What went wrong with this British take on the ArmaLite AR-18? With firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 23, 2022
Duration: 28:47

The Sterling LAR, a British attempt to adapt the ArmaLite AR-18, is analyzed for its design choices driven by patent avoidance. Key features include a unique folding stock and an adjustable gas system, but its complex trigger mechanism and internal friction led to commercial failure. Despite its flaws, the LAR represents an interesting case study in firearm development and licensing.

Quick Summary

The Sterling LAR was a British adaptation of the ArmaLite AR-18, designed by Sterling Armaments to avoid existing patents. It featured unique elements like an adjustable gas system and a complex folding stock, but its patent-driven design choices led to commercial failure and it never progressed beyond prototype.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Sterling LAR
  2. 01:06AR-18 vs. LAR: Licensing & Design
  3. 03:56Patent Avoidance & Receiver Design
  4. 06:32External Features & Ergonomics
  5. 10:04Adjustable Gas System & Designer
  6. 11:52Internal Mechanics & Bolt Design
  7. 21:10Complex Trigger & Burst Mechanism
  8. 27:21LAR's Commercial Failure & Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Sterling LAR?

The Sterling LAR (Light Automatic Rifle) was a British attempt by Sterling Armaments to produce a firearm based on the ArmaLite AR-18 design. It was developed in the 1970s primarily to circumvent ArmaLite's patents, leading to distinct design modifications.

Why was the Sterling LAR developed?

Sterling licensed the AR-18 design but faced restrictions on sub-licensing. To overcome this and diversify their product line beyond submachine guns, they created the LAR, a 'legally different' version designed to avoid specific ArmaLite patents.

What were the key design differences between the Sterling LAR and the AR-18?

The LAR featured an adjustable gas regulator, a unique 'concertina' folding stock that doubled as a carrying handle, and a complex trigger mechanism for burst fire. These were often driven by the need to avoid existing patents on the AR-18's components.

Was the Sterling LAR successful?

No, the Sterling LAR was commercially unsuccessful. Despite its unique features, it never moved past the prototype stage and failed to find buyers, ultimately being abandoned by Sterling Armaments.

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