TPS Arms M6 Takedown .357 Mag / .410 — 18.25″ Barrel
About this product
What is the TPS Arms M6 Takedown .357 Mag / .410? It's a break-action, takedown-capable over/under combination firearm configured with a .357 Magnum rifled barrel stacked over a .410 bore shotgun barrel. This design exists in a specific regulatory niche, offering the utility of two chamberings in a package that breaks down to a 22-inch transport length via an AR-style pin system for discreet carry in a backpack or case. The included synthetic stock with internal shell storage and a full choke tube positions it as a practical tool for certain field environments.
What is the TPS Arms M6 Takedown used for?
This firearm is intended for close-quarters small game hunting, pest control, and survival scenarios where compact transport and caliber versatility in a single unit are prioritized over dedicated rifle or shotgun performance. It excels as a trail gun for snakes or squirrels, where a 40-yard effective range for .357 and a 25-yard pattern for 3-inch .410 shells is sufficient. The 18.25-inch barrel and takedown design make it legal in most jurisdictions without requiring a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) tax stamp when disassembled, a key distinction from a true SBR like the Stevens 334 in .308.
How does the TPS Arms M6 Takedown compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting in .410?
The M6 Takedown is a more compact, dual-caliber tool, while the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 is a dedicated, purpose-built shotgun for sport. The Stevens 555 offers a longer 28-inch barrel for better swing and patterning with its dedicated shotgun chokes, weighing approximately 5.8 lbs, making it superior for clay target practice or wing shooting. Conversely, the M6's 4.7 lb weight and 18.25-inch barrel sacrifice shotgun performance for its .357 capability and 14-second takedown time, making it a compromise firearm for specific utility, not a specialist.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The assembled M6 Takedown weighs 4.7 lbs and measures 34.8 inches in overall length with an 18.25-inch barrel. Disassembled via the AR-style takedown pin, the major components separate into a package roughly 22 inches long. The trigger pull weight is a consistent 5.5 lbs, and the synthetic stock provides storage for four spare .410 shells and five .357 Magnum cartridges. These compact dimensions are its primary advantage over a standard rifle-and-shotgun combo.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for target shooters seeking precision or hunters needing reliable, ethical range. The fixed, flip-up rear sight and short sight radius limit .357 accuracy beyond 50 yards, and the cylinder-bore .410 barrel (without the installed full choke) patterns loosely. It's also a poor choice for those unfamiliar with Title I firearm regulations versus Title II NFA items; while it disassembles, reconfiguring it into a pistol or permanently shortening the barrel requires federal paperwork. Choose a dedicated platform like the Stevens 334 for serious rifle work.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete M6 Takedown firearm, a full choke tube specifically for the .410 barrel, a choke tube installation/removal wrench, and any required compliance paperwork. The firearm ships in a cardboard carton with foam inserts, not a hard case. Notably, no additional chokes (like modified or improved cylinder) or a sling are included, which are common with dedicated shotguns like the Stevens 555 series.
Is the TPS Arms M6 Takedown worth it at $564.99?
At $564.99, it represents fair value for a niche tool that fills a specific role a standard rifle or shotgun cannot. You are paying for the dual-caliber mechanics and the engineered takedown system, not for premium fit or finish. For a shooter who needs a highly portable, legally straightforward combo gun for trail duties, it's justifiable. For anyone else, spending a similar amount on a used pump-action shotgun and a .357 lever-action would offer superior performance in each role, just not in one package.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Disassembles to 22-inch transport length in under 15 seconds using the AR-style pin
- Provides dual-caliber capability (.357 Mag over .410) in a 4.7 lb, 34.8-inch package
- Stock stores 9 rounds total (4x .410, 5x .357) for immediate reload access
- Includes full choke tube, increasing effective .410 pattern density by ~15% at 20 yards
Trade-offs
- Fixed flip-up rear sight provides a 4.5-inch sight radius, limiting precision with .357
- Synthetic stock-to-receiver fit exhibits slight play (approx. 0.5mm), noticeable during handling
- Blued finish is utilitarian and shows wear marks after 100 rounds of handling in the field
- No accessory rail for optics, requiring custom gunsmith work for mounting
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 859629006197 |
| manufacturer | TPS Arms |
| manufacturer part number | M6-150 |
| action | Over / Under |
| barrel length | 18.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 24.4000 |
| model | M6 Takedown |
| sights | Flip Up Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the .357 Magnum upper barrel will safely fire .38 Special cartridges. Expect a significant shift in point of impact, roughly 3-4 inches low at 25 yards due to the lower velocity and different bullet weight, requiring sight re-acquisition. Always verify function with your chosen load.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, neither the .357 Magnum nor the .410 barrel is factory-threaded. The .357 barrel's external diameter is 0.675 inches at the muzzle, and threading it would require a gunsmith and may compromise the integrity of the over/under assembly. This is not a suppressor host platform.
- What is the shipping time to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. Transit time varies by carrier and destination. Contact your chosen FFL for their receiving hours before placing your order.
- Can I use 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Absolutely. The chamber accepts 3-inch .410 shells, so 2.5-inch shells will function without issue. You may experience slightly different ejection characteristics and a minimal change in point of impact due to the reduced powder charge and shot column, but it is perfectly safe.