THF,

I traded for a JG Higgins model 60 12 gauge auto. The gun is in great shape, very heavy and robust and feels well made. I tried it in the field recently with a 2 3/4" (chambered for this size) 7.5 shot and it wouldn't eject the spent shell. I'm not sure if this is due to different materials/measurements in new shells vs. ones from the 50's or if I have a different problem. I wouldn't want to invest more than $75 to fix it, but it's pretty worthless right now.

Any help/suggestions are appreciated.

Sounds like a good cleaning is in order 1st. Then look for a broken extractor or ejector or both....or clogged gas system or weakened recoil spring in a Remmy 11 or Browning Square back.

All 2 3/4" US made shotgun shells are the same exact length by SAAMI Regualtion as they were before WW II.

A gunsmith should give you an estimate before working on it , or give the 'smith a max $$ to fix the gun ...and a good honest gunsmith will not go over that # without calling you for an authorization.
Ron

The J C Higgins model 60 is basically the same gun as the Hi Standard Supermatic. It's possible that shells are the problem, because rims are not as defined as the used to be, but a worn or chipped extractor is most likely the problem.

What shells were you using? I have had bad luck with Winchester SuperX in my auto loaders. I second the cleaning, too.

Really appreciate the guidance guys. Thanks for taking the time.

I don't know if this helps any, but on my Remington 1100, there's a small rubber band that goes next to the cylinder, over the magazine tube. If that rubber band gets worn out or breaks, it doesn't create a good seal for the gases pushing the piston and shells do not eject properly.I thought it was going to be a big problem when it started. Turned out to be a couple of dollars to get some new bands and fix it. Your gun uses a similar gas system so maybe it is suffering from the same problem. You might be able to spot it with a good cleaning.

Wiley Coyote has the best idea - clean it. Many of these older shotguns are in dire need of cleaning out not only the action and trigger section but also the gas ports located in the barrels. In the semi-auto's I've had and picked up over the years, running a pipe cleaner or paper clip through those vent holes has cleared up a lot of the ejection issues.

+1 on cleaning. I have taken numerous old guns that people swore were broken. All they needed was a good field strip and complete cleaning.
Some oils and cleaners gum up over time, and really make a nasty mess out of a firearm action.

Like toxarch said. 5 dollar o'ring is probably most likely culprit.

But don't forget the cleaning.