Henry U.S. Survival Rifle AR-7 Review & Shooting 100 Yards

[@AccountInactive]

Picked one up almost a year ago. Its easily my favorite gun out of everything I own, including my AR and various loved revolvers. Deadly accurate at 100 yards for me using CCI minimag. I'm gunna get two cause I'm gunna wear this one out haha! It's my bugout pack gun for sure over my 10/22.

[@rwatson2609]

I bought myself one a month ago here in Canada, home of the no-gun crowd. So this is what I've learned. After shooting 8 different types of ammo I found that some brands and weights/speeds are more accurate than others in this gun. The best being CCI Standard velocity. Also, the gun is designed to be taken apart or even adjusted with a dime, so using a dime on the sight adjustment is perfect. The trigger was heavy when I bought it so you can put a little bit of time into that and easily bring is down to 2 pounds of pull if that's your thing. The sights are good, the rail up top? idk what fits it.

[@lawson9102]

I think that rail fits those 22 scope mounts

[@jkssr1885]

$250.00 at Dicks. have one and its a blast to shoot and very accurate. Use my ruger 10/22 and like both but the Henry is better for a bugout.

[@cesargijon]

supporting the gun on the barrel affects accuracy. It is also important to shoot 3 or 5 rounds before the serious test to warm the barrel if we are going to test the gun shooting sveral rounds in short time, as a target shooter does. Or viceversa, if we are going to test the gun accuracy as a hunter does, we must start from a cold barrel and let the gun cool after each round.

[@tonygrissom6564]

I've had mine 20 years. It will go from disassembled to a squirrel headshot at 30-40 yds, easy, without a scope. Probable even further, that's just what I did with it. It floats assembled or disassembled too. super cool. Mine runs best with CCI ammo.

[@kenpeters9807]

I’ve had mine for 4+ yrs. it’s just too cool. Remember, it’s a .22lr rimfire, not a centerfire .223! .22s can do damage at 10- yds, especially in a long barrel balanced rifle. These are 25-50 yd. At that range, the open dights group very nicely. Good enough to drop a rabbit with one shot, even cold. I like the Federal HPs that come in the bulk black box the best. I’ve noticed different brands shoot differently; but thats true with a lot of .22s, including the 10/22. It does need to be sighted in, as does virtually every rifle. I use the small aperture - EXTREMELY close accurate groups at 25 yards. I’m going to change it to the larger aperture for my wife. The red dot makes it so easy to shoot, rapidly with accuracy. I’v not fired it beyond 75 yds, but hit the black circle on a 100 yd sighting target with all 8 rounds. With red dot an smallest moi, every one in the group would have hit a rabbit. I found CCI’s had a wider grouping and shot to the left. Consistently. I know, it makes no sense, but I test fired 50 rounds- pretty consistent. So, for me, I use the Federal HPs. Soooooo much fun to shoot!!!

[@AccountInactive]

Also I'd say the uploaders accuracy is suffering not due to wind, but due to his trigger pull. Check out 6:10. Should also be using higher power ammo than that nasty Remington.

[@playerunknown3784]

Anyone else hear the circular saw screaming at 6:49? Lmao

[@bobdefalco]

Mine had a trigger that was seriously gritty. Pulled the side panel out, removed the brilliantly simply trigger group that was reminiscent of the AR15 trigger, and polished the surfaces. Actually a nice trigger now.

[@sixgunsun]

If you decide to make a video on that I'm sure a lot of us would enjoy and appreciate it.

[@eric1138]

AR-7: For the son it's a Henry. For the father a Charter. For Grandpa it's an ArmaLite.

[@youknowit1916]

Very nice review! I have mine since Mai 2017 and just shooted my 10th brick yesterday. Amazing little portable plinking machine. I put it in my backpack with 200-300 bullets, ride my bike up to the sand pits and plink all afternoon!

[@izzyskeemy]

+You Know It I was gonna buy one but I mainy want to backpack it then just shoot is it worth it

[@sethhenry1867]

You Know It Bro no offense but you need to learn to spell

[@fallstiger75]

I just put a few rounds down the pipe of my AR 7(50 to be exact). Dead nuts out of the box. Fun little gun.

[@martyjewell5683]

As I've stated in a previous comment, I own a Charter Arms AR-7. You're correct in saying that they're NOT really 100 yd guns. The AR-7's do have pretty crappy triggers and sound kinda cheesy when shooting (a sorta hollow sound). But what the heck, it's a SURVIVAL gun. I've had mine since 1982 and would never sell it. I paid $65 for mine. Hey, if it's good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for me! Nice video.

