View source for Sterling submachine gun

{{short description|Type of submachine gun}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Sterling submachine gun
| image              = Submachine Gun, 9mm, L2A3, Sterling, British, S-N UF57A5347 (NHHC 2002-11-2).jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Various views of a Sterling Mk. 4/L2A3 (Right side with folded/unfolded stock, left side with unfolded stock)
| origin             = United Kingdom
| type               = [[Submachine gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = yes
| is_UK              = yes
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1944–present
| used_by            = [[#Users|See ''Users'']]
| wars               = *[[World War II]] (Limited)
*[[Malayan Emergency]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|pp=41–44}}
*[[Korean War]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|pp=38–41}}
*[[Mau Mau Uprising]]<ref name="Encyclopedie">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Contre les Mau Mau |language=fr |encyclopedia=Encyclopédie des armes: Les forces armées du monde |publisher=Atlas |year=1986 |pages=2764–2766 |volume=XII |number=139. Armes d'infanterie d'après-guerre}}</ref>
*[[Suez Crisis]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=46}}
*[[1958 Lebanon crisis]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Sterling L2A3 |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/en/weapon/view/19/sterling-l2a3|website=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification|ref={{harvid|BICC}}|author=Bonn International Center for Conversion|author-link=Bonn International Center for Conversion}}</ref>
*[[Bizerte crisis]]<ref name="OAS">{{cite magazine |language=fr |magazine=Gazette des Armes |issue=220 |date=March 1992 |title=Les armes de l'O.A.S. |pages=28–30 |url=http://fr.1001mags.com/parution/gazette-des-armes/numero-220-mars-1992/page-28-29-texte-integral |first=Jean-Claude |last=Perez |access-date=2018-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008174905/http://fr.1001mags.com/parution/gazette-des-armes/numero-220-mars-1992/page-28-29-texte-integral |archive-date=2018-10-08 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Aden Emergency]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|pp=49–51}}
*[[Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=47}}
*[[Rhodesian Bush War]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia, 1965-80 |page=104 |first1=Peter G. |last1=Locke |first2=Peter D.F. |last2=Cooke |year=1995 |location=Wellington, NZ |publisher=P and P Publications |isbn=978-0-47302-413-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 |first=Kerrin |last=Cocks |page=12 |location=Solihull, UK |publisher=Helion & Company |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-91029-405-5}}</ref>
*[[Portuguese Colonial War]]{{sfn|Thompson|2012|p=74}}{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
*[[Vietnam War]]<ref name="NI">{{cite web |last1=Suciu |first1=Peter |title=Best Guns of the Vietnam War—Beyond the AK-47 and M16 |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/best-guns-vietnam-war—beyond-ak-47-and-m16-177367 |website=National Interest |access-date=20 February 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131154354/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/best-guns-vietnam-war%E2%80%94beyond-ak-47-and-m16-177367|archive-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Laotian Civil War]]{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
*[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]<ref>{{cite news |date=29 December 2017 |title=Arms for freedom |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/bangladesh-liberation-war-1971-muktijuddho-guerrilla-fighter-arms-freedom-1511812 |newspaper=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |access-date=2019-08-31|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103174324/https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/bangladesh-liberation-war-1971-muktijuddho-guerrilla-fighter-arms-freedom-1511812|archive-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref>
* [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=73}}
*[[Nigerian Civil War]]<ref name="auto">{{cite book |last=Jowett |first=Philip |title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70 |year=2016 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-47281-609-2 |page=19 & 43}}</ref>
*[[Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89)|Second Malayan Emergency]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=65}}
*[[The Troubles]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|pp=51–52}}
*[[Angolan Civil War]]<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Callan's Mercenaries Are Defeated in Northern Angola |title=Mercenaries in Asymmetric Conflicts |first=Scott |last=Fitzsimmons |date=November 2012 |isbn=978-1-10702-691-9 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZfGYsrEIBEC |pages=155–156 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |doi=10.1017/CBO9781139208727.005|quote=For instance, they possessed enough rifles for each soldier. Most were American-made M1 and M2 carbines, though some mercenaries were issued Belgian FN riles, AK-47s, Uzi sub-machine guns, Sten guns, or Sterling [submachine guns].}}</ref>
*[[Iran–Iraq War]]
*[[Falklands War]]<ref name="NI" />
*[[Lebanese Civil War]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Sterling L2A3 |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/en/weapon/view/19/sterling-l2a3|website=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification|ref={{harvid|BICC}}|author=Bonn International Center for Conversion|author-link=Bonn International Center for Conversion}}</ref><ref name="Debay, 1989 p. 30">Micheletti and Debay, ''Liban – dix jours aux cœur des combats'', RAIDS magazine (1989), p. 30.</ref>
*[[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=73}}
*[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=73}}
*[[Gulf War]]<ref name="gulf"/>
*[[Nepalese Civil War]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alpeyrie |first1=Jonathan |title=English: Three Maoist rebels are waiting on top of a hill in the Rolpa district to get orders to relocate to another location |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maoist_rebels_on_a_hill_in_Nepal.jpg}}</ref>
*[[Iraq War]]<ref name='SAS 2012 10'>{{cite book |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html |chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf |chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms In Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia |title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |year=2012 |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |page=321 |isbn=978-0-521-19714-4 |access-date=2018-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html |archive-date=2018-08-31 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Libyan Civil War]]<ref name='SAS 26'/>
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = George William Patchett
| design_date        = 1944
| manufacturer       = [[Sterling Armaments Company]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1953–1988
| number             = 400,000+
| variants           = [[#Variants|See ''Variants'']]
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert|2.7|kg|lb|lk=on}}
| length             = {{convert|686|mm|in|lk=on|}}<br/>Folded stock: {{convert|481|mm|in}}
| part_length        = {{convert|196|mm|in}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = [[9×19mm Parabellum]]<br>[[7.62×51mm NATO]]<br><small>(Prototype only)</small><br>[[.30 Carbine]]<br>.357 (proposal)<br>[[.40 S&W]]<br>[[.45 ACP]]<small>(PAWS ZX)</small>
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 
| action             = [[Blowback (firearms)|Straight blowback]]
| rate               = 550 rounds/min
| velocity           = 
| range              = {{convert|200|m|yd|lk=on}}<br/>Suppressed: {{convert|50|–|100|m|yd}}
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 34-round [[box magazine]] or 32- or 50-round box magazine from the [[Sten]] and [[Lanchester submachine gun|Lanchester]]
| sights             = [[Iron sight]]s
}}

