Sterling L34A1
Sterling Armaments Company · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1966
Also known as: Sterling Mk.5, L34A1 SMG, Patchett Mk.5, Silenced Sterling
Overview
The Sterling L34A1 (also designated Sterling Mk.5) is the integrally suppressed variant of the L2A3 Sterling submachine gun. Developed in the early 1960s and adopted by the British Army in 1966, it replaced the Sten Mk.IIS in special operations service. The barrel is ported with 72 small holes that vent powder gases into a wrapped expansion chamber and diffuser system, reducing muzzle velocity to subsonic levels. The result is a weapon so quiet that the loudest sound during firing is the cycling of the bolt itself.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 864 mm (34.02") |
| Folded Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Barrel Length | 198 mm (7.80") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 34 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 296 m/s (971 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 326 J (240 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Selector Safety, Open Bolt Safety Notch
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Ported Barrel, Expansion Chamber Silencer, Side Mounted Curved Magazine, Folding Wire Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- British Army (Special Air Service) · adopted 1966 · as L34A1
- Special Boat Service · as L34A1
- Australian Special Air Service Regiment · as F1 SMG (suppressed)
- New Zealand Special Air Service
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1962-1972)
- Dhofar Rebellion (1965-1976)
- The Troubles (1969-1998)
- Falklands War (1982)
Production
Production years: 1966-1988
Limited production; primarily issued to UK, Commonwealth, and allied special forces
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: George William Patchett
Discontinued: 1988
Notes
Used extensively by the SAS and SBS in counter-terrorism, Northern Ireland operations, and Oman during the Dhofar Rebellion. Australian and New Zealand SAS regiments employed the suppressed Sterling on long-range reconnaissance patrols during the Vietnam War.
Background
The L34A1's suppressor was so effective at subsonic velocities that operators reportedly preferred firing it in semi-automatic - at full-auto, the click of the bolt cycling was actually louder than the muzzle report, defeating the purpose of being quiet.