Henry AR-7

[Hunt]

I am looking for the ultimate ultralight backpack small game hunting rig. I hope to do some 3-4 day overnight walk about trips and want to hunt. I am considering the Henry AR-7 but not sure if I would need to remove scope every time I broke it down, no need to use the stock for storing the barrel. I want to leave the reciever, barrel and scope assembled when storing in the pack. Does the scope need to be removed every time it’s stored?

[bohoki]

yes there is no way any scope is fitting in the butt

but you can leave the scope on and the receiver mounted and just store the barrel in the butt

i suggest a marlin papoose if you can find a used one or use a pistol

[Hunt]

Originally Posted by bohoki

yes there is no way any scope is fitting in the butt

but you can leave the scope on and the receiver mounted and just store the barrel in the butt

i suggest a marlin papoose if you can find a used one or use a pistol

Thanks, great minds think alike. A papoose would be nice if I could find one. I like the idea of a pistol but I don’t think I have the skill to shoot a rabbit at 50 yards with it. Then again I have never shot a scoped pistol. I have thought of building a pistol with a Tacsol 9” barrel and some sort of home made brace, top it off with the LEUPOLD FX-I 4x28, ( 10 oz ) something like that should be in the 2.5lb range. The survival rifles with scope would be getting close to the 4lb range.

[44fred]

I picked up one of these a few years ago.
You said ultra light and certainly accurate enough to put a rabbit in the pot from 50 yards.

https://www.packrifle.com/

[Hunt]

Originally Posted by 44fred

I picked up one of these a few years ago.
You said ultra light and certainly accurate enough to put a rabbit in the pot from 50 yards.

https://www.packrifle.com/

Perfect, had no idea this existed. Looks well made.

[eaglemike]

Originally Posted by Hunt

Thanks, great minds think alike. A papoose would be nice if I could find one. I like the idea of a pistol but I don’t think I have the skill to shoot a rabbit at 50 yards with it. Then again I have never shot a scoped pistol. I have thought of building a pistol with a Tacsol 9” barrel and some sort of home made brace, top it off with the LEUPOLD FX-I 4x28, ( 10 oz ) something like that should be in the 2.5lb range. The survival rifles with scope would be getting close to the 4lb range.

I have an older 10" barrel Ruger semi-auto pistol. It's easily accurate enough for pretty much anything at 50 yards, especially with a scope. You might see if you can find one used, or really any of the Ruger semi's with a scope on them. They are quite accurate. Only problem is they have become pricey since no longer on the roster.

[echo1]

Hi H,
I've been a back packer since the '50's and kilt many greys or dirt squirrels, cotton tails, jacks, quail, dove, & pigeon. Early on our gear was all milsurp (canvas) and the rifle I used was too, Mossy M44 US. Everything was heavy but when you're a kid it doesn't really matter. We hunted/camped all around the Bay Area foothills, as they were constructing 680. Latter as I got older, I modernizes my pack rig and picked up an AR7 (for it's coolness). I've since used virtually most types of bolts and semi .22's. What I've found the most versatile (when I could see) was a Savage 24 in .22/.410. Much handier than other platforms and you could take feathered critters too. The reality is you're hunting or you're back packing.

Here's an old group picture of most of Bubbas semi .22s. On the bottom is an AR7. They have a poor reputation with feeding issues, which is from folks using the mag as a rest. On mine, I put a strip of sticky backed Velcro on the bottom of the mag well, to keep slight up angle on the feed lips.

I had a short plastic forearm, that the barrel channel was the same profile as the AR7 barrel. I hogged out a chunk to allow for the lock nut & notched it to snuggly slide back on the receiver a little, then put Velcro on the barrel and in the forearm bed. I put another piece on the stock, just behind the wrist, so when you broke it down, you could stick the forearm to the stock, and stow the rifle as designed.

