Fine Modern & Antique Arms - March 2024 : Sale A0324 Lot 23
A SCARCE .22 STERLING ARMAMENTS HR83 UNDER-LEVER AIR-RIFLE, serial no. 2956,

Product Details

A SCARCE .22 STERLING ARMAMENTS HR83 UNDER-LEVER AIR-RIFLE, serial no. 2956,
circa 1983, with blued 17 1/2in. barrel fitted with a black crackle-finished detachable tunnel fore-sight, the rear-sight block marked 'STERLING ARMAMENTS CO.' over 'HR81' over 'CAL .22', the left side marked 'PAT. PENDING REG. DESIGN' over the serial number, bolt action single-shot pellet feed, blued air-chamber and under-lever, hand chequered walnut stock, two-stage colour-hardened trigger, black crackle finished muzzle-cap and trigger-guard bow and fitted with swivels for a sling, collector's external condition and fitted with a period Sterling Bisley Deluxe 4x32 rubber armoured telescopic sight

Provenance: The Sterling HR83 was introduced in 1983 as an upmarket version of the Sterling HR81, which had experienced successful sales since its introduction in 1981. Apart from the addition of a hand selected walnut stock, the other major change with the HR83 was the introduction of a new two-stage trigger. Unfortunately this trigger proved extremely problematic, many broke resulting in the factory having to almost hand make every one. Indeed, it was commented on at the time that every trigger that left the factory was different in some way. This slow and laborious process resulted in only around 100 rifles being produced - indeed, so few were made that Sterling never even tooled an 'HR83' stamp for the model designation



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Estimate £300-500