Sterling AR-180 Lower Hand Guard Problems

Reader John R. asked about a finish issue on the lower hand guard of his Sterling AR-180. I had never noticed a problem like that before so at first, I didn’t have an answer for him.

I dug out my Sterlings and had a closer look.

Looks like he might be onto something.

Sterling #1 is a recent acquisition. Serial S17700 and is in like new condition.

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It is most pronounced on the right side where a straight line appears with the finish above the line is compromised.

Next up is my first Sterling S19827.

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It doesn’t show any of these signs.

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But some of you long time readers may recall that when I first got this gun it had a broken lower hand guard that I replaced.

It shows very similar finish issues.

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More Sharpshooter Porn.

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My third Sterling does not seam to have these problems but it has but hit with a light camo paint job which might be covering it up.

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All my other Costa Mesa and Howa guns do not exhibit these issues. I did notice, however, that the Sterling hand guards do not rattle and the others do. I believe that these hand guards must have been built in different places and using different molds.

Does this mean that we can identify Sterling lower hand guards?

 

Take a look at yours and leave me a comment below.