When assembled to shoot, the rifle is supported in a normal fashion. The set up works good, both mods helped to eliminate/minimize the jam-o-matic aspect. You can just make out the mods in this picture. I built it to throw in the flying machine, in case I had to make a forced landing in enemy territory , like an Israeli pilot might.



Not as many rabbit/squirrel shooting spots in Kali these decades. PAX

[AR22]

Yes I would see if you can find a papoose if possible..I have owned the AR7s..They are a neat little packer..But the Marlin is much better made..

[echo1]

Originally Posted by Hunt

I am looking for the ultimate ultralight backpack small game hunting rig. I hope to do some 3-4 day overnight walk about trips and want to hunt. I am considering the Henry AR-7 but not sure if I would need to remove scope every time I broke it down, no need to use the stock for storing the barrel. I want to leave the reciever, barrel and scope assembled when storing in the pack. Does the scope need to be removed every time it’s stored?

Where and what time of the year? PAX

[Elgatodeacero]

http://tpsarms.com/m6takedownseries.aspx

A www.packrifle.com was mentioned above and it is very light…. But I have tried to contact the company about buying a second one and they do not respond…..?

[44fred]

Originally Posted by Elgatodeacero

http://tpsarms.com/m6takedownseries.aspx

A www.packrifle.com was mentioned above and it is very light…. But I have tried to contact the company about buying a second one and they do not respond…..?

Say it ain’t so! The Pack-Rifle is/was not their primary business. Hopefully they didn’t fold during Covid.

[Elgatodeacero]

I don’t have any reason to think they have closed. I assume they are too busy to respond to emails.

A phone call might be better than an email, and in the past www.packrifle.com was happy to tell me which distributors had inventory.

[M60A1Rise]

Originally Posted by 44fred

I picked up one of these a few years ago.
You said ultra light and certainly accurate enough to put a rabbit in the pot from 50 yards.

https://www.packrifle.com/

WOW that's pretty nice ! Looks to be tube fed and if so how many rounds ? Doesn't say on the website , thanks.

[Oceanbob]

Originally Posted by M60A1Rise

WOW that's pretty nice ! Looks to be tube fed and if so how many rounds ? Doesn't say on the website , thanks.

It’s a SINGLE SHOT.

storage for extra rounds in the buttstock.
Still if I had to choose I’d go for theb.357 magnum and .410 gauge combo.

In reality a 10/22 takedown might be a better option.

[Elgatodeacero]

Some confusion here…..

The Packrifle is a single shot .22 lr that fires from an open bolt.

Extra ammo can be stored in the hollow pistol grip (not in the butt stock- that is designed to hold a telescoping fishing rod and requires a screw driver to remove butt stock).

The TPS M6 is an over/under single shot (with exposed hammer with selector to choose upper barrel or lower barrel) and it does store extra ammo in the flip up but stock compartment.

Both are very nice rifles but the Packrifle weighs 15 ounces and the M6 weighs 5 lbs.

For hiking, backpacking, etc. the Packrifle is great.

For long term durability and accuracy I still prefer the CZ 452 or 457 Scout (5 lbs).

[M60A1Rise]

Originally Posted by Oceanbob

It’s a SINGLE SHOT.

storage for extra rounds in the buttstock.
Still if I had to choose I’d go for theb.357 magnum and .410 gauge combo.

In reality a 10/22 takedown might be a better option.

Thanks and i'd agree a 10/22 would be better. But that does look very nice too.

[71MUSTY]

I have taken many a rabbit with my Charter Arms AR-7 (same as the Henry) without a scope. Also with my Ruger MK I bull barrel. Not sure why you need a scope for 50 yards.

[FNGGlock]

Unless every laat ounce matters I would just get a 10/22 takedown with a Magpul stock. Add the barrel adapter for a red dot and a simple lightweight red dot. Allows you to take more and mags.

I use this setup for a small lightweight 22 when camping.

[Oceanbob]

Originally Posted by FNGGlock

Unless every laat ounce matters I would just get a 10/22 takedown with a Magpul stock. Add the barrel adapter for a red dot and a simple lightweight red dot. Allows you to take more and mags.

