Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle - Performance and Review

[@rbm6184]

You have to remember the AR7 is an emergency "survival" rifle. It was not intended to be an everyday rifle however some folks use it for that. It is accurate and runs fine on a wide variety of ammo but its weakness is the feed ramps on the mags. Do not damage the feed ramps or the mag is useless and you might as well get a replacement mag. Henry perfected the mag. The mag problems the AR7 had were eliminated with a wire keeper on the mag. Henry basically reengineered the rifle so that it runs reliably where before with other manufacturers it did not. Henry did it right. The plastic butt cap will stretch and loosen over time so a strip of duct tape around the butt end will snug the cap back up again. Yes it will float long enough to retrieve it but it is not waterproof and will not float indefinitely. It is very durable and corrosion resistant. I do have a ammo pouch and loop sling for it but when you add more ammo than what is onboard it will no longer float. The butt stock will hold up to three fully loaded factory mags including one in the receiver but it only comes with two so you would have to order a spare third mag. I would not even think about putting a scope or optic on it as it would no longer fit in the butt stock. Thanks for sharing.

[@lawson9102]

Good information

[@michaelmaston4702]

Put an all steel barrels on it (I have one...they make them), and you can use it regularly for plinking.

[@johnroberts6695]

Yes, Henry made an outstanding 22LR survival rifle, but too many people make too much over its buoyancy, when most people never drop their rifles into the drink! Most people who would need this rifle would never have the opportunity to do so. I would rather have the gun carry more rounds than for it to be able to float or not to float.

[@michaelmaston4702]

@@johnroberts6695 : They (after market manufacturer...not Henry) make all steel barrels for this rifle too...so now, you can do some decent plinking with it without worrying about wearing out the thin steel original barrel. (I have one on mine)

[@johnroberts6695]

@@michaelmaston4702 » Yes, thank you for that. Henry's not in the habit of producing junk, even when it isn't making it themselves. As for Charter Arms, not so much. I've owned two 38Spc 2-inchers and three of the 44Spc Bulldogs (in the 80s), and none of them worked. They were all stainless models and all suffered issues with binding. It was a time when second-rate handgun manufacturers were having problems with stainless steel. The great thing about the Henry AR-7 is that it works! You can stow it in the holds of a boat or toss it in the back of an airplane. It's a great company!

[@lbaron61]

I bough my AR7 survival from Kmart in 1982. Great gun, I still have it but have not shot in 20 years. I will it out this weekend. Thanks for reminder.

[@THEREALJennyTurner]

I bought one in late August of this year and I had a problem with accuracy. I discovered I had a belt barrel so I called Henry and they sent me a new barrel;. They had a batch of defected barrels according to them. Once I replaced it tis shoots great. I love my AR7 and I highly recommend it. Very light weight and easy to shoot. BTW the front sight was a bit wide for me so I filed the sides a bit to make it more pin point. Henrys a great company, they stand by their products.

[@tzackaria7]

no they don't

[@TomBombadil1350]

I purchased one today, first gun I have ever purchased. Super accurate and just great. I love it

[@quentinsmith8586]

I just bought one today my first gun too but gotta wait the damn 10 days

[@sammyhooligan803]

@@quentinsmith8586 yea. The waiting is the worst. But at least you know your getting it soon. If possible, post a comment or video of how yours shoots. I'm into.22 firearms . I have a savage 64 semi auto and a Ruger LCR.22 LR revolver (8 shot) and am going to range next week to target shooting, Im going to try video of partial overall trip with a small lapel type camera. This Henry ar 7 looks great but I like the camo version and am planning to purchase one.

[@Navigatorbythestars]

That is such a cool gun!! Henry is Amazing! The new AR-7 by Henry is now all black inside and out and LQQKs Awesome!

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Oh cool I wasn’t aware of that. Thanks for the heads up.

[@BorealBen]

I’ve been thinking about getting the AR 7 and this is definitely one of the more helpful videos I’ve seen. Thanks guys

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Thanks Ben

[@charlesshirk8699]

Years ago a friend had several firearms stolen but the crooks left the AR-7. Apparently they thought it was just a stock not an actual firearm

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Haha. Great story. Thanks Charles!

[@2010CaptainDave]

Good friend of man had one of these for 15-20 years. He brought it to my cabin and was lamenting how hard it was to use the charging handle. I grabbed the charging button and extended it. He was amazed and embarrassed that he never new that handle was retractable…… lol

[@tzackaria7]

and the bolt does not lock back

[@GrumpyTinashe]

What does screwing and unscrewing the charging handle do please. I'm now wondering if mine jams because of that

[@MacerXGP]

I think my favorite thing about the AR-7 is that since it's designed to come apart so easily you can put whatever goofy business you want on that receiver and build whatever you want it to be, and be back to stock in two minutes, while dumping rounds for pennies on the dollar.

