Sterling S11: Donkey in a Thoroughbred Race

Published on June 26, 2019
Duration: 13:28

This guide details the disassembly process for the Sterling S11 prototype, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers removing the top cover, bolt, recoil spring, barrel, and ejector plate. The video highlights the S11's unique stamped receiver construction and its departure from the original Sterling SMG design.

Quick Summary

The Sterling S11 was a 1965 prototype submachine gun by Sterling Engineering Company, featuring a stamped steel receiver and offset barrel for cheaper production. Despite innovative elements like a Lanchester-style stock and dual bayonet lugs, it was canceled due to technical flaws and high production costs, famously dubbed a 'donkey in a thoroughbred race'.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Sterling S11
  2. 01:13Development of the S11
  3. 02:17Design Features and Oddities
  4. 03:27Interchangeability and Magazine
  5. 03:56Stock and Controls
  6. 05:26Sights and Bayonet Lugs
  7. 07:05Ratcheting Charging Handle
  8. 07:39Disassembly Process
  9. 10:05Project Cancellation

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Sterling S11?

The Sterling S11 was a prototype submachine gun developed by the Sterling Engineering Company in 1965, designed to be a cheaper and easier-to-produce alternative to the original Sterling SMG, featuring a stamped steel receiver.

Why was the Sterling S11's design unique?

The S11 featured a stamped square steel tubing receiver and an offset barrel and sight assembly to the left of the receiver centerline. It also incorporated a Lanchester-pattern folding stock and dual bayonet lugs.

What were the main reasons the Sterling S11 project was canceled?

The S11 project was canceled due to technical flaws discovered during testing, such as trigger failures and top cover instability, and an estimated £1 million tooling cost deemed economically unviable for mass production.

What parts were interchangeable between the Sterling S11 and the original Sterling SMG?

The Sterling S11 had very limited parts commonality with the original Sterling SMG. Only the internal trigger components and the standard 34-round Sterling magazine were interchangeable.

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