Century Arms was the distributor of 2 different types of 9mm semi-auto Sterlings that were built from surplus Sterling parts. This one is the Type II which has the longer barrel shroud. It was built by Masterpiece Arms. The Type I (shorter shroud, same barrel length) was built by Wiselite.
I had considered purchasing one when they were readily available 10 years ago. They were in the $400 range then, but production stopped and they have since gone way up in value (one recently sold on GB for $1279). That kept me out of the market until i found a real clean one today for less than $500. Has 2 mags, box, and the paperwork. Should be a cheap to shoot fun plinker.

These pics of another one were posted elsewhere. I'll have it in 3 days and will put up some pics.

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I’d say you did fine at less than $500 considering what they used to be- especially with the box and paperwork. Enjoy it OP

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Some Might Say.

Looks like a regular Sterling SMG that a crocodile bit the nose of and stretched it, like the Kipling story of how the elephant got its trunk!

I can't disagree. Sure wish I could shorten it by 8", but prison wasn't meant for me.
Some Star Wars nerds will buy buy them and convert them to Startrooper guns (which are based on Sterlings). Wonder what legal loopholes they have to go through.

Well that's a lot better than I thought it was going to be....

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Yeah, I had a Model 400 Sterling in .380. Big as my 6906, 7 rounds and a "unique" combination ejector/bolt hold open powered by a flat spring. One gun I don't regret selling 25 years ago. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

The Sterling Carbines hit Central Ohio gun stores in the Spring of 1980. I took an afternoon off work and pawed and measured one several times as I built a half size toy for my oldest son. I ended up with a pretty good looking toy. I took it in for the gun counter guys to look at. There was a FFL field audit agent there, on seeing these "rednecks" laughing and hollering about a sub-gun, he came over and wanted to see my stamp! (Class III blue tax stamp and paperwork) I said I didn't have any, but I don't think that is a problem! Then I handed him the gun. Defiantly not me, but a number of people laughed him out of the store!

I got around the outrageous cost of Sterling Magazines ($65) by simply using a M-2 Carbine mag (about $3 at the time!) in an oversized sheet metal mag well.

Last time I saw the toy was around 1996 or 7 when about 20 boys were busy shooting each other with paintball guns at the farm. One of my boys used it as a decoy, and surrendered it to a guy he then shot with a real paint ball gun. Said boy complained that wasn't fair, so 6 other boys shot him, and that ended the argument!

Ivan

I acquired one of the Wise Lite carbines a few years ago; it came with a number of spare magazines. I wish it didn't have that long 16" barrel, but it does have the effect of boosting the 9mm's velocity. I wrote up the Sterling subguns in my book 101 Classic Firearms, and they were in use by our British cousins for many years.

There were two types of magazines; those made by Sterling were stamped and welded. Government-made mags were extruded, and marked "L2A1."

In direct comparison with the Uzi and the the H&K MP-5, the Sterling proved to be the most reliable. Its semiauto derivative is similarly dependable.

They are interesting guns, and the 16" carbines are fun to shoot.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Simple ATF form 1 to make a short barrel rifle or shotgun.

Pics as promised...

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Sooo, how's it shoot?

Happiness and fun comes in many sizes when the price is right. I have several "The Price Was Right". Congratulations!

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S&WHF 366

I'll find out when my friend decides that it's not too cold (for him) to shoot at his outdoor range. The only shooting range within 50 miles charges way too much for me to make the trip. I'll use the money for spare mags from Numrich. BTW, the easier-to-find and cheaper Sten mags will work as well.
The 34 rd. Sterling mags are very well made. With the follower being on rollers, loading them is effortless. All 34 rounds go in without the aid of any tool...lay a round on top and press down with the thumb.
The gun itself is heavy, but the loaded mag puts the total weight over 10 lbs. I myself like the heavy feel and have no complaints. The recoil will be nothing.

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Another pic of the mag follower on rollers...

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