MkV Sten Gun - Another...

Received the gun from D&B today...

Very pleasantly surprised as it is in significantly better condition than I was expecting. Needs a good clean, but other than the barrel nut, trigger mechanism cover and a few minor parts, it seems to have most of its original finish. As requested from D&B, it has an earlier 'MkV' stamped magazine housing. I was also pleased to find it has the earlier butt with the No.4 buttplate.

A few minor niggles, it has a Mk1 barrel nut (the purist in me would prefer a Mk2 - any sources?), the No.4 foresight protector is slightly bent, the foresight blade is loose and it appears to have 'mismatched' woodwork. All amendable though.

So what can you tell me about it from the markings other than it has an Elkington & Co made magazine housing?

To echo Geoff's sentiments; grabbem' while they're hot folks...
Attachment 71940Attachment 71939Attachment 71937Attachment 71938Attachment 71935Attachment 71936

The RTL indicates that it came from ROF Theale

The barrel nuts were fully interchangeable in theory and practice. You'll find the simpler to produce version on later Mk2 Stens. I expect that D&B will change it for you. The same applies to the foresight protectors and screws. We just fitted what was on the shelf

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

The barrel nuts were fully interchangeable in theory and practice. You'll find the simpler to produce version on later Mk2 Stens. I expect that D&B will change it for you. The same applies to the foresight protectors and screws. We just fitted what was on the shelf

---

Peter can you shed any light on the difference between the barrel nuts ? is it to do with the cut teeth, as the drawings I have (which are in the Knowledge library ) show the the barrel nut with notches at the rear of the tube ?

Mark, the guns themselves would just be assembled or semi assembled on return from proof so its a lucky dip considering the amount they have...... my butt turned out to be Birch I think and come up ok after I steamed most of the big dents out and acquired a pistol grip to match.

Just about to do the electrolysis treatment on mine so ready for the bead blast, as I've got to do the crowns on the phone box....... (see watering hole) good excuse to do some cosmetics on the
MkV too.

Hi

Very pleased with the Sten I received and for the money cant knock it. Just glad I purchased mine before the price went up, as I see they are now on there web site for £295.

Terry

The Mk2 barrel nut has two rows of holes around the front and rear circumference as opposed to three rows on the Mk1. It was a relaxation in standard to allow one fabricator to use an existing hole punch that didn't have the depth to hole punch the central ring of holes. Anyone who's really clever tell the flock the difference between the Sten foresight protector screw and the rifle variant? But don't worry. Armourers didn't worry either and just used what was on the shelf.

#Worst thying you can do with a Sten Boris. Wind the mag housing around the casing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by boristhepig

Hi

Very pleased with the Sten I received and for the money cant knock it. Just glad I purchased mine before the price went up, as I see they are now on there web site for £295.

Terry

---

Guess there selling like hot cakes ? considering what they shifted before the 8th and what they have left I would say there are a lot of Mk V Stens out there or will be when they dry up. As Terry says and others the old price you can't argue..... looks better than 3 ducks on the wall too.

They have Sterlings for £250 which got me thinking if I don't get a Matchless or BSA and get a Bombardier Can-Am I,d need a Sterling .......

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

The RTL indicates that it came from ROF Theale

---

Thanks. Interesting. That means I pass about half a mile from it's birthplace each time I drive down the M4.

---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 PM ----------

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigduke6

Mark, the guns themselves would just be assembled or semi assembled on return from proof so its a lucky dip considering the amount they have...... my butt turned out to be Birch I think and come up ok after I steamed most of the big dents out and acquired a pistol grip to match.

---

I think my one has a walnut grip and a birch or beech stock. The latter looks cosmetically scruffy, but I think it'll tidy up well. The grip looks rather more bashed, so I shall probably keep an eye out for a replacement.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peregrinvs

Received the gun from D&B today...

---

Is it a real live shooter or a Dewat? :confused:

Only Dewats in the UK Vincent, covers all SMG's, LMG, MG and Pistols. Although pistols are allowed if .22RF and are over 24", any other calibre its a revolver over 24" and Black powder pistols any shape or form. Pistols of Historic interest or obsolete calibre, (little bit more to it but thats the basics) can be kept.

No semi auto rifles unless its .22RF......

So chaps, what's the secret to getting out the pin that holds the foresight block to the barrel? I've got everything else apart, but so far it doesn't want to budge and I'm trying to resist going down the 'use more force and / or a bigger hammer' route. Is a special tool required? Do they only go in one direction? etc.

