Henry AR7 and/or Other Ideal "Survival/Backpack Rifles"

[BlackWorksInc]

So I saw a Henry AR7 in person the other day and I have to admit as a "Survival" rifle it's a great concept and feels pretty good to hold. Anyone have any opinions/experience with these types of weapons?

For those of you unfamiliar, a "Survival/Backpack Rifle" is mostly considered a small caliber (usually .22LR) rifle that is either very compact or can easily be broken down and fit in a backpack. Used by hikers and survivalists for hunting small game and some self-protection capabilities when out in the wilderness vs. a dedicated hunting rifle or "tactical" solution.

At how cheap they are, I was thinking of snagging one for a future Bug-Out Bag I planned on making.

(The stock actually floats when sealed up.)

 

[marshal]

looks like it uses ruger style magazines?

seems like a neat concept, though i can't imagine the accuracy is anything to write home about. though that said, anything is better than nothing. a box of 550 .22LR would go a long way towards surviving

 

[KidVermicious]

I feel like these are very gimmicky. If survival is the concern, a full sized .22 rifle would do much better service. For self defense, a higher caliber handgun would be more effective, quicker to deploy, and smaller.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I feel like these are very gimmicky. If survival is the concern, a full sized .22 rifle would do much better service. For self defense, a higher caliber handgun would be more effective, quicker to deploy, and smaller.

They are basically meant for small game hunting when backpacking or "surviving." The biggest advantage is that this class of weapon is supposed to break down into a fairly compact size (most are close to fullsized barrels when assembled) that can be stored in a bag or backpack so that you're not toting around a full sized rifle. They aren't really meant to be primary weapons, just something to use cheap, easy to carry ammunition to get some grub.

Like I said, they seem to be a good idea for a Bug-Out Bag or hiker as it's easy to throw a couple hundred round brick of .22LR in the bag vs. trying to do the same with say 5.56x45mm or 7.62x51mm. You're right that they are kind of "gimmicky" because they fill a niche role in that they are mainly a tool for getting small game where size and weight is a factor. Most of them perform pretty well compared to most "non-compact" .22LR rifles. I saw the review of the Ruger 10/22 Takedown and it does just as well as the non-Takedown version (I do like that the Henry AR7 fits in the stock though, where as the Ruger breaks down in the middle only.)

 

[KidVermicious]

I get that, but they can't be that much lighter than a basic .22 rifle, and they're not going to be nearly as accurate or reliable as your basic bolt action.

 

[marshal]

i would much rather have the takedown 10/22. I'm sure henry makes a decent product but they are like the kia of the automotive world, i don't trust them.

RECOIL magazine did a really cool 10/22 takedown for their SURVIVE magazine in the last issue (or issue before last). they cerakoted it, had the barrel replaced with a bull barrel and threaded on the end for a suppressor and a non-battery optic attached. pretty neat setup, very practical.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I get that, but they can't be that much lighter than a basic .22 rifle, and they're not going to be nearly as accurate or reliable as your basic bolt action.

It's more bulk than weight here (I can't imagine the 10/22 Takedown for example is any lighter than the normal 10/22,) It comes down to wanting a rifle that's as accurate as a "fullsized" unit (so far everything I've read says they are all pretty accurate, nothing "Anschutz-level" but enough to get the job done.) The big advantage is being able to break it down quickly and store it in a compact space and/or reassemble it quickly for use. It's a niche weapon, but not everyone has a pick-up with gun racks or their 4Runner set-up like a mobile armory in case of SHTF (though now that I mention it... future mod? )

i would much rather have the takedown 10/22. I'm sure henry makes a decent product but they are like the kia of the automotive world, i don't trust them.

RECOIL magazine did a really cool 10/22 takedown for their SURVIVE magazine in the last issue (or issue before last). they cerakoted it, had the barrel replaced with a bull barrel and threaded on the end for a suppressor and a non-battery optic attached. pretty neat setup, very practical.

The Ruger is definitely a nice weapon, I saw there's folding stocks for them now to make them even more compact when stored... I hear the problem is finding one.

 

[marshal]

Bud from buds gun shop will find you one if you tell him you want one. they're out there.

 

[BettysNephew]

You might also look at the SIG P556 line of pistols. About the same length and uses 5.56 ammo. A lot more power but you might have to have a CCW permit to put it in a back pack. Not sure if Cali compliant but here in Iowa it is a great truck gun with permit. Quite accurate at longer distances than LR.

 

[meltdown]

I can speak for the Ruger Takedown. It is reliably accurate after reassembly. Shoots great. My cheap optics even hold zero.
No experience with the Henry, but have read about accuracy issues. Unlike the Ruger, the Henry has a rear sight on the receiver and front sight on the barrel. Repeatable accuracy depends on the user reassembling the gun the exact way every time, including torque on the barrel nut. With the Ruger, both sights are on the barrel and the design eliminates the torque issue.
The Henry is a much smaller package when disassembled. The barrel of the Ruger is about 24" long when broken down. Not short enough in my opinion for the average backpack.

 

[S p a r k y]

New Keltec sub 2000 gen 2 is great! Way better than first version, just picked one up this week and it's perfect, is 9mm instead of .22 but small and accurate.

 

[555R]

someone beat me to the 10-22 breakdown, however if you need a good handgun anything in a full power 10mm would suffice. Glock 20 10mm with buffalo bore full power loads would have you covered up to large game like a bear or lion...
trust me it kicks and has massive muzzle energy and can hit over 1400 fps. i own one...

 

[BrianSD_42]

If the rifle is for a "bug out" then why do you even need one that breaks down into little pieces.

Why would you have to hide if Armageddon or something happens?

A simple light weight rifle would probably be a lot more reliable and accurate.

Unless your bug out includes running from the cops.

 

[Morphyne]

A breakdown is the way to go as if you travel with your bag. then nobody sees a rifle case in your truck. The Ruger is a solid investment. It shoots like it should and can take 25 round mags in case your aim sucks and you are really hungry. The henry is a great concept. I believe it floats. which could be a huge advantage in the right setting.

there is another out there that can take all of the most popular calibers. So when you find new ammo you are gtg. cant remember its name though.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

If the rifle is for a "bug out" then why do you even need one that breaks down into little pieces.

Why would you have to hide if Armageddon or something happens?

A simple light weight rifle would probably be a lot more reliable and accurate.

Unless your bug out includes running from the cops.

Depends on how big the BOB is. Some people use giant duffle bags that aren't easy to carry (though full sized rifles and vest would fit fine) others use backpacks varying in size. Say you're running a backpack BOB and have a Primary Rifle (let's say AR15) you don't want multiple rifles slung on your shoulder or hanging off the pack. Particularly if you're using the smaller rifle small game, since you don't need it all the time it can be broken down into the pack. This can help you be more manueverable in a tactical situation (less crap swinging about, ect.) Depends how you set up you BOB and plan, I imagine most everyone will use their 4Runners as a mobile base (which I will too,) but I like to prepare for all eventualities.

 

[Taco04]

Not mine but I would love to own one...

 

[LandCruiser]

To me a "survival" rifle is a scoped, bolt action 308 with a lightweight polycarbonate chassis.

 

[ndcent]

That ATI kit I just put on my 10-22 with folding stock would fit in a bag easily, with a shorter barrel easy in most backpacks.

 

[JeepKiller]

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[ALBPM]

Yeah, .308 works nicely....:gun4: