Charter Arms Explorer II

The Charter Arms Explorer II is a semi-automatic .22 LR pistol produced in the late 1970s as a compact variant of the ArmaLite AR-7 survival rifle design. It features a lightweight, takedown construction with an aluminum receiver, synthetic grip, and a threaded barrel (typically 6", 8", or 10" lengths, though 8" is common), making it resemble a modernized Broomhandle Mauser in profile. The pistol holds 8 rounds in its detachable box magazine and includes a manual safety lever on the left side of the frame. The serial number on this example (80022965) aligns with Charter Arms' production numbering from that era.

This model was marketed as a survival or backpacking handgun, emphasizing portability and low recoil for plinking or small game. Parts are interchangeable with the AR-7 rifle (except the barrel, due to NFA regulations requiring a 16" minimum rifle barrel length), but the pistol's fixed grip lacks stock attachment points. Production was limited, and it's now a collector's item!

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