Pre-Ban Sterling Armament Co. MK6 Carbine 9mm 16″ Semi-Auto Rifle, Box RARE
SOLD FOR: $3,625.00
LSB#: LSB250726MN036
Make: Sterling Armament Co. Dagenham England
Model: Mk6 Carbine
Serial Number: 6AA0179
Year of Manufacture: 1980s
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback, Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The top of the magwell is marked with a Sterling rollstamp and, “SEMI AUTOMATIC 9M/M CARBINE MK6 No. 6AA0179”.
Barrel Length: 16″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective wings, the rear sight is L-type flip aperture set between protective wings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is metal with a under folding buttstock and polymer pistol grip. There is no notable wear. The LOP measures 16.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the unfolded buttstock. The stock rates at about Like New overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Three 34rd Sterling 9mm magazines in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Powder Coated Thermoset Crackle
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at about 10/10 and appear unfired outside of factory testing.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99.5% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This carbine comes with its original box, a magazine pouch, 3-magazines, sling, cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Sterling Mk6 Carbine is the rare civilian-legal, semi-automatic version of the iconic British Sterling L2A3 submachine gun, developed in the 1980s for export and civilian markets. While the original Sterling SMG served British and Commonwealth forces with distinction from the 1950s through the 1980s, the Mk6 offered that same legendary design—compact, reliable, and rugged—in a semi-auto, long-barreled configuration to comply with legal standards. Built by Sterling Armament Co. in Dagenham, England, the Mk6 features a 16-inch barrel, underfolding metal stock, ventilated barrel shroud, and a simple blowback action chambered in 9mm Luger, making it both a historical and practical shooter. This particular example is in exceptional, collector-grade condition, retaining 99.5% of its original powder-coated crackle finish with virtually no signs of use. The bore is mirror-bright with sharp rifling, and the action cycles properly. The metal folding stock and polymer grip show no wear, and the rifle comes complete with its original box, sling, cleaning kit, magazine pouch, and three 34-round Sterling magazines—an increasingly rare find in such complete form.
For collectors of Cold War-era military-inspired firearms, British small arms, or PCCs (pistol caliber carbines), the Sterling Mk6 is a scarce and desirable piece. These carbines were never produced in large numbers, and clean, complete examples are seldom seen on the market. Whether you’re interested in the iconic look and feel of the Sterling SMG or simply want a rare, smooth-shooting 9mm carbine with pedigree, this Mk6 is an outstanding acquisition. -R.E.