Thanks,
Mark

It is a taper pin. It goes in from L to R., same as the rear trigger guard screw. But to be honest, the taper is so shallow and the pin is so short that it really made no difference

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

It is a taper pin. It goes in from L to R., same as the rear trigger guard screw. But to be honest, the taper is so shallow and the pin is so short that it really made no difference

---

Hi Peter,

From what perspective is that L to R? I've got it to move 2-3mm from R to L with the foresight up and the muzzle facing away, but it now seems to be jammed.

Thanks.
Mark

R to L in small arms is rifle facing the enemy, looking down on it. Just drive it out with a drift, Armourers No2 - or a little drift. The technical phrase, used on the shop floor would be something like '....knock the crap out of it.....'. I think that there is something in the way, possibly the foresight block dinged over the hole.

Put that into perspective. Here's me just trying to drill out a couple of sheared off 10BA grub screws. Then insert brass plugs, solder in place, then drill and tap for new 10BA grub screws to rectify a bubba attempt to strip something without asking why he couldn't unscrew something else!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

R to L in small arms is rifle facing the enemy, looking down on it. Just drive it out with a drift, Armourers No2 - or a little drift. The technical phrase, used on the shop floor would be something like '....knock the crap out of it.....'. I think that there is something in the way, possibly the foresight block dinged over the hole.

---

Thanks. After putting the brutal into brute force, I finally got the little bas... erm... blighter out. The pin was bent - possibly from the same blow that bent the foresight protector. The gun is now as stripped as I can get it, so onto the refurbishment stage.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peregrinvs

Thanks. After putting the brutal into brute force, I finally got the little bas... erm... blighter out. The pin was bent - possibly from the same blow that bent the foresight protector. The gun is now as stripped as I can get it, so onto the refurbishment stage.

---

Mark,

After another degrease etc, I put mine through the electrolysis bath, after removing some major rust you can see what was hiding in the nooks and crannies, just saves time when bead blasting, the bad area was where the pistol grip fitted and rear of trigger guard.


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...2p9ir15s-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...cgjhpqwj-1.jpg

Looking good. I probably ought to go carefully over my one with a torch to check for hidden rust.

I have used electrolysis on heavily rusted items in the past and it's quite a fun method to use + has no effect on the metal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peregrinvs

To echo Geoff's sentiments; grabbem' while they're hot folks...

---

Thats not possible now..... they have nearly doubled in price.

They should still be available if they have them. It's only written law that counts and not heresay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

They should still be available if they have them. It's only written law that counts and not heresay.

---

They still have them Peter, I was meaning its not possible at the old price....

Now back up to £450.

Funny how these things work. A friend of mine bought one from them at the War & Peace show in 2013 for £500 - and that was a relatively keen price at the time. They literally had piles of them.

When I spoke to them they had shifted 500........ when I asked if they had any left, "about 2000" they said.

I guess they must of shifted a lot at £250....

In a few years time, people on the forum will be saying '.....,remember when you could get then for £250 in the good old days......' Like today, collectors remember being to get old spec ones that functioned for £80!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Like today, collectors remember being to get old spec ones that functioned for £80!

---

I remember them being around £80-£100..... thats about 28-30 years ago, advertised in a Gun magazine, I can't remember the name but was a monthly, IIRC the top 2- 3" of the cover was green with the name on it , some forum members may remember, something Gun or Gun something ??

Added info (After sleeping on it think it was Guns Review, or Gun Review)

Guns Review Geoff, thats the magazine, a great mag it was too, I bought a previous old spec Sten mk2 from there in 1989 for £89, it was definitely of the Blacksmith school of deactivation though!

From memory a huge section of the breech block was milled away (so much so you could see daylight through the empty extractor slot), the barrel nut was welded in place (all round) selector welded on semi auto (perhaps it was a Sec1 gun prior to deac) the magazine housing was pinned in position and the barrel had a hole drilled halfway down (in full view) and a metal plug laterally hammered home and very roughly welded and "re-dressed" ... all the work apparently being completed by a blind drunken blacksmith..

Just terrible work, but it was 1989, way before the tinternet and its bountiful supply of information, what could you do, I didn't have anything else to compare it against, so thought that was the required standard.

That one went and was replaced by the cracking sensitively deactivated Mk2 I have now.

Thanks John, the Wainwrights and rum last night must of caused some memory loss (flushed the cold out though), as soon as I woke it came to me in a flash...... I stared buying it when I was 15 (31 years ago)

Sorry to go off topic, but just had to say nice drop the Wainwright's Geoff, working my way through the Butcombe brewery's offerings at the moment, really good beer!

Perhaps we should ask Doug if he can start a real ale sub forum?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mrclark303

Sorry to go off topic, but just had to say nice drop the Wainwright's Geoff, working my way through the Butcombe brewery's offerings at the moment, really good beer!

