I have the M6 in stainless 22 Hornet / 410. I've shot it quite a bit and think it's a very versatile firearm. I chose the 22 Hornet over the 22 LR thinking that the Hornet could possibly take a deer (closer range - up to 100 yards). I'm trying different rounds to determine what shoots best for my M6. I'm trying slug and buckshot loads in the 410. There used to be a manufacturer of 410 flare loads but my understanding is that they are no longer in business (if anyone knows different I'd like to hear from you).

I look at the M6 as strictly a food gathering type survival firearm. The stock has places for extra rounds and the whole thing breaks down into a small size. Springfield makes a case for a broken down M6. The pin holding it together can be lost but other web forums suggest a number of fixes for that problem.

I'd like to try an AR-7 and have looked at the Henry's model. I'm still not sure about the durability of the AR-7's I have seen - they all look pretty flimsy to me. Anyone have better information on these?

As far as protection from the two-legged variety of critters, after finding three meth lab dumps out in the woods this week (and it's only Wednesday for crying out loud!) I'm giving that more serious thought.

Terry