13 February 2006, 02:26
new_guyJC Higgins FN Mausers
JC Higgins FN Mausers - were all of these actions drilled and tapped for scope bases?
13 February 2006, 02:40
z1rTo the best of my knowledge, yes. But, the later ones had .860" hole spacing on the rear. Hard to find bases if they don't come with the donor action. Something to remember when shopping.
11 June 2010, 12:10
JBrownquote:
Originally posted by new_guy:
JC Higgins FN Mausers - were all of these actions drilled and tapped for scope bases?
I'll take it!
Sorry, I guess I jumped the gun on that one.

Back to your question. Yes they were all drilled and tapped. Pre 1955 had the standard .500 hole spacing on the rear bridge along with peep sight holes on the right side of the bridge. I believe a peep sight(Armstrong?) was offered as an upgrade.
Post 1955 had the odd-ball .860 spacing and few(or none) were drilled and tapped on the side for a peep sight. There was a JC Higgins scope offered. The bases are an odd sized dovetail(.600" IIRC) that only accept FN rings. The rings look a bit like Weaver's but they are not split, so the scope has to be disassembled to slide the rings up the tube.
Talley produces a rear base that fits the .860 spacing.
Nugman- Thanks for the tip on Warne. That is news to me.