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
A Memorial Day Conversation With Grey Team
Grey Team was founded to help armed services members and veterans with the physiological impacts traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and more.
42 New Handguns for 2026
Within the entire firearm marketplace, handguns continue to be some of the most popular offerings, and for good reason.
The Armed Citizen® May 25, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
President’s Column | Hope Is Not a Strategy
It was great meeting so many enthusiastic and supportive NRA members at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston. Your words of encouragement and suggestions are propelling your NRA 2.0 forward.
Data Centers Planned for Remington’s Legendary Factory Site
The historic Ilion, N.Y., factory that produced Remington firearms and parts for nearly 200 years may soon become the site of a 200-megawatt data center.
6 New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026
While the AR-pattern design continues to be the most popular and prolific semi-automatic rifle platform in America, don't think that means that there aren't other great, new options emerging on the market.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
