Sterling L2A3
| Factions | Weapon | Icon | Classes | Ammo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 ANZAC |
 Sterling L2A3 |
 |
 Medic Engineer Radioman |
34 / 102 |
| Damage Base | Headshot × | Chest × | Stomach × | Leg × | Arm × | Reload Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial | Empty | ||||||
| 36 | ×2.4 = 86.4 | ×1.3 = 46.8 | ×1.2 = 43.2 | ×0.8 = 28.8 | ×0.75 = 27 | 2.33 Seconds | 3 Seconds |
| Designation | Weapon Type | Fire Modes | Fire Rate | Bullet Spread ° | Range Modifier | Muzzle Velocity | Projectile weight | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [[]] | SMG | Auto+Semi | 550 RPM | 7° & 1.85° ADS | 0.93 | 365 m/s | 7.5 g (115.74 gr) | 3.2 kg (7.05 lbs) |
| Full name | Caliber | Place of Origin | Date | Manufacturer | Barrel Length | Total Length | Weapon Script Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN | 9x19mm | United Kingdom | D8 | ARM | in ( mm) | in ( mm) | weapon_sterling |
The Sterling L2A3 is the British service designation for the Sterling submachine gun (Sterling Mk 4), a 9×19mm Parabellum open-bolt submachine gun designed for compact automatic fire. It is best known for its side-mounted helical-feed magazine and its reputation for reliability compared to earlier wartime designs like the Sten. The weapon features a tubular receiver, folding stock, and simple blowback operation intended for ease of manufacture and field maintenance.
HISTORY
The Sterling design traces back to George William Patchett’s post–World War II work to replace the Sten with a more durable and controllable 9mm submachine gun. After trials and refinement, the Sterling Mk 4 was adopted by the British Army and standardized under the L2A3 designation, pairing a compact folding-stock layout with a distinctive 34-round magazine designed to feed smoothly and resist dirt-related stoppages. In British service it filled close-range roles for infantry, vehicle crews, and specialist troops where a compact automatic weapon was desirable.
The L2A3 served for decades and became widely exported, appearing with numerous countries and in many Cold War-era conflicts. In the United Kingdom it remained in service into the late 20th century before being replaced in most roles by 5.56mm rifles and later personal-defense weapons. Its long service life is often attributed to the combination of robust construction, manageable recoil, and practical handling in confined spaces.
Sources
- Imperial War Museums — Sterling (9mm) L2A3
- Royal Armouries — Sterling 9mm submachine gun (L2A3/Mk 4)
- National Army Museum — Sterling sub-machine gun (L2A3)