The bolts used on these FN Belgium made actions are of the highest quality and durability. Each bolt was electro penciled to the rifle using the last three digits of the serial number, which was located on the right side of the receiver.

The bolt head has the traditional two locking lugs and the rear safety lug. The bolt handle is consistent with the 'Second Pattern FN Action' in that it sweeps back to allow clearance for a scope. The bolt is the traditional controlled feed type with a one piece polished bolt body, one-piece firing pin, and a two-position short-throw 45 degree safety to accommodate the use of a scope. Subsequent models, like the Model 51-L that I own, have a walnut stock with a full wrap around cut checkered forearm and a raised check piece. Sling swivel studs and a polymer butt plate were standard. Overall length is 43 inches, it has a healthy 13 3/4 length of pull, and the original model 50 was supplied with a no frills walnut stock without checkering. All variations included a model number on the left side of the barrel just at the end of the forearm, and a code that corresponds to the date of manufacture.

and each rifle's barrel was marked as such. The rifle was advertised and sold through Sears and Roebuck Co. It is true that Husqvarna used FN actions on the 640, but the barrel and wood on the Model 51 are different than that found on the HVA 640. Some report that the later Model 51 was simply an imported Husqvarna 640 and the Model 52 was simply a relabeled Sako L46. Later models included the Model 51/51-L built on the FN and Husqvarna actions, Model 52 by Sako, and the last Model 54 by Browning. The chrome-lined barrels were limited to Models 50 and 51. The Model 50 was originally produced by Belgium's Fabrique Nationale using a commercial 98 Mauser action and 22 inch chrome lined barrel from High Standard. Information on these rifles often conflicts so I have included information derived from the predominant consensus and my own findings of fact. Although not manufactured by Sears, the giant retailer was certainly instrumental in their creation and importation. Higgins Model 50 was the creation of the Sears and Roebuck Co.

Jc higgins model 50 serial numbers