Sterling is engaged in the limited small-batch production of certain replica Victorian Era Machine-Guns following the acquisition of the full data and drawings after the closure of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. Legal ownership in UK and USA is not as restricted as might be expected. The company will work through the list for both collectors and museums. These are mainly of American design and eventual European manufacture.
1, 2, and 5 barrel Gardner 0.450 Gardner Gatling
Armstrong Gatling 0.450 Gardner Gatling
Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon
Lillie Battery Gun 0.577 percussion
Lowell Battery Gun 0.450 Martini Henry
3 barrel Nordenfelt 0.303
5 barrel Nordenfelt 0.450 Gardner Gatling
10 barrel Nordenfelt 0.43 Spanish Remington
2 and 4 barrel Nordenfelt 1”
Puckle Gun
Tranter Machine Gun 0.450 Martini Henry
Currently, 10 Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon in .45” long Colt are in progress.
Through lack of capacity, the company will license its patented Pneumatic Rifle System for the military and the civilian rifle market. Independent test results of a single shot rifle in 12.7mm. (.50”) with a 650mm. (26”)barrel firing a 65 gramme (1,000 grain) monolithic bronze bullet, using 34cc. of compressed air of 300bar, gave an average velocity of 320m/s. (1,000 fps.) with power of 2.711 joules (2,000 ft. lbs.). Residual energy at 1,500m. (1,640 yards) is still over 1,762 joules (1,300 ft. lbs.) The avoidance of trans-sonic improves long distance accuracy.
The obvious military market as an anti-sniper/anti-material rifle outperforms equivalent suppressed firearms and has no “signature”. It cannot be picked up by radar as it makes little sound, leaves no smoke, and has no flash. The projectiles in steel or bronze can be easily turned from bar stock, and need no case, no propellant, and no primer, thus giving both logistic and economic advantages.
The system is intrinsically safe and can be used, unlike a conventional firearm, in hazardous environments like oil tankers, airports, oil refineries etc.. Further, the system has the ability to deliver a payload/projectile of weight viz. explosive, substantially greater than comparable conventional firearms. In calibres 20-40mm., the system offers even greater efficiency and a much greater chance of a first round hit over grenade launchers and mortars. It could be used in the context of EOD for remote destruction/detonation with a H/E payload.
The basis for this development is similar to that of the air cartridge, although unlike those of the past, the system is valveless. It could be made adaptable to existing production guns. Also, in the civilian market, the system could be employed to produce a pistol, or magazine or cylinder fed rifle, or even a double rifle.
Another development which we do not have the capacity to produce in quantity is our STERLING BULL-PUP RIFLE in conventional 12.7mm. (.50”) ammunition. Our type 1, has an overall length of 825mm. (33”) (without muzzle break/suppressor offered). Magazine is a 5 round drum placed vertically under the receiver/butt assembly.
Our type 2 will have an overall length of 975mm.(38”). (without muzzle break or silencer). Feed is by a 5-round box magazine mounted on the side of the receiver. Uniquely, this allows for the magazine to be inserted from either side without changing any parts.
Both designs utilise a reciprocating pistol grip to cycle the falling block action. The pistol grip is pushed forward and then pulled back into battery. Both designs are truly ambidextrous. There is an option for self-adjusting headspace for every round, to maximise accuracy. They are both chambered for .50” BMG but advice can be given on other calibres. (.338” and above.). (705mm. barrel.)
STERLING HYDRAULIC BREECH MECHANISM. This replaces the mechanical locking of a conventional system with a hydraulic system, giving a sealed-for-life assembly that uses wiper seals to prevent ingress of mud/sand hence enhancing reliability. Recoil is significantly reduced by the uniform force disposal that the hydraulic system offers. The hydraulic system can be in line with the barrel in a conventional execution, or it may be arranged concentrically around the barrel in order to reduce overall length. The fact that cylindrical components are used in the assembly, considerably reduces manufacturing costs.
The company in the past used to manufacture Armalite AR-18/180 Automatic Rifles. It offers some interesting modifications for the M-4 platform rifles, which are not yet patented, but could be divulged under a suitable Non-Disclosure Agreement.
1. New bolt carrier/barrel extension which significantly improves reliability, and aids manufacture. The bolt itself is much simpler and stronger.
2. Adjustable gas regulator assembly.
3. Sterling proprietary cartridge which offers 30-06” class performance through the M-4 platform with typically 20-25% less propellant.
4. An option for the Pneumatic upper for the M-4 using Sterling’s patented system to deliver exceptional subsonic performance.
Also, there is available a 4 lug bolt action rifle that is Remington 700 compatible, but with simplified production.
We have a new method of forming polygonal rifled tube of all calibres; a unique concept that can be applied to both barrels and mechanically fitted projectiles. Further, the process can be used for smooth bore tubes including any choke profile with or without a polygonal rifled section.
Enquiries invited for each and all.
Sterling Armament Company Ltd.
83 Princes House, 50 Kensington Park Road, London W11 3BW.
+44 (0) 771 308 8448