[@colonialrebel9964]

I just bought mine. Have yet to shoot it. So far it fits perfectly under my seat in my car, in a backpack, in the empty space behind my vanity in my bathroom or pretty much anywhere I want to hide it. Basically a small package that you can grab and go in a SHTF situation; you know you have ammo and everything you need: it floats in water, your wife and kids can use it with ease and its not so expensive that you'll kick yourself for having to ditch it. I also ordered a 15rd mag just for fun. Another bonus is Ive seen people build their Ar7 in under 1 minute so its possible with training to build and shoot on the fly if you have 1 minute that is.

[@frankpineda1832]

Those are great, we have 2 of them, I really like them 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@goodguy...badrep.]

My first gun. Love it so much I bought a second to tinker with.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Right on! 👍

[@gfkusaka]

It's more entertaining to watch someone learning how to assemble or work a gun while making a video, than to watch someone who knows what their doing. .

[@swede5209]

I bought the earlier model AR-7 when they first came out back in the 80’s. I was an engineer and I used to take it on the train with me. When we would stop in sidings to meet other trains in remote areas of WY or SD, my brakeman and I would gather up those mildly explosive torpedoes from all the locomotives and hang ‘em on barb wire fences and shoot them. Boom! Plinking out in the middle of nowhere was a great way to pass some time. Retired now. 😊

[@fortnite.burger]

How did you have torpedos

[@swede5209]

Back in the 80’s locomotives were still supplied with “torpedos” for signaling devices in dark territory.

[@fortnite.burger]

@@swede5209 Thank you, I didn't know that. That sounds fun

[@swede5209]

It was a blast 😂

[@GrumpyTinashe]

I take it train engineer means train driver in USA? So would you sleep on the train on long journeys. It does sound fun. Did you shoot any game

[@josephhobbs3009]

I bought one for 99 bucks about 15 years ago used at a gun shop in Redmond calm and I mainly bought it for the 4 by 16 wide open scope that was on it! However I'm come to love the rifle, however the only thing I don't like about it is the stock I have drawn up several different designs four different styles of socks cluding straight quarter inch rail style as well as some sort of composite! I'm not worried about it floated I wanted collapsible and small! Love the video

[@williamsaldanah3554]

Excellent video, got mine today from Bass Pro $289. I could feel your excitement, haven’t shot mine yet but now I’m itching!! Also ordering a couple of those T-shirts, Florida approves of this video!!

[@mikehoward8201]

I got one about a year ago. Rather than put it in a typical carry bag in my SUV, I was in a junk shop and found an old tennis racket bag with a nice liner. Dropped it in that and into the SUV. Thief looks in, sees a beat up old tennis bag, passes on to the next vehicle to steal sumpin better! LOL I did buy a third mag since I discovered that the mech can be stored with a mag in place, so I carry 3 mags with the unit…should still float! Thanks for the plinking and range test!

[@obangles]

had one for 43 years still love it2.5 pounds saw in movies and l0l charter arm back then

[@halcopeland1462]

I'd love to have this gun. Teach the grandkids to shoot with it. Awesome video guys. Thanks

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Absolutely. Thanks Hal 👍

[@michaelmaston4702]

It's a good rifle for teaching a new shooter.

[@tedb3562]

Never seen these until a few days ago. Now here I am looking up reviews because I want one.

[@rbm6184]

Ted B Go look up Sootch00 KZbin Channel on the Henry AR7 video titled: Henry U S Survival Rifle AR7. You will like that video. I think it also covers field strip for cleaning. I paid $216 for mine way back not long after the first scarcity of .22 rimfire ammo during the Obama years. Mine has been great with a wide variety of ammo. A few things about the Henry AR7, do not damage the feed ramps on the mags or you will have to get new mags. Only use Henry AR7 mags. Other brand mags will not work reliably. Also you may find that the plastic butt cap will stretch over time and loosen but you can put a strip of duct tape on the butt end to snug it up again.

[@cncrichard1]

I have an AR7 i bought a few years ago. I bought a 3rd mag. and also two 15 shot mags. No one doing videos on these seems to mention the long mags.

[@gewamser]

I’m one of those weirdos who actually likes this rifle! I bought one of the original Armalites for $39 at JC Penny of all places, and if you kept it clean, it was reliable, but like a dummy, I sold it. I also had an early Charter Arms, and it was good, it also worked well when kept clean, especially the bbl face. I love the remarkably simple mechanism. I replaced a broken spring once with a bobby pin, and it worked! I also had a later Charter, and it was junk. Bought an AR7 Industries, and it was good. Still have it, but I would like a Henry. All were accurate. Not really meant for hard use, but ok for plinking and true survival. Even if you only use it as a single shot. You can’t beat a 10-22 TD.

