J.C. Higgins made by Daisy

 

I have an odd one... it's a J.C. Higgins Cactus Carbine (I think).

Close as I can tell, it is much like a Daisy Model 80.

It belonged to my late cousin who was much older than I.

I believe it was purchased at Sears.  Probably from the 50's.

 

It has:

Champagne colored metalic paint (original)

'Blonde' fake woodgrain buttstock and forestock

Aluminum forestock ring

Aluminum lever/stamped steel trigger

There is a welded bracket that is threaded for forestock attachment.

There were some gold decals on the receiver (like fake engraving) but is mostly worn off but parts of it are still visible.

 

To load it, you turn the end of the barrel and open a loading window then close it.

 

The stock has the "Shooters Safety Oath" on it.

 

Anyone know what it is worth?  Hard to find any info on it.

It's in pretty good original shape and shoots very strong.  A little surface rust on the bottom of the barrel (paint is flaking off) and the forestock looks warped.  My cousin apparently put an eye hook in the stock so he could tie a string from the front band to the stock for a home-made sling.  I took the eye hook out (small hole in stock now)

 

Amazingly, the little thing is SPOT-ON accurate.  I can hit a soda can 10/10 at about 30 feet.

(...and the BB's make holes in the can!)

 

I'd sell it if it was worth anything.

Any info or value info would be appreciated!

 

Check the rifle real good for a model number.Most of the Sears rifle model numbers started with 799.The rifle dosen't sound like a Cactus Carbine.I think the eye hook came with the rifle as Daisy used them alot.The J.C Higgins Cactus Carbines and the Westerners came with painted black frames and either black or brown plastic forarms and stocks. According to Garys book,Encyclopedia of Daisy Guns,there were three models of the Cactus carbine and one of the Westerner

stevec

 

I have 3 J. C. Higgins Cactus Carbines; one is a Model 799-2029, the other 2 are Model 799-2030, but the -2030s are of two different variations, with one having 2 patent numbers and the other has four, and both indicate 'other patents applied for.' so you can see what you are up against in trying to track that baby down, however your Register Number will be a saving grace.

 

The -2029 has a V-notched screw adj rear sight and the front sight is the low profile style; the -2030's have the combination peep & V-notched flip rear sight, and they have the fake silver hammers on the stock, with ramp style front sight blade.  The markings on the cocking lever seem identical to what I have. ie., 3 stars within fancy scroll work.

 

As an aside, one of the Model 799-2030s was customized by being painted a beautiful gray, it was used as a display model in a Daisy Nuts store front.  I don't shoot this one but once or twice a year, it's too pretty.

 

I looked in the Blue Book of Airguns, 8th  Edition, 2010, in the store brand cross-over list which references 'private label' stuff back to Daisy models but your model number isn't listed, but neither are mine.

 

Depending on condition, your gun might be valued between $15 and $35; private label Daisy air guns do not seem to have vintage value compared to Daisy labled guns.

 

Abnd yes, these models are a lot of fun to shoot because they are accurate and hard hitting, and you could do as well at 40 feet.  So why not keep that gem?  Become a Daisy Nut!!!

 

Good luck.

If you can send me a picture to  mmclark2@tds.net  I can tell you alot more if I had a picture

stevec

Thanks for all the help!  Still not sure what model it is though...

Is it considered a "Cactus Carbine"?