Repro Sten's, Opinions?

I like to do demos around Veterans Day and for obvious reasons, sub-machine guns and machine guns are lacking in my inventory. I do have a semi PPS43, a semi Thompson and a work in progress semi Soumi but that's the extent of my inventory.

Came across an all metal Sten display model yesterday that sounds good with a working bolt/trigger assembly and a removable magazine and the price isn't horrible at $150. Supposed to be actual weight, etc but none of it is actual Sten parts. Magazine maybe with the spring removed.

STEN GUN MKII REPLICA

Anyone have one that they can give an opinion on? They make other types also but prices on those is more prohibitive.

I don't have one but have handled lots of this sort...and if it's all one can have to fill a spot in collection then you could, if it suits you. I still prefer the FA and original, but as we know those times seem to have flown for most.

Looks ok, a few marks that look like parts may have been cast rather than machined. I also don’t like the cocking handle but that’s pretty easy and cheap to replace!

$150 is pretty cheap when you consider what a Mk. II parts kit costs these days.

looks like a Spanish denix copy, made of poor quality metal, I wouldn't try to make it fire

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Originally Posted by philb

made of poor quality metal, I wouldn't try to make it fire

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He can't without going to jail...

They advertise them as not interchangeable with real sten parts so never intended to be fired. It's just a mock up that has limited function for "realism". I have checked into parts kits but I don't have the ambition to do one of those. I still have the Soumi sitting here waiting on alterations so I can put it together legally.

Yep, not a bad reproduction. As said, I would replace the cocking handle and also perhaps carefully rework the finish removing the casting marks and repainting.

Thanks for the opinions. I did decide to order one. I'm never going to have an original unless I win the lottery. I got an original magazine to go along with it. If it doesn't fit, I'll at least have something original for the display.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

. I did decide to order one.

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Give us a look when it arrives...?

You bet. Got it from IMA and they usually ship pretty quick and they aren't far from my home. Should be here in about a week.

It will be real nice if my sten bayonet fits on it but I'm not sure which version that went with so who knows. Depends on their attention to detail I guess. Forgot I had one until today, well didn't forget, just didn't make the connection until today.

IMA is without power and not expected for it to be back on until the middle of next week. So my delivery most likely to be delayed.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Thanks for the opinions. I did decide to order one. I'm never going to have an original unless I win the lottery. I got an original magazine to go along with it. If it doesn't fit, I'll at least have something original for the display.

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An original Mag WILL fit the Denix Replica. There is one dealer in the UK, that when He sells one. He gives a genuine mag with the Gun upon a sale.
These Mazak Alloy replica's are constructed differently in a lot of the internal design. The Barrel area in particular. I was looking to one
of these to convert into a Blank Firing version. I will say here, DONT bother!........

That's good to know. I'm planning to look into the cocking device when it arrives to see if an original could be made to work. I see what everyone says about that being wrong. So I'll have an original mag, bayonet and sling (ordered one of those yesterday from Numrich). I'll be taking the orange plug out of it also, that has to go. I have a suspicion the cocking device won't work as they one they installed is probably just spot welded in place.

It looks like tube is thicker metal than the original (probably so a real bolt won’t fit). You might have to tweak a real cocking handle to fit. You will also need to drill the hole for the safety if you go with a later type cocking handle that locks the bolt forward.

Those welds look really nice. Better than what you see on a typical STEN. And they are smoothed out on the mag housing like on the Mk2-S. Very nice!

I am looking forward to seeing how it takes down when you get it. Looks like there’s a screw in front of the rear sight?

The Receiver's are CAST Mazac, The cocking handle is shorter in length It is a flat head profile which is incorrect visually. It would be a simple matter to Copy the profile of the mazac handle in Steel on a lathe. But DOME the end of the head, which was the CORRECT profile.

A Genuine steel Breech block will not fit. For obvious reasons.

The Mazak B/Block is NOT drilled all the way through to accept a genuine Cocking handle.
I would say, there is nothing stopping you from drilling the hole all the way through the Mazac block to accept a full length handle. BUT, you MAY weaken the Mazac Bolt!..
Mazac is brittle enough anyway, & continued 'Dry Firing' will Break a component eventually! This is VERY common across the whole range of Denix Replicas!

I have just has to repair an M1 Carbine that has had some 'Breakages'!...It has been 'Difficult', to say the least!......:ugh: I am going to glue a small Plug of Rubber, just in front of the area where the Bolt handle rests in the forward position. In the wooden stock.
This will act as a 'Buffer' to cushion the forward movement of the Bolt assembly.

