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12-15-2011, 10:02 AM
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Henry Survival Rifle
So ive been looking around at the henry website and saw the Survival rifle.. Looks awesome and stores in the buttstock.
So does anyone have one or had used one?
Help a brother out and let me know about these.
Thanks
Matt
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12-15-2011, 11:06 AM
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A thread from a while back. Not specific to the Henry but related, I guess.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/...al-rifles.html
Well maybe not, after looking at the thread it looks like it went to zombie land.
Last edited by bamabiker; 12-15-2011 at 11:10 AM.
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12-15-2011, 11:27 AM
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I have one. Its okay but not great. Okay for light use. If I had the cash I would get a takedown Browning .22 auto, a Marlin Papoose or a takedown Marlin 39A. More money but a heckuva lot more gun.
Charlie
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12-15-2011, 11:32 AM
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I do not own one, but have messed with one.They are pretty neat but the sight alignment is a off center so it takes some getting used to. Henry makes good rifles but I just do not see what one would do with it??
If doomsday comes, what the heck are you gonna do with a 22 rifle? Kill a rabid squirrel??
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12-15-2011, 02:43 PM
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Quote:
If doomsday comes, what the heck are you gonna do with a 22 rifle? Kill a rabid squirrel??
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Kill and eat all the deer you find with stalking and headshots.
The old AR-7s never really impressed me much in their implementation - I never found them accurate and I'd always seem to run into reliability issues. Charter Arms made them for a while, now Henry - maybe they've worked out the reliability issues. I found their triggers poor (as has been stated) and the rifle to be so light as to be difficult to shoot well. That said, they're kinda neat to throw in the truck or canoe.
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12-15-2011, 02:57 PM
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I also second the Browning Auto-22, which even though is heavier, is much, much more reliable, accurate and easy to shoot. A floating compact case for it could be made easily enough.
I've seen several AR-7 style rifles with bent barrels over the years- I guess they really can't take a lot of abuse.
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12-15-2011, 03:03 PM
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From what I understand you can find 2 models: One with a BLACK insert in the buttstock and one with a red/orange. The red/orange is supposed to be the updated ones/more reliable.
I do not own one. If the balloon goes up I will sit here and enjoy the view with a bottle of Scotch, Cohiba cigars, and a .357 Henry.
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12-15-2011, 06:14 PM
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The question is Matt, do you ever end up in situations where this would come in handy? Carrying a backpack while hiking in the mountains or out somewhere in areas where there are snakes that can shoot back (copperheads, rattlers or moccasins) and is cost a serious factor? If so, get the AR-7 and please yourself. If you just want a .22 to plink with, then get the Henry Golden Boy or something similar. I have the Golden Boy youth because of it's short carbine nature and if I ever had to sell off my .22s, the Henry would be the last to go.
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12-15-2011, 07:33 PM
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Marlin Papoose, I have one and it is OK.
Have you ever thought about the S&W 15-22???
Mine has a fore grip carrying 20 rounds, and a wad of cleaning cloth. The hand grip with cap, carries a fire starter kit + small Bic lighter. The fake buffer tube has a mini mag flashlight, and a small bottle of CLP in it.
Extra ammo. Fire and light. With lube.
Just saying???
Guy22
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09-05-2016, 11:06 PM
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I have one, and it's a piece of junk. The trigger pull is terrible, long, and rough. Sent it back to Henry for a "fix," and it came back a tiny bit better. It is still so bad, I simply do not use it. Get yourself a Marlin Papoose. One of these days, when I have the time, I'll sit down and work on the trigger, but the problem is, it's made out of such cheap steel, it may be a lost cause.
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09-05-2016, 11:44 PM
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"If doomsday comes, what the heck are you gonna do with a 22 rifle? Kill a rabid squirrel?? "
To my way of thinking, as a survival weapon any .22 rifle would be at the very top of my list - not for getting into gunfights (always to be avoided at all costs regardless of what weaponry you have), but for actual survival use. A good shot from a .22 at close range (up to 100 yards) by someone who knows how to use a rifle is adequate for killing most North American game, even up to Moose. Both the gun and ammunition weigh little, and ammo is the most easily found about everywhere.
I have a Charter AR-7 and it shoots a tight group at 25 yards. I never remember having a malfunction with it.
Last edited by DWalt; 09-05-2016 at 11:48 PM.
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09-06-2016, 05:22 AM
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Back when I was younger, I did a lot of "off road" driving. Now "off road" here in eastern Virginia is a lot different than it is to you fellows out west. Not many places where you could get stuck or break down where you couldn't walk out to a house in 15-20 minutes, but that didn't matter. I had a "survival box" in the back of my Bronco/CJ's. I kept things like a few cans of grub, a Sterno stove, lighters, etc. in it. I always wanted one of those AR-7 "survival rifles" to go in the box. After all. It was good enough for James Bond in "From Russia with Love."
Never did get one. Other things kept getting in the way, plus the Jeeps were all soft tops and I didn't want to leave a rifle in the Jeep. I also didn't want to be be lugging it in and out of the house all the time.
