An M6 in a .22 / 20 gauge.

I would like to see an M6 rifle in a .22 long rifle caliber, 20 gauge shotgun configuration with strong empty hull ejectors to make reloading faster.

I had an Ithaca .22 lever action rifle with a Martini action that partially extracted the shell but required shell removal by hand. This was the main reason I sold that cute little single shot. If it had possessed a strong ejector for the shell casing, I would probably still have it today.

Bountyhunter
P.S. Can you believe I once had a four-caliber Heckler-Koch HK4 brand new and sold it: the first pistol that company made? Current selling price; $1,800.00! <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Try using a service issue M6 by Ithaca in Alaska without extractors while wearing arctic mittens. The only real alternatives are the Savage combination rifle, or the even heavier Valmet and Baikal units, usually in 7x57/ .308 over a 12. The successors to Harrington and Richardson have offered the basic singlebarrel shotgun with interchangeable .22 Hornet or .30-30 barrels. Just try to find one.

Chris:

Are you saying the M6 has no extractors?

I was having enough trouble with a .22 that had an extractor to pull the shell slightly out of the chamber. If I wanted a rifle without the sophistication of at least an extractor, I'll make a zip gun for a lot less money.

I used to have a Savage .22 / 20 gauge in the old days when the barrels were soldered together and would rather have one of the new ones as long as they still have extractors than an M6 with no extractors.

Bountyhunter

The M6 has no extractors. You have to remove the spent case with very dextrous fingers or some manner of tool. Remember that the various survival rifles ( there were a few other models, including a simple .22 Hornet) were developed specifically for the USAF with wieght and stowability the priority. Given the cost factors in producing this rifle from the famed czech industry, we are lucky it's as fine as it is for the price.

Chris,

It's been a while since I handled one, but... are you sure that you mean "extractor"? IIRC they DO have extractors; they do not have ejectors. Ejectors kick the case clean out of the chamber (don't point the breech at your face!) whereas extractors merely pry the cases a little ways out of the chamber and then require you to pluck the cases manually from the chambers. With mittens on, that can be frustrating as heck.

Someone with an M6 can clear this up in a NY minute - Matt???

PS edit: I think they do have extractors:



HTH,

Tom

I have an M6, it does have extractors. They don't lift the shells very far though (.125"). I definitely couldn't get an empty out with gloves on.
gino <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Extractors but not ejectors is correct.

Gloves difficult, mittens impossible.

But I still think the M6 is an excellent purpose built compromise.

Are the extractors operated by the breaking of the action, or are they manual like some of those little derringers which require you to slide a knurled piece to extract the shells?

Thanks!

Bountyhunter

Shell will pe pulled out very little but never ejected. It is helpful but not enough. I can't see myself working on it with gloves on. It is not a big problem on the .410 side but it gets complicated on the 22LR side. Still this is not a speed shooter but one shot one kill survival rifle.

Matt

There is a spring I think that pops the end of the chamber out when you break the rifle open. Action of the extractor is initiated by you lifitng the closing "latch". But please somebody double checks that since it has been 5 months since I used mine.

Matt

Exactly it Matt. Open the latch and break open the action. Extractors are spring loaded and push the cartridge and shell out a small bit. Fingernails can grab either, gloves....tight leather can sometimes get the shell or the cartridge but just barely. It would be nice if these were extracted a good bit more but they are not.

What would be nice would be if they made the extractors passive and a little longer with an outside activating lever.

Pull the lever part way to bring the cartridge and shotgun hull out a little, or give it a fast pull to eject the shells out completely. The extractor would have a spring to bring it back to battery once you let go of the lever in order to speed up reloading.

Sounds simple enough and the Czechs are good machinists even if not on par with German machinists.

Bountyhunter

You break the gun open, and there's a kind of lifting piece that pushes up the spent casing. It's OK for the .410, a little tough on the .22 side.