Does it float? Yes, but be reasonable. 
The Henry AR-7 is a survival rifle, not a personal flotation device. While the original ArmaLite models had foamed-filled stocks of Cycolac, the latest Henry U.S. Survival Rifle uses a hollow stock made of a more modern and durable plastic. In either case, the stock cap is not designed to provide an indefinite waterproof seal, so the stocks’ cavities eventually take on water, causing the gun to sink. How long will it stay afloat? With the rifle stored inside, the Henry lasted about two minutes—or six minutes with the gun assembled. Realistically, either amount would allow the survivor to recover the gun and get back to the critical task of securing meat for the pot.
Watch the video above by contributor Jeremiah Knupp, which supplements his American Rifleman feature story on the history of the AR-7 survival rifle.
For more, visit HenryRifles.com.
Additional Reading:
The Unlikely Resilience of the AR-7 Survival Rifle
Video: The Unstoppable AR-7 Survival Rifle
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Mossberg Expands Budget-Priced Maverick Line With Semi-Auto Model
As part of its International family of shotguns, Mossberg announced the introduction of the Maverick SA Semi-Auto, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance.
New For 2026: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC
Springfield Armory's new Echelon 4.0FC combines the full-size capacity of the full-size Echelon with the compact slide of the company's 4.0C model.
Beretta Celebrates 500 Years In 2026
In 1526, Bartolomeo Beretta received his first order of arquebus barrels. Now the company is celebrating 500 years in business, and the Beretta family is still at the helm.
CVA Does Plinkers: The Cascade Rimfire Series
Known for its extensive line of muzzleloaders, this year, CVA is expanding its cartridge-firing lineup with the introduction of the CVA Cascade Rimfire series of rifles.
Favorite Firearms: A Little Rifle, A Big Gift From Dad
My story starts in a small gun shop in Brewster, Ohio, run by a Korean War veteran out of his garage. He had some nice new guns and sporting goods and a small rack of used guns.
The PR-3AT: KelTec's Magazine-Free .380
At its heart, the KelTec PR-3AT is a compact concealed-carry pistol chambered in .380 ACP that uses the same rotary-barrel and top-loading, magazine-free design as the PR57.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
