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
New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol
Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.
Finding The Natural Point Of Aim
Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.
Firearm Ownership Reaches New Record
The NSSF estimates there are more than 32 million modern sporting rifles in circulation.
Preview: Hornady 12th Edition Reloading Manual
While the internet offers quick access to information, trusting unvetted recipes for cooking up ammunition is less than ideal, which is why makers of reloading products like Hornady publish thorough books for such tasks.
Review: Bushmaster V-Radicator
The business of dispatching unwanted critters requires a platform capable of a high degree of accuracy. Nuisance animals such as prairie dogs are both small and skittish in nature, meaning that they tend to keep their distance and scurry away upon the arrival of incoming fire.
New for 2026: Smith & Wesson FPC in 5.7x28 mm
The folding carbine line expands to include the 5.7 mm chambering.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
