1971 ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer Costa Mesa Israeli Pilot Survival Rifle .22 LR
Guns International #: 103698983 Seller's Inventory #: A147958
Category: Armalite Rifles - Survival & Camping Rifles

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: National-Armory
Member Since: 5/3/24
State: Pennsylvania
Zip: 15108
Country: United States
Phone: (724) 457-8060
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 166
Total Number of Listings: 236
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: CREDIT CARD, MONEY ORDER, CASHIER'S CHECK, PERSONAL CHECKS, GUN TAB

About Us: We are a large online and brick & mortar retailer near Pittsburgh, PA. We deal in new firearms as well as historical, classic, and vintage firearms. Ask us about C&R on applicable items! National Armory follows all local, state, and federal laws. It is the buyer's responsibility to know their laws before purchasing. Prices do not include shipping.


Description:
MANUFACTURER: ARMALITE
MODEL: AR-7 EXPLORER SURVIVAL RIFLE 
VARIANT: ISRAELI AIR FORCE CONFIGURATION
YEAR MANUFACTURED: 1971 COSTA MESA PRODUCTION
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
SERIAL NUMBER: A147958
ISSUED BRANCH: ISRAELI AIR FORCE 
ARMORY MARKS: COSTA MESA BARREL LEGEND
CALIBER: .22 LONG RIFLE
CAPACITY: 8 ROUNDS
BARREL LENGTH: 16.00"
BARREL FEATURES: STEEL BARREL WITH THREADED RECEIVER COLLAR, PORTED BARREL EXTENSION 
OVERALL LENGTH: 34.50"
OPERATING SYSTEM: BLOWBACK
ACTION: SEMI-AUTOMATIC
TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE
IRON SIGHTS: HOODED FRONT BLADE WITH REAR PEEP
STOCK: ISRAELI WIRE SHOULDER STOCK
GRIP: BLACK POLYMER
FIREARM FINISH: PARKERIZED/PHOSPHATE
CONDITION: GOOD SURPLUS CONDITION WITH HONEST SERVICE WEAR, FINISH LOSS ON HIGH EDGES, HANDLING MARKS, AND LIGHT COSMETIC SCRATCHING. THE INTERNAL MAGAZINE RETAINER FOR THE FLOATING STOCK APPEARS TO BE MISSING. 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: ISRAELI WIRE SHOULDER STOCK,SLING, COSTA MESA MARKED BARREL, SAFETY-MARKED RECEIVER, PORTED BARREL EXTENSION, DETACHABLE MAGAZINE
WHAT’S INCLUDED: RIFLE, MAGAZINE, SLING

Few survival rifles have achieved the legendary status of the ArmaLite AR-7, and this example stands apart with its uncommon Israeli Air Force-style wire stock configuration. Built during the desirable Costa Mesa production era, it retains the classic lightweight aluminum receiver, detachable barrel system, and compact survival layout that made the AR-7 one of the most recognizable emergency rifles of the Cold War. While no Israeli military property markings are visible, the overall configuration is consistent with examples associated with Israeli pilot survival use.

Designed by Eugene Stoner after his work on the AR-10 and AR-15, the AR-7 utilizes a simple blowback operating system that keeps weight to a minimum while providing dependable rimfire performance. The quick-detach barrel allows the rifle to be rapidly assembled in the field, while the lightweight wire stock keeps the package exceptionally compact. This example also features a ported barrel extension that appears consistent with a later modification intended to meet U.S. minimum barrel-length requirements, extending the barrel to the required 16 inches. Originally developed as a civilian survival rifle inspired by U.S. Air Force requirements, the AR-7 soon found international interest for emergency aircrew kits due to its minimal weight and ease of transport. 

The ArmaLite AR-7 earned lasting fame beyond its survival-rifle pedigree through its appearances in the James Bond franchise, most notably in From Russia with Love (1963), where Sean Connery's 007 assembled the compact takedown rifle from Q Branch's iconic attaché case. Its innovative design, aviation heritage, and Hollywood exposure have made the AR-7 one of the most recognizable survival rifles ever produced.

Collector highlights include the desirable Costa Mesa barrel markings, early ArmaLite production, the distinctive Israeli-pattern wire shoulder stock assembly, original-pattern sling, and matching period finish throughout. Visible wear is consistent with honest field or storage use rather than heavy abuse. 

Unique, lightweight, and immediately recognizable, the AR-7 remains one of the most iconic survival rifles ever produced. Whether displayed alongside Cold War aviation collectibles or added to an advanced ArmaLite collection, this Costa Mesa example delivers the unmistakable engineering pedigree of Eugene Stoner wrapped in one of the most innovative survival rifle designs ever placed in a pilot's emergency kit.

***Please see pictures for condition and wear***

SHIPPING INFORMATION:
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WE TRY TO SHIP FIREARMS THE SAME DAY PAYMENT/FFL IS RECEIVED.
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PAYMENT OPTIONS:
*MONEY ORDER
*CERTIFIED CHECK
*CASHIER’S CHECK
*CREDIT CARD (3% FEE)
*IF PAYING BY CHECK PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO: NATIONAL ARMORY
Layaway is available on purchases of $749.99 and above, see Additional Terms of Sales for details.

PROCEDURES:
IF YOUON A GUN AND DECIDE TO CANCEL YOURWE ARE UNABLE TO DO THAT FOR YOU PER GUN ’S POLICY. IF THE ENDS AND NO OTHER BIDS HAVE COME IN ON THAT GUN AND YOU STILL DO NOT WANT IT YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 20% RESTOCKING FEE

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PURCHASES ARE SUBJECT TO SALES TAX FROM

STATE & LOCAL LAWS:
CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS PRIOR TO . IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REACH OUT TO A LOCAL FFL AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR STATE'S SPECIFIC LAWS BETTER THAN WE CAN. IT IS THE BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW IF HE/SHE CAN LEGALLY OWN A FIREARM AND ACCESSORIES BEFORE PLACING A BID.

DISCLAIMER
All pre-owned firearms offered by National Armory are thoroughly inspected by our on-site gunsmith to ensure they are in proper working condition. While test firing may or may not be conducted, all firearms are evaluated for basic function and safety. It is solely the buyer’s responsibility to be familiar with and comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm ownership and accessory restrictions, including but not limited to magazine capacity and prohibited features. All sales are final.

Price: $849.99

Rifle Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Manufacturer: ARMALITE
Model: AR-7 EXPLORER
Serial Number: A147958
Barrel Length: 16.00
Condition: GOOD
Manufacture Date: 1971