Like the STEN before it, the Sterling proved a popular submachine gun design all over the world. Operators included Argentina, Canada (as the C1), India (as the SAF Carbine 1A/2A1), Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Spain and Zimbabwe (among others; see variants section below for complete list). India still manufactures the Sterling (conventional and suppressed forms) through its Indian Ordnance Factory. Chile produced Sterlings at one time through its FAMAE brand while the Royal Ordnance Factory (Fazakerley) produced Sterlings solely for use by the British Army due to exacting requirements. Local Canadian Sterlings were produced through the Canadian Arsenals Limited brand label.
When NATO formally adopted the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge as its standard rifle cartridge, gun firms moved in response and the Sterling was one such product that was converted to fire it. This 7.62mm variant saw its internals reworked to utilize a lever-delayed blowback method of operation as the new cartridge itself was of a greater charge than the smaller 9mm Parabellum pistol rounds used previously. Of course the change in caliber necessitated a change in magazine structure as well so 7.62mm Sterlings were issued with the 30-round BREN Light Machine Gun-style detachable box magazine over the original 32-round curved/STEN submachine gun versions.
The L2A3 variant saw service into 1990 until formally replaced by the new L85A1 5.56mm assault rifle with British forces. During its tenure, the L2 provided good service for the British Army where it became a reliable weapon even under the most difficult of operating conditions. Much of this was owed to its rather basic, no-frills design approach and solid construction which, the latter making it more expensive than its contemporaries, allowed the weapon such a lengthy service life.
The L2A3 exhibited a length (butt extended) of 27 inches and could collapse into a more handy 19 inch form with the butt folded. Weight was approximately 2.7 kilograms and the barrel measured 7.75 inches long. Muzzle velocity was rated at 1,250 feet per second.
The suppressed L34A1 sported a length of 34 inches and collapsed into a 26 inch form. Weight was 3.6 kilograms with a barrel length of 7.8 inches. While still holding a 550 rounds per minute rate of fire, the weapon managed a lower muzzle velocity of 970 feet per second. The L34A1 received its share of notoriety during the Sterling's operational service life - it was put to good use by Australian and New Zealand special forces during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) and was used - ironically enough - by both sides of the Falklands War (1982) conflict - Argentina and Britain.
In all, some 400,000 Sterlings were produced. In popular culture, Star Wars fans will note that it was the Sterling submachine gun that made up the base form of the Stormtrooper laser blaster. The similarities are apparent to the trained eye considering the blaster's general shape, length and mid-set pistol grip and trigger unit.
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