Hello, I have an FN action that I believe may have come from an old JC Higgins rifle. The issue is that the rear scope mount holes are spaced wider apart than standard Mauser, being equal in distance to the front holes. Brice showed me a seemingly identical FN action he had which appeared to have the standard closer spacing on the rear holes, so this doesn't seem to be standard amongst FNs or JC Higgins.

My question is, who makes bases for this wider spacing? I have heard that Talley does, are there any others? And is there a specific keyword to specify when searching or ordering other than giving the actual dimension? (i.e. "FN special limited edition wide rear base for really good hunters...")

I suppose maybe I ought to call them... Thanks.

Below are some notes I kept while researching bases for a Jc Higgins 50. Not sure how current the info is, but it gives you a starting point!

"I have two JC Higgins Model 50 rifles (with FN Mauser 98 actions). They both have the wide rear scope base hole spacing of ~ 0.86".

I did some research, and found out that Warne Manufacturing makes a steel "Maxima" base that will fit. I spoke to Jerry Langford (Technical Support) at Warne Manufacturing, and he told me that it was not a popular item (not even listed on their reference chart), but they do have it. They are made in the USA.

The rear base is item "M831." The matching front base is "M902." The bases are $12.95/ea (~ $26/pair) + shipping ($7) direct from Warne Manufacturing. Jerry said it would be unlikely to find this base listed at one of their current dealers (he was right, I looked). Dealers had the M830 or M832 rear base version, which has the 0.50" hole spacing-but not the wide hole spacing (I looked). "

Early JC Higgins FN's used standard bases. After about 1955, they switched to the wider(.860")rear spacing.

Talley offers proper bases. They are listed as "Steel Base for 98 Mauser Large Ring .860 Rear" on the their site.

Also, apparently Warne offers bases for the same application. I seem to recall reading somewhere that they are an unlisted item.

Thanks guys!

Ironic that both respondents are from BC, the wife and kids are up there today...

The JC Higgins with the wider (.860" versus .500") rear bridge spacing also have wider front ring spacing:.860" (as opposed to the standard .850" spacing).

Talley also makes bases for the wider Higgins FN.

Yes, Warne makes bases with the right hole spacing. I believe they also sell Weaver-style blanks with no holes so you can put them where you need.

All good info. I have the same action and decided to go with Talleys. One other option is S&k. I talked with them and they said they would make a set to fit at modest charge.