Sterling Contract info

[Lee Enfield]

That one rates in the top ten of nasty. On the bright side, it’s a peach compared to the rental at our local indoor range. It’s a testament to the design that they actually run.

Speaking of rentals, there’s one that has been averaging about 2,500 rounds a week (double on a holiday weekend) for over ten years now. They keep it on the wall behind a glass counter that contains the carcasses of worn out MP5’s. The old Sterling outlasted all them and still runs like a top.

One of my buddy's used to call the MP5 "a policeman's gun" only works when it's kept clean, and rather too delicate for real world military operations.

He direct ordered & imported a Police Carbine from Sterling c.1969-70.

over his time he owned more uncommon MGs, Owen Gun, Star Z.45, all the Thompsons, all the Stens, Sterling L2A3's & Police Carbines. I thought the Hotchkiss Universal just too weird, and the MAS-38 just underpowered.

His last remaining MGs were a Lines Brothers Sten Mk3 (the last MG he bought), Long Branch Sten Mk2, M.21A Thompson & a MAT49.


When we cleaned out his gun room, I pulled a mini Uzi & 6 stick mags out of a "go bag".... it was the mags that gave away that it was a (really good copy) Full Auto co2 BB gun.

[Brian Dick]

I still have mine. The Rolls Royce of SMG's!!

[Lee Enfield]

I still have mine. The Rolls Royce of SMG's!!

Hi Brian,
Can you confirm that it's "S" prefixed?

If it has the original grip, barrel & bolt, what dates are they?

thanks
D

[Brian Dick]

It's factory original sn. S33783. The bolt is marked S83 9 602 153 4555. I didn't pull the barrel but I'm 99% sure it's also S83 production. I'll pull it and double check at some point when I'm not so busy here in the shop. This is the first title II weapon I purchased after getting licensed in 2001.

[Lee Enfield]

It's factory original sn. S33783. The bolt is marked S83 9 602 153 4555. I didn't pull the barrel but I'm 99% sure it's also S83 production. I'll pull it and double check at some point when I'm not so busy here in the shop. This is the first title II weapon I purchased after getting licensed in 2001.

The high serial number seeems like a confirmation that James Edmiston was a somewhat better salesman than the previous owner(s)!

1972-1983 = 3071/year !

Which may place the OP's gun in the 1979-1980 timezone.

[mrclark303]

Guys thanks for all the replies, I only personally have a single example, ex NZ contract piece and unfortunately deactivated. Its the only way we can own one here in the UK.

But I learned to appreciate the engineering quality of its build during its cosmetic rebuild. A fine SMG...

I will share the thread starter example if I get the permission to show the pics.

Just waiting to hear back.

Cheers John

[mrclark303]

Here she is, looks brand new or fully refurbished at least.

Attachment 86282Attachment 86283Attachment 86284Attachment 86285

[Gil Boyd]

Just for my curiosity then..........what era were KR prefix's from?

[mrclark303]

Just for my curiosity then..........what era were KR prefix's from?

1950's and 1960's I think Gil...

[Vincent]

Thanks for the pictures Mr Clark.

I wonder if this one was in the same contract.

Attachment 86294

It would be nice to know a bit about where they have been.