I think you are correct in that it's an FN made commercial action. Probably left without markings for the retailer to add their brand name if desired. Can't help much beyond that though. Don't know if there is a s/n reference for these commercial FN's regarding who the retailer was.

 

To my understanding there is no "commercial" reference that I can locate via google.

 

Not the most useful set of photos, presumably excluding much nomenclature. Yet you seem already know about it. If the barrel says JC Higgins Model 50, a pretty good clue it's Sears. Just out of right range of your proof photos, left receiver side-rail should bear the FN marking. A serial number should be on the rifht receiver wI don't remember the Ward's nomenclature off the top of my head. These two department store brands of the FN are equal in quality to any others of the FN rifle action of that genre. The barrels were by High Standard and "chromed lined" to resist wear. Someone possibly replaced the trigger since sears at one point used an unusual two piece trigger pinned to the bottom metal. These rifles were of the 1951 to 53 or so period.
For future reference, the more photo coverage you can offer, the better !ID and information possibly to obtain.
'IF' your rifle is a JCH, comparable rife pix as its original style.
Good luck on your project.
Best & Stay Safe!
John

 

Not the most useful set of photos, presumably excluding much nomenclature. Yet you seem already know about it. If the barrel says JC Higgins Model 50, a pretty good clue it's Sears. Just out of right range of your proof photos, left receiver side-rail should bear the FN marking. A serial number should be on the rifht receiver wI don't remember the Ward's nomenclature off the top of my head. These two department store brands of the FN are equal in quality to any others of the FN rifle action of that genre. The barrels were by High Standard and "chromed lined" to resist wear. Someone possibly replaced the trigger since sears at one point used an unusual two piece trigger pinned to the bottom metal. These rifles were of the 1951 to 53 or so period.
For future reference, the more photo coverage you can offer, the better !ID and information possibly to obtain.
'IF' your rifle is a JCH, comparable rife pix as its original style.
Good luck on your project.
Best & Stay Safe!
John

View attachment 3759438 View attachment 3759439

I am showing every that is stamped or marked on the gun. There is no barrel marking other then the 30/06 (which is a noticeable different "font" style)and the JP. The barrel as a very basic 9 or 11 hole muzzle break. As to the receiver, there is, again, no markings other then what is posted. Nothing, smooth. That is why I am curious to see if anyone has a similar rifle/markings.

 

here is the side picture of the receiver, only the proofing house marks

 

Welcome aboard.
The 4 screws located upon the trigger housing (see your pic #3) are the adjustments for creep, travel, let-off, etc. Have-at these - SLOWLY, gradually & carefully: by fiddeling-around to tune/adjust.

Stan, I believe that Numrich/GPC had s/n reference tables for these. Foggy memory, so I'll need to check.

This specimen's s/n is the lowest I've ever noted.
I have its twin: a 1948 .30-06 sporter s/n 28590, built upon 1 of these barrelled actions which were sold to the international gunsmith trade post-1947.
My barrel sports some rather unevenly-spaced markings: "VC Hart", "Tacoma, WA", & ".30-06", all of which are crudely hand-stamped by an amateurish, shakey hand. These, plus the normal FN ordnance "Perron" & remainder are exactly as your example - the only external markings.
How this rig found me: It was a gunshow walk-in @ the now-defunct Great Western Fair in Pomona, CA - late '89-early '90 or so, IIRC. The guy came by my table & stated: "It was my deceased uncle's favorite deer rifle, but I don't hunt. I think it's German, but don't know much about Mausers. Nodody wants it at $300."
I then politely asked to examine it, & noted that it had a few deal-killing faults, but "damnnn" I thought. Nobody is interested but me. (Yes, I have issues).
Quickly decided it was a GO - bad baggage & all. But, I witheld my zeal (OK - barely) & simply asked him to swing-by on his way out, if he still had it.
Six hours later, he did just that & I ended-up trading ~$200 retail worth of 1960s surplus M2 ball ammo & $75 cash. Poor guy was happy as a clam.
The seller never realized exactly what he had, & it became my 2nd true 98 (after a Spanish M43).
To this day it still wears the early Lyman Alaskan 2.5X scope upon a period/original Griffin & Howe QR mount.

Remainder of this FN info is mostly (& shamelessy) raided from an archived post by our astute member Iskra, who should be along here shortly.
It's from my rough notes, some of which were logged before the great GB crash (of 2007 or so, & be advised that I've not checked all of these links - some may indeed be 404). Enjoy:

"Similiar rigs are noted here: http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=609164."
"Stoeger imported 1000s of FN 98 actions & barreled actions for American gunsmiths until 1940. It wasn't until 1947 that Stoeger resumed FN imports.
In 1948, FN released the now famous 'Improved Mauser M98' system w/ the solid left siderail (note how it has no "thumb slot" for charger clip insertion): & only the right bolt raceway was broached-through to the receiver face".
More info: Rare Fabrique Nationale Herstal Safari .458 Win Mag Belgium FN Browning+ Box PRISTINE!
Commercial FN Mauser Actions - My Take
Commercial FN Mauser Actions - My Take
"As far as FN is concerned, they resumed civilian/commercial rifle production in early 1946.
Their solid left sidewall modification came along in 1948. That paralleling what I can see of the subject rifle.
To my knowledge FN did not ever singly market their Mauser receiver in any context.
Solid left sidewall (no thumb-cut) is definitely a post WW2 feature itself, not appearing mainstream commercial until 1947".

 

I pinged on your JC Higgins remark. Sorry! Firearms International of Washington, DC started selling FN actions in late 1946. Yours left the factory at least as a barreled action, otherwise no proof marks! Also the latter photo just posted shows the later FN "Supreme Mauser". That trigger assembly should have a builtin side safety lever since the Supreme is lacking the earlier traditional mauser "wing", striker impinging safety. It's obviously been rebarreled. All this is really extraneous. You have a quality action.
Good luck on your build!
John

Quick addendum principally to say Hi to PT and thanks for your astute trigger expertise comment. Actually FI did sell FN actions. Gunsmiths were the primary buyers. In Pa alone, such as Paul Jaeger and Flag's Lodge, barreled up a lot of them for customers and both featured Bohler semi-octagon barrels which were particular popular complimenting the FN actions. Nowadays, there remains a wealth of these great 'senior' yet quality products. Zastava has since become the newcomer on the block and since also slipped to a minor player. CNC machinery has brought American rifle production back into vogue and in bolt actions quietly nudged other brands into obscurity. Rifles like FN continue to exude classic quality!
Best & Stay Safe
John

 

Only two screws adjust on that trigger. The two protruding from the front of the housing, just above the trigger shoe. Top one is for weight, bottom one for over-travel.

 

Thank you for all the expert help, I new it was a steal for $285, but I feel even better now. This rifle is going to be fun one to build into a NA Big Game rifle! Thanks again!!!

 

For that price you did very well. The triggers, once adjusted, are nice as well. For the $100 they want for a Timney, they don't offer any any tangible improvement.

 

I do concur with Z1r in context of great price & big kudos!
Hope you'll return later for us to see "how it all turns out!"
Best & Stay Safe!
John