I believe it is so you can fire it as a one shot it keeps the next shell from coming out of the tube, you can load another shell by hand.... You are absolutely correct! Not all Mod 20's have that selector but that is what it is for. It prevents another shell from loading into the chamber when the action is moved.
Early 1950's
Do an internet search for SAVAGE 311 OWNERS MANUAL
The JC Higgins Model 20 was a slide-action shotgun, not a pistol. Is that the gun you have? sales@countrygunsmith.net
what is a. jc Higgins pump shot gun. model 20-12 gauge worth??
JC Higgins Model 20 Shotgun does not have a serial number. Guns were not required to have a serial number before 1938
what is a J C Higgins Model 583.9 20 gauge worth
JC Higgins Model 20 shotguns sell from $100-$175. sales@countrygunsmith.net
$150.
The J C Higgins Model 20 holds 6 rounds with out a magazine plug
I was at a gun show in TX (Jul 2010) and was offered $125 for my JC Higgins Model 20-12; however, that was a dealer.
The JC Higgins Model 20 was a slide-action shotgun made for Sears by High Standard. Value, depending on condition, can range from $100-$225.
J.C. Higgins Model 20