The '''Sterling submachine gun''' is a British [[submachine gun]] (SMG). It was tested by the [[British Army]] in 1944–1945, but did not start to replace the [[Sten]] until 1953. A successful and reliable design, it remained standard issue in the British Army until 1994,{{Sfn|Moss|2018|p=77}} when it began to be replaced by the [[SA80|L85A1]], a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]].

== History ==
In 1944, the British [[Staff (military)|General Staff]] issued a specification for a new submachine gun to replace the [[Sten]].<ref>https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/sterling-submachine-gun-part-1/502765</ref> It stated that the new weapon should weigh no more than six [[pound (mass)|pounds]] (2.7&nbsp;kg), should fire [[9×19mm Parabellum]] ammunition, have a [[rate of fire]] of no more than 500 rounds per minute, and be sufficiently accurate to allow five consecutive shots (fired in semi-automatic mode) to be placed inside a one-foot-square (30&nbsp;cm × 30&nbsp;cm) target at a distance of {{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}}.

To meet the new requirement, [[George William Patchett]], the chief designer at the [[Sterling Armaments Company]] of [[Dagenham]], submitted a sample weapon of new design in early 1944.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1963-12-251-7 |title=Patchett 9 mm Mk I experimental sub machine gun, 1944 |website=[[National Army Museum]], London |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128173132/http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1963-12-251-7 |archive-date=2017-01-28 |url-status=live}}</ref> The first Patchett prototype gun was similar to the Sten insofar as its cocking handle (and the slot it moved back and forth in) was placed in line with the ejection port<ref>{{cite web |url=http://firearms.96.lt/pages/Patchett.html |title=Patchett |website=firearms.96.lt |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717121455/http://firearms.96.lt/pages/Patchett.html |archive-date=17 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> though it was redesigned soon afterwards and moved up to a slightly offset position.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://augfc.tumblr.com/post/90190974480/patchett-machine-carbine-in-1942-george-william |title=Patchett machine-carbine |website=Firearms Curiosa |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713175649/http://augfc.tumblr.com/post/90190974480/patchett-machine-carbine-in-1942-george-william |archive-date=2015-07-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> The army quickly recognised the Patchett's significantly increased accuracy and reliability compared to the Sten and ordered 120 examples for trials.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://smallarmsreview.com/patchetts-sterlings-paws-and-stenlings-oh-my/ | title=Patchetts, Sterlings, PAWS and Stenlings, Oh My - Small Arms Review | date=18 January 2019 }}</ref> Towards the end of the [[World War II|Second World War]], some of these trial samples are rumoured to have been used in combat by airborne troops during the [[Operation Market Garden|battle of Arnhem]]<ref>According to Matthew Moss {{harv|Moss|2018 |page=38}}, "Despite much research, however, there is currently no documentary evidence to suggest that trials Patchetts found their way to the legendary battle that consumed Arnhem."</ref> and by [[special forces]] at other locations in Northern Europe<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.haulerwijk.com/~historische/Patchett-gun/Patchett.htm |title=Patchett guns |website=Haulerwijk.com |date=2015-04-19 |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215022313/http://www.haulerwijk.com/~historische/Patchett-gun/Patchett.htm |archive-date=2017-02-15 |url-status=dead}}</ref> where it was officially known as the Patchett Machine Carbine Mk 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029378 |title=Patchett Machine Carbine Mk1 (FIR 6232) |website=[[Imperial War Museum]] |date=1999-02-22 |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729225908/http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029378 |archive-date=2017-07-29 |url-status=live}}</ref> For example, a Patchett submachine gun (serial numbered 078 and now held by the [[Imperial War Museum]]), was carried in action by Colonel Robert W.P. Dawson while he was Commanding Officer of [[No. 4 Commando]], during the attack on [[Walcheren]] as part of [[Operation Infatuate]] in November 1944.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029467 |title=Patchett Machine Carbine Mk1 (FIR 6365) |website=Imperial War Museum |date=1999-02-22 |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234528/https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029467 |archive-date=2018-04-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> Because the Patchett/Sterling can use straight Sten [[magazine (firearms)|magazines]] as well as the curved Sterling design, there were no interoperability problems.

After the war, with large numbers of Sten guns in the inventory, there was little interest in replacing them with a superior design. However, in 1947, a competitive trial between the Patchett, an Enfield design, a new [[BSA experimental model 1949|BSA design]] and an experimental Australian design was held, with the Sten for comparison. The trial was inconclusive but was followed by further development and more trials. Eventually, the Patchett design won and the decision was made in 1951 for the British Army to adopt it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029337 |title=Patchett 9mm Machine Carbine, Experimental (FIR 6160) |website=Imperial War Museum |date=2005-06-01 |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729200042/http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029337 |archive-date=2017-07-29 |url-status=live}}</ref> It started to replace the Sten in 1953 as the "Sub-Machine Gun L2A1". Its last non-[[Suppressor|suppressed]] variation was the L2A3 but the model changes were minimal throughout its development life.

