Charter Arms AR-7 Explorer .22 LR Takedown Survival Rifle, 16 inch Barrel, Black, Stratford Conn. Marked
This Charter Arms AR-7 Explorer is a classic takedown survival rifle from the Charter Arms era (1973–1990), marked "AR-7 EXPLORER" and "STRATFORD, CONN." on the receiver. It features the well-known floating stock with internal stowage for the barrel and receiver, making it compact and easy to transport. Chambered in .22 LR with an 8+1 capacity and a 16 inch barrel, it weighs approximately 2.5 lb and measures about 35 inches overall when assembled.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The exterior shows scattered scratches and blemishes. Areas of finish wear and flaking are present.
What’s Included
- Charter Arms AR-7 Explorer .22 LR rifle
- 1x 8-round steel detachable magazine
Produced by Charter Arms in the United States, this AR-7 Explorer carries the Stratford, Connecticut rollmark and Charter Arms logo on the alloy receiver. The markings and model text align with the Charter Arms production window of 1973–1990, a period associated with this configuration of the Explorer.
The stock is a black polymer unit designed to float and to house the barrel and receiver for compact stowage. It uses a threaded buttcap to secure the components and provides a 14.5 inch length of pull, delivering a straightforward, lightweight package for carry and storage.
Operation is simple blowback in .22 LR with right-side ejection and a right-side charging handle. Capacity is 8+1 using the included detachable magazine. A manual safety is present for straightforward controls.
Sighting is via iron sights: a ramped front protected by ears and a receiver-top rear sight with an elevation adjustment screw. The 16 inch barrel and iron sights provide a traditional, no-nonsense setup suited to the rifle’s compact takedown design.




