Sterling L2A3 vs Thompson Submachine Gun

1953–1988

1921–Present

Over 400,000

~1,500,000 units (World War II peak production) and limited post‑war runs

481mm (18.9 in) stock folded, 690mm (27.2 in) extended

762 mm (30.0 in) with stock extended; 660 mm (26.0 in) with stock folded (M1A1)

198mm (7.8 in)

254 mm (10.0 in) standard; 305 mm (12.0 in) for some export models

2.72 kg (6 lb) empty, 3.45 kg (7.61 lb) loaded

4.4 kg (9.7 lb) empty (M1); 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) empty (M1A1)

34 rounds — curved magazine for reliable feeding

20‑round box, 30‑round box, 50‑round drum, 100‑round drum (rare)

Blowback, open bolt — helical bolt grooves for debris clearance

Simple blow‑back, open‑bolt, selective‑fire; rate of fire 600–1,250 rpm depending on model

Selective fire (safe, semi, full auto)

Two‑stage trigger: semi‑automatic (first pull) and fully‑automatic (second pull) on early models; later models use a single‑stage full‑auto trigger with a selector switch

Protected front post, flip L-shaped rear aperture (100m/200m)

Rotary drum rear sight with 50, 100, 200, 300 yard settings; hooded front post; optional adjustable rear sight on later police variants