1971 ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer Costa Mesa Israeli Pilot Survival Rifle .22 LR

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***

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

Price: $849.99
Shipping: $34.99
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