR 24” Semi-Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB251216DH180
Make: High Standard, J.C. Higgins trade name for Sears
Model: 31
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1953-1962 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Long / Long Rifle / Short
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Fed by Mag Tube
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a serrated base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is scope grooved.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated plastic buttplate. The belly of the buttstock has the seatbelt sling. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are light scratches and compression marks throughout. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 97% of the metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear. There are a couple of light scratches on the receiver and on the muzzle. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. Overall this rifle rates in about Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a JC Higgins cardboard box.
Our Assessment: The J.C. Higgins Model 31 rifle was produced for Sears, Roebuck & Co. by High Standard during the mid twentieth century as part of their line of dependable and affordable rimfire sporting arms. These rifles were widely distributed through Sears catalogs and retail stores, offering American shooters a practical semi-automatic platform for small game hunting and recreational shooting. Chambered in .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, the cartridge family introduced in the late nineteenth century became the most widely used rimfire ammunition in the world and made rifles like the Model 31 a staple of mid-century American shooting culture.
This example retains about 97 percent of its original blue finish with only light handling wear and a few minor scratches visible on the receiver and muzzle. The two piece walnut stock with pistol grip and straight comb shows light handling marks and compression marks but remains free of cracks or chips, rating in Excellent condition overall. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling present, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions properly and the rifle includes its original J.C. Higgins cardboard box. Overall, this rifle presents as a clean example of a Sears branded High Standard semi-automatic rimfire rifle from the postwar era. Please see our high definition photos and good luck on your bids! -N.P