I picked up a Charter Arms AR7 over the weekend for what I felt was a great price.  That said, it's a little rough on the receiver finish and could use a good cleaning/lube job on the fire control components.  The only really broken component appears to be the spring guide rods that were made from a polymer material and are attached via a screw in the rear of the receiver.  The gun still appears to function but I'd like to replace the part.

Any good advice on where to find parts for these AR7's?

Any internal updates that can be done with little to no obvious way to tell from the outside? (I'm thinking that metal guide rods instead of polymer for the recoil springs may be the best long term solution)

Any way to identify the date of manufacture on the Charter Arms AR7 Explorer's?

What's the finish on these receivers?  It looks a lot like the wrinkle finish paint used on valve covers in the 60's-70's.

Thanks
Wes

Email me. I may have the part you need.
Production of Charter Arms AR-7 started in 1973