british special forces

SBS WEAPONS - L34a1 STERLING

Before the now ubiquitous HK MP5SD came into service within the SBS, one of the suppressed SMGs (sub machine guns) used was the L34A1. A special version of the 9mm L2A3 Sterling with an integrated suppressor, the L34A1 was an ideal weapon to be taken on small SBS patrols, to take out sentries or to covertly engage enemy patrols when compromised.

The suppressor reduces the speed of the propellant gasses released and ignited by the bullet cartridge, and thus reduces the the volume of the weapon's report. When combined with subsoinic ammunition, which eliminates the crack of a round breaking the sound barrier, a suppressed weapon can sound not much louder than a staple gun. Additionally, the suppressor also reduces muzzle-flash, making it harder to locate the shooter's position. The downside of a suppressed weapon is that one trades stopping power for silence.

As with the similar Silent Sten, the L34A1's suppressor can get fouled when too many rounds are put through it too quickly. A skilled operator would use the L34A1 in semiautomatic mode only.

sterling suppressed smg
Sterling L34a1 suppressed smg


« SBS weapons index
Bookmark and Share


SERIOUS ABOUT PASSING SELECTION & JOINING AN ELITE UNIT?
GIVE YOURSELF THE EDGE WITH THESE AFFORDABLE INSIDER GUIDES...
The Special Boat ServiceJoin The British Army
how to join...

 JOIN THE SBS / ROYAL MARINES
The Special Boat Service
how to join...
 SBS BOOKS
 NEW PHOTOS
 UKSF HEADLINES
 CONNECT
twitter facebook  youtube

not endorsed by or affiliated with the ministry of defence | all information is non-classified & sourced from public domain |
all images are for educational purposes and sourced from the public domain where possible - image policy | privacy policy