S&T Armament L2A3 MK4 Sterling Submachine Gun AEG

British firearms fans, you'll love this one! S&T have chosen to replicate the L2A3, Sterling MK4 variant, the final production version of the Patchett SMG, and the most widely produced model. This is the submachine gun which replaced the iconic STEN gun in British Army service, carrying through the utilitarian design aesthetic but with considerable functionality, handling and quality improvements.

The Sterling saw widespread use with Britain and Commonwealth states, including use with the Australian and New Zealand forces in the Vietnam War. Although intended to be replaced by the L85A1 in 1987, in reality, many Sterlings remained in service with the British Forces well beyond that date, well into the late 1990s. While the Sterling is no longer in Service with the British, many former Commonwealth nations retain them, and several are known to have surfaced for use with Special Forces during the early stages of the Second Gulf War in 2003.

Featuring a Polymer Pistol Grip and full metal construction, the S&T L2A3 Replica has flawlessly authentic looks and a realistic, hefty feel in the hands. The receiver is constructed entirely from steel, as is the folding stock and magazine well, just like the real thing. Unlike many Airsoft replicas which use alloy receivers, the S&T Sterling is bristling with steel, meaning improved durability, a more authentic finish and an authentic feel which is hard to match. 

The accurately replicated Sterling under-folding Skeleton Stock lies at the rear, and is just as complex to operate as the real thing! To unfold it, simply pull the butt plate down, rotate the stock into position, press the leaf spring inside the butt plate and the whole assembly should lock in place via the spring-loaded receiver end cap. To fold the stock again, press the receiver end plate, rotate the stock to the front, press the leaf spring inside the butt plate once more to collapse the butt plate assembly and hook the protruding stud into the keymod-like vent port at the front of the handguard. If you're having a hard time with the Sterling stock, we suggest checking out this video. 

While it may be complex to operate, with the stock folded, the Sterling is nice and compact, easy to wield in close quarters and suitable for smaller gun bags and cases. With the stock deployed, there is no wobble, and despite the clunky Uzi-like deployment, it is remarkably comfortable to use.

The ported front handguard/heat shield features a protrusion on the left side, welded onto the steel tube receiver. This is the bayonet lug, included on the Sterling so users don't feel left out when the order to fix bayonets is given. On the top of the receiver, we are treated to authentic aperture iron sights, one of the areas the Sterling most notably improved on the STEN it replaced. The rear sight provides two apertures for aiming, a finer aperture for semi-auto fire and a wider one for full auto.

Included in the box is a curved 110rnd 'banana' type magazine to complete the look of this iconic British SMG. Internally the Sterling is equipped with a proprietary gearbox type with an alloy shell, caged motor and steel 18:1 ratio gears, capable of semi-auto and full auto fire via the fire selector switch on the left side of the pistol grip. The charging handle is located on the top right of the tubular receiver and when pulled back, provides a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank". The rotary adjustable HOP-up is neatly concealed on the outside of the outer barrel and can be turned through the vent ports to tune the Sterling for your chosen ammo weight. 

The battery compartment is in the receiver and accessible once the receiver end cap has been removed. Inside, you will find a mini-Tamiya battery connector. To remove the end cap, simply press it in to unlock the stock, hold the retaining latch on the bottom of the receiver down and rotate the end cap counterclockwise, after which it will come free. We recommend a 7.4V 850mAh LiPo in block configuration for an easy fit. 

For Airsofters looking for a Late- or Post-Cold War era Submachine gun that isn't an MP5, the Sterling provides another iconic and unmistakably British SMG platform, built like a tank with solid performance, both at range and up close. 

Features

• Full metal construction - Mostly steel, just like the real thing
• Accurate Replica of the Sterling SMG - Perfect for collectors and Falklands Reenactors
• Accurate Sterling stamped markings - Completes the iconic Sterling looks
• Aperture iron sights - Adjustable rear aperture, protected front post
• Textured pistol grip - Comfortable with an authentic finish
• Under-Folding 2-Position skeleton stock - Steel construction, complex but comfy
• Sling Loop on Butt Cap - Ideal for single-point slings
• Unique gearbox - Alloy shell, caged motor, 18:1 steel gears
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up - On the outside of the barrel, accessible through the vent ports
• Rear wired - Mini-Tamiya battery connector
• Recommended battery: 7.4V 850mAh LiPo in Block configuration
• Compatible with S&T/Beta Project Sterling Magazines

Package Includes

• S&T L2A3 MK4 Sterling Submachine Gun AEG
• 110rnd Medium Capacity Magazine
• Instruction Manual