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Posted: 10/11/2009 9:34:42 AM EDT
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Should I buy an AR-7 for a trunk gun, survival gun, camping gun, whatever gun. It's used but in good condition. I found one for $125 and I though that was a good price. |
Its’ only advantage is that it comes in its’ own box 
Most report only modest accuracy and not much reliability. I have never owned or fired one so it depends on how disappointed you will be if you pay $125 and it turns out to be a dud. And I guess that depends on how fast you could unload it if it is a dud 
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Mediocre accuracy and very picky with ammo, from what I've heard.
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My neighbor just dumped one. He knew they are unreliable and considered inaccurate but he thought he might get lucky.
He was wrong. He spent 6 months tinkering with it and finally had it and sold it on. I'm convinced there are really only about 10 of these in existence and they keep going back on the market over and over because they were a great idea that never quite came to fruition. |
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Quoted:
My neighbor just dumped one. He knew they are unreliable and considered inaccurate but he thought he might get lucky. He was wrong. He spent 6 months tinkering with it and finally had it and sold it on. I'm convinced there are really only about 10 of these in existence and they keep going back on the market over and over because they were a great idea that never quite came to fruition. Kind of like fruitcakes. Limited # in circulation, they just keep getting handed off to the next sucker in line. I've always wanted an AR-7 ever since seeing them in the Sears or Wards catalog (back when they actually sold guns) as a kid. But having heard the frustration horror stories I'm glad I've resisted. Brilliant concept, lacking in execution. IIRC the original Armalite & later Charter Arms models are supposed to be the best of the lot. 
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Marlin 70PSS "Papoose" Should be around $200 or so. Have seen them on sale for $175 recently. AR-7 = good concept. terrible execution. It is a zipgun with a serial number. You would be better off with a rubber band, thumb-tack, bic pen, and some McGuyver smarts.
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Quoted:
Hum, alright, mixed feelings I guess. I don't know who the maker is yet. Maybe I need to do a little more research on them. I'm probably just looking to justify it  Only ONE post was positive in 8!!! You really are going out of your way to buy one
But that’s the greatest thing we have going! If you really want it just do it and decide for yourself if it was a good deal. And tell us your evaluation. |
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Having owned several AR7's over the years ( and still having two) here's my take.
ArmaLite and Charter arms are the best. Early Survival arms o.k. No hands on experience with Henry's. Mechanical accuracy is more than decent enough. They can be hard to hold still enough and the trigger pulls can be a bit rough so practical accuracy is even more dependent on the shooter than heavier rifles. Don't know if AR7 Industries still makes the all steel barrel but mine shoots very well and settles the muzzle down nicely. Had to de burr the firing pin channel and polish the firing pin on one later Survival Arms to get reliable ignition. A length of 550 chord tied around the stock behind the pistol grip with a loop in the end makes a nice lanyard / hook/ carabiner point. I suspect the .22lr may have been hotter in the 1950's when the platform was designed for the Air Force as they seem to run better with good ammo. They also run better and longer lightly oiled. Its a back packing and survival type rifle. If you want to spend all day blasting at the range and doing mag dumps, look elsewhere. |
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Quoted:
Having owned several AR7's over the years ( and still having two) here's my take. ArmaLite and Charter arms are the best. Early Survival arms o.k. No hands on experience with Henry's. Mechanical accuracy is more than decent enough. They can be hard to hold still enough and the trigger pulls can be a bit rough so practical accuracy is even more dependent on the shooter than heavier rifles. Don't know if AR7 Industries still makes the all steel barrel but mine shoots very well and settles the muzzle down nicely. Had to de burr the firing pin channel and polish the firing pin on one later Survival Arms to get reliable ignition. A length of 550 chord tied around the stock behind the pistol grip with a loop in the end makes a nice lanyard / hook/ carabiner point. I suspect the .22lr may have been hotter in the 1950's when the platform was designed for the Air Force as they seem to run better with good ammo. They also run better and longer lightly oiled. Its a back packing and survival type rifle. If you want to spend all day blasting at the range and doing mag dumps, look elsewhere. Pretty much what I did on mine. Great little rifle. Every now and then I get a double tap from it though. 
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Well I guess I need to see it in person to make a decision. I'm feeling kinda weary about them though. Defenitly will make sure it's a Armalite or Charter Arms. I'm liking the Marlin a little better, especially after the picture. I'll have to sit on it for a little before making any rash decisions. |
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I bought my marlin papoose in a pawn shop and it didn't come with it's storage case. I've been looking for a while for something to carry it in.
I recenlty bought one of these sat com bags (made by maratac) from county com. Here are some pics from their site: 
They only had black when I bought mine. I am really impressed with the bag. This thing is seriously built tuff. I fit the papoose in there along with a bunch of other items I might need in an emergency situation. I can take pics if anyone wants to see. Gene |
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Quoted: Is that a problem or an awesome feature?Quoted: Great little rifle. Every now and then I get a double tap from it though. That's the only problem I've ever had with my Charter Arms version.  Probably wouldn't go well with the ATF guys at the range. Still waiting for the brand on this one though, but I'm not very optimistic in general. |
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Had a very good, reliable Charter Arms AR-7 with every decent accessory dating from the 70's.
Sold it to finance a stainless 10-22, which I built into a Training rifle–– see theads in .22 rimfire forum. I'd take a 10-22, tarted up as per my thread, or maybe a stainless steel Marlin Papoose. BTDT. |
| I've had mine for probably 11 year. Accuracy out of mine is pretty good. Like others have said, the trigger sucks, so you have to account for that. It IS however really picky with ammo. It loves Mini-Mags, but turns into a bolt action with most bulk packed ammo. I'm not sure what manufacturer I have, and its currently sitting in the trunk of my rig. That's what its for, a cheap emergency trunk .22 that fits in a tiny amount of space. |
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A friend had one in the 80's. We all thought it was great, until we shot it. I just don't get it. I don't want a gun I have to assemble before I can shoot it and if it's assembled, how is it better than a 10-22? The tiny mags didn't make it any funner and it wasn't very reliable. |
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