Sterling submachine guns with minor cosmetic alterations were used in the production of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' films as props for the [[Blaster (Star Wars)|E-11 blaster rifle]] used by [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Imperial]] Stormtroopers.<ref name="SW">{{cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2UoPAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT636 |publisher=Random House LLC |location=New York |isbn=978-0-345-54286-1 |pages=636–637 |date=2013-10-22 |edition=Enhanced}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Submachine gun - Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper E-11 blaster (1976) |url=https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-113975.html |publisher=[[Royal Armouries]] |access-date=29 May 2022 |archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230524160533/https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-113975.html |archive-date=24 May 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> More drastically altered Sterlings were used as DH-17 blaster pistols in the hands of [[Rebel Alliance]] soldiers, though this weapon was mostly depicted via resin replicas that were cast from a "hero" prop and only a few live-firing Sterlings were modified compared to those used as E-11s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Submachine gun - Star Wars DH-17 rebel trooper blaster (1976) |url=https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-113976.html |publisher=[[Royal Armouries]] |access-date=29 May 2022 |archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230524160526/https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-113976.html |archive-date=24 May 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> The E-11 itself would later come to be depicted by non-firing Sterling replicas, namely Model Gun Corporation replicas, which were used in ''[[Return of the Jedi]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Lot #754 - STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983) - Stormtrooper Blaster |url=https://ukm.propstoreauction.com/lot-details/index/catalog/244/lot/67012 |publisher=Propstore Auction |access-date=1 April 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401004700/https://ukm.propstoreauction.com/lot-details/index/catalog/244/lot/67012|archive-date=April 1, 2023}}</ref> and S&T Sterling L2A1 airsoft guns which have been used from ''[[Rogue One]]'' onwards.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROGUE ONE E-11 BLASTER REFERENCE |date=7 April 2017 |url=https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/41271-rogue-one-e-11-blaster-reference/ |publisher=1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment |access-date=1 April 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420171009/https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/41271-rogue-one-e-11-blaster-reference/|archive-date=April 20, 2023}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Pretty sure there has to be an official source saying something along the lines of "these are the replicas we used to make our new blaster props".|date=April 2023}}

==Design details==
[[File:For Wiki Sterling.JPG|thumb|left|A Sterling submachine gun in the [[Imperial War Museum]]]]

The Sterling submachine gun is constructed entirely of steel and plastic and has a [[stock (firearm)|shoulder stock]] that folds underneath the weapon. There is an adjustable rear sight, which can be flipped between 100 and 200 yard settings. Although of conventional [[blowback (arms)|blowback]] design firing from an [[open bolt]], there are some unusual features: for example, the [[bolt (firearm)|bolt]] has [[helix|helical]] grooves cut into the surface to remove dirt and fouling from the inside of the [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] to increase reliability. There are two concentric recoil springs which cycle the bolt, as opposed to the single spring arrangement used by many other SMG designs. This double-spring arrangement is intended to give improved reliability when firing 9mm ammunition types other than the British '2Z' standard, which typically have different propellant charges and bullet weights.

The Sterling's double-stack, double-feed box [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] was designed in 1946 by George Patchett.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US2510831A | title=Cartridge magazine for automatic firearms }}</ref> While the original Patchett gun was intended to take [[Sten]] or [[Lanchester submachine gun|Lanchester]] magazines, these magazines' poor reliability led Patchett to initially redesign the Sten magazine with a [[Rolling-element bearing|roller platform]] to reduce [[friction]], and then to construct a new double-feed magazine that implemented the earlier roller platform, a [[stamped metal]] construction, and a curved magazine body, allowing the [[9×19mm Parabellum|9×19mm round]] to feed more reliably. The bolt feeds ammunition alternately from the top and bottom of the magazine lips, and its fixed firing pin is designed so that it does not line up with the [[percussion cap|primer]] in the [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] until the cartridge has entered the chamber. In its final iteration, the magazine uses a four-piece construction with scalloped, spot-welded edges and positioning notches.<ref name=osprey>{{cite book |title=Royal Marine Commando 1950–82: From Korea to the Falklands |first=Will |last=Fowler |publisher=Osprey |year=2009 |pages=17–20 |isbn=978-1-84603-372-8}}</ref>{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020| pp= 290–297}} While originally intended to hold forty rounds, concerns over the magazine's ability to fit into the ammunition pouch of the then-new 1944 Pattern Web Equipment led the magazine to be shortened to its final capacity of thirty-four rounds;{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020| p= 293}} when introducing the Mk 7 Pistol variant in 1983, Sterling produced magazines with capacities of ten and fifteen rounds for that weapon, as well as introducing "twin-stacked" versions of these and the original thirty-four round magazine.{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020| pp= 299–300}} The Sterling magazine is said to be one of the best ever designed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Matthew|date=9 November 2020|title=The Sterling Submachine Gun Magazine: The Best Magazine Ever Designed?|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/11/09/the-sterling-submachine-gun-magazine-the-best-magazine-ever-designed/|website=The Firearm Blog|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309223605/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/11/09/the-sterling-submachine-gun-magazine-the-best-magazine-ever-designed/|archive-date=March 9, 2023}}</ref> While Sterling provided magazines for British Armed Forces weapons, with these being designated as "Magazine, 9mm, L1A1", cost issues led the Ministry of Defence to pursue the design and production of a non-Sterling L1A2 version which used a stamped and electrically seam-welded two-piece construction with a singular positioning lug and was 9.8" long down the rear spine compared to the 9.6" of Sterling-produced magazines.{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020| pp=297–299}} Production Sterlings retain the earlier Patchett gun's compatibility with Sten and Lanchester magazines; while the Lanchester gun is theoretically capable of using Sterling magazines, the same cannot be said for the Sten gun since a Sterling magazine intrudes {{fraction|3|32}} inch further into the bolt way than a Sten magazine and so attempting to fire a Sten gun with a Sterling magazine fitted would cause the breech block to foul the rear of the magazine, while attempting to counteract this by withdrawing the magazine by {{fraction|3|32}} inch would merely result in the magazine's top round being out of alignment with the breech block by {{fraction|3|16}} inches. This issue is not present on Sterling guns fitted with Sten magazines; while the magazine will be {{fraction|3|32}} inch further away from the breech block's centre line, the top round remains in line with the breech and so can be reached by the Sterling's more robust feed horns. The Sterling gun and its magazine were purportedly designed this way in order to prevent a situation where, instead of buying the actual Sterling gun, prospective users might only buy its magazines and then use these with their pre-existing Sten guns.{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020| pp= 294–295}} 