One of the most common reasons for breakages in these Denix'es. Shocks & continuous vibrations. Caused by repeated slamming of the 'Actions'! The Metal 'Work Hardens' & eventually fractures!.....:( They are in my opinion, ONLY good for wall hangers. & to fill weapon clips in Vehicles as visual Props. Yes, nice to 'Play' with & show the Action of Mechanical dry firing actions. BUT!.......They WILL eventually break something!.....Seen it Hundred's of times!...:crying:

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

A Genuine steel Breech block will not fit.

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One could make an aluminum BB on the lathe and make it to spec...except to fit the smaller tube of the gun...all would look correct though.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

One could make an aluminum BB on the lathe and make it to spec...except to fit the smaller tube of the gun...all would look correct though.

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This is entirely feasible, But I would also make steel sear as well. The wear of continuous Dry firing WILL wear a sear of Mazak.
Quite quickly!......

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

also make steel sear as well

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Problem is as you point out...once you start building parts, there's always one more weak point. It just shifts it around until it's the tube.

I have one of these reproductions....just for fun. Looks pretty god with a repro sling, as well. If you would like to see some photos or details...let me know and I will post them.

It is supposed to arrive tomorrow but I may have a problem. This is supposed to be my anniversary gift which is still two months away and the wife is planning on hiding it when it arrives. I expect I can talk her out of it but who knows.

Ask her to post pictures of it for us, please.[emoji2]

She let me have it. I will try to get pics up this weekend. I like it. Stock detaches, original magazine fits and locks but is a little looser than the fake one. Exterior all appears to be steel. Interior bolt and charging handle is soft metal. Not sure yet on barrel. Screws and other trim is molded as part of the receiver. Original bayonet fits perfectly. Sling came today also so it’s complete. Charging handle comes out so it might accept an original.

'Exterior all appears to be steel'. I think you will find the reciever is Mazak. You can confirm this by putting a
Magnet on it. It will not sick......;)

Looks can be deceiving, magnet doesn't stick to any of it.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

She let me have it.

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Looking for detailed pics...we'll try to be kind and considerate... After all, at least you have one.

Here are the pics. It doesn't show in the photos but on the bottom of the magazine well, it does say DENIX. It's pretty small.

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

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../Yw45sIb-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../TW60PY9-1.jpg

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

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

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../M1nUHvH-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../vZqKxu4-1.jpg

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

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2u8woIo-1.jpg

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

Very interesting, not a bad repro, perfectly good for display or film work etc.

Here's my mk2 for comparison.
http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=56537

So, is there a "proper" way to attach the sling in this model? I have seen at least 2 different ways to attach the sling to the rear "t" stock....
Is one right or wrong, was it a matter of personal choice?

Attachment 91653
Attachment 91654

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Originally Posted by 82Trooper

So, is there a "proper" way to attach the sling in this model? I have seen at least 2 different ways to attach the sling to the rear "t" stock....
Is one right or wrong, was it a matter of personal choice?

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I did an image search and that was the connection I found. Can't figure out what else the round hole is for. I thought maybe your thumb or other finger but after trying it decided it was probably a very good way to lose your thumb or other finger.

OK, There IS a CORRECT way to fit a sling to a Sten with a 'T' stock. It is surprisingly to Me Personally, little known! :ugh:

Right, You go to the BOTTOM of the sling with the OVAL metal loop. You Turn / work this Loop a QUARTER turn. So the OVAL loop is 'Pointing' ALONG the length of the sling.

Pass the OVAL through the Bottom hole in the 'T' stock. (It will be tight in SOME cases. But it WILL go through. A light tap with a Hammer, of preferably a rubber / nylon Mallet is better)
I Think the holes in the base plate of the stock are 1" diameter. Pull the sling through approx. 6" & then Rotate the Loop BACK a quarter turn. To it's ORIGINAL Position.
Pass the Hook Looped end THROUGH the loop & feed the rest of the sling through as well.
Right up till the webbing is tight, & can no longer move.
Attach the curly 'Hooked' end through one of the cooling holes in the barrel nut. (The bit your left hand would hold) where it is comfortable for you to hold the weapon.

Then, using a pair of pliers with a patch of soft cloth in their jaws. (So you dont mark the finish of the hook) Squeeze together the curly 'Hook'. So it cannot jump out of the hole during use! And there you have it!..:thup:

The Hole in the Triangular 'Web' finger hold on the spine of the 'T' stock. Is merely there as a lightening measure.

Yes, you may well see troops in wartime photo's with the sling fitted in this 'Web'. But that is because they had not been shown the CORRECT way to fit a sling!......:banghead:

I will add, if you fit a sling through the hole of this 'Web'. In most positions, it is actually quite uncomfortable to hold!