[@terryfallert1371]

I have one and love it , very accurate

[@thatguybrody4819]

surprised this hasn't been a victim of youtube's current wrath regarding "assembly and manufacturing" of a firearm. let's hope it stays that way.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Me to brother

[@mikek4443]

I absolutely love mine, a perfect stowaway gun that you can take camping or boating I could not be happier with mine and it accompanies me on any trip I take into the forest just for fun.

[@tzackaria7]

great gun as long as ya don't try to shoot it

[@mikek4443]

@tzackaria7 That sucks, you must have got a lemon. Have had mine for 5 years. Never a failure to feed or failure to extract, and accurate as well great little back pack gun

[@michaelmaston4702]

@@mikek4443 : Mine work great too. There are all steel barrels made for this rifle...so you don't have to worry about burning in out like in the original one.

[@pughtopia1]

Sharp shooter’s making it look easy 🎯 Cool gun for targets and small game hunting

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Fun times! Thanks Mpire

[@tzackaria7]

works better as a club

[@lindeleasley]

I've got the Henry version of the AR-7, and a Ruger 10/22. Both are great rifles and neither have had any issues. I enjoy the both of them, but I'm partial to the Henry.

[@bharnden7759]

I would like Henry to re-make the pistol verson.

[@johnroberts6695]

Ha! I recently bought two of these and sent Henry a suggestion to add holes in the orange section of the stock. Seems obvious. They might not do it if the plastic adds too much to the structural strength of the stock, but hey, it's worth the shot!

[@alanparks7919]

Love mine in camo. I bought two extra magazines and the carrying case. It’s nearly as accurate as my 10-22’s.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Right on Alan!

[@tzackaria7]

sure it is. try shooting at more than ten yards.

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Great presentation! Semper Fi 14:14

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Thanks brother!

[@glenmo1]

Type of .22 ammo in this AR7 is paramount .. I just ran 300 rounds of CCI polymer coated 22 through my Henry AR7 only two little hiccups out of 300 rounds pretty good.. accuracy was just okay as it's hard to aim with this little peep sight and big blade.. but at closer ranges no problem NOTE : if you have a small scope or AimPoint red dot you want to mount.. you have to remove it to store in the stock.. but what you could do is just remove the barrel and leave the stock in place with the scope on it.. you can also get a quick disconnect type of scope or Red Dot...

[@asdfasdf7199]

just picked one up at cabella's for a nice price. love it!

[@DavidMoyers]

Good video! Note: mis-spelled Henry on lead-in title page

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Yep. My bad. Thanks Dave

[@lawson9102]

Good survival rifle "good enough for a country boy on a Saturday night"

[@tzackaria7]

only if he's drunk

[@lawson9102]

@@tzackaria7 na you got it wrong if drunk switch to a shotgun with 18 inch barrel better hit probability

[@kenneththompson861]

If you are left handed, take notice that the action and barrel is not centered in the stock , but is off center to the right side.

[@dansu3586]

It is even more convenient for lefties.

[@kenneththompson861]

@@dansu3586 I’ve only held one up and sighted down the barrel, but being convenient wasn’t my initial thought.

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

I wouldn't mind a breakdown rifle, even if it was single shot, that could take 45-70, maybe 45 LC, .410, .410 flairs, giving you the ability to take down large game (with the 45-70) small game (.410 buck), defense (.45 LC), signal distress. essentially a wide selection of options.

[@sammyhooligan803]

Interesting 🤔, just curious can a scope be mounted to barrel?

[@jojojeep1]

I put a piggy bank plug on the side of mine about seven years ago you can put over 300 rounds inside, but then the gun doesn’t weigh 3 1/2 pounds anymore but it does have a nice feel

[@voidofbeeswax]

How does this do against little helicopters?

[@patrickbodine1300]

Pull the bolt back and then attach the barrel.

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

The most fun you can have is assembling it whilst pretending you're Edward Fox in The Day of the Jackal.

[@johnunderwood5115]

Maybe I am dreaming, but as a kid, when the original AR-7 first appeared I keep thinking it was also available in 25 acp, and a friend of mine owns a barrel and magazine for one in 25 acp,,,,, does anyone else remember or know about this ? I sure wish they would make some in other calibers. A .32 H&R magnum would be about perfect.

[@robertmiles9942]

I've never heard of this, but the AR-7 is rimfire so a lot of parts would need to change for it to handle a centerfire cartridge such as the 25acp, but I suppose in theory a new magazine, barrel, bolt and ejector might make that possible. There was an AR-5 predecessor that was bolt action in .22 hornet. As far as the AR-7 goes, .32 Magnum or anything else that's more powerful than .22lr is an absolute no-go due to the lightweight cast receiver. It's strong enough for its current job but no more.

