Sterling Sporter Semi-Automatic 9mm 16″ Wise Lite Arms 2000-2010 Mk4 L2A3
SOLD FOR: $1,605.55
LSB#: LSB250723CA019
Make: Wise Lite Arms (using surplus Sterling Armaments Co. kit parts)
Model: Sterling Sporter (Mk4/L2A3 pattern, semi-automatic build)
Serial Number: WLA29-C03004 (Wise Lite Arms receiver) / KR42683 (original Sterling kit marking on magazine well)
Year of Manufacture: 2000s–early 2010s (Wise Lite Arms production, company now closed)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, closed-bolt blowback, detachable magazine-fed
Barrel Length: 16″
Markings: The left side of the receiver tube is marked with Wise Lite Arms manufacture/import details, including “MOD. S/A STERLING SPORTER / CAL. 9MM / SER. WLA29-C03004.” The magazine well retains its original Sterling kit marking “SMG 9mm MK4 (L2A3)” with the kit serial number KR42683. Selector boss retains cosmetic three-position markings (FR/EE), though the rifle is semi-auto only.
Sights / Optics: Protected post front sight and a two-leaf peep rear sight adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The underfolding steel stock is present and functional; it locks tightly in both open and closed positions, consistent with an example that has seen very little handling. The checkered black polymer pistol grip is intact, with only faint handling marks and no cracks or chips. Overall, the furniture is excellent with minimal storage wear.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 34-round Sterling-pattern magazine included. The magazine shows light finish wear consistent with storage; springs and feed lips are intact
Type of Finish: Blue/matte black with textured crinkle appearance.
Finish Originality: Original Wise Lite Arms factory finish.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains approximately 98% of its original finish with only mild handling marks and a few light scuffs, primarily on the grip. Controls are presently stiff from lack of use and the folding-stock locks are very tight, consistent with an unbroken-in, like-new example. Mechanically excellent with no visible cracks or missing major components.
Mechanics: The rifle functions in semi-automatic operation only from a closed bolt. Controls are stiff due to the like-new condition, and the stock locking detents require deliberate manipulation to fold and unfold. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: One 34-round Sterling-pattern magazine.
Our Assessment:
This Wise Lite Arms Sterling Sporter is a finely preserved example of a limited-production U.S. build that married genuine Sterling kit components to a newly manufactured closed-bolt semi-auto receiver. Wise Lite’s Sporter conversions faithfully preserved the Mk4 / L2A3 visual identity — perforated barrel jacket, side-mounted 34-round magazine, & underfolding stock — while adapting the design for compliant civilian ownership. The dual-serial presentation (Wise Lite receiver number and original Sterling kit marking on the mag well) speaks directly to the rifle’s hybrid pedigree and will be of interest to collectors who value documented kit-built provenance.
Condition here is a strong selling point. With roughly 98% of the finish intact, only light handling marks, very tight stock locks, and stiff controls consistent with an unbroken-in example, and a bright, sharp bore, this rifle presents as a nearly new, properly preserved Lot. Including a correct Sterling-pattern 34-round magazine further enhances marketability — magazines of the correct type materially influence collector interest in Sterling-pattern pieces.
Given that Wise Lite Arms is no longer operating and production examples are finite, this Sporter should draw attention from both specialists in British post-war small arms and general military-small-arms collectors looking for high-condition kit builds. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
