Henry U S Survival Rifle AR7

[@CravinMorehead420]

Got one as a gift from my dad. Over 15 years later it's still one of my favorite 22s.

[@dirtshower250]

I love mine. It's pretty crazy being able to show up to my local range, assemble it in 20 seconds and then max out the range. I am currently experimenting with a 0-9x40 Bushnell on it!

[@betweenfiveandseven]

If those are your rifles, you will want to be aware of this - if those were T & E, it won't matter to you but maybe someone who reads comments. The rear aperture isn't just adjustable for elevation. There are two sizes of aperture in that plate. You can flip it 180 and have a different sized hole to look through. My eyes are aging so I use the larger aperture, but the younger folks in my household have found they can produce some surprisingly tight groups with the smaller one. ... Also, just of note: The front blade dovetail is exactly the same as the charter arms version, so anyone still selling parts for the charter AR7 can sell you a black front blade. --- Great video. It's nice to see someone now and then giving the Henry AR7 the praise it deserves, and your format is always straight forward and informative. Thanks!

[@FunWithGuns]

This is why I love Sootches vids "this is water resistant, not water proof" then throws it in the water. Cool video I'm tossed between this or a 10/22 takedown so might just get both!

[@thunderch1ck3en]

I'm kind of biased because I have the takedown. Where the Henry beats it is it comes more manageable as purchased, and the water resistance (due to the stock takedown not able to be contained as one assembly when taken down). If you get the Magpul stock for the 10/22 though, I'll take the 10/22 over the Henry. It may not be floatable like this, but it's still compact, and only 2 pieces for the rifle assembly. Plus, the magpul stock lets you carry three 10 round mags. The only other thing that I see being a problem with the Henry would relate to left handed shooters, with the stock being so wide on the left side compared to the right, making it more difficult actually firing it. Basically, if you get the Ruger, get the Magpul stock for it. It's a must get accessory.

[@DMAneoth]

I got the Henry AR7 first as it was so much less cost. Just picked up the Ruger 10/22 takedown yesterday. I might get the magpul stock too, still thinking about it.

[@glenbronco2]

I don't understand how you can give this review a thumbs down. It's very thorough.

[@joshcook8801]

This gun is awesome. I love how everything fits snug in the stock!

[@edwardcnnell2853]

A thought of re-engineering this design of an AR7 into an AR8. First chamber in .22 magnum. Gives you a greater varsity in game you can take down and a flatter trajectory. you would not want to use this for deer hunting. But in a survival situation the 22 magnum hitting just right an close enough may take down a deer. But most game you would use this for would be rabbits, squirrels and such. The next can also be used on the existing AR7. An insert that fits into the stock where the receiver is bolted on. The inset tightness down with the same tightening bolt that holds the receiver. In the insert is extra ammunition. Anybody out there making after market parts you can make an extra ammo insert that fits the AR7.

[@Navigatorbythestars]

Spoke to Henry today, and they are replacing the front sight (Orange) with a black colored sight on all new AR-7's. It really looks great!

[@jkssr1885]

I am getting a 3rd one and need to stop selling them. The cool factor is solid 10 on this gun. like to see 10 round mags the rest loven it. The grandkids like it too. Fun to take it apart and putting it back together. CCI ammo and no jams. NONE. Keep up the good work.

[@WillysOverland]

put a piece of seran wrap over the end of the stock then put the but plate on. Water proof.

[@sargintrock2538]

Most Excellent!

[@brachio1000]

Brilliant.

[@hertzair1186]

Completely and utterly brilliant

[@mrbungle589]

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber you do something like this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!" 😆👍

[@sickboy703]

Thanks!

[@futuresonex]

If you put a strip of 2" electrical tape around the seem of the butt cap & the stock it does a really good job of keeping water out of the stock. Gorilla tape works too.

[@cynthiamoon372]

Extreme Tape works great to waterproof this butt cap.

[@mikehoward8201]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@keithsimpson2492]

Bought my Charter Arms AR-7 in 1983 and still have it today. early feeding problems were solved by wrapping some electrical tape around the bottoms of each mag. which solved the problem, but kept from being able to carry the mags in the stock. I also tried several of the high capacity mags. from Ramline back round 1986 or so and they didn't work no matter what I tried. But after using the gun for over 30 years and putting somewhere around 50,000 rds. through it, I still keep it in my BOB and use it for small game hunting and teaching my grand kids how to shoot. And it still has all the original parts in it, nothing has ever been replaced. Not my best gun or first choice in a survival situation, but it works, shoots straight and I can't ask for more then that.

