Sterling L2A3

Sterling Armaments Company · Submachine-Gun · Discontinued · 1953

Weight (empty)2720 g (95.9 oz)
Overall Length690 mm (27.17")
Barrel Length198 mm (7.80")
Height133 mm (5.24")
Width32 mm (1.26")
Magazine Capacity34 rounds
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismOpen Bolt
Muzzle Velocity390 m/s (1280 fps)
Muzzle Energy567 J (418 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum

The Sterling L2A3 (Sterling Mk 4) is a British submachine gun that served as the standard-issue submachine gun of the British Armed Forces from 1953 to 1994, replacing the legendary Sten gun. Designed by George William Patchett at the Sterling Armaments Company in Dagenham, Essex, the Sterling operates on a simple blowback principle firing from an open bolt in either semi-automatic or full-automatic modes at a cyclic rate of 550 rounds per minute. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, the weapon feeds...

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Designer: George William Patchett