I use this setup for a small lightweight 22 when camping.

Agree 100%. I went thru this exercise years ago and had 2 charter arms models. Seriously cute back then but very unreliable. I sold them off.
Eventually I revisited a .22 woods, plinker, small game, maybe protection, but something that could be stuffed into a backpack and out of sight.

I decided the 10/22 takedown with Magpul stock and with my crap eyes I got a Holosun 510C in green for my astigmatism. Wow, it has shake awake and just picking the weapons up turns on the green display. Battery life is about 10 years….
So because that Magpul is so lightweight it’s effortless to tote around. Almost like a toy. You can stuff (with the right options) 110 extra rounds in the buttstock and run a double mag of 20 more up front. No single shot stuff.
Yeah, I built extras for my adult kids….




post image online

[echo1]

Originally Posted by Oceanbob

Agree 100%. I went thru this exercise years ago and had 2 charter arms models. Seriously cute back then but very unreliable. I sold them off.
Eventually I revisited a .22 woods, plinker, small game, maybe protection, but something that could be stuffed into a backpack and out of sight.

I decided the 10/22 takedown with Magpul stock and with my crap eyes I got a Holosun 510C in green for my astigmatism. Wow, it has shake awake and just picking the weapons up turns on the green display. Battery life is about 10 years….
So because that Magpul is so lightweight it’s effortless to tote around. Almost like a toy. You can stuff (with the right options) 110 extra rounds in the buttstock and run a double mag of 20 more up front. No single shot stuff.
Yeah, I built extras for my adult kids….




post image online

Pretty cool rigs. What are those boolit holding do-dads? PAX

[Oceanbob]

Originally Posted by echo1

Pretty cool rigs. What are those boolit holding do-dads? PAX

Found the guy who prints these 10/22 items. He used to sell them but he’s on Instagram.

[Oceanbob]

He doesn’t sell these items except the FILE TO PRINT THEM.
HIS LIST IS HERE.

[echo1]

Thanks for the scoop, PAX

[Big Chudungus]

My old excellent thread about a takedown concept based on an AR barrel, probably butchering up an AR action into minimalist bolt action.

Idea is "WTF don't got a spare AR barrel, and likely a crappy old AR action that is maybe not up to reliable fast shooting, but is still in theory functional and can be manually cycled".

fly weight breakdown skeleton single shot pack rifle?https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/....php?t=1735230

[brassburnz]

I've had a few Charter Arms AR-7 rifles and still have an Explorer Pistol with two barrels. They are fun plinkers, but not 100% reliable for follow-up shots and not all that accurate. Ruger 10/22 is more reliable and able to provide much better accuracy.

However, the most accurate and reliable .22 rimfire I own is an original Marvel Precision Unit 1 conversion. I have two of them. One is mated to a Colt Series 70 frame and the other to a Rock Island Armory (RIA) frame. Both have a rail for mounting optics. With standard velocity ammo (Eley, Wolf Match, Aguila SE), both units can shoot sub-1/2 inch, 5-shot groups at 50 yards. Easily capable of making head-shots on rabbits and squirrels at that distance.

I used the Marvel for shooting Bullseye. Ultradots with a 1" tube sit on them now. A Holosun or other micro red-dot would save weight and allow holster carry. From a rest, I can shoot better groups with either Marvel than I can with a Ruger 10/22 Target with the bull barrel or a Thompson Center Contender with a 10" bull barrel.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Years ago, I had a Charter Arms AR-7. I won't go so far as to say it is the 'same' as the Henry in that each company's (and there have been several) iteration of the AR-7 has had 'unique' challenges. My Charter Arms version was accurate, when it functioned. But, with apologies to James Bond (who was using an Armalite), that was the crux of it for me... when it functioned.

A Springfield Armory M6 Scout I've owned killed many a bird and, given the iron sight setup, was as accurate as I could desire with the .22 LR so long as I did my part.

