Sterling DLO Mark4 or Mark5

[Lungs]

Hello Fellows, I'm a newbie when it comes to Sterlings. I've read the main thread on here explaining all the different builds etc.

I'm on the fence on either purchasing a DLO Mark4 or Mark5 suppressed. I attend Subgun matches with my Uzi and have always had an eye for Sterlings.

I'm retired and use prescription glasses. Irons are not a problem but it would be nice if I can mount a small optic which I don't think I can on either model.

In any event would like to hear some pro and cons between the 4 and the 5 from some of the owners that have them. I can only afford one and don't want to regret the purchase. Thank you for you help.

 

[arch stanton]

Get the MK4 one of the best subguns out there. A suppressed Sterlings just a novelty. You can have a rail added to the top of the gun I have had this done so may times I can't remember. If you get one send it off to John Andrewski he does all the builds and repairs.

Hope this helps you decide

 

[Lungs]

Appreciate the help. I'll be concentrating on the MK4. I was a bit on the fence on the MK5 because I found a good one and the MK4 I really want was a bit more money.

 

[Labanaktis]

I vote for MK5, especially since you have a Uzi. The MK5 is a subgun dream.

Matt

 

[sniperdoc]

Are you gonna use it in Competition or as a "Range Toy"?
If Competition, I'd go for the Mk4; it's lighter, thus you will be able to transition between targets a bit faster and its momentum won't try to pull you past the target as bad (little things like these add up, especially at large or top-tier events. My Sniping Partner and I were once beaten for 1st place by 2 points at a 3 day event), not to mention the wear and tear on the baffles.
OTOH, if you are only gonna shoot it occasionally, the Mk5 would get the nod simply for the "coolness" factor.

 

[Lungs]

In competition, I now use my Uzi for local matches. One of the reasons leaning heavy on the MK4 and decided to disregard the MK5 for now.

Since I'm just getting started what do you fellows recommend on buying extra magazines. I've seen all kinds of prices, very confusing. I would like to have a minimum of 5. Don't want to make the wrong choice on something that will give me issues. I've learned this with the Uzi mags. What is fair price and where is it best to look? I've seen new ones for $165 each, thought they were a bit high in price.

 

[sniperdoc]

Uzitalk member "Snakebitten" had some sale the other day, a 5 pack for like $125. Reach out to him he may still have some.

 

[Lungs]

I looked at the sale post of Snakebitten and notice the condition of the mags, do you fellows think they will ok? I've looked at a site from Apex selling mags at a very reasonable price, anyone have experience with them?

Also, are there any spare parts I should have in case something fails during my matches? Taking a look at a manual being a simple enough weapon but have not researched the probable failures. Appreciate the help that all of you have given.

 

[sniperdoc]

My "Sterling" is a Semi Auto Wiselite, so I don't really know a lot about FA Sterling-specific parts, but it's pretty universal for Subgun owners to stock up on extra Barrels, a couple of Bolts, and a few sets of Springs.

 

[Lungs]

Update: Purchased a DLO/MK4 Andrewsky

Thank you fellows for all you input in helping decide.

 

[sniperdoc]

Congrats! I love my Semi. It's much lighter and more ergonomic than the Uzi, IMHO.

 

[arch stanton]

Update: Purchased a DLO/MK4 Andrewsky

Thank you fellows for all you input in helping decide.

There you have it good deal

 

[Battering ram NIB]

Share some pics and tell us about your deal

I have not seen a JA build for sale in a while. Where did you find it?

 

[Lungs]

Share some pics and tell us about your deal

I have not seen a JA build for sale in a while. Where did you find it?

I prefer to honor and keep my deal private. However as soon as my FFL receives the Sterling (hopefully next week) I will take some pictures and figure out how to post them here.

 

[sniperdoc]

I prefer to honor and keep my deal private. However as soon as my FFL receives the Sterling (hopefully next week) I will take some pictures and figure out how to post them here.

As you should

 

[Traveler]

… I've looked at a site from Apex selling mags at a very reasonable price, anyone have experience with them?

I have bought several Sterling mags from APEX and all worked. Some were well used, but still worked fine.

Also, are there any spare parts I should have in case something fails during my matches?

Sterlings are famous for their reliability. You are more likely to have an ammo failure (squib load) than a mechanical failure. So, a spare barrel would be good. There’s a guy selling parts kits with original barrels on gunbroker.

If you don’t have time to change the barrel, you can still use an original barrel that’s bulged. Drive out any stuck bullet(s) with a brass rod. The repro barrels are ok, but I wouldn’t trust one that has been bulged. They are not as strong as the originals.

John can add the reinforcing “yoke” to your stock if it doesn’t have it. It makes the stock more ridged. He can also add the studs for a rail and he makes rails too.

 

[Lungs]

I have bought several Sterling mags from APEX and all worked. Some were well used, but still worked fine.

There’s a guy selling parts kits with original barrels on gunbroker.

John can add the reinforcing “yoke” to your stock if it doesn’t have it. It makes the stock more ridged. He can also add the studs for a rail and he makes rails too.

Don't mind used mags, did the ones you purchased from Apex have any rust even though they were used?

Been looking at part kits and the DLO made by John I'm getting does have the studs and rail, a welcome for matches I'll be doing.

 

[Battering ram NIB]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/841284321

Here’s the parts kit you want.

You can still find niw mags for $50 each. Be cautious as niw can still have rust

I had the yoke and studs as part of my build. Send it
To John to have them added

 

[Traveler]

Don't mind used mags, did the ones you purchased from Apex have any rust even though they were used?

No rust. Just warn, oily and dirty on the outside. They look just like the picture on their website. https://www.apexgunparts.com/sterling-34rd-magazine-9mm-good.html

The Sterling produced mag is outstanding for quality, design and strength. Like the gun, it’s extremely reliable. The government made mags aren’t as strong. They are more prone to get dents if dropped, etc.

 

[Traveler]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/841284321

Here’s the parts kit you want.

Yeah, that’s a nice kit. Good price considering it has the full barrel shroud.

You can still find niw mags for $50 each. Be cautious as niw can still have rust

That’s a good tip. The ones in the wrap often have light rust specks.