Remember long ago when I scoped my Henry US Survival Rifle and hated how the scope became loose after eight to 10 rounds? To remedy that, I was going to add some washers to the thumb nuts. I still haven’t gone to the hardware store.
I know I said I wouldn’t use a tool, however, I avoided the loose tool concern and I decided to splice some paracord on the scope with a washer attached to it. It’s pretty simple and I don’t have to worry about losing it. The washer is about 3/4″ – I dug it out of my misc. parts box.
It made a world of a difference on shot placement. So far – good news. Maintaining the scope location on the rail, the reticle remains at zero even after several mounts. Now I’m more motivated than ever to complete my stock pouch design. I’m waiting for materials from www.diytactical.com.
Above is a target I shot at with the scope mounted after being tightened with my makeshift tool at 25 yards. The surrounding holes are 9mm for different dots above and below my intended target. Below are two dots I shot at… scoped… at 25 yards. Until now, I hid it from public view out of embarrassment.
I’M LOOKING FOR A QUICK MOUNT THAT I CAN JUST SECURE WITH A THUMB SCREW AND USE ONE OF THE SHORT RED DOT SCOPES. ANYONE HAVE NUMBER MODELS ON MONTS THAT WILL WORK?
Hey there Jim! Thanks for stopping by.
Finding a short Red Dot scope that will mount directly on to the top-off mounts might be difficult since most of the come with the weaver-type mounts. However, you can always look for a Red Dot with a 1″ tube and buy the rings separately. Otherwise, you’ll have to use an adapter which only just gets clumsy looking.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=673097&t=11082005
and..
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=629868&t=11082005
Good luck!
CAA makes a nice short aluminum mount that attaches to Weaver rails with a single nut, requiring an adapter, but it does detach quickly using a multi-tool. The mount is for a 30 mm tube, but comes equiped with inserts for compatability with a one inch tube optic.
Packin’ Rat – you may be interested to know that AR-7 Industries (http://www.ar-7.com/) makes a 16 1/2″ heavy barrel (it’s not THAT heavy) for the AR-7 that is drilled for a scope mount. You can order it with a cantilever scope mount or do what I did – install a low Weaver mount and install a pistol scope for a “scout” type long eye relief arrangement. You won’t lose zero, nothing will shoot loose, and it’s extremely handy and accurate for the ranges appropriate for this type of rifle.
Now, it is a little heavier (as it’s a steel 7/8″ bull barrel), and you won’t be able to use the issue stock. However, a nice small case could be made (like the one for your M6) that would hold everything you need, and it’s really handy and very accurate. Just, you know, better than the results you’re getting with the whippy barrel.
I am considering SBRing mine to make a pocket rifle with the folding and collapsing stock I am building, and even if I don’t, it’s getting threaded for a suppressor.
Hey Kyle,
I agree. The stock is really starting to get hokey and more willing to get rid of it for a collapsible variation. I’d like to weld my own and see where it will take me as well as take you up on your suggestion with a 16.5″ barrel.
As satisfactory the plastic barrel is now – it’s starting to tick me off. The steel counter part is on my shopping list… among other things. Thanks for stopping by with the awesome suggestion.
Hi ThePackingRat!
Can you post more pics (overall, from the reciever -both sides-)?
I own the “Charter Arms” version, and I’ve planned to attach some scope mountings, but I’ve noted that rails of the reciever are too “low profile”.
There’s a side plate for the reciever (sell as accesory), that replace the original one, where you can attach easier the mounts for scope.
How did you attach the mount in your AR-7?
Regards 🙂
I won’t be able to get pictures of that rifle for you, but could you define “low profile?” The Henry had small rimfire/airgun rails – not the traditional weaver bases that are more common. So I used scope rings that can accommodate the airgun rail.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=629868&t=11082005
I described my process here:
https://thepackingrat.net/2007/10/11/scoping-the-henry-us-survival-rifle/
I did not use a side plate to mount a scope.
Have you checked out this type of mount? Looks like you can thumb torque the rings down without tools http://www.midwayusa.com/product/516703/burris-1-quick-release-weaver-style-rings-matte-medium
Howdy, Mr. Rich!
Though I haven’t tried those rings, I imagine they would be perfect! When I was searching for scope rings when I made this post, they didn’t have them available. Good to see that they’re making them now!
However, I have since sold my Henry US Survival Rifle. I see that you’re enjoying the newer models! It appears that the internals haven’t changed much. Thoughts?
So far I love the rifle. I’ve put about 100 rounds through it and haven’t had a single jam. It also seems to be accurate enough, and I like the peep sight, primitive as it is. I own a lot of Henry rifles from 17HMR to 44 mag, and in comparison this rifle is as light as a feather. I do a lot of squirrel hunting, and the H001T with octagon barrel gets quite heavy after a few hours. I’m dealing with that problem by having a Henry sling installed by my gunsmith right now. The AR-7 is another solution. I would like to get a scope on it, but I hate to buy a scope without looking through it. I just contacted Anthony Imperato at Henry for his recommendation. I’d like to keep the scope and rings down to about $100. If you check my blog from time to time you can see how I made out. Thanks much for the very nice site. Regards.
Bob Rich, sir I gather you have or had a Henry survival rifle you scoped. Was it a success and would you be willing to share the general info on what all you did and the steps?