I think I have asked this question before, but I can't find it doing a search.

I know a lot of the people on this forum have this type of rifle and I would like to know your thoughts on it, and any modifications you have made. Also Modifications you would not make.

Is this the only firearm that you carry or pack around?

It is not to be confused with any super accurate firearm, but it was not designed for that. It's certainly not a skeet gun nor a sniper rifle. I am confident collecting small game with it though, but that is because I spent a lot of time figuring out the "Kentucky Windage" and adjusting the front site with a file.

I placed a spacer between the tubes and the wrapped the whole thing with 550 cord. The cord does an admirable job insulating the hand from the heat of the barrels, and lets me have a little extra cordage with me also. I was shocked how hot the .410 GA barrel got after only 2 slugs.

Supposedly the 3" slugs from the .410 are close to the ballistic performance of the .45-70, but I am not up on that.

I keep it behind the back seat of my truck when working on the road, and have put it to effective use reducing the Texas Rattlesnake population more than once. Four times in one day recently even.

No it is not the only firearm I carry, I usually have something in .45 ACP within arms reach if I still have a pulse and am not in a restricted are.

Momentary thread hijack here...

There is a guy that has taken it upon himself to investigate various gun and ammunition related "truisms", folklore and generally accepted wisdom and put them to the test. He has created several interesting testing methods and explains his testing methodology for those that may wish to verify his findings and/or create their own testing.

Among many other things, he investigated the .410 as compared to the .45 Long Colt Cartridge and posted his results at the following link.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm

The fire arm used for this test was the Taurus Judge so the results are not exactly comparable to rifle / shotgun results due to the difference in barrel lengths. Nonetheless, it is fairly well written and he has rather extensive postings on many other firearm / ammunition related items that may be of interest to some folks here.

Now...back to the original thread

Regards,
Comanche7

Is Springfield still making M6's?

No the rifle is no longer made, and the price shows it. When new they sold for around $200, now if you can get one for $400. you are doing good. But, I still want one to replace a 22/410 that is worn out. (cheap gun to start with)

I found mine thru Cabela's Gun Library. I contacted the local store, and they did a search for one. I got it sight unseen for about $300 including the transfer fees. Everyone else wants $500 or more. Seems most Cabela's don't care to deal with the little guy as opposed to a Krieghoff or some other $16,000.00 collector's item.

I really do enjoy it, but I keep it for unplanned activities. Knowing I may spend some time in bear country when (IF) I head to Canada, I am taking a Remington 870 in 12 GA with slugs and 000 buck as I really would not want to face a bear with a single shot .410 by choice.

I just hope it never comes to the point of having to shoot a bear. I would prefer he be just as frightened as I, and we both agree to do our business in another part of the woods.

One other thought comes to mind.

Be careful if you purchase one second hand from an individual. If it has USGI markings or an NSN there are two problems:

1) It is stolen US Government Property. Uncle Sam frowns on that, don't ya know.

2) The barrel length will be 14 inches, and the BATF frowns on scatterguns with a tube length less than 18 inches.

Trust me on this one. I know from experience.....

I have one and I really like it. I have only modified it by adding a strip of tape on the top of the barrel and by adding some swivel rings and a sling.

With a 3" slug and good shot placement at fairly close range, it's worked as a deer rifle for me. The .22 is, again at fairly close range, a decent small game gun.

I have not used it for bird, but I don't see why it would not be good.

I really like the simplicity of it, and I use it much more than the "novelty" gun that is my AR-7.

Wait.
Wait.
The M6 is selling for $300?
What?
I think I paid $140 - new - for mine.

Smart Apple....

The SS .22Hornet/.410's are going for even more.

I have seen them for $550.00 or so. I just wish the CID partner had not been standing around when I had the chance for 5 USGI (read stolen) versions for a total of $500.00 back in 1989.