Sterling Arms, founded in 1967 in New York, produced the compact .22 LR pocket pistols (such as the Model 302/300S) throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Known as "Saturday Night Specials," these budget-friendly guns featured stainless steel slides and frames, earning a reputation for being relatively durable, though often plagued by reliability issues. The company operated in Buffalo and later Lockport before closing in 1983.