[@TexasPlinking]

I appreciate it! Yeah these are sweet rifles to have just to have honestly.

[@martyjewell5683]

Hey Texas, just an FYI. I clean my AR-7 in kerosene. I submerge the action in a pan and slosh it around, then blast the action with an ear syringe of kerosene. Till all the gunk comes out , let drip dry and give a shot of Break Free. Keeps my AR-7 going for another 200 rounds. I learned that trick from reading Phil Engeldrum's magazine "Popular .22's" in the 1980's.

[@TexasPlinking]

Thanks for the advice!

[@daverodkey]

Had one, certified PIECE OF SHIT ! No longer have it.

[@lorenzocarducci5555]

dave rodkey sounds like you didn’t know how to maintain it. That’s sad.

[@Don-kr5tp]

Front sight is adjustable for windage and the rear is adjustable for distance.

[@gjsilvano]

Good review, I just bought myself an early birthday present for myself, A Henry AR-7, I only tried it out to 50 yards just to get the feel of the rifle. It's a pretty accurate little rifle, and I like the way that it store's in the stock. Assembly is a breeze as is disassembly. I tried three different types of ammo, and the only one I had occasional feeding problems with was the Aguila ammo. It would jam at an angle and bend the case. Excellent little Survival Rifle!!! 👍

[@rbm6184]

Mine is good at 50 yards and great at 25. I have not stretched it out to 100 yet but I am sure it can do it.

[@bloodwintertales5984]

Just got mine yesterday gonna take it to the range this Friday to get it sighted in. And see what ammo works beast.

[@sissydreams7494]

Perhaps, if he had adjusted his front sight (for windage, ahem) he might have been more on target. Instead, he kept shooting without trying to attempt any form of correction in his available tools. However, I very much appreciate his evaluation and upload of this information. Thank you!

[@nmr6988]

I love mine. I carry it in two pieces in a small rifle bag in order to keep a little scope on top. Ya' know, in case I have to shoot some food.

[@CrimsonRaven51]

I do the exact same thing with mine.😊

[@geoffreyshaw4689]

Finally, someone who assembles the gun correctly for an emergency situation: i.e., get that barrel on the action before the stock because you can shoot the thing right away if you have to; - and I did have a situation with a nosey, small black bear that simply needed a couple of quick warning shots over its head - in a hurry, so I did not fool around with the stock and the bear decided to go elsewhere as a result.

[@gsuite5011]

lol awesome story!

[@kenpeters9807]

Good thing ya didnt make him mad LOL

[@professorpewpuew]

This has to be the most real review I have seen on this gun. Not a presentation, a review. Whereabout in Texas?

[@TexasPlinking]

I appreciate the support! And I'm in Central Texas. I usually go to Eagle Peak or Best of the West.

[@dampy76]

Eagle peak, fun range! I thought I recognized those targets. Liked and Subbed!

[@str3tchr]

I’ think the sights are quite good

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

You did Ok KID, keep up the good work PROMOTING THE 2nd AMENDMENT.😉😁👍

[@lawson9102]

Good enough for a country boy on a Saturday night

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Really like that rifle, thanks

[@Samuel_Lipscomb]

Texas, what's the best and cheapest shooting 22lr you have used in youre opinion. I really want a cheap plinker, but dont know what's "best". I want quality irons, scope ready or attached. Bug enough to fit a 6'3 adult frame.

[@Don-kr5tp]

For accuracy you need a thinner front sight.

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

It is a survival rifle for small game 30 yards max would have been a more appropriate distance. Not bad shooting for 100yrds

[@terryfallert1371]

I have one and love it

[@Jace_Izonn]

Did you ever try other brands of ammo, and if so, did you find any which the Henry AR-7 liked for tighter grouping?

[@martyjewell5683]

Jace, I'm not as concerned with group tightness as with reliable function. The Thunderbolt ammo seems to be accurate and reliable thru my Charter AR-7. But remember, these rimfires are finicky about their diet. Try several brands and see which your gun likes. Not always, but some guns digest "promo" rather than "match grade" fodder better.

[@scottperson9487]

Just picked up one. $225. How can you go wrong with a Stoner designed rifle built by Henry?

