Ar-7 Explorer Serial Numbers
I have aquirred what appears to be an early Armalite AR-7 Explorer, previously test fired only a few times. The serial number is 100916. Ninjutsu black belt home study course by richard van donk.
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Jiwilliams, Got your e-mail and replied. My current data base suggests that your piece was made in 1965 - first year of production. I don't have enough info to have an opinion on production quantities in the early years - so that's as close as I can get, for now. FYI - this early piece should not have a city name in the right side barrel address (e.g. BRIDGEPORT) and the serial number should be stamped into the right side of the frame in the lower righthand corner - later pieces - not much after yours - have BRIDGEPORT in the barrel address and the serial number location was moved to the lower left of the right side - below the hammer and just next to the grip panel. Huga, Police moniker designates 6 shot.38 SPL +P on the larger Bulldog frame.
Stainless Steel construction began in April '81. That serial number range suggests it was produced sometime in 1985. Do you have any verified, dated materials?
Charter Arms Ar-7 Explorer Serial Numbers
The pictures indicate you have an excellent condition piece. It is the first POLICE Undercover in SS that I have logged - so I'd presume it is scarce. Thanks for the info. Jim Hauff p.s. Note that this model is rated for +P.38s - I often use my blued version as CCW. At the range - mine is very accurate at 30'. Last edited by 32 Magnum; February 26th, 2011 at 12:52 PM.
Huga - You're welcome and thanks for thanking. From old magazine articles that I've read - Charter made an attempt in the early '80s to improve the 'fit & finish' of their revolvers. This resulted in an increase in retail price - and a host of complaints about the price increase.
I can see the improvement in fit and finish from around that time in pieces in my collection. The 'improvement' was kind of a reversal of the original intent of Doug McClennahan, the founder, to produce a solid, functional, robust, no-frills SD revolver at low cost and therefore low retail price.