The Sterling employs a degree of what is known as [[Advanced Primer Ignition]], in that the cartridge is fired while the bolt is still moving forward, a fraction of a second before the round is fully chambered. The firing of the round thus not only sends the bullet flying down the barrel but simultaneously resists the forwards movement of the bolt. By this means it is possible to employ a lighter bolt than if the cartridge was fired after the bolt had already stopped, as in simple [[Blowback (firearms)|blowback]], since the energy of the expanding gases would then only have to overcome the bolt's static inertia (plus spring resistance) to push it backwards again and cycle the weapon; whereas in this arrangement some of this energy is used up in counteracting the bolt's forwards momentum as well; and thus the bolt does not have to be so massive. The lighter bolt makes not only for a lighter gun, but a more controllable one since there is less mass moving to and fro within it as it fires.<ref name="Cutshaw2011">{{cite book |last=Cutshaw |first=Charles Q. |title=Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=55szjc6g520C&pg=PA17 |date=28 February 2011 |publisher=Gun Digest Books |location=Iola, Wisconsin |isbn=978-1-4402-2709-7 |pages=17–20 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:Armas Infantería EA (Sterling Mk 5 crop).jpg|thumb|right|An example of the Mk 5 suppressed variant. The wooden foregrip was unique to commercial and export models and did not appear on the British-issue L34A1 model.]]

The [[suppressor|suppressed]] version of the Sterling (L34A1/Mk.5) was developed for covert operations. This version uses a ported barrel surrounded by a cylinder with expansion chambers. The Australian and New Zealand SAS regiments used the suppressed version of the Sterling during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Lyles |first=Kevin |title=Vietnam ANZACs: Australian & New Zealand troops in Vietnam 1962–72 |publisher=Osprey |series=Elite No. 103 |location=Oxford |page=62 |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-84176-702-4 }}</ref> It was used by both Argentinian and British Special Forces during the [[Falklands War]].{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=57}} A Sterling was used by Libyan agents to kill WPC [[Murder of Yvonne Fletcher|Yvonne Fletcher]] outside the Libyan Embassy in London, which sparked the 1984 siege of the building.

The Sterling has a reputation for excellent reliability under adverse conditions and, even though it fires from an open bolt, good accuracy. With some practice, it is very accurate when fired in short bursts. While it has been reported that the weapon poses no problems for left-handed users to operate,<ref>{{citation |via=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruD5b_T2DtU |title=L2A3 SMG / Sterling Mk.4: mechanics and basic potted history | date=18 June 2020 |publisher=Bloke on the Range}}</ref> it is not recommended without the wearing of ballistic eye protection. The path of the ejected cartridge cases is slightly down and backward, so mild burns can occasionally be incurred by left-handed shooters.
[[File:Sterling SMG2.JPG|thumb|right|Side view showing angled ejection port and offset cocking handle. The angled ejection port deflects the spent cartridges downwards.]]
A [[bayonet]] of a similar design as that for the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] was produced and issued in British Army service, but was rarely employed except for ceremonial duties. Both bayonets were derived from the version issued with the [[Jungle carbine|Rifle No. 5 Mk I "jungle carbine"]], the main difference being a smaller ring on the SLR bayonet to fit the rifle's muzzle. When mounted, the Sterling bayonet was offset to the left of the weapon's vertical line, which gave a more natural balance when used for bayonet-fighting.

For a right-handed shooter, the correct position for the left hand while firing is on the ventilated barrel-casing, but not on the magazine, as the pressure from holding the magazine can increase the risk of stoppages, and a loose magazine can lead to dropping the weapon. The barrel-casing hold provides greater control of the weapon, so the right hand can intermittently be used for other tasks. A semi-circular protrusion on the right-hand side of the weapon, approximately two inches from the muzzle, serves to prevent the supporting hand from moving too far forward and over the muzzle.

==Manufacture==
[[File:Argentine POWs guarded by 2 Para.jpg|thumb|Argentine POWs guarded by soldiers of [[2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment|2 PARA]] with Sterling submachine guns, June 1982]]

Over 400,000 Sterlings were manufactured between 1953 and 1988. Sterling built them at their factory in [[Dagenham]] for the British armed forces and for overseas sales, while Liverpool's [[ROF Fazakerley|Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley]] constructed them exclusively for the British military. Production ceased in 1988 with the closing of Sterling Armaments{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=5}} by [[British Aerospace]]/[[Royal Ordnance]]. Fazakerley no longer makes full weapons, but still manufactures spare parts for certified end users.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Sterling produced its own magazines, with those intended for British military use being marked "L1A1". L1A2 magazines were variously manufactured by Fazakerley, [[Royal Arsenal|Royal Laboratories Woolwich]], [[Rolls Razor]], and [[Mettoy]]; out of the 1,723,623 magazines contracted for, Mettoy was to produce 227,262, Rolls Razor was to produce 309,800, and the remaining 1.2 million were produced by Fazakerley and Woolwich.{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020|pp=297–299}}

A Chilean variant was made by [[FAMAE]] as the PAF submachine gun but was different externally as it had a shorter receiver lacking the barrel shroud.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/submachine-guns/chile-submachine-guns/famae-paf-2/ |title=FAMAE PAF |date=17 November 2018 |website=Modern Firearms}}</ref>

