need help. Want a backpacking 22 rifle. Advice?

[Tom-ADC]

I'd go for a youth model of the Henry lever action.

http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-lever-youth.cfm

[pilote]

The Henry AR-7 only comes in black now.

By all of the accounts that I have seen, the redesigned AR-7 that was released last year (with the orange insert in the buttstock) no longer has the problems feeding ammo that the previous generations had. Henry redesigned the magazines as well as the barrel where it mates with the receiver, with metal-to-metal contact in that area for a more secure fit.

I just started DROS on one last week, so I have not been able to shoot it yet. I decided to pick the AR-7 over the Papoose because it is much more compact when broken down and with the reliability issues addressed by Henry, there isn't a huge advantage in that area for the Papoose any longer. But I have no doubt that either would be a wise choice depending on what your needs are.

i have the latest version, and use it with confidence in the field.

ymmv, but it will still get balky on bulk ammo and always will. the design keeps a lot of the unburnt powder (common with cheap ammo) in the breech which leads to feed failures. i have done the "experiments" with various ammo...so stick with good HV or HyperV ammo: cci minimags, velocitors, stingers (sensational with stingers) and it will cycle mag after mag.

i have also tried agilia sniper subsonic and it can cycle it ok.

...also heard rumors that henry may bring back the camo color...

[cudakidd]

Henry mini Bolt. You can make it a take down since it has one stainless screw holding barrel into stock and use a coin to unscrew. Super reliable, light, takes any ammo. I have one for just that use. fits in a Marlin Papoose case too by the way. I have that set up now...

[DippyPower]

I have a current production Henry AR-7. It would be my choice for your backpacking purposes. It is light, it ways less than some .22 pistols, and fairly compact when stowed away. You want to stick with higher quality high velocity ammo when you are in the field. For having the wife carry around after SHTF the Marlin Papoose would be a better choice because it seems to be a take down 795. I also have a Marlin 795 which is a Model 60 modified to take a removable magazine. The Papoose will most likely have a shorter length of pull than the AR-7.

I posted some things about the AR-7 to consider here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=5559451#post5559451

[brassburnz]

I have a Charter Arms AR-7 I thought about taking on backpacking trips. I also have a Smith & Wesson 22A (small, light, and inexpesive). I took both to the range to see how they compare as backpacking companions. Inside 25 yards shooting from a supported position, I can shoot both of them about the same. At 50 yards, the rifle shoots about a 3 inch group. Not really that accurate when compared to my 10/22's or target pistols. The 22A shoots about the same.

The next time out, I'm taking the 22A. The AR-7 doesn't shoot any better than the pistol, has 8 round mags compared to 10 for the pistol, and takes time to assemble where the pistol is available immediately out of the side pocket of my pack. Plus I only have two mags for the AR-7 but four 22A mags.

If the dang thing wasn't so heavy, I'd just take my Ruger MKII bull barrel pistol. If I had a Smith & Wesson Model 63 stainless revolver, that would be my first choice. That's why it's nicknamed "The Kit Gun."

If you shoot well with a pistol, take a pistol If not, the AR-7 is kinda cool but it's not an ideal choice.

[thunderbolt]

Why .22 why not .223 SU16 by Keltek it folds up

The Kel Tec SU22 is the little brother of the SU16 and folds the exact same way. Perfect backpack .22 IMO.

[a1fabweld]

Featherlite AT-22.

Agreed. Feather Industries 22. It's truly a takedown rifle that weighs about 3lbs. I've had 2 (still have one) and they are a blast.

[bronco1500]

I think Im gonna end up getting two guns

Ill get the AR7 and then a 10/22. Im gonna start another thread on advice for the 10/22 Thank you gentlemen.

[cmth]

It's simply not possible to own "just one" .22LR gun. You'll have several before you know it. And several more after that.