HENRY AR-7
Posted Jun 12, 2023
The Henry AR-7 is one of the most iconic and well-known survival rifles of all time. This timeless classic has stood the test of time and continues to be a top choice for preparedness minded individuals. This all American .22LR caliber rifle offers an ideal combination of portability, cost effectiveness, and dependability. It can easily break down and be stored inside its own stock, making it ideal for backpacking, bug-out bags, or even just taking along on a camping or hunting trip.
At only 36’’ in length and weighing just 3.5 lbs, the AR-7 is surprisingly light, portable and easy to manage, even for someone with a smaller stature. The gun itself is made out of a corrosion-resistant ABS plastic, which gives it a deceivingly durable construction. The barrel and stock can easily be disassembled and stowed away in the buttstock for convenient storage. In this form, the AR-7 can fit inside a backpack or the glove compartment of a vehicle, making it ideal for packing along in the event of an emergency.
When it comes to performance, the AR-7 continues to be a top choice despite the plethora of other 22LR rifles on the market. It features a 16’’ barrel with adjustable front and rear sight, allowing the shooter to dial in their precise aiming point. When tested from a seated position, the AR-7 typically shoots 1.5” groups at 25 yards, making it able to reliably take small game, and even some larger game such as turkeys, squirrels, or rabbits.
The operational system behind the AR-7 utilizes a simple, yet efficient blowback design. The rifle is semi-automatic, meaning it runs off of a detachable 8 or 10-round magazine, allowing for rapid-fire without the need to reload. Most shooters have reported that it cycles rounds without jamming, however, I have personally witnessed some malfunctioning issues when the magazine is loaded to its full capacity.
Perhaps the only weak spot in the AR-7’s design is its alleged inaccuracy and low maximum firing range. Some reports state that the rifle can only effectively shoot at targets up to 25 yards away, instead of the more traditional 50-125 yards. While this isn’t ideal for precision shooting or large prey, it works fine for basic functions like hunting small animals, plinking, and most survival-based scenarios.
Moving on to the cost of the AR-7, it’s easy to see why it remains such a popular choice. With prices hovering around $200, it’s incredibly affordable and well within the budget of most individuals. While the rifle is not quite as cheap as other less reliable .22 rifles, it’s still cheaper than most traditional hunting rifles and offers significant added value in terms of its portability and dependability.
All in all, the Henry AR-7 is one of the best survival rifles on the market. It offers an ideal combination of portability, dependability, accuracy, and cost effectiveness. For anyone looking for an all-around, cost-effective, capable little rifle for survival-based scenarios, the AR-7 is a great choice. Plus, with its rugged, corrosion-resistant construction, it’s sure to hold up for years to come
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Durable, made from reinforced polymer and aluminum alloy
- Compatible with most accessories such as sights and scopes
- Equipped with a collapsible buttstock, making it more storage friendly
- Super accurate in the standard configuration
Cons:
- Limited ammo capacity due to the short magazine
- Only compatible with .22LR ammunition
- Not suitable for larger game hunting or home defense given it is a rimfire design
- Trigger pull requires some adjusting as it is heavy by design
Who Should Buy
The HENRY AR-7 is a semi-automatic .22LR rifle designed for survival and recreational use. It is affordable, reliable, and easy to operate. Therefore, it is a great choice for anyone who is interested in recreational shooting, introducing someone to firearms, or looking for a lightweight survival rifle.
Those who should not buy the HENRY AR-7 include anyone who does not take the proper safety precautions when using firearms or does not have the proper training in how to properly handle and use a firearm. Additionally, anyone who cannot legally own a firearm should not purchase the HENRY AR-7.
Comparisons
| HENRY AR-7 | Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup | Palmetto State Armory PA-10 | Palmetto State Armory PSAK47 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22LR | .308 Win | .308 WIn | 7.62x39 |
| Safety | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Capacity | 8 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable |
| Weight Unloaded | 3.5 lbs | 7.6 lbs | 8.3 lbs | 7.1 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 16" | 21" | 16" | 16" |
| Overall Length | 35" | 29.75" | 32" | 37" |
| Stock Material | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .22LR
• Capacity: 8 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16 1/2"
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Stock: Collapsible
• Sights: Adjustable rear and flip-up front
Popular Accessories
- 25 Round Magazines
- High-Capacity Magazines
- Slings
- Scopes
- Barrel Extensions
- Vertical Grips
- Flash and Suppressor Kits
- Laser Sights
- Picatinny Rails
- Stock Assemblies
Accuracy
The Henry AR-7 is an extremely reliable firearm. The AR-7 is made of high-quality materials, and it has a minimalist design that makes it lightweight and durable. It features reliable accuracy, thanks to its fixed barrel design and tight tolerances. The AR-7 can shoot up to 300 yards accurately with .22 long rifle ammunition, and it is highly accurate and dependable for close-range target shooting. With its high-grade components, and its ability to be disassembled and reassembled in mere seconds, the Henry AR-7 is considered to be one of the top survival rifles available.
