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How Much is My Sterling Worth?

The Sterling is a British-designed 9mm submachine gun, prized for its reliable roller-type bolt, side-feeding magazine, and compact frame. Transferable examples include both tube guns and original C&R imports.

Curious about how much your Sterling sub machine gun is worth? Whether you’re looking to sell or simply understand current pricing, we’ll help you assess the market value of your firearm.

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About the Sterling

Designed after WWII and officially adopted in the 1950s, the Sterling replaced the Sten as the British Army's standard submachine gun. Known for its side-feeding magazine and smooth blowback action, the Sterling became a widely issued weapon for NATO-aligned forces and is valued for its reliability, compact handling, and distinctive design. Transferable examples in the U.S. include both Curio & Relic imports and U.S.-built tube guns.

Origin

United Kingdom

Manufacturer

Sterling Armaments Company, various wartime contractors; U.S. tube gun builders

Caliber

9mm

Rate of Fire

550–600 rounds per minute

Notable Uses

British military, NATO-aligned forces, law enforcement exports

Sterling Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable Sterling Sub Machine Guns are highly sought after by NFA collectors and enthusiasts. Value is influenced by originality, condition, variant type and any unique historical markings. Most examples on the market range from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • Tube Gun Builds

    Estimated Value: $10,000 – $13,000

  • C&R Eligible Imports

    Estimated Value: $13,000 – $18,000

Factors That Influence Sterling Values

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Originality:

Transferable Sterlings with original receivers, parts, and factory markings typically command higher prices due to their authenticity and appeal to collectors.

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Condition:

Clean, well-maintained Sterling machine guns in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition will sell for significantly more than worn or modified examples.

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Historical Markings / Provenance:

If there are markings or provenance that link your Sterling to a specific military unit, wartime service, or historical event - collector interest and market value can greatly increase.

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Restoration:

Whether your Sterling has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

Transferrable Sterlings will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

Sterlings built on original receivers typically hold more value than rewelds or aftermarket builds.

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About Us

Our mission is to make the process of selling your firearm as easy and convenient as possible.

Selling a firearm can be time-consuming and legally complex, especially for machine guns. At webuyguns.com, we streamline the process by purchasing directly from you, saving you time and ensuring a legally compliant, hassle-free transaction. With decades of experience, we provide fair market evaluations and encourage you to compare our offers locally to see the value we bring.

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How it works

You are in control

Our streamlined process makes selling your firearm easy. If you accept our offer, simply package your firearm using the prepaid shipping label we provide. We’ll keep you updated with email notifications at every stage. No hassle, no guesswork—just a smooth, straightforward experience on your terms.

Steps
16 cloud upload Tell us what you have.
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos. This helps us identify what you have. We review your information and images to assess the condition and value of your firearm.
16 currency dollar We make you an offer.
We’ll provide an offer on your firearm via email within 72 hours, and if accepted, provide instructions to complete the process.
16 comments We keep you informed at every stage.
We’ll provide a shipping label and keep you updated with email notifications tracking recieving the firearm, reviewing its condition and issuing payment.
Item Submitted
Colt Python: Minor scratches with approximately 200 rounds through it.
357 Mag Very Good
Offer Made
Ref # 0973457 .357 magnum Colt Python in very good condition.
$1,300
Offer Approved
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Item Shipped
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Tracking # 9610 1385 1287 3021
Item Received
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Customer Paid
ACH for $1,300 issued to customer account.

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's

Is this legal?
Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store with the item. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
What’s the market value of a Sterling submachine gun?
Tube guns usually sell for $10,000 to $13,000, while factory C&R imports can command $13,000 to $18,000 depending on condition and markings.
Are Sterling SMGs Curio & Relic eligible?
Yes, some original British imports meet the C&R criteria, which generally increases their appeal to collectors.
What affects the value of a Sterling?
C&R status, receiver markings, originality of parts, and condition are the primary factors impacting price.
How can I legally sell my Sterling SMG?
If it’s a transferable machine gun registered before 1986, we can help with the paperwork and offer a fair quote.
How long are offers good for?
Offers are valid for 14 days.
Can I sell multiple firearms?
Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
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