Interesting story here. I purchased this rifle from a dear friend that lived in VA and spent his life in the CIA, Charlie. He is no longer with us, but his dad had bought this gun at a Sears in Virginia in 1951. A J. C. Higgins Mod. 50 270. With it, came the mounted scope which turned out to be a model "Texan 4X" manufactured by "Norman - Ford" in none other than Tyler, Texas. There's not much to be found on Norman - Ford other than a few sales ads from the 50's & 60's for telescopes and scopes. Nonetheless, this gun is not only a treasured relic from my friend, but a piece of local history to boot!