Ar-7????

[Spot77]

I was at a gun show a few weeks ago and caught a glimpse of a small 22 rifle for $195...Traffic was THICK so I couldn't even get close to it, but the box said something like, "The ultimate backpacker's rifle", and "It floats". It dissasembled and packed into itself for storage. I'm pretty sure the model was an AR-7.

I did a little research and found out that Armalite made a bunch of these for the US Air force as a suvival rifle for years, although I think it was under a different name/model number.

Anybody know anything good about these? who actually makes them, are they decent rifles, what's a fair price, how's the accuracy?? .....all the normal junk...

I'm not much of a rifle person (yet)....heck I'm barely a handgun person, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gun-fucious]

there are about 3 or 4 current manufacturers

http://ar-7.com/
http://www.henryrepeating.com/survival.cfm
http://www.hwth.com/guns/Henry_Repeating_Arms.htm


heres a forum:
http://cs.wolfcrews.com/wwwboard/AR-7/default.htm

http://www.thegunsource.com/rifles/ar7.htm


The AR-7 was originally designed in 1959 by Gene Stoner of ArmaLite in response to the United States Air Force's need for a compact survival rifle. Following a period of production exclusively for the military, the AR-7 was introduced to the public market. It was featured in the early James Bond movie From Russia With Love, as well as other films.

Charter Arms acquired the rifle from ArmaLite in 1973, marketing it throughout the world. In 1990, Survival Arms, Inc. purchased the company and manufactured the rifle with engineering and material improvements, including the introduction of the sporterized AR-20.

Now AR-7 Industries, LLC will add new innovative models and accessories - enhancing the original design - moving forward into the 21st century of manufacturing.

This lightweight sportsman's version of the famous U.S. Air Force survival rifle breaks down in seconds, enabling barrel, action and magazine to fit neatly into its dirt and water resistant stock.

When stowed, the AR-7 is only 16 1/2" long... less than a foot and a half. It's ideal for backpackers, boaters, bush pilots... anyone who wants the security of an accurate semi-automatic .22LR without lugging a heavy, full size rifle around.

The AR-7's unique self-contained design lets it sit for months without attention. Yet when needed, it's ready to shoot at a moments notice. Assembly is made quick and easy... without tools! Simply attach stock and barrel to action, feed the clip... and fire!

Uses high velocity .22LR rounds. Also features adjustable sights and convenient thumb safety.

 

[OEF_VET]

I bought a Charter Arms AR-7 a couple years ago for the large sum of $69. The owner let it go so cheap because it was missing a (very small) piece of plastic on the right side of the grip at the top. If you look at the gun rather quickly you can't even tell it's missing. Since then I've added a AR-7 Industries sporter stock / pistol grip combo just for the fun of it. It only takes a screwdriver and a couple of seconds to return it to its' original condition.

I love that little gun. It's fun (and cheap) to shoot, and the fact that it can be stored in the stock, making it waterproof, makes it a great gun for tossing in the truck or backpack. My fiancee loves it to, as it's small enough for her to wield and has about as much recoil as a Red Ryder BB gun.

Frank

 

[AirPower]

It is one easy to shoot compact rifle, but I didn't like the ergonomics of it. it's designed for a purpose such as survival, but not as good as a Ruger 10/22 or other .22LR in use. The price is around $150 new I think these days. If you need something that's small enough to fit in the car or your boat, then by all means get it.

 

[makarov]

My best friend in high school bought one new in 1985 must have been a Charter Arms. That thing could rarely make it through a mag without some type of jam or stovepipe or feed problem. His uncle was pretty good amateur gunsmith and played around with the mags a bunch. Never did get it to work great. They are a neat idea, but if you want a takedown gun that works, get a Marlin Papoose.

 

[sonny]

Had one ...loved the idea but it was unreliable....only fed good ammo,mini-mags and whatnot but even then was not very reliable.....10/22 all the way!....do a search for a PACKER STOCK and you'll probably change your tune!

 

[makdaddy03]

I have the Survival Arms AR7. I like it. They look cheap, but they are well worth looking into.

 

[SquirrelNuts]

I own a Henry AR-7. The best ammo for mine is the cheap walmart remington golden bullet value pack. High velocity stuff jams it right up, but the golden bullets work 99%. The blade front sight is adjustable on mine, and it moves easily, so you have to resight it if you tap it, or I suppose you could glue it in place. I paid $140 for mine, used.

I think CDNN still has some full capacity mags for them.

-SquirrelNuts