[@gophop]

My step-dad, now passed away, gave me this as my first rifle over a decade ago. Back then I wasn't too crazy about firearms. Now I have a new appreciation for this little guy.

[@travisbickle7931]

I've had one of these for a while, take it on backpack trips and adv touring on my bike - fantastic little gun that has fed me in the woods more than once.

[@bearcat8691]

Great video!! Three of my favorite things-- Henry Rifles, the AR-7, and My Man Sootch-- all in one place...! It's going to be a good day...!

[@gupspad401]

Great video review. I especially liked your demo on disassembly and reassembly, and how the gun packs into the stock! Once this Corona virus is under control and business is open again and guns/ammo are available again, this is a great little gun that I will be seriously considering. Thank you!

[@stshort500]

I've always liked this design, glad Henry is doing it right. I know it's a "survival" gun not a "style" gun, but I dig the style line on the action & stock. That wasn't on the old Charter Arms , and I really think it sets this rifle off. Another great video,as always!

[@gonerydin4225]

Nice accurate review! I've had mine for about a year and a half now. It lives in my BOB. As you say, Henry has worked all the bugs out of this design. Mine is flawless and tons of fun. Thanks for letting the secret out! : )

[@RandallMoore1955]

I LOVE THE LITTLE AR-7 They use to cost about 50 bucks don't know what they cost now. Mine were made by Charters arms never had a problem. Just saying. Thank you for taking your time to put this video on, Take care.

[@brentonadams8803]

From Russia with Love. Best scene. You know which one Im talking about. AR7 in Goldfinger too.

[@Tankthefish13]

SOOTCH YOUR MY HERO!!!! I watch all of your videos over and over, I can't go to bed unless I have a SOOTCH or sensible prepper video on my iPad, I love you! You are awesome and your videos are the coolest stuff ever! Your are my hero don! Be strong, be of good courage, God bless America, long live the republic! - Zachary W

[@zellarsDD777]

I had the opportunity to shoot my friend's AR-7. What a great rifle. It barely felt like a gun due to it's very low weight. If there is such a thing as a perfect survival rifle, I would have to credit that title to this rifle.

[@Grasbakken71]

I can not blame you for buying both of them. They are both good looking for us..

[@donaldculshaw3765]

Just bought my AR-7 from Fleet Farm for $237 after taxes and very happy with my purchase. Just wanted to let you know that your review was what helped my pick this rifle for back packing. Thank you.

[@rc29jk]

Thanks for the video, actually forgot I had one of these in the bottom of the safe laying on the floor. Had it since like forever, pulled it out to clean and still looks like new.

[@shadowwolf2524]

I had a Charter Arms AR7 several years back. Gave$75 for it used at a local pawnshop. It did good in my limited shooting I did with it. I let a friend talk me out of it. He loved it and kept it until he died. One of my uncle's had the pistol version of this rifle. Made by Charter Arms too. Called the Explorer. It was a big, ugly cuss. He used it for his truck gun. Told me he gave$50 for it used.

[@one-WildCard]

I have one of these, great gun and crazy light.

[@Robert82]

Does it fire and work without the stock adhered? Don't know why that crossed my mind but now I am curious.

[@sootch00]

It will fire with the stock off. That would be important if the stock broke off in a survival situation. Thanks

[@mikehoward8201]

Good to know!

[@SN-xx6ho]

Extraordinarily great review, that we found to be both informative and entertaining to the very end. Now thoroughly convinced that the Henry repeating arms AR7 is a tool well worth the family having.

[@rayscar2]

Thank you for the video. Makes me want to go out and purchase another one.Keep up the good work.

[@jackalo626]

I have an original Armalite AR-7 in my collection. The stock is a bowling ball marble color brown and black. It is a little picky but it does work and is fairly accurate.

[@hardihood1]

I looked at these a long time ago and was not impressed by charter arms version. This Henry version looks to be of higher quality. Going to have to get one now.

[@chrisloUSA]

I think with that long barrel a 22WMR version would be a welcomed addition, 22WMR is a superior hunting and if necessary, a defensive round. I would also like to see a nylon magazine pouch that could wrap around the stock, imagine 3-4, 8 round magazines stored on each side of the stock? That would give you 8-10 magazines (Including internally stored magazines, inside the stock), with 64 to 80 rounds of ammo right with the rifle.

[@Kirakat]

If you have one of these and have a problem with the "Water Resistance" You can put a Silicon gasket on the stock, By putting silicon on the whole buttcap walls, And Then putting it on. Now, That isn't something you'll do and take it off and use it over and over. You do that, And You put the gun away. It'll be "water Proof" At that point. And still be able to take the cap off with your hands.

[@sootch00]

Thanks Bro, that's a great idea.

[@preppermadness6224]

I made a ranger band to fit seems to work quite well

[@deweybarnes61]

Prepper Madness ill bet a inner tube would work too....I used on around my helmet when I was a FF

[@TheNickathome]

Kody Tuggle Best way to prevent water getting inside, don't let it get wet!!!!

[@ABetterWeapon]

I own this gun, and I love it. I do disagree with you about accuracy, and feeding. I got the gun and threw a variety of rounds through it. You need to go super sonic, and/or file down your breach, otherwise count on a FtF. I use CCI stingers, no filing yet, almost no problems. When you're shooting, do not hold the mag. Hold the barrel, or FtF is bound to find you. As I said, I love this gun. Once you get used to it, it's fine for what it is. You shouldn't expect anything tighter than an 8" pattern at 50y. To be fair though, I shoot standing and un-braced, so you might be able to tighten it up. It's a good gun, with a learning curve.

[@tonymengela]

I would black nail polish the sides of the front sight

[@dampy76]

Yep great idea, I was thinking permanent black sharpie but I'm sure I can score some black nail polish from the neighbor goth kids. They're cool!

[@pbkayakyer]

You can get a black paint pen at Wal-Mart for just a couple bucks. It has a tip that resembles a sharpie pen, but it is actual paint. It works great for touch up work.

[@sootch00]

Good idea. Thanks Bro

[@tonymengela]

thank you

[@Gregsees]

Sight Black always does the trick for me, and it isnt as glossy.

[@jkssr1885]

Gota say you have great vids and camera work is second to NONE bud. thanks..

[@itcsmount6504]

Armalite AR-7 was designed by Eugene Stoner back in the 1950s as an Air Force Survival rifle. It was first sold by Armalite, then Charter Arms, then Survival Arms, then Henry. I had a Charter Arms, a Survival Arms, and a Henry. The Charter Arms was okay, but the Survival Arms was pure junk. First it wouldn't fire, then next shot the sear would jump and it would fire two. That's the one that gave the AR-7 a black eye. The Henry is absolutely superb, but you have to use the Henry magazines with the little wire loop at the top. Magazines for the earlier ones won't feed right. Get the hottest .22 LR you can find. CCI is good. If you want one of these rifles, make sure it's a Henry, and make sure you get ONLY the Henry magazines. By the way, good comment about Saran Wrap over the end of the butt stock before you put the cap on. It works. And yes, it will work without the stock, but not without the barrel because the case chambers in the barrel. A rifle is like a Barbie Doll. There are a host of accessories for it, and some of them are pretty tempting. But - if you junk your rifle up, you defeat the whole purpose of the AR-7. It's no longer a packable survival rifle. Buy yourself a Ruger 10/22 and dress that one up instead.

[@PriestGordon]

I definitely plan on picking up one for the kit. Such a great design. Great video and keep up the good work.

[@miker-tank552]

You make good vids guy. Like nutnfancy without the overblown ego

[@bippie23456]

Another great vid! You do some of the best practical reviews on youtube! Great job smootch! P.S. The end tag bloopers are hilarious!

[@JoshSmith-b5u]

I bought one at Sportsmans Warehouse back in 2019 for $175 ... Great Gun

[@Gunsforfreedom]

First time I saw one of these was while I was watching Gold Finger. The Bond girl had one with a Bakelite stock.

[@BeachBow]

It's a nice weapon. Cons for me are 1) loading is tricky. Pinched my fingers several times on the sharp metal mags 2) You can't engage the safety unless it's cocked. More a PITA than a real problem. 3) I've had trouble finding mags. But just like this review, I've not had any problems out of it. I was shooting some low power and subsonic rounds just as a test. They shot normal, but didn't have the pressure to work the bolt. So you'd shoot, rack the next round, and shoot again. I did this as a test and is not a knock against the rifle! IMHO

[@betweenfiveandseven]

8 round mags are forty bucks a pair on Henry's website. If you want an odd number, just call them up. They will accommodate. I bought 5 before they started selling them in pairs and I wanted another 5 when I got another AR7 a couple of months ago. They took care of me and shipped via a method that literally got all the way across the country in 3 days.

[@defender119gonow5]

I definitely would love one in 22WMR

[@StarLady56]

Great rifle! Lightweight enough for me and shoots accurately with no sore shoulder after! Love mine!

[@docwilkey]

I have one and I love mine. I carry mine stored in a uku case so it looks like music instrument in the back of my car and not a rifle. I bought a 3rd mag for mine. These are so much better than the ones Charter Arms once made.