Canada also manufactured a variant under licence, called the Submachine Gun 9&nbsp;mm C1 made by [[Canadian Arsenals Limited]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mpmuseum.org/securweapon.html |title=Canadian Military Police Weapons/Submachineguns |website=Canadian Military Police Museum|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421185704/http://mpmuseum.org/securweapon.html|archive-date=April 21, 2023}}</ref> It is made from stamped metal instead of cast metal and is capable of handling a C1 bayonet, which is only used during public exhibition events and not for combat operations.<ref name="C1">{{cite web |title=C1 Submachine Gun |url=http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/smgs/c1smg.htm |website=Canadiansoldiers.com |access-date=2009-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525184944/http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/smgs/c1smg.htm |archive-date=2009-05-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A similar weapon, the Sub-Machine Gun Carbine 9&nbsp;mm 1A1, was manufactured under licence by the [[Indian Ordnance Factory]] at [[Kanpur]] beginning in 1963,<ref name="SAF">{{cite web |url=http://saf.gov.in/product.html |title=Product Development History |website=Small Arms Factory, Kanpur |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801055310/http://saf.gov.in/product.html |archive-date=1 August 2019}}</ref> along with a Sub-Machine Gun Carbine 9&nbsp;mm 2A1, manufactured beginning in 1977.<ref name="SAF"/> As of 2012, it has been reported that at least 5,000 of these SMGs were made in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=84268 |title=Manufacturing of Small Weapons |date=21 May 2012 |website=[[Press Information Bureau]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316225736/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=84268|archive-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>

The PAWS ZX was manufactured in the United States by Police Arms Weapons Services.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://smallarmsreview.com/the-p-a-w-s-zx-semi-automatic-carbine-series-the-american-sterling/ | title=The P.A.W.S ZX-Semi Automatic Carbine Series: The American Sterling - Small Arms Review | date=March 2001 }}</ref> It was available in 9x19mm Parabellum (ZX-5) and .45 ACP (ZX-7).<ref>Special Weapons And Tactics "For The Prepared American" October 1985. Full Auto: New Lightweight .45 Subgun. The ZX-7: A Serious P.A.W.S. By Eric Strahl p.34</ref> The weapon was available in closed-bolt semi automatic with various barrel lengths and the ability to use magazines from Stens (ZX-6), M3 Grease guns (ZX-8) and even UZI magazines (ZX-6A1). One prototype was chambered in .40 S&W and prototypes were to be made in .30 Carbine using M1 Carbine magazines. Advantages of the ZX trigger group was the amount of only 3 components compared to the 36 of the Sterling. The pistol grip was rubber instead of plastic which improved comfort and handling.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/paws-zx-7-an-american-sterling-in-45-acp/ | title=PAWS ZX-7: An American Sterling in .45 ACP - Forgotten Weapons | date=29 October 2021 }}</ref> The molly coat crackle paint was less labor intensive for mass production than that used by Sterling and allowed the user/armourer to repair scratches by field stripping the weapon completely and re-baking the receiver in an oven.

== Variants ==
* '''British Armed Forces'''
** Unassigned: Patchett Machine Carbine Mark 1 (trials commenced in 1944)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US2437548A/en | title=Telescopic firearm }}</ref>
** Unassigned: Patchett Machine Carbine Mark 1 & Folding Bayonet (same as above but with folding bayonet, never accepted)<ref>Janes Military Review Fourth Year of Issue, ISBN 0-7106-0334-7, Published 4 January 1985</ref><ref>https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2185838</ref>
** L2A1: (Patchett Machine Carbine Mark 2) Adopted in 1953.
** L2A2: (Sterling Mark 3) Adopted in 1955.
** L2A3: (Sterling Mark 4) Adopted in 1956. Last regular version in service with the British Army, Royal Marines and [[RAF Regiment]].
** L34A1: [[Suppressor|Suppressed]] version (Sterling-Patchett Mark 5).
** Unassigned:  Various unofficial [[Drill purpose rifle|drill purpose]] conversions of unserviceable weapons prior to 1973.{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020|p=282}}
** L49A1: Official drill purpose version introduced in 1973 and converted from unserviceable L2A3s.{{Sfn|Moss|2018|p=40}}{{sfn|Laidler|Edmiston|Howroyd|2020|pp=282–284}}
* Sterling Mark 6 "Police": a semi-automatic-only closed-bolt version for [[police]] forces and private sales. A US export version had a longer barrel ({{convert|16|in|mm|abbr=on}}) to comply with [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF) regulations. Beginning in 2009, [[Century Arms]] began marketing a similar [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-auto]] only carbine manufactured by Wiselite Arms. These too have a 16-inch barrel. They are assembled using a mix of newly made US parts, and parts from demilitarized Sterling Mark 4 parts kits. This is often marketed as the ''Sterling Sporter''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wlawarehouse.com/store_front/sterling-patchett1/ |title=Sterling Patchett |website=WLA Warehouse.com |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015200602/http://www.wlawarehouse.com/store_front/sterling-patchett1/ |archive-date=15 October 2014}}</ref>
* Sterling Mark 7 "Para-pistol": Special machine pistol variant issued to commando and plainclothes intelligence units. It had a barrel shortened to {{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}}, fixed vertical foregrip designed by Black & Decker,<ref>https://www.keymilitary.com/article/weapons-war-sterling-submachine-gun</ref> and weighed {{convert|4.84|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. If used with a short 10- or 15-round magazine, it could be stowed in a special holster. It also could be used as a [[Close Quarters Battle]] weapon with the addition of an optional solid stock.
* '''Canadian Army'''
** C1 Submachine Gun: Adopted in 1958, replacing the STEN gun in general service.<ref name="C1"/> It was different from the British L2 in that it made extensive use of stamped metal parts rather the more expensive castings used by British production SMGs.<ref name="C1"/> It also had a removable [[trigger guard]] for use with gloves in arctic operations as a standard option, and used a different 30-round magazine with a stamped metal follower. A 10-round magazine was also available for crews of [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicle]]s.
* '''Indian Army'''
** SAF Carbine 1A: Indian made Sterling L2A1.
** SAF Carbine 2A1: Sterling Mark V silenced carbine.

