JC Higgins Model 20 - Slide Release

[JamesWP]

I’ve got a JC Higgins Model 20 12 gauge that I really like. Mostly because it’s just like the one my grandpa had. It’s a very well made, smooth, attractive looking shotgun.

However, is it possible to make it so that the slide doesn’t come back on its own? For example, when you depress the slide release, the slide falls/opens on its own. And right after you pull the trigger the slide automatically unlocks and comes back. It feels a lot different than say an 870 or a Browning BPS.

Is there a spring in there somewhere that causes the slide to come back so easy, that could maybe be removed? I’m not exactly sure how these guns work so I’m not sure if there is a solution to this or not. I know it’s functioning as intended….and hopefully my question makes sense lol

Thanks!

 

[alwslate]

I have one and I don't think there's anything wrong with your gun. Many pump shotguns have smooth actions, including my 870s, that lets the slide come back a bit when the action is unlocked and sitting on the butt of the gun muzzle up.

 

[alwslate]

The JC Higgens model 20 was made by High Standard and has design features common to other older designs like the Winchester model 12. I don't understand why you think the slide should remain locked when you depress the slide lock. But if you intend to use it around other people you need to know it is a "slam fire" design. If you hold the trigger back when chambering a round the gun will fire when you close the action. If hunting with others its probably best to keep your finger out of the trigger guard when chambering a round to avoid an accidental discharge. The spring assisted opening after firing makes for smooth fast follow up shots. Enjoy your gun.

 

[JamesWP]

I have one and I don't think there's anything wrong with your gun. Many pump shotguns have smooth actions, including my 870s, that lets the slide come back a bit when the action is unlocked and sitting on the butt of the gun muzzle up.

I clearly said it is functioning as intended. Reread what I wrote.

Since I feel like you are talking down to me, let me back up and explain exactly why I asked this question…..

These guns are very solid, but if you read about them one of the issues they can have is that the slide bar can and will break at the little dog leg where it comes out of the forend. And IF it does, this particular part is hard to find. The way the slide comes back rather quickly after firing lends itself to aggressive pumping/cycling, even if unintentionally, which can cause the broken action bar I mentioned above.

I understand gun safety, thank you for the lesson though.

 

[alwslate]

Yeah if you pull the trigger on an empty chamber the bolt drops down out of the locking recess and the slide pops back about an inch. If this compels you to "unintentionally" pump the action so aggressively that you break the machined steel action bar it's not the guns fault. If the slide slams back fully opened when fired with a shell without you pulling it back then the gun is not locking properly to begin with and needs repair. When these guns have seen a lot of use the contact between the rear locking surface of the bolt and the recess in the receiver can get reduced to the point the gun becomes unsafe to fire until repaired. Maybe you should just sell it and buy another 870 if it doesn't do exactly what you think it should. If you want to keep it and use just make sure you "aggressively" move the slide forward when you chamber a round to insure solid lockup.