Perhaps we should ask Doug if he can start a real ale sub forum?

---

I've gone full circle regarding Beer, as a young apprentice started with Bitter, Mild and Guinness after going to Sea it was only larger so become a larger drinker........mainstay was Larger and Guinness for many years, only the last few years weened myself back on the Bitter, Real ale etc.

A Pub in Cumbria, (Prince of Wales, Foxfield, it was the next station to where I lived) we sometimes visited used to attract drinkers from all over, it was only open twice a week and right opposite the train station very handy for travellers as they used to pile in on a Saturday, the owner used to travel up from the midlands with all kinds of strange and wonderful beers from Micro Breweries, I tried a few but mainly stuck to the wheat beer, often wondered back then what the big thing was with real ale etc.....

I'm one of them that travels up on the train now when I visit old mates, only problem I find is sometimes its like playing Russian roulette with real ale (can act as a laxative to me at times), specially when you have a 3 hour train Journey ahead to get back home....... you just pray the toilets are up to scratch.

RE: The Magazine 'Gun's review'.

What a superb leading magazine that was back in the day!
Most of you are aware it has 'disapeared' from Magazine shelves, a long time ago! :(

Do you know why?..........................

Well, when My Father had His Gunshop. He informed Me that as they were VERY active in exposing & attacking. Anything/ person that was to the 'Detriment' of shooting.
And Whoever wanted to impose further restrictions/ban's on Legitimate Shooters.
They campaigned about the various injustices, & against those in power who sought to prevent the civilian ownership of Firearms Etc. (Much like today Really!......) :mad:

He informed Me that a VERY wealthy Millionaire MP, who was Anti-Gun. Was 'Targeted' by them constantly for his 'Views' on Firearms Owners.
Well, it transpired that this MP, made the Guns review Magazine team/owners. a VERY attractive financial offer. Which they simply couldn't refuse, & He subsequently Bought them out. & then closed down the Magazine! Why?..... Because He could!!!! :(

I cant remember the MPs name as it was a long time back now. & My Father is 89 now & has been in Hospital twice recently. For Two minor strokes, & various associated Health Difficulties. So He wont remember either! :(

It just illustrates the Power of the Sorded topic of coin!......:ugh:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tankhunter

What a superb leading magazine that was back in the day!
Most of you are aware it has 'disapeared' from Magazine shelves, a long time ago!

---

Certainly was a good read Mike, think it wound down not long after I started my apprenticeship, (1986) the nearest we have now is Gun Mart......... I'm still concerned about the proposed ban on the Semi Auto .22's, will certainly scupper a few of my future plans and a source of income.

Hi
Finally managed to get my Mk V Sten cleaned up and back together ! Pretty happy with how its turned out and for the price over the Moon. The woodwork has been one of the hardest parts to clean up and still needs some work.
I didn’t have access to a bead blaster so I stripped off the old paint with Polystrippa, then gave most of the parts an ultrasonic clean followed by a couple of treatments of Birchwood`s blue and rust remover and there cleaner degreaser. Then treated metal with Caswell SD cream a “Cold” Black Oxide Solution (similar to Parkerizing) Finally took it to a friend’s spay shop for a paint and bake. The cocking handle, sling swivel and bracket and the foresight protector missed the paint and show the cold black finish in pictures.
Terry

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by boristhepig

Hi
Finally managed to get my Mk V Sten cleaned up and back together ! Pretty happy with how its turned out and for the price over the Moon. The woodwork has been one of the hardest parts to clean up and still needs some work.
I didn’t have access to a bead blaster so I stripped off the old paint with Polystrippa, then gave most of the parts an ultrasonic clean followed by a couple of treatments of Birchwood`s blue and rust remover and there cleaner degreaser. Then treated metal with Caswell SD cream a “Cold” Black Oxide Solution (similar to Parkerizing) Finally took it to a friend’s spay shop for a paint and bake. The cocking handle, sling swivel and bracket and the foresight protector missed the paint and show the cold black finish in pictures.
Terry

---

Another cracking restoration, well done Terry!

That looks very nice.

Cold black oxide is a copper selenium coating. Parkerizing is a conversion coating. The results might look similar for a while. The problem with cold black oxide is it rubs off and will stain clothing, etc.

Hi
If you missed out on the D&B MK V Sten`s when they were for sale for £250 ! I notice Saracen Exports are selling them for £265 delivered, they also from the pictures appear to have been refurbished and have the Mk 2 barrel nut fitted.