[@Thunderchildsurvives]

I like that you can flip the rear sight from a small peep sight to a large one depending on your target. P

[@rbm6184]

Nice video. Thanks. I watch it a lot. I got the little Henry about five or six years ago. I got CCI Min Mags and Remington CBs along with a spare 8 rd. clip and a 15 rd. clip after market. I also have a Winchester Model 190 I have had since I was a kid and that rifle is still shooting. I think I have shot just about every kind of .22 cal. through it. Anyway the point is with the Remington CBs is yes they are low velocity and I know a semi-auto rifle will not cycle them. Big deal. The semi-auto just becomes a bolt action. The low velocity still works. Great for hunting. Critters never even hear it. Sounds like a cap gun. Folks can't hear it outside of about seven or ten feet. Nice and quiet. Anyway thanks for a great video. Subbed you. :-)

[@GoldenShaolinNutz]

that looked like a lot of fun....just going off with the mag...n1

[@fragmentedmind549]

great video and reveiw. I really like the two US Survival rifle. my father had a Charter Arms AR-7, it was a sorry rifle. Henry did a great job on with it. I use the Mini Mag (CCI) also and have had no issues. it seems work and feed fine as a bolt action with ammo shorter than .22lr, such as long, short and so on... which is good to keep in mind when you have to use what's at hand.

[@mikeeslick6978]

I have one of these and cannot believe how accurate it is. Good review.

[@massachusettsprepper]

Looks like a great little gun, nice and compact. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelprosser3466]

I have a 10/22 and love it I ordered one of these AR-7’s and am looking forward to experiencing it

[@TheAdventureCowboy]

Handy little rifle!

[@johndolson3919]

Can't wait to try one out. Love my .22 lever! Never fails! Accuracy as good as the wifes Browning T-bolt!

[@phillipnunya6793]

They should put a silicone O ring on there to make it waterproof.

[@glenmones713]

Love mine purchased used like new for $180....22.CCI mini mags work the best !

[@jackieeastom8758]

Received one for my birthday this year! Love it.

[@rjlewis3932]

My uncle was a FFL who left me a boatload of Charter Arms AR-7s when he died in the '90s. The problem with their version was that the aluminum barrel that was not indexed and headspaced properly and of very low grade material as well as the action and mags. When it did not jam, it was quite accurate. I sold all but one that I kept and bought a Henry barrel and mags which made all the difference in the world. In a survival situation I would rather have this than a slingshot or pellet gun for sure.

[@davidphillips698]

I always learn something new from you. Thank you!

[@dapollitica]

I noticed a groove on the orange part of the stock (11:06) where the cap fits against it. I was thinking if a rubber seal, o-ring type, could be fit there for impermeability purpose.

[@terrygorwood]

Good video I will definitely get one for the jeep.

[@joshuajones518]

I sold my AR-7 about a month ago, it was so fussy about hollow point ammo. It's cool, but not the 22 you want to bring to the range or plink with. But a good emergency gun with ammo you trust. I kept a mag in the receiver and kept a small cleaning kit in the extra mag opening.

[@undeadhunter5]

lee lion I've used CCI hollow points and they do just fine in mine.

[@MALL1A]

E. White +2 on that. Just no flat nose and no subsonics

[@nlesiak3]

lol love the tactical intro, it's for shooting squirrels lost in the woods...

[@regsparkes6507]

Slick idea well executed. Good job Henry Repeating Arms for another great rifle, and sootch00 for a good video!

[@chillios2222]

Appreciate all your reviews. I got that B Co stock that you reviewed. Nice simple and solid stock. Very happy with it and your great reviews.

[@redneckmini14]

its a nice concept but I think id rather go with a marlin papoose or a ruger 10/22 takedown. I already have magazines that can be used in both of those.

[@michaelprosser3466]

Love the bloopers at the end 🤣

[@glenmo1]

The Henry AR7 comes with two magazines... Order a third mag and you can carry two loaded stored inside the buttstock & one loaded in the action .while stored inside then Buttstock

[@richardhudak685]

SWEET I WANT ONE

[@rogue109]

I have one of these in camo and I've put about 200 rounds through it, the trigger is my only complaint about it. It's stiff and gritty with a heavy pull...and it being such a light small package that makes it very easy to pull off your point of aim. That said it does get a little better after a few rounds through it, but it never really gets great, at least not for me, not yet.

[@msauve690]

Mine is being shipped as i speak. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks sootch for the vid.

