Hi All, just inherited a JC Higgins model 50 from my dad, was his dad's before that. It is in good condition, but the firing pin is dropping when the safety is flipped off. Need to get that fixed and would also like to replace the trigger, have some good iron sights installed, possibly re-blue and refinish the stock. Can anyone recommend a good smith in the Western, PA area?

Was thinking of more extensive work, maybe just building a new rifle around the action, but after further thought, really want to preserve the rifle and turn it into a nice iron sight hunter, how grandpap used it...

Thanks!

No reason to limit yourself locally. It’s nothing but a post office away from any good smith in the country.

When you get rid of that factory trigger setup your firing pin dropping will most likely be solved. Timney sells a trigger for these rifles that you can install yourself, it has clear instructions. I have install that trigger in the two JC Higgins 50's I own.

Dave Bruno in Dayton Pa. Has built me several rifles and does great work.

^THIS^

Thanks Gents!

http://www.gostomskisgunsmithing.com/

Not PA but not far. https://www.turnbullrestoration.com/

Decennt chance a good cleaning would solve the problem.
Won't do the rest though.



A good friend was friendly with the above guy and really liked his work.
I think his kid is doing much of it now.

X2 builds hunting rifles that shoot like match grade rifles.

Just checked back here, thanks for the additional suggestions. Should be a fun project, now I'm considering converting to 35 whelen to throw in some personal childhood memories reading about the cartridge :-)

Montour Rifles is in PA.