Sign in or 
Share this
AR-7
Model: ArmaLite AR-7 ExplorerThe AR-7 is a rifle that has often come up in discussions about wilderness and after-the-end survival, giving it a prominent place on websites such as this one. The AR-7 is a lightweight .22 rifle developed from the AR-5, a bolt-action designed used by the United States Air Force as the MA-1 Aircrew Survival Rifle. While the AR-5 was designed for the military, the AR-7 was released in 1959 as a commercial weapon marketed to backpackers, hikers, and others who would require an ultra-compact rifle. One of the unique features of the design, along with its ability to float in the water, was that the rifle could be disassembled and all the parts and ammunition stored in the stock, making it extremely compact.
The Charter Arms Explorer II was a pistol based on their own copy of the AR-7, resembling a Mauser C96 handgun, that was essentially an AR-7 with no provision to mount a stock and usually with an 8-inch barrel. In 1980 Henry Repeating Arms updated the design with the Henry Survival Rifle, with upgrades including an ABS material replacing the plastic, a new recess in the stock to allow for the receiver to be stored with the magazine in place, a Teflon outer surface coating, completely waterproof stock compartments, and a 3/8 inch rail for mounting optics. A number of Israeli Military versions were imported back into the United States as well, featuring an FAL-type pistol grip, 13.5 inch barrel, and a front sight similar to the Mauser 98k rifle.
| Specifications: | |
| Weight: | 2.5 lb (1.13 kg). |
| Length: | 35 in (889 mm). |
| Barrel Length: | 16 in (406 mm). |
| Cartridge: | .22LR |
| Action: | Straight blowback |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 1280 ft/s (390 m/s). |
| Effective Range: | 110 yd (100 m). |
| Feed System: | Detachable box magazine. 8, 10, 15, 25, 50. |
| Sights: | Front post, rear aperture. |
Where to find
Price varies from $120 to $290 depending on the condition and variation of the rifle. AR-7s can be found in many stores that cater to backpackers, hikers, campers, and similar demographics.
Complexity
The AR-7 has some negative points that often receive criticism: the gun is very ammo-specific, moreso than a normal .22, resulting in a constant risk of jams with poor ammo. The original plastic that the Henry replaced was prone to cracking and the stock was known to leak water into storage compartments. The Henry Survival Rifle fixes many of these problems, but the ammo in particular should be kept at a good quality.
Controls
- Safety: Located on the right-rear of the receiver; back for FIRE, forward for SAFE.
- Magazine release: Located inside the trigger guard in front of the trigger.
- Charging handle: Located on the right side of the upper receiver.
Loading
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
- Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it slightly to ensure it is seated.
- Pull the operating handle back and let it snap forward under spring power to chamber a round.
- Push the safety back to activate it.
- Cannot be done.
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
- Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it slightly to ensure it is seated.
Unloading
How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
- Push the safety back to activate it.
- Press the magazine release to allow the magazine to drop free.
- Pull the charging handle back to eject the chambered round. Visually check the chamber for any ammunition.
- Pull the operating handle back slightly to release the bolt stop and let the handle move forward.
- Disengage the safety.
- Pull the trigger.
Field Stripping
How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Unload the weapon as described above.
- Use a drift punch to push the front sight to the left and remove it. Slip the barrel nut and barrel nut washer off and remove the barrel.
- Unscrew the rear sight screw and remove the rear sight. Unscrew the receiver cover screw and lift off the receiver cover.
- Use your left index finger to push in the face of the bolt and line up the charging handle with the larger opening in the charging handle slot. Slide the charging handle out. Gradually release pressure from the bolt and remove it from the receiver.
- Push the butt cap down and pull it off of the stock.
- Remove the wing nut in the pistol grip and remove the action from the stock.
chitoryu12 |
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12
, Apr 8 2011, 11:19 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by chitoryu12
705 words added 204 words deleted 1 image added view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
.22
AR-7
AR7
compact
firearm
gun
longarm
rifle
semi-auto
survival
survival rifle
weapon
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