=== 7.62 NATO variant ===
A prototype rifle in the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] calibre was manufactured, using some components from the SMG. The rifle used [[lever-delayed blowback]] to handle the more powerful rounds and was fed from 30-round [[Bren]] magazines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/british-308-sterling-prototype |title=British .308 Sterling prototype |website=Forgotten Weapons |date=2013-10-24 |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131092930/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/british-308-sterling-prototype/ |archive-date=2017-01-31 |url-status=live}}</ref> To prevent [[Cooking off|ammunition cookoff]], the weapon fired from an open bolt. Only one model of the rifle was produced, possibly to test the concepts of a proposed new product. It was not put into production.

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:JungleSquad50thIndependenceDay.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Royal Malaysian Police]] officer with Sterling L2A3 (Mk 4) submachine gun]]
[[File:US Navy 090501-N-7478G-227 A member of the Indian Navy simulates a hostage scenario aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while conducting a visit, board, search, and seizure drill.jpg|thumb|right|Indian Navy officer with an Indian manufactured 1A1 Carbine]]
[[File:Exercise EDGED MALLET 2003 DM-SD-04-03845.jpg|thumb|upright|US Marines of the 2nd Marine Regiment with Kenyan-issue Sterling Mk 4s]]

* {{ARG}}: Mk 4 variant and L34A1 suppressed variant.<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Argentine Forces in the Falklands |series = Men At Arms No. 250 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |first=Nick |last=van der Bijl |page= 25 |year=1992 |isbn=978-1-85532-227-1}}</ref>
* {{AUS}}: Mk 4 (trials) and L34A1 suppressed variant.<ref name="Horner">{{cite book |last=Horner |first=David |date=2002 |title=SAS Phantoms of War: A History of the Australian Special Air Service |publisher=Allen & Unwin |isbn=1-86508647-9}}</ref>
* {{AUT}}: L34A1 suppressed variant, used by Jagdkommando special forces only.<ref name="bundesheer.at">{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesheer.at/misc/image_popup/ImageTool.php?strAdresse=/archiv/a2006/roadshow/galerie/vollbild/stpoelten_dsc0136.jpg&intSeite=1920&intHoehe=1080&intMaxSeite=1920&intMaxHoehe=1025&blnFremd=0 |title=Bundesheer on the road |date=11 September 2006 |website=Bundesheer Fotoarchiv |archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230524170544/https://www.bundesheer.at/misc/image_popup/ImageTool.php?strAdresse=/archiv/a2006/roadshow/galerie/vollbild/stpoelten_dsc0136.jpg&intSeite=1920&intHoehe=1080&intMaxSeite=1920&intMaxHoehe=1025&blnFremd=0 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |access-date=13 September 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{BHR}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}} and Mk 4 variants.<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{BAN}}: Mk 4 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{BRB}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{BLZ}}: Mk 4 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{BWA}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{BRA}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{BRU}}: Mk 4 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{CAN}}: Produced as the C1.<ref name="miller2001">{{cite book |last=Miller |first= David |date=2001 |title=The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns |publisher=Salamander Books Ltd |isbn=1-84065-245-4}}</ref>
* {{CUB}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{CYP}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flagu|Egypt|1922}}: Mk 3 variant{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=46}}
* {{SWZ}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{FRA}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{GAB}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{GAM}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{GHA}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{GUY}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Hong Kong|colonial}}: L2A variant. Used by the [[Royal Hong Kong Regiment]].<ref name="RHKR_Weapon">{{cite web |title=RHKR Equipment - Weapons |url=https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |website=The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Association |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616152909/https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |archive-date=16 June 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{IND}}: 32,536 Mk 4 weapons were delivered.{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=65}}  The Indian Ordnance Factories manufactured the 1A1/2A1 version under licence until 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/8.htm |title=Sub Machine Gun Carbine 9 mm 1A1 |website=[[Ordnance Factory Board]] |access-date=2009-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603093053/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/8.htm |archive-date=2013-06-03 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/9.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928082338/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/9.htm | archive-date=28 September 2010 | title=Ordnance Factory Board }}</ref> Currently all remaining weapons are being replaced by the [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine|Joint Venture Protective Carbine]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1679664 |title=Successful trials of JVPC |date=12 February 2019 |website=Press Information Bureau | access-date=10 December 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521052359/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1679664|archive-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> 
* {{flagcountry|Iran|1964}}: Replaced by [[Heckler and Koch MP5|MP5 Submachine Gun]].
* {{flagcountry|Iraq|1921}}: Mk 4 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/> Around 13,241 Mk 4s made and sold to Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://silahreport.com/2018/03/13/guest-post-iraqi-contract-sterling-mk-4-in-syria/ |title=Guest Post: Iraqi Contract Sterling MK 4 in Syria |date=12 March 2018 |website=Silah Report|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331123810/https://silahreport.com/2018/03/13/guest-post-iraqi-contract-sterling-mk-4-in-syria/|archive-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref>
* {{JAM}}: Used by the [[Jamaica Defence Force]] as a personal defence weapon for auxiliary units.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/weapons/weapons_home.php |title=Equipment: Weapons |date=2009 |website=Jamaica Defence Force |access-date=2017-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419163253/http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/weapons/weapons_home.php |archive-date=2012-04-19 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
* {{KEN}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flagicon|Laos|1952}} [[Kingdom of Laos]]: Mk 3 variant, trials only
* {{KUW}}: L2A3 variant<ref name="gulf">{{cite book |title=Armies of the Gulf War |url=https://archive.org/details/armiesgulfwar00rott |url-access=limited |series=Elite 45 |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |date=1993 |isbn=978-1-85532-277-6 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |page=[https://archive.org/details/armiesgulfwar00rott/page/n30 31]}}</ref><ref name="Thompson2012">{{cite book |first=Leroy |last=Thompson |title=The Sten Gun |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mqe6CwAAQBAJ |date=20 September 2012 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-78096-125-5 |page=74 |access-date=6 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195556/https://books.google.fr/books?id=Mqe6CwAAQBAJ |archive-date=6 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{LBN}}: Mk 3 variant and L34A1 suppressed variant used by the [[Lebanese Commando Regiment]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Sterling L2A3 |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/en/weapon/view/19/sterling-l2a3|website=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification|ref={{harvid|BICC}}|author=Bonn International Center for Conversion|author-link=Bonn International Center for Conversion}}</ref><ref name="Debay, 1989 p. 30"/><ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{LSO}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{LBY}}: Mk 2<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/wiw_af_libya |title=World Infantry Weapons: Libya |website=World Inventory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005200329/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/wiw_af_libya |archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> and L34 variants<ref name="jones2009"/> and Indian-made 1A1<ref name='SAS 26'>{{cite book |title=Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya |first1=N.R. |last1=Jenzen-Jones |first2=Ian |last2=McCollum |date=April 2017 |series=Working Paper No. 26 |publisher=Small Arms Survey |page=95 |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf |access-date=2018-08-30 |isbn= 978-2-940548-35-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009093426/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf |archive-date=2018-10-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{MWI}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{MYS}}:<ref name="jones2009"/> at least 18,500 Mk 4 bought{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=65}}
* {{MLT}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{MAR}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Ezell |first=Edward |title=Small Arms Today |location=Harrisburg, PA |publisher=Stackpole Books |date=1988 |isbn=978-0-85368-977-5}}</ref>
* {{MYA}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{NPL}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{NZL}}<ref name="Thompson2012"/>
* {{NGR}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{PRK}}<ref>{{cite web |title=SALW Guide Global Distribution and Visual Identification North Korea Country Report |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/182/north-korea.std.en.pdf |website=SALW Guide |publisher=Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) |access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref> 
* {{OMN}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{PNG}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{PHI}}: L34A1s used by [[Naval Special Operations Command|Naval Special Warfare Group]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timawa.net/m3/m3.htm |title=M3 Grease Guns Re-issued |website=Timawa.net |access-date=2009-02-24 |date=2005-02-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926031923/http://www.timawa.net/m3/m3.htm |archive-date=2008-09-26}}</ref>
* {{POR}}{{sfn|Thompson|2012|p=74}}{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{QAT}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flagcountry|Rhodesia}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia, 1965-80 |page=104 |first1=Peter G. |last1=Locke |first2=Peter D.F. |last2=Cooke |year=1995 |location=Wellington, NZ |publisher=P and P Publications |isbn=978-0-47302-413-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 |first=Kerrin |last=Cocks |page=12 |location=Solihull, UK |publisher=Helion & Company |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-91029-405-5}}</ref>
* {{SLE}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{SGP}}: Mk 3 variant ordered for trials.{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}} Mk 4 variant used by [[Singapore Police Force]]'s paramilitary units—[[Gurkha Contingent]], [[Police Coast Guard]] and [[Special Operations Command (Singapore)|Police Special Operations Command]]; replaced by the [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] since 1999.
* {{SLB}}<ref name=Capie>{{cite book |last=Capie |first=David |title=Under the Gun: The Small Arms Challenge in the Pacific |date=2004 |pages=65–67 |publisher=Victoria University Press |location=Wellington, NZ |isbn=978-0-86473-453-2}}</ref>
* {{SOM}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flagu|South Africa|1928}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{SPN}}: [[Unidad de Operaciones Especiales|UOE]] special group of the [[Spanish Navy]].<ref name="diez2000">{{cite book |last=Diez |first=Octavio |date=2000 |title=Armament and Technology |location=Barcelona |publisher=Lema Publications, S.L. |isbn= 84-8463-013-7}}</ref>
* {{LKA}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{SDN}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{SWE}}: Mk 3 variant, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{TAN}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{TUN}}<ref name="Thompson2012"/>
* {{TTO}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{UGA}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{GBR}}: L2A1 variant was accepted by the [[British Army]] in 1953.<ref name="miller2001"/> L34A1 variant entered service in 1966.<ref name="miller2001"/> Mk 3 variant used by the [[Royal Ulster Constabulary]] from 1971 to 1992 when replaced by the [[Heckler & Koch MP5]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2015/operational-policing/weapons.pdf |title=Freedom Of Information Request: F-2015-02038. Weapons |website=[[PSNI]] |access-date=23 September 2021 |archive-date=3 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803023503/https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2015/operational-policing/weapons.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{FRG}}: Mk 3 and Mk 4 variants, trials only{{sfn|Moss|2018|p=64}}
* {{VUT}}<ref name=Capie/>
* {{ZAM}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{ZIM}}<ref name="jones2009"/>

