Specifications---
Model: US Survival AR-7 (H002B)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Caliber: .22LR
Capacity: 8 Round Magazine
Length: 35" (assembled) 16.5" (stowed)
Weight: 2.25 lbs.
M.S.R.P.: $275
Review---
I originally came across this rifle while on the hunt for a .22 to round out my collection. At first it was between a revolver or a rifle. For a number of reasons, the rifle originally won out. Next came the debate of what rifle. One day I sat down and gave hard though as to what roll this new firearm would be playing in my arsenal. First and foremost, the reason I was purchasing a .22 cost. A .22 would be both on the lower price range to purchase, and .22LR is practically free to shoot. The next priority would be to fill the position of a low recoil firearm for the first time shooters I take out. With those traits in mind I went back and forth between the Ruger 10-22 and the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. The Ruger 10-22 was the standard in in .22 rifles. I was quite familiar with them, but I felt as if it was not quite the right fit. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 was a gorgeous clone of the S&W M&P-15 and had a great assault rifle feel, but in the end it was attempting to be something it really wasn't. Finally in some random search, I came across the AR-7 again. I was first introduced to this rifle when I was fresh out of the military as a field survival rifle that was once standard issue to pilots. The AR-7 seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It was an inexpensive rifle that would not only be fun to shoot, but would fit a very practical roll in my arsenal as a backpack rifle.
When I was first handed the AR-7 at my local gun shop, I was astounded at how light it was. I was expecting it to be fairly light considering the nature of the rifle, but somehow the AR-7's scant 2.25 pounds still surprised me. Once assembled it had a very solid feel, it didn't feel like a toy (even though a few smartass patrons at the shop went out of their way to point out that it looked like one). I couldn't wait to get it out to the range and fire it!
When we finally made it out to the range, an excruciating three weeks after taking possession of the AR-7, it was the belle of the ball. Everyone was talking about it, from it's slightly unusual looks to the incredible stowing aspect of the rifle. One of my good friends who joined us, Jason, brought his Ruger 10-22 with us to give a bit of a comparison. Once again the contrast in weight was the first impression. The Ruger weighed many times more than the AR-7, enhanced even further by the fact that the Ruger was sporting optics.
I loaded up the first magazine with CCS .22LR Mini Mag 36 grain hollow points and addressed my target. My cheek sat at a comfortable position on the slightly over-sized stock, and the peephole sights provided easy target acquisition. Next was my biggest surprise of the day. I lightly pulled on the crisp trigger and felt almost nothing. I paused, turned the rifle on it's side and pulled back the bolt to make sure there was a fresh round in chamber. Perplexed, I sighted in on my target once again and was met with the same response. Somehow this little bitty rifle managed to produce even less recoil than it's heavier brother the Ruger. The rifle would barely move after each shot, allowing for extremely tight clusters at a very reasonable rate of fire.
We had some target issues that day at the range. Every time SOMEONE (coughJaycough) would shoot one of the targets we had set up, he would knock it over. This created the need to call a cease fire and reset all the targets. After the first two times, we would leave the targets down and just all shoot at the same slightly longer range targets. Sadly, because of this, I was unable to get any pictures of a dedicated target and groupings, but those will come again at a later date!
Overall, I would recommend this rifle to a friend, but only if they are looking for a good .22 plinking rifle with the intention of having it on hand as an emergency survival rifle and was willing to shell out a little bit more money for this feature. The only drawback so far is the price. It's a little bit more expensive than the Ruger, and I feel it would be a much better deal in the low $200 price range.
Price: 5/10
Accuracy: 8/10
Ease of Operation: 10/10
Maintenance: TBD
Ability for customization/addons: 2/10
Practicality: 9/10
Overall Enjoyment: 9/10
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