Sterling L2A1

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 17:31 Written by Administrator Friday, 03 July 2009 00:12

The Sterling L2A1 is a British submachine gun that was designed during the Second World War. Though the submachine gun was wartime expedient, its design was excellent and thus the weapon saw service for many decades to come. Though removed from service by the British Military forces, the Sterling L2A1 continues to be manufactured by the Indian Ordnance Factory for use by the Indian Army.

The Sterling L2A1 looks very much similar to the Sten gun in external appearance. However, the main difference lies in the way of manufacturing. While the Sten gun used pressed steel parts, the Sterling L2A1 used machine steel parts. It is reliable in a diverse range of field conditions.

The L2A1 is chambered for the 9mm Parabellum round and uses a 34-round curved magazine that is fed from the side. It is accurate up to 150 meters. When compared with the IMI Uzi, the L2A1 has comparatively lower range. This can be attributed to its shorter barrel though both the weapons have a similar total length.

The Sterling L2A1 has become outdated with the introduction of better designs. However, it still remains an excellent weapon. Though it has been replaced from service by the SA80 assault rifle in Britain, it is still in use by the armed forces in India. In fact, a copy of the L2A1 is still being produced in India. Other versions of the L2A1 such as the silenced L34A1 are also in use with Special Forces.