Sterling Model 302 22LR Pistol

[Tabequache]

I have my eye on a Sterling 302 22LR (blued) at my local gun shop, but I don't know why. I've read not-so-favorable reviews about this little pocket pistol's unreliability. But then I've also read that after a good cleaning, burr removal with steel wool and proper lubrication, they (or some) shoot fine. Just wondered if anyone had any first-hand experience with one and/or any recommendations about them?

 

[Ron James]

If you want a Sterling 302, then by all means buy one, I'm sure there are some of them. somewhere, that are reliable. Heck, you can even rebuild a Yugo to be reliable. You can tell from what I've already posted what I feel about them, my only regret is, that I didn't keep mine, place it in the back yard and pee on it every day to watch it corrode.

 

[GRIZ22]

I had one about 40 years ago. It worked well until I tried a different brand of ammo. Then it would slam fire when loading it. Can't remember what brands. Tried it at a range and found it would slam fire about 3 out of 5.

Got rid of it.

 

[DPris]

Buddy had one 35 years ago.
His son recently sent me a photo of it, hanging on a peg, showing bullet impacts on it from when they finally got tired of its shenanigans years ago.

I saw one a few months back in a local gunshop here, almost bought it out of nostalgia.
Almost....
Denis

 

[Monac]

These were not highly regarded guns at the time they were made. I have the 1981 and 1983 editions of an old magazine named "Handgun Tests" (no relation to the current publication with a similar name). In the 1981 edition, they say they have never encountered a reliable Sterling 302; in the 1983 edition, they are pleased to report they finally got a couple that worked well.

If you just like the Sterling, you could get it as a novelty and find out for yourself. But if money is tight and you might have to rely on it as a weapon, I would pass. The Jennings J-22 was about the same size and had a better reputation. There are a lot more of them around, too, making prices lower and parts and magazines easier to find. To me, it's also a better looking gun, but there's no accounting for taste.

 

[Tabequache]

Sterling Mod. 302 22 LR

Thanks to all for your replies. I did a little research myself and passed on the opportunity.

 

[MedWheeler]

Uh, wow. Not having been familiar with the Sterling, I just image-searched it.

I always found the Jennings to be kind of handsome for what it is.

I've just had my opinion significantly strengthened.

 

[bannockburn]

Tabequache

I did a little research myself and passed on the opportunity.

Smart move on your part.

 

[JR47]

A neighbor of mine just had to have one, in stainless, back in the 80's. His, with .22 ammo that wasn't the equivalent of today's Bilk Packs, ran about as well as any of the other small .22 pistols of the day. Nothing to write home about, but not quite the horror stories one hears about. When I went back to my old home, I talked to him, and he mentioned that he still had it. It only gets the occasional range outing any more, but he still shoots it.

I own a Model 400S Sterling, in .380 ACP. Large for a single-stack .380, but it's been reliable over the years. It recently, during an extended range session, decided to snap it's rear sight blade in two, with the parts departing at a really surprising velocity. A local gunsmith located a replacement sight blade, and installed it. The gun is pretty typical of early 80's production, being finicky about JHP, but quite reliable with ball ammo. Parts, though, can be an issue, as Sterling closed it's doors decades ago.

 

[rider1046]

I carried a Sterling 302S (stainless model) for many years. Never had a problem with it. My daughter liked it so when she got married 12 years ago I gave it to her and she still carries it.
Wouldn't call it a target gun but it was a fun little plinker and great for concealed carry, if you don't mind the standard velocity 22LR ammo.