If accuracy was my criterion, then a CZ 452 Ultra LUX, both with and without a scope, has served me quite well.

A Ruger 10/22? I've had several over the years; but, only managed to hang on to a couple of them. I'm still playing with the Takedown version in a Magpul Stock and have a Leupold FX-I 4X scope with QR rings so that I can use it with or without the scope readily. In other words, the 10/22 is adaptable and a workhorse, but not necessarily a panacea or something 'special' in pretty much standard configurations.

Is there a 'best' among the above? It depends on your criterion/criteria and such is reflected in the various 'recommendations' made thus far in the thread. Given the OP...

Originally Posted by Hunt

I am looking for the ultimate ultralight backpack small game hunting rig. I hope to do some 3-4 day overnight walk about trips and want to hunt. I am considering the Henry AR-7 but not sure if I would need to remove scope every time I broke it down, no need to use the stock for storing the barrel. I want to leave the reciever, barrel and scope assembled when storing in the pack. Does the scope need to be removed every time itÂ’s stored?

...I'm not sure the AR-7 is going to be the 'ultimate' based on a seeming desire to leave the receiver/barrel/scope assembled when 'stored.' Such is not the design intent.



Of course, if you're not going to use the stock for storage, but want to leave the receiver/barrel/stock assembled in a package which is lightweight and 'packable' where 'accuracy' is fair-to-middling... it comes down to your perceived priority. Are you looking for lightweight or packable or accuracy?

I don't necessarily see the 'pack-rifle' as any more 'packable' than an M6 if you are going to leave a scope/optic attached. Doubly so with an AR-7. In fact, the Chiappa Little Badger would pretty much fall into the same category.



If lightweight is the overriding criterion, then the Pack-Rifle is, as you say, close to 'perfect'...



Insofar as 'accuracy,' that becomes a relative factor. It's not going to be as accurate as the CZ 452. It's not likely to be as accurate as the Ruger when the rapidity of follow-up shots are taken into account. In other words, it's a compromise, just as the M6 and AR-7 are.

But, that's the crux of it. What are you willing to compromise? That's what the above recommendations reflect.

[44fred]

Originally Posted by TrappedinCalifornia

Years ago, I had a Charter Arms AR-7. I won't go so far as to say it is the 'same' as the Henry in that each company's (and there have been several) iteration of the AR-7 has had 'unique' challenges. My Charter Arms version was accurate, when it functioned. But, with apologies to James Bond (who was using an Armalite), that was the crux of it for me... when it functioned.

A Springfield Armory M6 Scout I've owned killed many a bird and, given the iron sight setup, was as accurate as I could desire with the .22 LR so long as I did my part.

If accuracy was my criterion, then a CZ 452 Ultra LUX, both with and without a scope, has served me quite well.

A Ruger 10/22? I've had several over the years; but, only managed to hang on to a couple of them. I'm still playing with the Takedown version in a Magpul Stock and have a Leupold FX-I 4X scope with QR rings so that I can use it with or without the scope readily. In other words, the 10/22 is adaptable and a workhorse, but not necessarily a panacea or something 'special' in pretty much standard configurations.

Is there a 'best' among the above? It depends on your criterion/criteria and such is reflected in the various 'recommendations' made thus far in the thread. Given the OP...



...I'm not sure the AR-7 is going to be the 'ultimate' based on a seeming desire to leave the receiver/barrel/scope assembled when 'stored.' Such is not the design intent.



Of course, if you're not going to use the stock for storage, but want to leave the receiver/barrel/stock assembled in a package which is lightweight and 'packable' where 'accuracy' is fair-to-middling... it comes down to your perceived priority. Are you looking for lightweight or packable or accuracy?

I don't necessarily see the 'pack-rifle' as any more 'packable' than an M6 if you are going to leave a scope/optic attached. Doubly so with an AR-7. In fact, the Chiappa Little Badger would pretty much fall into the same category.



If lightweight is the overriding criterion, then the Pack-Rifle is, as you say, close to 'perfect'...



