The AR7 Air Force Survival Gun

 

It first appeared in the 1930s, and was designed for aircrews lost in remote areas, which needed a small caliber survival rifle. It suffered various transformations as time went by. In the 1950s, Eugene Stoner improved it, making it smaller and better. 

 

What is actually intriguing about it is the fact that it could be divided into smaller parts and stored in the hollow stock. The gun was 31-inches long and weighted under 3 pounds.

 

Then, the rifle was redesigned as a semi-automatic 22 long rifle with a 16.1-inch barrel. However, it now has serious competition from Ruger 10/22 Takedown, which has almost the same dimensions, and a more reliable action.

 

When it appeared, the AR7 was extremely ingenious and efficient, as no other gun could have been carried around so easily and still be used for small game. Everybody enjoys a rifle that can fit in your backpack.