[@daverodkey]

You just DID... Ruger 10/22 Takedown KILLS the AR7 !

[@martyjewell5683]

Yeah, the AR-7's are nice but had problems. Phil Engeldrum wrote about the AR-7 in his 1980's magazine "Popular .22's" and described some of the concerns. This gun sometimes wouldn't feed through a full mag without jams (depending on ammo), some guns wouldn't accept different magazines, and after 200 rounds (or so) the AR-7 could go FULL AUTO for a few shots or full mag, NOT fun when it's unexpected! I shoot Remington Thunderbolt ammo in mine and clean after 200rds. Works fine. The Charter's and Survival Arms had these quirks. I think the newer Henry's are ok. I belonged to a shooting range in NYC, the West Side Pistol and Rifle at 20 W20th street in the 80's and the full auto thing happened to me. How freakin' embarrassing. There is an excellent article in the January 2017 issue of American Rifleman (starting on page 81) on the history of the AR-7, it's must read stuff for AR-7 fans. Good video, shooting at 100 yds. There are two peep holes on the AR-7; one small and one larger (at least on my Charter Arms). I find the larger aperture more helpful.

[@bigtoad45]

Why would you even sight in a 22 lr at 100 yards? Best kept to 50 yards and under.

[@Bill23799]

If you want better accuracy I suggest not resting your barrel on your gun rest. Rest the rifle under the front of the receiver.

[@eljuano28]

My daughter's groups much better than that at 100. There could be an awful lot of things going on there, but there are sub 4 inch groups at a 100 in that gun in field conditions. Minute of squirrel at 50. We use CCI standard velocity almost exclusively out of her gun. (Velocitors work fine, but it feels like they're beating up on the gun.)

[@kenpeters9807]

Henry made improvements. Ive had no negative issues, save one FtF in hundreds and hundreds of rounds.

[@marineshtf9954]

It seems like mine shoots way low, almost like I need a new sight cause its to high.

[@1ndomitus]

8 rounds? Henry should've renamed it the AR-8 - lol

[@donaldduke2233]

No, those sights were not made for plinking. That gun was made to feed a downed pilot on small game like squirrels and rabbits, which you don't shoot at from 100 yards.

[@TexasPlinking]

Well I’m plinking with it Donald, how does that make you feel?

[@vikingored5993]

How much did u pay for the ammo bucket???

[@richardzion1828]

Rage,George C Scott!

[@henrydudley1577]

You shot 14 15th was bad

[@davidsomerset8411]

Rabbits and squirrels are not as big as a paper plate im afraid you'll starve at 100 yards. Hopefully 25 - 50 yards are a lot better if uou are ever in a survival situation.

[@batran8018]

Ar7 ok

[@patm3798]

How much money was it?

[@TexasPlinking]

$250

[@daverodkey]

@@TexasPlinking That is $248.00 more than what it is worth...

[@lorenzocarducci5555]

dave rodkey mad he broke his from lack of cleaning

[@daverodkey]

@@lorenzocarducci5555 I keep all of my weapons cleaner than new.

[@lorenzocarducci5555]

dave rodkey then it would work. I’m over 2000 rounds deep in my AR-7 with less than par cleaning compared to he rest of my collection and it still runs strong.

[@geogeo9574]

Very bad grouping at 100 yrd

[@active6302]

Says the internet marksman

[@nacholibre1962]

You said “go ahead” no less than 7 times in the first two minutes. Be more concise and precise in your videos and think what you’re saying and you won’t have to use extraneous language.

[@eduk4387]

You are a bad shot.

[@TexasPlinking]

Right

[@active6302]

You are an internet marksman, ROFL!

[@sukhoiboy4140]

100 yds is too far for this rifle. ive hit gophers and etc at 40 and 50 but its almost luck at that point. ar7 is a sick little rifle forsure i love mine alot, but it isnt accurate. anyone on the internet telling you its accurate is lying to you.

[@sukhoiboy4140]

btw alot of people talk about jams, reliability issues. mine has jammed a couple times not gunna lie. using american eagles i get best results, anything high velocity will cycle just fine. had one mag out of four that was pretty bad for jams. the mags have wires on them that act as guides for the 22s. if ur mag is jamming up/not feeding/ over feeding etc etc, use your knife and adjust the wires. i did a three minute knife job on mine, made the feed wire a bit more 'aggressive' jams stopped after that. gun cycles totally fine. i even use olive oil for lube haha.