Insofar as 'accuracy,' that becomes a relative factor. It's not going to be as accurate as the CZ 452. It's not likely to be as accurate as the Ruger when the rapidity of follow-up shots are taken into account. In other words, it's a compromise, just as the M6 and AR-7 are.

But, that's the crux of it. What are you willing to compromise? That's what the above recommendations reflect.

Very well presented. Glad I read this before I responded. You said just about everything I was thinking.
We want an accurate, scoped bolt action or semi auto for hunting but almost no weight to pack. Set your priorities and make the decision.

[echo1]

Originally Posted by TrappedinCalifornia

In KALI I don't think it's legal to shoot fowl with a .22. PAX

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by TrappedinCalifornia

Years ago, I had a Charter Arms AR-7. I won't go so far as to say it is the 'same' as the Henry in that each company's (and there have been several) iteration of the AR-7 has had 'unique' challenges. My Charter Arms version was accurate, when it functioned. But, with apologies to James Bond (who was using an Armalite), that was the crux of it for me... when it functioned.

Friend of mine had an Armalite. It might be the worst gun I've ever tried to shoot. I think we might have gotten 3 rounds to go off, at most. Bad firing pin strikes. The ergos are terrible because the stock is offset to provide the large hole for the barreled action.

Even though it weighs more, you'd be much better off with a 10/22 takedown. Forget the Magpul stock though. Just more weight with no added functionality. Magazine storage? Big deal, just stick the mags in the takedown backpack. As someone else mentioned, for lightest weight, either that pack rifle thing or just a pistol is probably your best bet.

Or go nuts with a 10/22 takedown and a carbon fiber barrel and stock.

[pinger]

Magpul makes two stocks for the takedown. One is heavier and one is lighter than the factory stock. The lighter one that barrel clips into the butt is actually really nice... and light.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Originally Posted by pinger

Magpul makes two stocks for the takedown. One is heavier and one is lighter than the factory stock. The lighter one that barrel clips into the butt is actually really nice... and light.

That would be the one I'm playing with at the moment, with the two compared...



It's not just about magazine storage.

Here are other, relevant videos to the thread topic...





Personally, I like this one for a 'compromise'...



It's the versatility of having both a shotgun and a rifle for those times when it may or may not be 'legal' to hunt a specific species with one or the other. Then again, 'hunting' and 'legal' (especially in any kind of 'survival' situation) are a bit of a grey area, given that it is greatly dependent on your location; which, I don't believe, the OP has specified. Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily match the OP's criteria in that while it's packable (to an extent), it's not necessarily lightweight...

Originally Posted by Hunt

I am looking for the ultimate ultralight backpack small game hunting rig. I hope to do some 3-4 day overnight walk about trips and want to hunt. I am considering the Henry AR-7 but not sure if I would need to remove scope every time I broke it down, no need to use the stock for storing the barrel. I want to leave the reciever, barrel and scope assembled when storing in the pack. Does the scope need to be removed every time it’s stored?

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by pinger

Magpul makes two stocks for the takedown. One is heavier and one is lighter than the factory stock. The lighter one that barrel clips into the butt is actually really nice... and light.

The carbon fiber one that Ruger sells is a hundred bucks. My guess is the Magpul one costs more than that.

[44fred]

Originally Posted by echo1

In KALI I don't think it's legal to shoot fowl with a .22. PAX

Good thing that video was in Montana.
Is that all you got out of the video?

[echo1]

Originally Posted by 44fred

Good thing that video was in Montana.
Is that all you got out of the video?

Didn't watch the video.

In Montana, in general, game birds can be taken with a .177 or .22 air rifle, bow, falcon, or shotgun. Not rimfire (maybe turkey in season?).

The OP was talking about hunting while backpacking. I presumed not poaching or for survival. You can't go for a walk about and just kill stuff. You still need a license, tags (if required), and approved method of take, wherever you are. PAX

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Originally Posted by echo1

Didn't watch the video.

