The civilian AR-7's intended markets today are backpackers and other recreational users as a takedown utility rifle. The AR-7 was designed by American firearms designer Eugene Stoner, who is most associated with the development of the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle that was adopted by the US military as the M16. The AR-7 was adopted and modified by the Israeli Air Force as an aircrew survival weapon in the 1980s. Air Force as a pilot and aircrew survival weapon. 22 Long Rifle caliber, developed in 1959 from the AR-5 that was adopted by the U.S. The ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer is a semi-automatic firearm in. 10-, 15-, 25-round magazines available.Īperture rear and drift-adjustable front. ArmaLite AR-7 survival rifle with 8-, 10-, and 15-round magazines.