M6 Aircrew Survival Rifle Overview

Published on May 27, 2026
Duration: 2:25

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon, also known as the Rifle Shotgun Survival Caliber .22/.410, was developed for the US Air Force post-WWII and issued until the early 1970s. This compact, foldaway firearm features a single-shot .22 Hornet barrel above a .410 shotgun barrel, each with its own firing pin controlled by a single-action hammer. Ammunition storage is integrated into the buttstock. Originally intended for defense against medium predators and foraging, its soft-point ammunition was marked as not for human use due to Hague Convention concerns. Commercial Springfield versions in .22 Hornet and .22LR were later produced.

Quick Summary

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon, officially the Rifle Shotgun Survival Caliber .22/.410, is a compact, foldaway firearm developed for the US Air Force. It features a .22 Hornet barrel above a .410 shotgun barrel, with integrated ammunition storage in the buttstock. Issued from 1952-1970s, it's NFA regulated, though commercial Springfield versions exist.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M6 Survival Weapon
  2. 00:07Caliber and Development History
  3. 00:14Foldaway Design and Compact Package
  4. 00:31Ammunition Storage in the Buttstock
  5. 00:46Dual Barrels: .22 Hornet and .410 Shotgun
  6. 00:53Hammer and Firing Pin Mechanism
  7. 01:15Rear Sight and Sling Loop Features
  8. 01:23Operation and Firing Mechanism
  9. 01:34Intended Use: Animals and Foraging
  10. 01:53Hague Convention and Ammunition Restrictions
  11. 02:03Museum Display and Private Ownership (NFA)
  12. 02:08Commercial Springfield Versions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon?

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon, officially the Rifle Shotgun Survival Caliber .22/.410, is a compact, foldaway firearm developed for the US Air Force. It features a .22 Hornet barrel above a .410 shotgun barrel, with integrated ammunition storage in the buttstock.

When was the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon issued?

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon was developed for the US Air Force immediately after World War II and was issued from 1952 into the early 1970s. It was designed for survival situations, defense against animals, and foraging.

What are the calibers of the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon?

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon features two barrels: an upper barrel chambered for the .22 Hornet cartridge and a lower barrel chambered for the .410 shotgun cartridge.

Is the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon legal to own?

The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) in the United States, making private ownership restricted and complex. Commercial versions were produced by Springfield.

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