In Montana, in general, game birds can be taken with a .177 or .22 air rifle, bow, falcon, or shotgun. Not rimfire (maybe turkey in season?).

The OP was talking about hunting while backpacking. I presumed not poaching or for survival. You can't go for a walk about and just kill stuff. You still need a license, tags (if required), and approved method of take, wherever you are. PAX

Not to be a noodge, but I believe what was being referenced is the rifle, not the method of take. As I said, the OP didn't specify where the backpacking would take place. Thus, the video was intended to demonstrate how the rifle was utilized in a backpacking/hunting scenario.

It should go without saying, but I will anyway. Don't automatically presume that members need to be reminded not to do anything 'illegal;' bearing in mind, again, that 'legal' is greatly dependent on the where, even within the confines of California. For instance...

...In addition to the methods listed in (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) above, firearm rifles and pistols may be used for taking rabbits and squirrels only; except in Los Angeles County where rifles and pistols may not be used... In San Diego and Orange counties only, rabbits may be taken at any time during the open season by means of box traps... Possession, discharge, and use of firearms or archery equipment is prohibited on department lands except within department-designated hunting areas or shooting sites, or with a permit issued by the department, or as authorized for dog training in a designated area, or when fishing with bow and arrow tackle as defined in subsection 550(b)(11) and allowed in subsection 550(h). This prohibition includes air or gas operated devices or guns and all other propulsive devices...

In short, 'lecturing' over what is/isn't, may/may not be 'legal' isn't really relevant until you define the where. Given that the question premising the thread and the one being addressed was regarding the types of rifles being discussed, I believe the underlying premise/presumption is that the OP will be responsible for remaining 'legal' in whatever location they happen to be backpacking/hunting in. As is often stated in virtually every article and Government pamphlet... Check the regulations for the area you intend to hunt in.

That goes for backpacking as well, something you didn't address; i.e., different regulations apply depending, once again, on the where.

I don't think any of us presume to cover every possible nuance of regulation in terms of actual use depending on the where. What we are doing and responding to are questions regarding the firearm itself.

[drclark]

This stock adapter, if you can find it in stock" allows a folding stock to be attached to the AR-7 via M1913 rail adapter.



If you could add some clips to hold the detached barrel to the folded stock, would make for a compact package for backpacking.

The other option, I have thought about is a savage rascal single shot. Designed as a kid's rifle, it's all of 3lbs and is fairly compact. Plastic stock could be modified to carry extra rounds.

[echo1]

Originally Posted by TrappedinCalifornia

Not to be a noodge, but I believe what was being referenced is the rifle, not the method of take. As I said, the OP didn't specify where the backpacking would take place. Thus, the video was intended to demonstrate how the rifle was utilized in a backpacking/hunting scenario.

It should go without saying, but I will anyway. Don't automatically presume that members need to be reminded not to do anything 'illegal;' bearing in mind, again, that 'legal' is greatly dependent on the where, even within the confines of California. For instance...

In short, 'lecturing' over what is/isn't, may/may not be 'legal' isn't really relevant until you define the where. Given that the question premising the thread and the one being addressed was regarding the types of rifles being discussed, I believe the underlying premise/presumption is that the OP will be responsible for remaining 'legal' in whatever location they happen to be backpacking/hunting in. As is often stated in virtually every article and Government pamphlet... Check the regulations for the area you intend to hunt in.

That goes for backpacking as well, something you didn't address; i.e., different regulations apply depending, once again, on the where.

I don't think any of us presume to cover every possible nuance of regulation in terms of actual use depending on the where. What we are doing and responding to are questions regarding the firearm itself.

I wasn't lecturing, just making an observation on a dead bird and a .22, which is why I suggested a Savage 24 over under. Even a single shot .410 would cover all your bases.

I've backpacked since the '50's, and in general, you can't even possess weapons, in a wilderness area, where a permit is required. When asked when & where the OP was going to do this backpacking/hunting, he never responded. PAX