Way OT: Hi-Standard Flite King shotguns ok?

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:17 am

Hi, folks,
Saw an interesting pump shotgun in a local store --- a High Standard Flite King Deluxe, 12 ga., in very good condition. The price is tempting and the action is really slick. Does anyone have any experience with these?
Any info on their reputation? This one was made in the 70's, apparently.
John

Buffboy · Post by **Buffboy** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:57 am

I had a 20ga Ted Williams(basically the same gun, made for Sears) I gave to my niece about 10 years ago. I bought it for the price at the time (IIRC $75 about 5 years before that). She's still uses it regularly for hunting pheasant. It was/is a nice shotgun that is very smooth, reliable, and well made. I don't think you could go wrong.

TomF · Post by **TomF** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:33 am

I had one as my first shotgun, about '74. Parts are limited for repairs. As I remember the gun was heavy and forearm loose. I did replace the extractor on at least one occasion. I sold mine and bought an 870.

TomF

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 3:58 pm

The High Standard's were serious competition for Remington and Ithaca back then - and with exeption of the Model 12, which became a Custom Shop item, blew Winchester out of that market. To meet their challenge, Remington had to start making econo-870's, and Ithaca got into receivership.

They're slightly heavy, but stout workhorses, and were very popular among those who couldn't afford an 870 or Model 37.They were a much better choice than the terrible Winchester 1200 & it's clones, aka "the gunsmith's retirement fund".

wm · Post by wm » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:51 pm

I hate to be the odd man out but I had 2 JC Higgins (High Standards for Pennys) and they were worthless. I happily sent them both off to a fellah that wanted them no matter how I tried to talk him out of it.

I suspect one was just beat and tired but the other was like new.

Personally I would rather spend a few dollars more and have a used Mossberg 500 or 870 Express.

Marlin .35 · Post by **Marlin .35** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:27 pm

They used to be dirt cheap, you could pick them up for a song. They were rugged and reliable. Mine was one of the best shotguns I ever had. I feel they were better than the 870's. Buy it!! You will not be disappointed!! Art

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:31 pm

My Dad bought a High Standard Flight King back in the 70's for Doves and Quail. Still has it and it's still going strong. In fact, it might be the next gun I might beg off of him.

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:59 pm

Thanks, folks, I appreciate the good info and help!

John

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:01 pm

Pete44ru wrote:The High Standard's were serious competition for Remington and Ithaca back then - and with exeption of the Model 12, which became a Custom Shop item, blew Winchester out of that market. To meet their challenge, Remington had to start making econo-870's, and Ithaca got into receivership.

They're slightly heavy, but stout workhorses, and were very popular among those who couldn't afford an 870 or Model 37.They were a much better choice than the terrible Winchester 1200 & it's clones, aka "the gunsmith's retirement fund".

If they are better than a 1200 you should be pretty satisfied.