Armalite AR-7 Explorer .22 LR Takedown Survival Rifle — Costa Mesa, California Production, 16 in Barrel
This Armalite AR-7 Explorer is a Costa Mesa, California production rifle from the original ArmaLite era, marked "COSTA MESA, CALIF. U.S.A." A classic takedown survival design with Eugene Stoner lineage to the AR-5, it features a quick-detach 16 in barrel and a hollow, stow-in-stock system designed to float when packed. Its combination of provenance, distinctive construction, and clever storage make this example notable for shooters and collectors alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This rifle shows evident prior use and handling, with wear consistent with regular takedown and carry.
What’s Included
- Armalite AR-7 Explorer .22 LR rifle (Costa Mesa, California production)
Marked "COSTA MESA, CALIF. U.S.A.," this AR-7 comes from the original ArmaLite production period in the United States. Its design lineage traces to Eugene Stoner’s AR-5, emphasizing portability and field utility in a compact, rimfire platform.
The rifle breaks down quickly via a knurled barrel nut, and the barrel and receiver stow inside the hollow synthetic stock. The threaded buttcap seals the compartment, and the stock is designed to float when the components are stored inside. The stock features a marbled multi-color finish and an ArmaLite-marked buttcap.
Construction centers on a 16 in quick-detach aluminum barrel with a steel liner and an aluminum alloy receiver, both finished in black. The right-side ejection port and overall lightweight build support the rifle’s packable, survival-oriented format.
It uses a semi-automatic blowback action and a detachable single-stack magazine with 8+1 capacity. Iron sights include a ramped blade front and a receiver-top rear sight on the cover, providing a straightforward, durable sighting setup for .22 LR use.