I'm still tempted to buy one though. Who cares if there are better guns.
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09-06-2016, 10:22 AM
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I shot several of the early Charter Arms models that had terrible cycling problem. The son-in-law got a new Henry model for his airplane survival rifle. The one problem I saw with that rifle was the front sight kept falling off.
A few have question what good a 22 would be in a survival situation. I read a story of a man that lived for 18 months in far northern Canada. He took a 300 Win Mag, a 12 gauge, and a 22 rifle. This man lived off the land. He said during those 18 months he never took either the 300 or the shotguns out of their cases.
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09-06-2016, 11:51 AM
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I ran across one at a pretty good deal and bought it just for S&G. As stated, the trigger sucks. I took it apart and a little polishing improved it quite a bit. Still not perfect, but usable. Also as stated, the front sight was a bit loose. Once sighted in, a drop of locktite fixed that.
Mine has been completely reliable and will shoot 1/2" or less at 25 yards with good ammo.
it is what it is. Its not a target rifle, a defense rifle or even a quality hunting rifle. Its a compact, easy to carry, easy to store rifle that you use when the SHTF and you got nothing else. For that purpose, I think it works quite well.
Mine currently resides under the back seat of my truck wrapped in an old G.I. wool blanket. Also survival gear.
BTW: I've discovered that an old G.I. first aid pouch is the perfect size to store two 50 round boxes of ammo and a couple of spare magazines.
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09-06-2016, 12:14 PM
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Ruger has a new lightweight 16" barrel take down 10/22 and there are YouTube videos how you can put one in a modified Butler Creek folding stock that makes for a very compact package. The 10/22 is pretty much the gold standard for reliability in a .22 auto rifle and they can be made VERY accurate with a few drop in parts.
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09-06-2016, 12:29 PM
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I had one of these when 1st out, AR-7, by Armalite. It was reasonably accurate and functional. Chapter Arms ended up with
it. I had a couple of them and their Explorer pistol based on the
rifle action. They were junk, inaccurate and prone to jams and
breakage. Other than a range toy, not a dependable survival gun.
I have no experience with Henry made version. To me the only
neat thing about it is the self storing feature.
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09-06-2016, 12:36 PM
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Glad I purchased my R/A Compact in 22 mag from comments posted above. It is a bolt but very compact and the 18 inch tube is handy for deep woods hunting. For under $300 quality not shabby either.
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09-06-2016, 12:56 PM
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The AR-7 has been around for more than half a century now. Cool little piece. It is what it is, if you can accept that you will enjoy it. It is never going to be a target rifle. If you want more than a small, fun, cute 22 plinker, then there are other choices.
I have had mine for decades. There are lots of aftermarket barrels and stocks available. The standard magazine is 7 rounds but there are 15s that were also available from the factory. Mine has been reliable with most ammunitions I have fed it over the years. I have used mine on various small critters at close range and it has done it's job quite satisfactorily
James Bond even used one to shoot down a helicoptor in From Russia with Love
I do not think I will try it out against anything that big.
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09-06-2016, 01:03 PM
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Bought mine 2 years ago. Have taken it to the range numerous times and have had zero trouble with it. So far it had fired all the ammo I have loaded it with, standard and high velocity. I also have a Henry .22 Lever Action which I am happy with also. Hard to believe they are manufactured in New Jersey.
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09-06-2016, 01:11 PM
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They are cool, but as others have stated, they are a niche gun. The ones I've handled had pretty ****** triggers and it's probably one of the most misplaced rifle magazine in the world - half the used ones I see at gun shows don't have the magazine anymore. Odd. Ok, it stores within itself and floats. If you're keeping it as a "always there and along for the ride" .22 in your boat, bush plane, or maybe tucked under a car seat (at first glance to the uninformed it doesn't look like a rifle) then it might just suit your needs.
If you're looking for a small, compact, accurate, reliable .22 (that doesn't relay on a magazine to break or lose) and it doesn't need to float - the Henry youth lever action model is the way to go! It's small, lightweight and doesn't need to be assembled. It's always ready to go. I always take on with me when I'm out in the woods. I've even bungee corded it to the handle bars of an old 3wheeler - fits just right.
All that said - I still think they are cool and can't for the life of me figure out why I don't have one yet.
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09-06-2016, 01:16 PM
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Had my AR-7 many moons & miles. Not a precision rifle by any means, but better than throwing rocks. Totally reliable with Stingers and would most likely deter both 4 legged & 2 legged varmints if called upon to do so.
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09-06-2016, 02:24 PM
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It's the smallest package you'll ever find, if that's what you're looking for. My Henry surprised me with how well it shoots. No jambs, coke can accurate to 50 yds. The front sight is easy to see( day glo orange) but cheapo plastic, so guard it well and probably locktite it in place when its zeroed.
Around the same price as a 10/22 which is better made and more accurate, but not as portable and won't float.
It's a niche gun. Back packer or under the car seat perfect. Otherwise, not so special.
Last edited by Jessie; 09-06-2016 at 02:25 PM.