Terry

I don't know if I asked before Boris, but what's your connection with the Dakota thinggy? The blokes from 55 Coy (or was is Squadron ?) in KL and Changi used to wear that. And their trucks all had a yellow top to the cabs

thanks for that.................. just bought one, hopefully as good as on the web page

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by philb

thanks for that.................. just bought one, hopefully as good as on the web page

---

I don't want to sound too cynical but I'm guessing the pic on their site may have had a quick once over with a can of matt black........., I would say its a sure bet that all the MkV's that are on the market come from the same source, but could be wrong ???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

I don't know if I asked before Boris, but what's your connection with the Dakota thinggy? The blokes from 55 Coy (or was is Squadron ?) in KL and Changi used to wear that. And their trucks all had a yellow top to the cabs

---

Hi Peter
You have as i remember asked before, but a quick refresher and for others who might be interested. My avatar is of a Douglas DC3 Dakota the emblem of RASC Royal Army Service Corps (Air Dispatch) unit. I use it in memory of my father Terence Evans 55 Company, and all those who served as Air-dispatchers during the Malayan Emergency. Over 12 years they made over 15,000 sorties and dispatched over 29,500 tons. My father served in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore from 1957-60, and thankfully survived and made it back to the UK. Others were not so lucky, the air-dispatchers suffered the highest casualty rate of any unit involved in the emergency, 35 soldiers lost their lives during operations.

Terry

whats thos gotta do with stens ?

Absolutely nothing at all, - but they might have been armed with Stens while they were air dropping. Oh yes they did and were.......! In case you might wonder why aircrew would carry weapons

Back down to £325:

deactivated deact weapon gun replica militaria

very nice.........also thanks for signing my book today peter ...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peregrinvs

Received the gun from D&B today...

Very pleasantly surprised as it is in significantly better condition than I was expecting. Needs a good clean, but other than the barrel nut, trigger mechanism cover and a few minor parts, it seems to have most of its original finish. As requested from D&B, it has an earlier 'MkV' stamped magazine housing. I was also pleased to find it has the earlier butt with the No.4 buttplate.

A few minor niggles, it has a Mk1 barrel nut (the purist in me would prefer a Mk2 - any sources?), the No.4 foresight protector is slightly bent, the foresight blade is loose and it appears to have 'mismatched' woodwork. All amendable though.

So what can you tell me about it from the markings other than it has an Elkington & Co made magazine housing?

To echo Geoff's sentiments; grabbem' while they're hot folks...
Attachment 71940Attachment 71939Attachment 71937Attachment 71938Attachment 71935Attachment 71936

---

Just a quick note to thank Geoff / bigduke6 for refurbishing the metalwork on the above Sten. He has been incredibly generous with his time and efforts and it looks fantastic - almost like a 1944 fresh gun. You are a real gentlemen Sir. :) He's also done some nice work on a repro foregrip to make it useable.

I haven't done any pictures yet, but am intending to do so soon. I'm currently in the gradual process of moving from one house to another and the bits I didn't send are stored at the new house, so there'll be short delay before I reassemble it.

Some quick pics of it mostly reassembled and I'm dead chuffed with it. :) Compare and contrast with my initial pictures. The butt is a work in progress and I've just temporarily propped it in position for the pics. Likewise the repro foregrip which needs the wood routing out slightly, but I can confirm the ring now fits the barrel nut tightly. I'm also going to invest in a new foresight guard as it is quite bent looked at from the front.

I will take some minor credit though for the rear grip which has tidied up fairly well after some steam, wire wool and lots of linseed oil.

Cheers,
Mark

Attachment 76180Attachment 76183Attachment 76181Attachment 76184Attachment 76182

A bit pernickety now, but photo 3 looks like the trigger guard has been knocked forwards so that there is a distinct and rather large gap at the point that it leaves the grip and extends forwards. The trigger guard should touch all the way down that flat section of the forward face of the grip. At the end of their lives in service we were having to patch and re-patch Mk5 grips and butts. I seem to recall that we could just chop out the top thin rear hollow section of the grip that used to split. While you're cutting it out, just as easy to carry on along and insert a new piece of wood!

Part of the fun - and skill - is to make good what's there I say. A foresight protector should be simple to dolly straight

Nearly there...

It's acquired a new butt and foresight protector plus a mint sling I've had for a while. Another small moment in bayonet collecting history as that's the first time in the 20-ish years I've owned it that the No.7 bayonet has been attached to the correct gun.
Attachment 76410Attachment 76411Attachment 76412Attachment 76413Attachment 76414

Good to see that the gun number is on the left side of the butt socket. It should also be on the left side of the foresight protector as the butt socket was always hand fitted to the gun. The barrel of course was zeroed to a particular gun - hence the number on the f/s protector

Another nice looking rig.