[@idkdrew]

I'm gonna get this for my son

[@mikehoward8201]

With the present situation you will be lucky to find even a black one locally. And the price was $299+ tax...got mine today. Plan on camoing mine with a tree bark pattern!

[@mikehoward8201]

Guess I am one of very few your video is getting out to! Anyway, I did camo mine in the grass pattern and it came out really nice. I snooped around at some yard sales and found an old tennis racket case which I got for a buck. Interior really clean, so I painted the outside of it flat black and I carry this gun in that case in my SUV, along with a Rossi camo two barrel set up….410 and .22LR single shot, in its original case, also camo painted. These are my two survival/camp guns.

[@michaelprosser3466]

It has a rail for optics but to stow it would have to be removed. A QD mount would “probably” make it easier without re-zeroing

[@danofiremano]

I just inherited this model from my Late Father-in-Law's collection (ser.# US 101......). I've known about this rifle for years, just never pursued it. Your video is the best on it that I've watched so far though!

[@Charsept]

If you cut a ring length off the recoil spring you can cycle subsonic ammo through it.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Academy puts the black version on sale for $209 + Ship to Store fee if needed) US on occasion (right now, in fact).

[@danielgillaspie2556]

I am not even looking at different guns I like the way that doesn't mess up failure to feed or anything they have come a long way with this AR7 I wonder how that would work with a red. Anyway I do enjoy your videos thank you

[@eddiethecounsel]

Charles Bronson used this rifle to shoot the tyres of a racing car in the 1970 movie VIOLENT CITY.

[@marcuschauvin7039]

I've had a few ftf with lead bullets. Copper plated 22lr feed perfectly! I love mine. Bought the wife one because she disliked her 10/22 compared to the Henry. Still sorry I sold the 10/22 50th anniversary addition.

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

This gun is awesome. 5 out of 5 stars

[@joeltowle2737]

Very simple, sweet gun! Thanks

[@terryfallert1371]

I own one a d love it,very accurate

[@ThreePercenter1999]

The last time I checked, sportsmans guide has some larger capacity mags. I did buy two of them,but they did not function in it correctly, it looked like the feed ramps were different than the standard mag.

[@timshull59]

I've got a Charter Arms version of this.Cool little rifle but jams all the time!

[@frankm.2850]

Even if it never gets used as a survival tool, seems like it could be a fun target gun.

[@efreutel]

Another superb review. Many thanks🙏😊😊

[@carolinaprepper540]

Great gun !!! Gonna have to add to my collection. Thanks.

[@jkssr1885]

Use black electrical tape to seal it so itll float.

[@thomasrogers5229]

Looks great for a go bag

[@TheRealCitizenGhost]

Great Review! Love the bloopers at the end. Wondering if a medical rubber band which is usually pretty big and wide, would work around the butt stock to help water proof it.

[@wjf213]

Great review. I own one of those old Charter Arms from around 1980 and I'd have 130 malfunctions if I tried to fired 300 rounds and that's on a GOOD day. I love the idea, but the execution sucked. I have a question, looking into that butt stock, I see they have a webbing structure of sorts, can you possibly fit .22's into those areas? Might be worth suggesting a change to the stock so that area can hold loose ammo. I mean if you had 10 of those areas and each held 5 rounds like a tube mag, then you have 50 rounds in the butt stock along with loaded mags.

[@therocketman321]

I love my Henry AR7, but it's far from perfect and very picky with ammo. I can tell you for a fact that CCI hollow points have feeding issues and jam allowing for double feeds. If you are serious about having this as a survival rifle, test it out with different 22lr to see what feeds more reliably.

[@baknblk1960able]

Nice review on this little rifle Sootch thanks

[@dirtshower250]

An issue I have is it will not cycle cheap rounds (mini mags is all I use now) And also one of my clips jams during cycle. The little metal tongue along the side is bent I believe

[@suprola7961]

Have you done a complete disassembly on this rifle yet? I want to clean out the action and "cook" it in frog lube but there are not any decent videos on detailed disassembly. (hint hint)

[@ritathomas3926]

Thanks for the great review on this carbine.

[@buckgorrell]

Sootch - Another great vid. I have loved this gun since the late 70s when I was buying my first rifle. It was inexpensive and had a second kind of cool. I'm thrilled to hear Henry is now making them. Even as a 10 year old, I understood the problems with manufacture at that point. I am very impressed with Henry's reputation and I'm sure their improvements warrant your praise. Here's a question tho - It would appear the weak link in the system is the wire guide on the magazine which guides the bullet to the chamber. Stored, it would be indestructible, I'm sure. Do you think it is fragile in that it could be caught on something and bend?