#85 • Armalite AR-7 Explorer Rifle

Part of March 2025 Firepower Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $325.00

Status: Sold

Category: Firearms

Manufacturer: Armalite Type: Rifle/Semi Auto Model: AR-7 Explorer Caliber: .22 Barrel Length: 16" Optics: N/A ATF Form 4473 Required: Yes Log: 2570 S/N: 111642 Ref #: N/A Notes: The Armalite AR-7 Explorer is a semi-automatic survival rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, originally designed in the late 1950s by Eugene Stoner, the famed inventor of the AR-15. Engineered for compact storage, low weight, and reliability, the AR-7 was intended for use by U.S. Air Force pilots as a part of their survival kit and has since become a favorite among outdoorsmen, backpackers, and collectors. This example, serial number 111642, was manufactured by Armalite and likely dates to the mid to late 1960s based on its serial number and design characteristics. It features a 16-inch steel barrel with a blued finish, an aluminum receiver, and a camouflage-pattern synthetic stock. The rifle’s takedown design allows the barrel and receiver to be stowed inside the waterproof stock, creating a highly portable and self-contained survival package. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the AR-7 achieves muzzle velocities between 1,200 and 1,300 feet per second with standard loads, providing excellent performance for small-game hunting and emergency situations. It feeds from an 8-round detachable magazine and utilizes a simple blowback action. The rifle is fitted with fixed iron sights, including a blade front and peep rear sight. This example is in very good overall condition. The camouflage stock is intact with minimal wear, and the barrel and receiver retain the majority of their finish with only light signs of use. The takedown and assembly functions operate properly, and the rifle cycles and locks up as intended. As a well-preserved example of an original Armalite AR-7 Explorer, this rifle offers both practical functionality and historical significance—representing one of the most innovative survival firearms of the Cold War era. Please see the photographs for more details, or contact us at 907-570-7050 or email us at FFL@alaskapremierauctions.com / Admin@alaskapremierauctions.com to schedule an in-person preview of the firearm.  ***All federal firearm background checks are conducted in-house, please allow pick-up times to reflect paperwork processing time (approx. 30-45 minutes).