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
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers
The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?
Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges
The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.
New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver
Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.
I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon
It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.
New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols
Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.
New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle
Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.
Interests
New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- New Mauser M98 Das Original Bolt-Action Rifle Includes .300 Win. Mag. Chambering | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Beretta’s B22 Jaguar Metal Competition Brings Racegun Polish to Rimfire Steel | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors | An Official Journal Of The NRA
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
