When my dad passed away 5 years ago, he left me a JC Higgens Model 60 semi auto shotgun. It was gifted to my dad back in 1954 by the owner of the business he worked for. This model was only produced between 1953 and 1956. It's in really great condition. No rust. Stock is still in pristine condition. It hasn't been fired in over 45 years. I decided to give it my youngest son so I took it up into the woods to shoot a few rounds through it to make sure everything worked. It shot fine and cycled the rounds as it should. When I got home I was going to give it a good cleaning and then give it to him. I noticed that the finger knob on the action/charging handle was missing. It was certainly there when I chambered the first round earlier.
So, I went back out to where I shot it hoping to find the knob laying on the ground. I had no such luck. I started searching the internet looking for a replacement part. From the way it looked the knob was pressed into the action bar with pins and had some type of adhesive on the bottom where they came into contact. Long story short, I couldn't find just the knob so I decided to try and find an intact factory action bar. Again no luck. Fortunately I found an action bar that was a reproduction of the original so I ordered one. I'm hoping it's a good reproduction so it will work fine once installed.
Here is where I need some help. I've disassembled the shotgun to the point only the mag tube that includes the gas piston and spring is left. The front of the action bar is secured to the mag tube by some type of grooved slide ring. The only way I can see to remove the action bar for replacement is to remove the mag tube. If I try and just pull it off I'm pretty sure it will bend or break. Same with installing the replacement. My problem is I'm not sure if the mag tube is screwed in or pressed in. I've included some pics that I hope will help. Does any one know how this attaches to the receiver?
The gun has a whole lot more sentimental value than monetary value. And it does shoot fine. I don't want to damage it. I have spoken with a reputable local gunsmith but he was pricey. I need to avoid the extra costs if at all possible. I can definitely repair it myself, assuming the replacement action bar is functional. Thanks.
So, I went back out to where I shot it hoping to find the knob laying on the ground. I had no such luck. I started searching the internet looking for a replacement part. From the way it looked the knob was pressed into the action bar with pins and had some type of adhesive on the bottom where they came into contact. Long story short, I couldn't find just the knob so I decided to try and find an intact factory action bar. Again no luck. Fortunately I found an action bar that was a reproduction of the original so I ordered one. I'm hoping it's a good reproduction so it will work fine once installed.
Here is where I need some help. I've disassembled the shotgun to the point only the mag tube that includes the gas piston and spring is left. The front of the action bar is secured to the mag tube by some type of grooved slide ring. The only way I can see to remove the action bar for replacement is to remove the mag tube. If I try and just pull it off I'm pretty sure it will bend or break. Same with installing the replacement. My problem is I'm not sure if the mag tube is screwed in or pressed in. I've included some pics that I hope will help. Does any one know how this attaches to the receiver?
The gun has a whole lot more sentimental value than monetary value. And it does shoot fine. I don't want to damage it. I have spoken with a reputable local gunsmith but he was pricey. I need to avoid the extra costs if at all possible. I can definitely repair it myself, assuming the replacement action bar is functional. Thanks.