Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and FFL transfers. The Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA Police Trade-In Pistol is a reliable double-action semi-automatic chambered in .380 ACP, previously used by law enforcement. Its compact design and proven performance make it a practical choice for concealed carry or as a backup firearm. Available for $499.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA?
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel slide, alloy frame |
| Manufacturing | Sterling Arms, Lockport, NY (original production) |
| Finish | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Durable, service-grade construction typical of police arms |
| Compatibility | .380 ACP ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Standard firearm operation; requires FFL transfer |
| Weight | Approximately 23 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Length: ~6.2 inches; Height: ~4.5 inches; Width: ~1 inch |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good, may show holster wear) |
| SKU | STERLING-MKII-380-POLICE |
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Action | Double Action Only (DAO) |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds (standard magazine) |
| Sights | Fixed |
What are the key features of the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA?
- Police Trade-In Condition: These pistols have seen service, meaning they’re broken in and have a history. They’re not safe queens; they’re tools that have been used, which often means they’ve been maintained. Expect cosmetic wear, but mechanically, they’re generally solid.
- Double Action Only (DAO): The DAO trigger pull is consistent from the first shot to the last. This can be a benefit for some users seeking simplicity and a consistent feel without the need to decock or manage a safety.
- Compact .380 ACP Chambering: The .380 ACP cartridge provides a balance of manageable recoil and adequate stopping power for personal defense, especially in a compact package like the Sterling Mark II.
- Robust Construction: With a steel slide and an alloy frame, these pistols are built to be durable for daily carry and use, reflecting their intended purpose as service weapons.
- Fixed Sights: Simple and rugged, the fixed sights are designed for quick target acquisition at typical self-defense distances. There are no adjustable parts to snag or get knocked out of alignment.
- Reliable Feed and Ejection: Sterling Arms had a reputation for producing functional firearms, and the Mark II generally feeds and ejects reliably with various ammunition types.
Who is the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA for?
Buy it if:
- You are looking for a compact, reliable .380 ACP pistol for concealed carry or as a backup firearm.
- You appreciate the history and character of police trade-in firearms.
- You prefer a simple double-action-only trigger mechanism for personal defense.
- You are on a budget but still want a functional and proven firearm from a reputable, albeit defunct, manufacturer.
- You need a pistol that is easy to conceal due to its slim profile and modest dimensions.
- You are a collector of classic American-made firearms, particularly those from Sterling Arms.
Skip it if:
- You require a pistol with a light, crisp single-action trigger pull. Consider modern striker-fired options like those in our Handguns category.
- You demand a brand-new firearm with no cosmetic wear. Police trade-ins will show signs of use.
- You need a pistol with a high-capacity magazine (this model typically holds 6+1 rounds). For higher capacity, explore our selection of modern semi-automatics.
- You prefer adjustable sights or optics-ready platforms. This pistol features fixed sights.
- You are looking for a pistol chambered in a larger caliber for primary duty use. See our 9mm and .45 ACP offerings.
How does the Sterling Mark II compare to other .380 ACP pistols?
| Feature | Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA (Police Trade-In) | “Cheap Import” .380 ACP (e.g., Jennings, Bryco) | Premium .380 ACP (e.g., Sig P238, Glock 42) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel slide, alloy frame | Zinc alloy (pot metal) | Steel slide, polymer or alloy frame |
| Quality | Service-grade, durable for its era | Low-cost, often unreliable | High-grade, precision manufacturing |
| Compatibility | Standard .380 ACP ammo, limited aftermarket parts | Specific to model, very limited aftermarket | Wide ammo compatibility, good aftermarket support |
| Shipping | FFL transfer required, ships from KS | FFL transfer required | FFL transfer required |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven long service life, robust | Short lifespan, prone to breakage | Designed for extensive use, very durable |
| Price | ~$499.00 (Police Trade-In) | ~$60-80 (New) | ~$500-700+ (New) |
Frequently Asked Questions about .380 ACP Pistols
Is the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA a good gun for concealed carry?
The Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA, with its compact size and modest weight, can be a suitable option for concealed carry. Its double-action-only trigger offers a consistent pull, which some carriers prefer for simplicity. However, its capacity is lower than many modern alternatives, so consider your specific needs for capacity and modern features.
What is the typical condition of a police trade-in Sterling Mark II?
Police trade-in firearms, including the Sterling Mark II, typically show signs of external wear such as holster marks, finish thinning, and minor scratches from being carried and handled. Internally, they are generally well-maintained and in good mechanical condition, as police departments usually adhere to strict maintenance schedules. We inspect all trade-ins to ensure they are functionally sound before sale.
Are parts and magazines available for the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA?
Since Sterling Arms is no longer in business, new factory parts and magazines can be difficult to find. However, aftermarket parts and used magazines do surface occasionally on various online forums and specialty parts retailers. It’s advisable to secure spare magazines when purchasing older, out-of-production firearms.
What kind of ammunition does the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA use?
The Sterling Mark II is chambered in .380 ACP (also known as .380 Auto, 9mm Short, or 9x17mm). It will reliably feed most standard .380 ACP ammunition types, including Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for practice and various Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) designs for self-defense. Always test your chosen self-defense ammunition in your specific firearm to ensure reliable function.
Where can I buy .380 ACP pistols online?
You can buy .380 ACP pistols online right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We offer a selection of new and used firearms, including police trade-ins, and facilitate FFL transfers to your local dealer. Browse our inventory for various models and conditions to find the right pistol for your needs.
What is the recoil like on a Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA?
The recoil of the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA is generally manageable for most shooters, especially given its all-metal construction which helps absorb some of the recoil energy. Compared to smaller, lighter polymer-framed .380s, the recoil impulse can feel softer. It’s a comfortable pistol to shoot for practice and self-defense purposes.
Is the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA a good choice for a first-time gun owner?
For a first-time gun owner, the Sterling Mark II .380 ACP DA could be a reasonable choice if simplicity and a consistent trigger pull are prioritized. The double-action-only mechanism means no external safety to manipulate, just point and shoot. However, its older design and limited parts availability might make a modern, more readily supported firearm a better option for someone new to firearms ownership. We recommend hands-on training regardless of the firearm chosen.
Why buy from Kansas Gunshop?
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Handguns | Full Shop
Last updated: April 2026
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