Sterling Mk4 L2A3

[Peter Laidler]

Right side at far end upwards they are machining the eccentrically machined nose which is accurately positioned radially, pressed into place and drive pinned, roll-sealed and then induction brazed. So it is very secure and very few ever worked loose although they would occasionally. The bloke in the dark overalls (this end, right) has a hydraulic roller loaded press which rotates as it bears down on the casing and puts the folded-over roll into the casing which additionally secures the nose. This was important to prevent the nose from being beaten forwards by the barrel and breech block during dry training. Dry training is one of the biggest killers of weapons fired from an open bolt because during training it's a constant metal to metal beating. The lady at this end (right side) seems to be machining the dovetail for the foresight after which the foresight protector is brazed. Left side is the examiners bench prior to numbering. After which the casing became an accountable part - and then on to the phosphating and painting plant

[Flying10uk]

Is anyone able to roughly date this picture, please?

I like the bespoke trollies for moving the partly made Sterlings about the works. Although they are a relatively simple piece of fabricated ironwork mounted on castors, the person who envisaged the original design in his head must have been a clever individual.

[Peter Laidler]

Early 60's - '64 oir so I would say during peak production. One of this series of photos included my old boss from New Zealand who was there supervising the procurement of the first large NZ Army order

[philb]

[Vincent]

[Peter Laidler]

I bet they were jumping up and down when she fired that...................! The men behind her I mean...........

Slow motion Sten gun (thread 104). Notice how the magazine and mag housing are flapping around while it's being fired. That would fail one of the basic in-examiners tests. Simple to correct

[browningautorifle]

when she fired that

Does this mean the Sterling is actually a crew served weapon? We were just using it incorrectly? Except the cocking handle is forward...the old lecher groping her should be slapped...

[Peter Laidler]

I think that was Major Robert TURP, formerly of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, the Sterling chief of sales. He was VERY successful. He was always busy especially that day when he had his hands full - if you'll excuse the phrase. Was the lady Diana Dors?

[gsimmons]

Well, he certainly isn't looking at the carbine.....

[Flying10uk]

Look at all the chaps in the background trying desperately to get a "look in". The amusing thing about looking at old photographs, such as this example, is that when the photographer originally took the picture he probably wasn't intending it to comical. It's just that times have changed and how we look at images which have changed.