I have found a couple of FN commercial rifles for sale locally. The First is a complete FN rifle with what looks like a lyman peep sight similar to some of the classy classic rifles I have seen pics of here. The second is a JC Penny's Model 50 with a redfield 2-7 scope. Rifle #1 asking price is $500. Rifle #2 is $400. Is rifle #1 worth it as a clollector piece? is Rifle #2 worth buying for the action only? Thanks to any and all who reply. DW

Here in Alaska I certainly would pay those prices for either rifle. I just paid $400 for a JC Higgens FN in 270 with no scope but with a $90 butler Creek stock - basically for the action - but some of those barrels shot great and were chrome lined and are as weather-proof as barrels get.

If you'll pay $400 plus shipping I have a nice J C Higgins .30-06 with a jeweled bolt and a scope (cheap one but it works) and a Kobe two position safety and a Bold trigger all in real decent shape.....Shipping will be from Vermont!

It's not a bad shooter at all!

I don't think the price on the commecial FN with peep sight is too out of line. You might want to look and see if it has a "C" ring or an "H" ring, the former being the more desirable. Probably it would more depend on the condition of the rifle. The "C" ring could command a bit more money, especially if the rest of the gun was cherry.

I didn't know J.C. Penney sold an M50. I thought the M50 was a Sears gun. $400 seems to be the going price for the Sears version in my neck of the woods although I have picked up one or two for a bit less money.

Paul B.

$500 for a commercial FN Deluxe Sporter is a good price if it is in good shape. $650 would be more typical. Lyman 48 worth $75 or more. As much as $1250 on gunsamerica if excellent-mint. Still very fair value IMO considering what a comparable custom Mauser costs today. Even inferior Mark Xs bring that.

Thanks all, I am going to look at both rifles today. Paul B yes you are correct and I was having a senior moment. JC Higgins not JC Penny. Vapo. No Thanks, I think I will stay local. DW

quote:

Originally posted by dwheels:
Thanks all, I am going to look at both rifles today. Paul B yes you are correct and I was having a senior moment. JC Higgins not JC Penny. Vapo. No Thanks, I think I will stay local. DW

No, not a senior moment. If that was the case, I's be screwing up all the time. So far, it's only part of the time.
My first choice, based on condition of course would be the FN commercial and the M50 second. Better yey, if I could swing the cash I'd take both. Seems like every time I run into a decent m50 at a gun show, It follows me home. The stocks are a tad clubby but can be nicely slimmed down.
The following is just my personal opinion, but I think the Higgins M50 is a better gun than the vaunted Pre-64 M70, and the commercial FNs even better than the M50s albeit a bit on the heavy side. I have four that have not yet been converted to some other cartridge yet, but the triggers on some are great and the others are just reasonably good. As each one ends up being rebarreled to a different cartridge, the triggers get replaced with Timneys. What can I say? I like the FN Mausers.
Paul B.