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
I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster
For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.
The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.
Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience
That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.
Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year
Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.
New For 2026: TriStar Arms APOC Pro
The new APOC Pro takes the original TriStar Arms APOC pistol design introduced in 2025 and makes it optics- and suppressor-ready.
7 New Over-Under Shotguns for 2026
Ever since the development of the iconic Browning Superposed shotgun in the early 1930s, the concept of an over-under shotgun has remained popular not just with American shooters but shotgunners the world over.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