===Non-state users===
* {{flagicon image|Bandeira da FNLA.svg}} [[National Liberation Front of Angola]] (FNLA)<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Callan's Mercenaries Are Defeated in Northern Angola |title=Mercenaries in Asymmetric Conflicts |first=Scott |last=Fitzsimmons |date=November 2012 |isbn=978-1-10702-691-9 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZfGYsrEIBEC |pages=155–156 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |doi=10.1017/CBO9781139208727.005|quote=For instance, they possessed enough rifles for each soldier. Most were American-made M1 and M2 carbines, though some mercenaries were issued Belgian FN riles, AK-47s, Uzi sub-machine guns, Sten guns, or Sterling [submachine guns].}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Forces_Libanaises_Flag.svg}} [[Lebanese Forces (militia)|Lebanese Forces]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Lebanese Forces : The Weapons: Sub Machine Guns (SMG) |url=http://www.lebaneseforces.com/wsmg.asp |access-date=2022-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174221/http://www.lebaneseforces.com/wsmg.asp |archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref>
* Various Loyalist groups ([[Ulster Volunteer Force]], [[Ulster Protestant Volunteers]], [[Ulster Defence Association]]) used Sterling copies made from captured submachine guns and spare parts.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armourersbench.com/2021/07/18/northern-ireland-sterling-clone/ | title=Northern Ireland Sterling Clone | date=18 July 2021|publisher=The Armourer's Bench|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609013359/https://armourersbench.com/2021/07/18/northern-ireland-sterling-clone/|archive-date=June 9, 2023 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[CETME C2 submachine gun]]
* [[F1 submachine gun]]
* [[Lanchester submachine gun]]
* [[E-11 blaster rifle]], a prop from the ''[[Star Wars]]'' film universe based on the Sterling frame

