Sterling Model 25
Sterling Arms Corporation · Pistol · Discontinued · 1967
Also known as: Sterling Model 300, Sterling Model 302, Sterling Model 300S
Overview
The Sterling Model 25 (also sold in the Model 300/302 family) is a small all-steel blowback-operated, single-action vest-pocket pistol chambered in .25 ACP, made by Sterling Arms Corporation of Gasport / Lockport, New York. It feeds from a six-round single-stack magazine with a heel-mounted release, uses trench-style sights and a manual thumb safety, and is built to a noticeably higher standard than the pot-metal budget pistols it resembles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 369 g (13.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Barrel Length | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Height | 95 mm (3.74") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35mm Browning, 6.35x16mmSR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Trench Sights, Heel Magazine Release, All Steel Construction, Pocket Pistol
Variants
- Sterling Model 300 — Blued
- Sterling Model 300S — Stainless Steel
Production
Production years: 1967-1983
Sterling Arms ceased operations in 1983 following a product-liability lawsuit involving a Model 300
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
The 302/300 designation overlaps a .22 LR version of the same frame; the .25 ACP guns are the Model 25 / 300 / 300S line. The stainless Model 300S was praised as comparable in quality to Seecamp pocket pistols rather than budget 'Saturday night special' brands.
Background
Sterling Arms started in 1967 as a .22 target-pistol maker, then pivoted to compact pocket autos after the 1968 Gun Control Act; the company was ultimately shut down in 1983 by a product-liability suit over one of its little .25 pistols.