An Orwellian Sterling Submachine gun with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

This entry details Winston Churchill's personal Patchett Machine Carbine, an early iteration of the Sterling submachine gun. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides insights into its design, historical provenance, and technical distinctions from later Sterling models. The entry also touches upon Churchill's broader influence on post-war British small arms policy and his cultivated public image.

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, provides an expert overview of the experimental Sterling Model S11. This prototype aimed to compete with the Uzi and anticipate the MP5, incorporating Uzi-style features like a top cocking handle and grip safety while retaining the renowned Sterling magazine. Notably, it features dual bayonet mounting points for both Sterling SMG and L1A1 SLR patterns, a unique but likely impractical design element.

This video from Rock Island Auction Co. features Brownells Gun Techs Keith and Caleb comparing four firearms showcasing the evolution of the British Sten Gun. Starting with its predecessor, the Lanchester Mk I (a copy of the MP28), the video progresses through the simple Mk I, the reliable Mk II, the cost-effective Mk III, and the service-ready Mk V, which remained in use until the Sterling submachine gun. The presenters delve into the operational nuances of the Sten, including its lack of a safety, and also touch upon the less common Mk IV variant.

This evaluation of Malaysian L2A2 7.62x51mm ammunition reveals it meets NATO-style specifications, produced by SMEO. Testing with an Israeli Mauser showed consistent performance and an average velocity of 2702 fps, aligning with British L2A2 standards. The ammunition features non-corrosive Berdan primers and bimetal jacketed bullets, though its hard primers may cause light strikes in some firearms.

This video is a book review of 'The Sterling Years' by James Edmiston, focusing on the Sterling submachine gun and the company's history under Edmiston's ownership. The book covers the design and features of the Sterling SMG, its unique magazine, and provides insights into arms manufacturing during the 1970s and early 80s. It also touches on topics like H&K's marketing strategies, the complexities of gun factory ownership in France, an unusual personal anecdote, the Singapore arms industry, and details of the SA-80 development. The review highlights the book's value for understanding the origins of firearms.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.