Savage Arms Model 6A .22 LR Semi-Automatic Rifle | Pre-1968 “Gill-Gun” with 24-Inch Barrel
This Savage Arms Model 6A stands out for its distinctive “Gill-Gun” vented recoil-spring housing, convertible semi-auto or manual cycling bolt, and the recognizable click-clack sound that made the 6/87 family famous. A pre-1968 production example with no serial number, it delivers 15+1 rounds of .22 LR in a slim, full-size platform that has become a classic rimfire plinker.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle displays significant handling marks across the metal and wood surfaces. The finish appears to have been painted over, and the paint is chipping in several areas. A small crack is present on the left side of the stock, but it should not affect functionality.
What’s Included
- Savage Arms Model 6A rifle
The Model 6A uses a direct-blowback action fed by a 15-round tubular magazine housed beneath the barrel, giving shooters ample capacity without external magazines.
Its 24-inch carbon-steel barrel and matching blued receiver provide reliable accuracy, while patent markings on both components document the design lineage across five U.S. patents.
Pushing the bolt handle inward converts the rifle to manual operation, a feature appreciated for quiet, single-shot use or cycling low-power rounds. Pulling the handle back out returns the gun to self-loading mode.
Eight vent slots along the recoil-spring housing not only earn the “Gill-Gun” nickname but also vent gases and keep the mechanism running smoothly. Combined with drift-adjustable front and elevator-adjustable rear iron sights, the rifle remains practical for target work and small-game duties.