[@johnunderwood5115]

@@robertmiles9942 if I recall correctly, the two were not interchangeable. Seperate distinct versions and yes I do know the cast receiver is not strong enough for even the .22 magnum. Not sure if it was me or spell check, but I did not mean the 32 magnum either. I have two of the old AR-7s. Both have been great little guns.

[@JamesBartholomew1]

Hi. Nice gun, nice review. But you need a lav mic or a boom mic to do your sound properly. The mic on your camera is lower quality and too far away, resulting in the echo that you get in the video. Remember that many a good video has been ruined by bad sound. Good luck. James

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Gotcha James. Thanks for the feedback

[@hectoralvarez5240]

Exporten de esos al sovador ...no didare en comprar uno ....aqii no hay de esos ....se ve q son libianos potentes y faciles de transportar y de armar .....chulada de rifles 👍

[@luiscarvajal-i4d]

Como hago para comprar un rifle AR7

[@seadog686]

I remember when these were offered on cereal boxes - send in something like ten bucks and two boxtops.

[@Mountaintarheel]

I have had mine for about 5 years now and it's a jam-o-matic. I have bought new magazines, had a gunsmith work on it, and tried different brands of ammo including mini mags and nothing helps. Sent Henry an email and got no reply. I guess I got a lemon.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

That sucks. Sorry MH

[@tzackaria7]

mine too. they're all lemons

[@mikehoward8201]

Did you buy it used, if so, that would explain why the previous owner got rid of it. I have watched a lot of videos on yuotube about this rifle, and you are the first one I have seen complaining about the jamming with a Henry made one. Suggest you try a lot of different brands of ammo.

[@Mountaintarheel]

@@mikehoward8201 Bought it new, and have tried different brands of ammo. What works best is Mini-Mags, but it still jams about every 3rd or 4th round shot. Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll just have to live with it.

[@corsinosrmijares1179]

VERY NICE GUN AR-7 EASY TO CARRY. CAN I ASK HOW MUCH IS THE PRICE FOR THAT I AM FROM PHILIPPINES.

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

Um... you spelled the name of the manufacturer "HENERY" at the beginning of the video - OOPS ! But otherwise very nice video ! -Mark Vogt | VOGTLAND OUTDOORS

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Oops. Thanks VO 🙏

[@chipallen7792]

It's relaxing to 22's

[@BerettaM9A4-64]

You spelled it wrong on your intro

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Yep. I know bro. I Screwed that one up, oh well 🤙

[@GrumpyTinashe]

What's the best online site for getting second hand guns cheap in USA especially an AR7 please and magazines I need one to take to South Africa for work purposes as I travel across farms and national parks Please 🙏

[@GrumpyTinashe]

@@Katsura-San124 Lol I'm very licenced in SA Or you can buy one for me and post if I send money

[@michaelmaston4702]

From Russia With Love.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Bingo. Thank you Mike!

[@tzackaria7]

functions like they were made in china

[@michaelmaston4702]

@@tzackaria7 : I don't know...I like mine. They're made here in the United States.

[@jackhaypenny5830]

How easy it would be to make this in 22mag... and greatly increase its value

[@tzackaria7]

the action or barrel would blow up

[@garytremblay151]

Don't dry fire a rim fire riffle. You will break your firing pin.

[@apvan9586]

I found that out the hard way on a rare .22 semi-auto loader. Cost me more for the replacement firing pin than I paid for the rifle (had to be custom made). Another note: dry firing will also peen over the edge of the chamber resulting in poor chambering of rounds or difficult extraction.

[@independentthinker8930]

Glad Henry did it right, the charter arms built ones are junk

[@tzackaria7]

so are these

[@jamesp6283]

I have a Henry ar7 and a ruger 1022 stainless backpacker, the ruger looks and feels nicer but my Henry is more accurate and it’s more fun to shoot than the ruger

[@RobRoyR8R]

It's nice for what it is. It has a quality name. I'll stick with my 10/22 takedown. This is a nice rife, but not for me.

[@chlebowg]

Paid $80 for my CA AR-7 back in 81 or 82'

[@Jaime-vz2yr]

Hello verygood

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

👍🏾

[@gerryroush8391]

Nice but I really prefer a Ruger 10/22

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Understood. I just picked up one of those.

[@PESCA_E_CIA]

💸💕?

[@tzackaria7]

jam-o-matic piece of junk. rear sight thin piece of sheet metal with a hole in it. front sight cheap plastic. pure crap

[@mikehoward8201]

Wonder why it is so popular then?

[@brianbassett4379]

Too small of a caliber.

[@Dustyutah]

Too small for what?

[@scapegoat762]

@@Dustyutah It looks like he doesn't know. Some people have never actually owned a firearm you know.

[@Dustyutah]

@@scapegoat762 what are you talking about?

[@scapegoat762]

@@Dustyutah The original comment that you responded to

[@Dustyutah]

@@scapegoat762 I got ya. Don't know what I was focused on at the time.