This rifle is good for what it is, but other rifles do the job better.<br><br>Frank

Check out this Rifle-Shotgun by Savage Arms!!!<br>Tell me what you think.<br>http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/specialty/2412f.htm<br><br>Frank

I would have several concerns about the Springfield M6. <br><br>As an alternative, you may want to consider the Savage 24. It is available in 20ga. & 12 ga. The 12 ga. models have been available with screw-in chokes. We have several of the older wooden stocked models in .22/20ga. We love them. They handle well. I much prefer the handling of the older models to those in current production. The 20 ga. is a useful & effective hunting gauge. The older models weigh about 6-7# and sell in the ballpark of $300. The newer models nominally weigh around 8# and seem a little heavy to me. Also a Russian combination gun is also available in a larger gauge shotgun coupled with several popular high powered rifle calibers. It is made by Baikal & imported by EAA reportedly selling for around $400. The Gun Digest description & photo seem attractive. I also read one favorable report by one purchaser of it. I haven't had the chance to see & handle one for myself.<br><br>Primarily, I don't like the .410 shotgun as a first choice for survival purposes. For birdshot loads, maximum useful range for it is generally thought to be about 30 yards. In comparison, the 20 ga., especially in 3" magnum, should have a useful range of 50-60 yards. Using rifled slugs, the 20 ga. is probably the minimum for quarry the size of deer. 20 ga. loads are available in # 2 & 3 buckshot sizes. They are certainly useful defensively. They might even have an application in very short range deer hunting. The maximum nominal payloads of shot are 3/4 oz. in .410 versus 1 1/4 oz. in 20 ga.<br><br>Secondly, I wonder how well the M6 handles especially for swinging on moving targets. It is only 32" long & weighs only 4#. It might be OK, but I have my doubts.<br><br>Thirdly, as OBG noted, I too have a question as to how easy the trigger action is to use. <br><br>If you have a chance to use the M6, you may well find that you have resolved concerns 2 & 3 to your own satisfaction. If so, the only remaining question is whether 30 yards is an acceptable maximum for your needs. The price on these guns is certainly attractive.<br><br>Good luck,<br><br>John

I would lean toward a Mossberg 590 shotgun. I think it weighs about 3/4 pound less and the ammo cap is a plus. I would load it with slugs for big game, but it would only be good out to about 100 yards with slugs, whereas the rifle on the savage combo might have more range.

I have been searching the web for quite some time and I haven't come across really any Savage 24's. <br>Does anyone know where I could find one?<br><br>Frank

I agree bigger rifles do better jobs but when your hiking and backpacking and you get lost a small rifle will do just get you by with food.Plus when your hiking a big rifle will weight you down.

I don't like placing all my eggs in one basket, so I prefer the two weapon option. A stainless .22 Ruger MKII with bull barrel and a 12 or 20ga shotgun (pump or single shot) with a variety of ammo to maximize it's versatility is the way I'd go. A little more weight maybe, but worth it for the added benefit of still having a usable weapon if one is damaged or lost.

Longbow<br>Do you have a website for the .22 Ruger MKII?<br>I can't find one.<br>Thanks<br><br>Frank

Try www.savagearms.com<br>Select Centerfire then Specialitry<br><br>Bob

here ya go! :o)<br><br>http://www.ruger-firearms.com/pistolsrf.html