Sterling .25 Auto

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  • padishar123

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 27, 2009
    35
    6
    Leo, IN
    Goodmorning!

    I recently acquired a Sterling Arms Model 300 .25 Auto pistol. It's not the type of gun I usually purchase but the price was right and what the heck.

    I figured considering the shape (perfect condition) and vintage (mid 80's, American Made) it was worth the $75 I paid for it.

    The gun appears to work fine but seems to jam on about every other shot. I took the ENTIRE thing apart and am 1/2 way through cleaning and reassembly. Any other tips that might help it feed better? I know the clip was loaded full for several years...the spring may be shot.

    Any suggestions on reasonable places to pick up replacement parts? I looked online and there are quite a few retailers with parts...however I just can't see spending $30 for a clip. I just wanted to get a feel for whether or not there are cheaper sources for clips.

    Thanks!
    ~Aaron
     

    Turtle

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Jul 8, 2008
    1,901
    38
    INDY
    polish that feed ramp with an actual polisher bit. And then take it to the range and try only very light oil. Diffrent guns like difrent oil levels. If your ammo is really dirty then only use enough oil to lightly coat the rails. Put oil on a paper towl and rub it on.
     

    Disposable Heart

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 99.6%
    246   1   1
    Apr 18, 2008
    5,805
    99
    Greenfield, IN
    Turtle hit it on the head: Polish feedramp (w/o taking material off) and really really clean the thing up. You may also want to consider polishing the breechface (to help the round slide up the face as its being inserted into the chamber) and even polish barrel hood a bit (top part of chamber, helps round slide in).

    As for parts: Cant help you. Therein lies the issue with guns like that: no one made parts for them, not a huge demand for it. Guns like that were intended for replacement by the company, but when the company decides to crumble or not make em anymore, folks are up the creek. Parts for odd guns are going to be expensive or non-existant. Just a rule of law...
     

    sharpetop

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Apr 12, 2008
    837
    28

    Chefcook

    Shooter
    Rating - 100%
    8   0   0
    Oct 20, 2008
    4,163
    36
    Raccoon City
    I bought one off an INGO member early this year and had multiple problems with it. I contacted numrich gun parts and ordered new springs(a total of like $10 or $15) and its worked great ever since. Just keep in mind when you replace the springs on this pistol you have to replace both the firing pin spring and the recoil spring. The recoil spring is all that holds the slide forward keeping it in battery...
     

    padishar123

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 27, 2009
    35
    6
    Leo, IN
    All,

    Thanks for the friendly advice. Like I mentioned, I normally stick with high quality stuff but the gun intrigued me. I will do as you say and polish the contact areas. I agree that replacing the two springs is likely a good cheap fix idea as well. I had a good time yesterday at the Indy 1500. I'm sure everyone else did too!

    ~Aaron
     

    padishar123

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 27, 2009
    35
    6
    Leo, IN
    took it down to each pin and spring, lots of hidden "gunk" in the action. i polished the feed ramp, clip slide, part where the firing pin comes out, slides, and anything else that had been rubbed shiny already.

    reassembled, combat loaded it, and emptied it without a single jam. so now i can go to the range :ar15: and see how it does. much better!

    Thanks!!!

    unfortunately i started REALLY cleaning my 1911 now (also gunky) and that's in 1,000,000 pieces. much easier gun to take apart though.
     

    padishar123

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 27, 2009
    35
    6
    Leo, IN
    Pics

    here's a few pics if anyone is interested.

    DSCF0538.jpg


    DSCF0530.jpg
     
    Last edited:
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