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last1=Hogg |first1=Ian V. |first2=John H. |last2=Batchelor |title=The Complete Machine-Gun, 1885 to the Present |location=London, UK |publisher=Phoebus |date=1979 |isbn=0-7026-0052-0}}
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=1990 |title=The Sterling Mk4 submachine gun |journal=Machine Gun News |volume=4 |number=3 |pages=14–17}}
*{{cite book |last=Edmiston |first=James |title=The Sterling Years |publisher=Leo Cooper Books |location=London, UK |date=1992 |isbn=085052-343-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Rottman |first=Gordon |title=Armies of the Gulf War |publisher=Osprey Military |location=London UK |date=1993 |page=31 |isbn=1-85532-277-3}}
*{{cite book |last1=Laidler |first1=P. |first2=D. |last2=Howroyd |title=The Guns of Dagenham |publisher=Collector Grade Publications |location=Cobourg, Ontario |date=1995 |isbn=0-88935-204-6}}
*{{cite book |last1=Laidler |first1=Peter |last2=Edmiston |first2=James |last3=Howroyd |first3=David |title=A History of the Small Arms made by the Sterling Armament Company |date=7 August 2020 |publisher=Pen & Sword Military |location=Barnsley |isbn=9781526773302}}
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=1996 |title=Required reading: The Sterling Years |journal=Fighting Firearms |volume=4 |number=1 |pages=24, 72–75}} 
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=1996 |title=Mystique, mystery and misinformation: suppressed Sterling Patchett Mark 5 |journal=Fighting Firearms |volume=4 |number=1 |pages=50-56,75-76}}
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=1996 |title=Best of the Breed; Evolution of the Mark 4 SMG |journal=Fighting Firearms |volume=4 |number=3 |pages=22-27, 77-78}}
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=1997 |title=Required reading: The Guns of Dagenham: Lanchester, Patchett, Sterling |journal=Fighting Firearms |volume=5 |number=1 |pages=47, 81–82}}
*{{cite book |last1=Paulson |first1=A.C. |first2=N.R. |last2=Parker |first3=P.G. |last3=Kokalis |name-list-style=amp |title=Silencer History and Performance, Volume 2: CQB, Assault Rifle, and Sniper Technology |publisher=Paladin Press |location=Boulder, Colorado |date=2002 |isbn=1-58160-323-1}}
*{{cite journal |last=Paulson |first=A.C. |date=2005 |title=Saddam's SMG: Up close and personal with the 9mm Sterling Mark 4! |journal=Special Weapons for Military and Police |number=33 |pages=76–81}}
*{{cite book |last=Moss |first=Matthew |title=The Sterling Submachine Gun |series=Weapon 65 |date=29 November 2018 |isbn=978-1-47282-808-8 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_i1tDwAAQBAJ}}
*{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |title=The Sten Gun |series=Weapon 22 |date=20 September 2021 |isbn=978 1 84908 759 9 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mqe6CwAAQBAJ}}
*Éric Micheletti and Yves Debay, ''Liban – dix jours aux cœur des combats'', RAIDS Magazine No. 41, October 1989, Histoire & Collections, Paris. {{ISSN|0769-4814}} (in [[French language|French]])
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web |url=http://nazarian.no/images/wep/337_Sterling_SMG.pdf |title=User Handbook - Sterling Sub-machine Gun 9-mm. MK4 (SMG 9mm L2 A3) |date=1973|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421185917/http://nazarian.no/images/wep/337_Sterling_SMG.pdf|archive-date=April 21, 2023 |publisher=[[Sterling Armaments Company]] |via=Nazarian.no |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |title=Army Code No. 12042, User Handbook for the Gun, Sub.Machine, 9mm L2A3 and Gun, Sub.Machine, 9mm L34A1|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hbsa-uk/albums/72157714778153481 |access-date=27 July 2023 |date=1977 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |via=[[The Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association]] (Flickr)}}
*{{cite web |title=Army Code No. 71028, Infantry Training Volume II, Pamphlet No. 9 Sub Machine Gun (All Arms) |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hbsa-uk/albums/72157714778207101 |access-date=27 July 2023 |date=July 1975 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |via=[[The Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association]] (Flickr)}}

==External links==
{{Commons and category|Sterling submachine gun|Sterling submachine gun}}

*{{cite web |url=http://securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1800/1859.htm |title=Sterling L2 |website=Security Arms|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502124921/http://securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1800/1859.htm|archive-date=May 2, 2023}}
*{{cite web |url=http://geocities.com/psarms/LinkedFiles/SAMk7S.jpg |title=MK7 (Para Pistol)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027104827/http://geocities.com/psarms/LinkedFiles/SAMk7S.jpg|archive-date=27 October 2009}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VxPGv_eZQ8 |title=Sterling 9mm |date=14 October 2007 |via=Youtube |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416230522/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VxPGv_eZQ8 |archive-date=16 April 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |publisher=Chaostheoryfilm |access-date=28 November 2016 }}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRLcEHD2K5E |title=Sterling Mk5 Suppressor (L34A1) |date=24 November 2007 |publisher=Kafkanishian |via=YouTube |language=ja |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418081613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRLcEHD2K5E |archive-date=18 April 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=28 November 2016 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://sterlingl2a3.com/markings-and-spares/ |title=Markings and Spares |website=Sterlingl2a3.com}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sterling Submachine Gun}}
[[Category:9mm Parabellum submachine guns]]
[[Category:API blowback firearms]]
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[[Category:World War II submachine guns]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1953]]