Henry AR-7…who has one?

[Tommie]

I grew up hearing horror stories about the unreliability of these guns. That said, the concept always intrigued me. If nothing else it would be something to toss behind the pickup’s seat. Henry claims they’ve worked the bugs out. Looking for first-hand experience with these cheesy rifles.

 

[69mach]

you’d be right about the horror stories of the previous models before henry. my uncle had, i believe it was an armalite made version and i was definetly a single shot semi auto. very poor quality control. that always surprised me as everything i have armalite it top notch.

 

[Ringostar]

I heard a story some years back, of 2 people that didn’t realize what they had. A friend showed me a rifle butt stock that was bought off a table at a knife show. Neither seller nor buyer knew what it was. As soon as I saw it, I said that’s actually a 22 rifle. Showed how the butt cap came off, and sure enough action and barrel were inside.

 

[Dimner]

I grew up hearing horror stories about the unreliability of these guns. That said, the concept always intrigued me. If nothing else it would be something to toss behind the pickup’s seat. Henry claims they’ve worked the bugs out. Looking for first-hand experience with these cheesy rifles.

I have had one for years. As far as I know it wasn't the henry version that had bugs. It was the amralite or who ever made it before henry.

Mine shoots great and I love having it in the jeep and pulling it out to plink or squirrel hunt. It's not a substantial rifle, very light, lots of plastic, but for a pack it all in the butstock rifle, it's great. Mine always feeds fine. I generally shoot thunderturds out of it an can hit most things out to 35 yards. If I switch to cci standard velocity, I can hit most things at 50.

Bottom line is, if it's a format you want or like, you should get one. I think they are well worth it.

 

[3Phantoms]

Mine works just fine for the intended purpose. You will not see it on the line during a competition, but I can't seem to get the competition rifle inside my backpack.

 

[vonb]

I just traded one for a Ruger 1022. There were many things I did not like about it but it ran fine. The barrel is a thin-sleeved steel barrel with a plastic outer liner. It's not a robust design. The stock is huge in the pistol grip area. The peep sights were OK but not precise enough for me. The trigger was OK but not great. If using it for the occasional shots here and there, it's fine. It's not what I would use for a durated session at the bench.

Another option to look at is the Ruger Magpul backpacker 10-22. The barrel fits in the stock and has more aftermarket options for it.

 

[biggun2869]

A friend has one and I was amazed at how well it shot. That was probably before Henry was heard of but I don't remember any malfunctions. Gary

 

[Ggmac]

I’ve got the Charter Arms version, always ran fine for me .

 

[snert]

Cheesy is appropriate. Can't comment on reliability because the ones I have held were put right back on the rack. Kinda like hugging a curvy girl whose curves are all in the neck, hunchback, abs and kneecaps. Yuck.

I'd get a 10-22 take down

 

[bandur60]

i had a Charter Arms model that lived up to the horror stories -- fortunately for me the seller took it back. Replaced with a new Henry (for less money, but that's a different story), had some magazine problems which Henry quickly took care of, and we've lived happily ever after.

 

[Jtate]

I remember when my uncle John came home at Christmas with one. When he bought it out for show and tell at my grandmothers my daddy promptly name it the mickey mouse 22. That is what all my kin call them still today.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I have a Henry ar7 I bought 2nd hand from a guy who sold because it was not working properly. I spent some time with some polishing compound and cleaner and it's ran fine since cleaning and polishing the action. I want a new threaded barrel for it so I can pack it with my rugged mustang

 

[Dimner]

the only reason to get one is if you are into the format. All others will scoff at it. Personally, I'm into the format. It has its use scenarios over a 10/22 takedown. If I did not value those scenarios, I'd have a 10/22 takedown.