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A couple of years back, I picked up one of the deactivated British L2A3 9mm Sterling submachine guns at Sportsmans Guide. The gun's breech is plugged and the bolt is welded in the receiver tube. The front of the bolt has been defaced. The folding stock works and the trigger moves, and the magazine comes out as on the original. However, that's about it.

The Sterling SMG is one of those unique pieces that was designed to take a bayonet. While putting a bayonet on a SMG sounds a little goofy, there is plenty of historical background. The British Lanchester 9mm SMG took a bayonet, as did the Mark 1 and Mark 5 Sten submachine guns. The Sten was a WW2 design and had some operational problems. The British Army circulated a request for proposals to replace all Marks of Sten beginning in late 1944.

 

Designed by G. W. Patchett, the Sterling was made at Dagenham, UK from 1951 until phased out in 1988 in favor of the 5.56 NATO L85A1 rifle. It was designed to take a bayonet. The bayonet used was the No. 5 bayonet as used by the No. 5 Mik 1 Enfield .303 "Jungle Carbine."

The distinguishing characteristic of the No. 5 bayonet is its large muzzle ring that was to accomodate the cone-shaped flash hider of the rifle. This bayonet has become rather rare in recent years and, when found, commands a healthy price. Fortunately, Atlanta Cutlery has a very nice copy of the No. 5 with its scabbard that's made by Rifle Factory Ishapore, India, for about $55.

I got one of the R.F.I. bayonets and it fits the dewat Sterling L2A3 like a glove. International Military Antiques (IMA) has some nice Sterling SMG web slings. Once the sling arrives, my Sterling will be complete.

Attached are photos of the dewat Sterling and the R.F.I.-made bayonet and scabbard. Note that the bayonet mounting is offset to the left side of the barrel jacket. The muzzle cap for the bayonet's muzzle ring is asymetrical to the end of the barrel, which makes an interesting recognition feature.