Question For Peter Laidler

[Donzi]

Mr.Laidler,
I know that this isn't the correct forum f/this question, but I didn't see one devoted to British submachine guns, and I also figured that you'd be likely to see it here, so here goes. A friend recently showed me a de-milled Sterling parts kit. While examining it, I noted that one of the 2 screws that retain the barrel to the front end cap was longer than the other. I mentioned it, thinking someone had "bubbaed" the kit at some point, but my friend said that every Sterling he had ever seen, a lot, had the same 2 unequal length screws. He said he has no idea why this is so. I figured that, if anyone knows, it'll be you. What's the story? Thanks in advance.
Donzi

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[Brian Dick]

Not to rob Peter's thunder but they are the same length. NSN 1005-99-960-8939 - Screw, socket head, UNF, steel, 1/4 x 5/8 inch long, flat filister head, knurled. That being said, I looked in my parts drawer and there's a long one in there too that came from a parts kit several years ago. My uneducated guess is that longer replacements were used but it isn't the norm. Just as a refresher, I pulled my L2A3/Mk.4 gun from the vault and checked those since it's a pre-sample, factory original gun and they are the same. Shameless plug, (apology in advance), = buy a set of L2A3/Mk.4 books from me. I have beautiful user handbooks, the illustrated parts catalog and a few EMERS left in stock. I can't imagine not having these books if you're an L2 enthusiast! Unfortunately Peter's fine book, "The Guns of Dagenham" is out of print.

[Peter Laidler]

Both barrel screws are the same length but the longer one is from the pistol grip. Someones put the long screw in the wrong place.

[Brian Dick]

I knew that long one went somewhere Peter. I had a brain f--t!

[Donzi]

Sorry f/the delayed reply, but I've been kinda ill f/the last few days. Anyway, thanks, Peter & Brian. I knew I'd get a correct answer here.