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09-06-2016, 03:39 PM
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When it gets right down to it, a guy would be better off with a
good 22 pistol. A survival gun should be one of proven accuracy
and durability. A pistol such as one of the Ruger semi auto 22s
in their Lite models. A floating WP case would not be hard to
come up with. After all the biggest and maybe only use of it will
be to feed yourself.
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09-06-2016, 04:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by matmat417
So ive been looking around at the henry website and saw the Survival rifle.. Looks awesome and stores in the buttstock.
So does anyone have one or had used one?
Help a brother out and let me know about these.
Thanks
Matt
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Well, there was this time in Istanbul. . . .
Last edited by shawn mccarver; 09-06-2016 at 04:17 PM.
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09-06-2016, 04:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drm50
When it gets right down to it, a guy would be better off with a
good 22 pistol. A survival gun should be one of proven accuracy
and durability. A pistol such as one of the Ruger semi auto 22s
in their Lite models. A floating WP case would not be hard to
come up with. After all the biggest and maybe only use of it will
be to feed yourself.
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The "either-or" argument of having a .22 pistol or .22 rifle in a survival situation must always be resolved by choosing a rifle simply because of its superiority in connecting with a vital area of the target beyond 10-15 yards or so, plus the improved terminal ballistics associated with the longer barrel. Having one of each available would be great, but lacking that, the .22 rifle is always the only logical choice of a single weapon within survival circumstances. And the AR-7 (in whatever guise) would be more than adequate to meet the need in a very compact and lightweight package. Plus it floats.
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09-06-2016, 06:19 PM
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Get the savage 22 shotgun over and under!
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09-06-2016, 07:17 PM
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An O/U rifle-shotgun could be a good solution for survival use. As most may know, the USAF once used the M6 survival gun, which had a .22 Hornet upper barrel and a .410 lower barrel which folded for compact storage. Springfield Armory for awhile sold something similar, and also offered the option of having the rifle barrel chambered in .22 Long Rifle. I think Savage still offers an updated O/U combination gun. I once had a Savage Model 24, .22 LR/20 gauge. I didn't particularly care for it as firing the rifle barrel was unreliable - most times it fired, sometimes it didn't. Not good performance for a survival gun. I never did diagnose the problem (except it seemed to work OK in cold weather, but not in hot weather) so I unloaded it on someone else.
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09-06-2016, 07:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Griffith
I also second the Browning Auto-22, which even though is heavier, is much, much more reliable, accurate and easy to shoot. A floating compact case for it could be made easily enough.
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I have 2 AR7s from the early 70's, one I bought, one I inherited. I think that I would rather have a Browning 22 Auto to bet my life on.
Back in the early 90's, The Chinee ATDs were dirt cheap and well made (Think $60.00 and 100% parts interchangeability with the browning 22s. I bought 4 and still have them all. The Browning design is a MUCH more graceful gun, both in looks and feel. They don't seem that much heavier to me. No mag to lose. Holds 11 shots.
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09-06-2016, 08:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Farmer17
Ruger has a new lightweight 16" barrel take down 10/22 and there are YouTube videos how you can put one in a modified Butler Creek folding stock that makes for a very compact package. The 10/22 is pretty much the gold standard for reliability in a .22 auto rifle and they can be made VERY accurate with a few drop in parts.
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I have an AMT 10/22 that came from the factory with the Butler Creek folding stock. When I finally got around to upgrading my Rugers, I couldn't find a Butler Creek anywhere. I lucked onto a Choate folding stock that uses the same lock system as the old Butler Creek.
Expensive, though ($99.00).
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09-06-2016, 08:24 PM
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I have thought about this rifle too, but as much as I like Henry rifles, I am taking a pass on this one, I just do not see the point.
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09-06-2016, 08:33 PM
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Henry has fixed the issues that got the AR7 a bad name from the previous manufacturers. They are good for what they are intended. They are not intended to replace a 10/22 or other plink often rifle. They are designed to go in your pack and be put to use if needed and for that they work well.
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09-06-2016, 08:41 PM
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Savage brought back the .410/.22 in a takedown model: Savage Arms
Also available in .410 over .22 WMR and a compact model in .410/.22LR. That .410 barrel would be handy in snake country.
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09-06-2016, 09:05 PM
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coke can accurate at 50 yards?
so is my ruger 22/45 which is smaller n lighter.
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09-06-2016, 09:14 PM
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Had buddy years ago who had an AR-7, he put squirrels,rabbits a few grouse etc. in the camp stew pot with it over the years.
Shot pretty good for what it was, not a target rifle by any means, but adequate for what it was intended for.
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09-12-2016, 11:05 PM
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I was at the range today shooting some other .22s, when this thread came to mind. So I reached under the back seat and pulled out my AR-7 just for the heck of it. Bear in mind that its been under that seat for about a year and a half, summer and winter, without so much as being looked at, much less cleaned or oiled.
The little rifle fired 50 rounds without a hitch and was easily minute-of-squirrel accurate at 25 yards.
Tomorrow, I'll clean it up and stick it back under the seat for who knows how long this time. Ya never know.
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