BY MIKE TRAVIS
The United States Air Force began issuing the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon to aircrews in 1952. The M6 comprised dual, 14-inch, over/under .22 Hornet/.410 shotgun barrels mated to a receiver made from stamped sheet metal containing the trigger group, storage space and a hinged takedown assembly. The weapon was to be no longer than 15 inches when folded for storage, and crews were instructed to wrap the barrels with paracord to serve as a makeshift forend.