The US Survival Rifle by Henry Repeating Arms

Scoping the Henry US Survival Rifle

Shooting the Scope Henry

Scoping the Henry US Survival Rifle - Part 2

MOLLE Butt-Stock Platform

I was flattered that our friend from Canada left a comment on my review on the US Survival Rifle from Henry Repeating Arms. Since I rarely see anything written on the disassembly of the AR7 replica, I took detailed pictures of the US Survival rifle to illustrate the internal mechanism of this rifle. However, I want to clarify that this gun is inexpensive, quality is moderate, and the parts aren’t prohibitively expensive. A parts list can be found here.

Consider this write up as a necessary follow up on the US Survival Rifle.

I mentioned in my initial review that I doubt a disassembled USS Henry rifle can float – I’m almost certain it will not. The butt stock cover warps easily and never had a positive seal on the lips of the stock. The warping isn’t necessarily a defect direct from the company, but as a result of direct sunlight no more than 20 minutes. A lose and unsecure cover was the result. The green electrical tape only keeps the stock cover securely attached. Without it, all the contents will fall out. Keep your stock covers out of the sun or prepare to use some electrical tape to keep it in place. The good news is that the electrical tape is serving its purpose longer than I had anticipated, three months.

Regarding the disassembly of the firearm, the heart of it is in the receiver. I suppose the difficulty level of a full disassembly is rather low, probably shy of building an AR15 lower with a lower parts kit. The tools you’ll need are: a flat head screwdriver, 2 brass punch sizes 3/32, 1/16, and a mallet. The brass punches and mallet are used to disassemble the firing pin and extractor. It is not necessary to take these out unless you’re super crazy about keeping your guns clean. Otherwise, all you’ll need is that flat head screwdriver.

One should start off by making sure that there aren’t any rounds of ammunition inside the barrel, or chamber before disassembly – it’s a good practice. Next use the flat head screwdriver to remove the receiver side plate. Be advised that the plate is under minor tension by a trigger spring. It shouldn’t jump out, but take precaution anyway.

Notice that my finger is keeping the contents from flying as I gently pry it open.

This isn’t overly complicated. The hole on the trigger is where it rocks from the pin on the receiver plate. The pin where the trigger and the trigger/hammer spring meet keeps the spring under tension.

The hammer and trigger group can be taken out at once. Lift the hammer up from it’s axis and pull it away from the bolt.

Once the hammer and trigger assembly clear the receiver, remove the magazine catch with caution. The tiny spring is very easy to lose.

Remove the ejector while noting the small pin.

If you wish to be thorough, the safety can be removed by pulling out the safety snap ring.

Flip the receiver and press against the bolt face while lifting the bolt handle to remove the bolt.

With the bolt removed, you can scrub away at the bolt face and clean the usual nooks and crannies.

To remove the extractor and firing pin, you’ll have to use the brass punches and mallet. The vertical rolling pin removes the extractor and the horizontal rolling pin removes the firing pin.

To put it back together, simply reverse the procedure.

The original AR7 and US Survival from Henry are similar, but if you study the parts guide, not all the parts match – notably the hammer pivot and pin on the receiver plate. I’m under the impression that the pin is actually attached to the receiver plate, but I could be wrong. The hammer pivot will certainly be a concern if you lose it – I don’t see it noted on their webpage. It doubt it will become a problem at all – just don’t lose it!

More notes on the US Survival Rifle

The rear sights on this rifle are rather annoying. The sheet of metal with two holes drilled into them do not have any markings on them so that I may keep track how high I’m elevating. The silly thing won’t even let me change windage considering that the rifle shoots a little to the left.

I was shooting at the bottom dot from 10 yards on a makeshift rest. I was using the larger aperture peep sight and the grouping is respectable. I got the elevation right after fiddling with the flathead screw and started to use the dot above the dime. I took eight shots with the sights squared at the dot. Most of the shots went left of the dot. I then squared the sight right of the dot one front sight blade away from the dot. The result was the expected outcome – on the dot. I haven’t found a solution to this problem. Sliding the front sight does little. I’ll have to either modify the current peep sights or make a new set.

I recently bought a BSA Deerhunter scope with a 2.5 magnification and 20mm objective. Along with the stock pouch I bought, I hope to create a pouch so that I may stow it away while the gun is collapsed. I just need to buy the scope rings and I should be set.