Very nice!

 

I'm liking that Midcentury marbled plastic stock.

Sent from my SM-T733 using Tapatalk

 

This article says they were produced from 1959 to 1973.I haven't seen anyone break down dates of manufacture with the serial number though. If you ever find evidence of how many were produced in each year, please post the info here....

Gun Collecting: The AR-7 Survival Gun

An Official Journal Of The NRA | The Unlikely Resilience of the AR-7 Survival Rifle

Despite the failed fortunes of its former manufacturers, the AR-7 rifle remains in production after nearly 60 years. It is certainly one of the most unique rimfire survival guns ever designed—with a developmental and service history that is full of surprises.

www.americanrifleman.org

• 1959-1973: ArmaLite
• 1973-1990: Charter Arms
• 1990-1997: Survival Arms - Cocoa, Florida
• 1998-2004: AR-7 Industries - LLC, Meriden, Connecticut (bought by ArmaLite in 2004)
• 1997–2007: Henry Repeating Arms Co. - Brooklyn, New York
• 2007–present: Henry Repeating Arms Co. - Bayonne, New Jersey

 

Disassembling the AR7 for cleanind and oiling I have found the mark of the Brescia proof house for the 1961, so this is one of the first batch produced. Thank you for your help.

 

I read that Armalite started serial numbers on the AR-7 at 50000, but I was not sure of the information was factual or not. I suppose it could be true since your 61000 numbered rifle was proofed in 1961.
How often do you see them for sale in Europe?

 

We had one when I was quite young...no idea what serial number(??). It was certainly an early Armalite Explorer.

Glad you could nail down the year your rifle was made.

 

I have had one for many years and tried to shoot mine a few years ago. It didn't function properly. I disassembled it and cleaned it and still not good. I ordered all new springs for it and replaced them. It took a little time but I got it done right. It works great! Make sure any old springs get replaced to keep it running flawlessly. Neat survival rifles!