Also seen it looped around the length of the spine of 'T' stocks. ALSO incorrect, & a pain in the proverbial! it WILL slide up the spine when you put the gun sling over your shoulder!

The way I have described above is the CORRECT & MOST comfortable method to use!

Gentlemen, Here endeth the Lesson......:cheers:

Mike, great to see you back dispensing the wisdom of the ancients mate:lol::thup:

What's the point of gaining new knowledge if you don't put it to use....

Well worn (looking) Denix with a supposedly original sling.....did I get it right?
Curiously, NONE of the internet pix I could find showed this layout.

82 Trooper, Your fitting is correct. You may well have other picture from WWII with the sling fitted differently.
But that does NOT mean they were fitted CORRECTLY.....

Re-Read my post as to why other methods, although enacted. Were NOT correct.

After all, I am only a Humble Armourer with a 'Few' years experience behind Me. Manufacturing, Inspecting & repairing, R&D work, Test Firing. Firearm related 'Incidents' Investigation. Museum & Film Advisory work. Historical researcher for Private Purposes Etc,Etc.

When it comes to fitting a Mere sling & giving Honest & 'best Advice'. What on Earth would I know about the subject?.......:)

Gentlemen, I Thank You! :lol: I sincerely hope my little scrawl on the sling. is of some small assistance?

---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 AM ----------

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Originally Posted by mrclark303

Mike, great to see you back dispensing the wisdom of the ancients mate:lol::thup:

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Cheers Johnny! I have been 'Orf' the Forum for a while. Twin family Bereavements. & other 'Stuff' has precluded Me from
Contributing of late. :(

[QUOTE=tankhunter;426967]82 Trooper, Your fitting is correct. You may well have other picture from WWII with the sling fitted differently.
But that does NOT mean they were fitted CORRECTLY.....

Re-Read my post as to why other methods, although enacted. Were NOT correct.

After all, I am only a Humble Armourer with a 'Few' years experience behind Me. Manufacturing, Inspecting & repairing, R&D work, Test Firing. Firearm related 'Incidents' Investigation. Museum & Film Advisory work. Historical researcher for Private Purposes Etc,Etc.

When it comes to fitting a Mere sling & giving Honest & 'best Advice'. What on Earth would I know about the subject?.......:)

Gentlemen, I Thank You! :lol: I sincerely hope my little scrawl on the sling. is of some small assistance?[COLOR="black"]

**********Please don't misinterpret my statement about not finding any matching pix on the internet as questioning the accuracy of your information. Just the opposit...I was hoping to point out (and clearly not doing that well!) was that so often I (we?) look for reference on the internet, find one or two sources that match, and accept it as gospel. And clearly that is not the case.
I must remember to dig deeper, such as here, to get to the actual truth. I appreciate your taking the time to respond and educate me.

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

82 Trooper, Your fitting is correct. You may well have other picture from WWII with the sling fitted differently.
But that does NOT mean they were fitted CORRECTLY.....

Re-Read my post as to why other methods, although enacted. Were NOT correct.

After all, I am only a Humble Armourer with a 'Few' years experience behind Me. Manufacturing, Inspecting & repairing, R&D work, Test Firing. Firearm related 'Incidents' Investigation. Museum & Film Advisory work. Historical researcher for Private Purposes Etc,Etc.

When it comes to fitting a Mere sling & giving Honest & 'best Advice'. What on Earth would I know about the subject?.......:)

Gentlemen, I Thank You! :lol: I sincerely hope my little scrawl on the sling. is of some small assistance?

---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 AM ----------



Cheers Johnny! I have been 'Orf' the Forum for a while. Twin family Bereavements. & other 'Stuff' has precluded Me from
Contributing of late. :(

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So sorry to hear that mate , but its great to have you back among our ranks.:beerchug:

The historical “correct” way to attach a STEN sling is interesting.

Today the “Correct” way to attach slings can vary depending on the mission. An example would be the way a sling is attached for a march, compared to how it’s attached for CQB.

At some point during the troubles the RGJ’s started attaching their SLR slings for what we call CQB today. Shortened and only attached at the butt, loop around the right arm. Physically impossible to be shot with your own rifle in a scuffle.

Yes indeed, In Todays Armed conflicts. There is much latitude within the ranks on 'Personalisation' of clothing & Equipment.

I agree, dependant on the Mission requirements. & known difficulties on a particular sojourn in the Field. What works BEST & importantly is SAFE. Is tolerated However, in the Sue it culture We endure these Days. If it goes Toes up?.........If procedure & Regs haven't been followed. YOU are Liable! :ugh: Never mind the fact that you have volunteered to put your life on the line. When you sign on! :eek:

82 Trooper. Dont worry about it Buddy. I can come across as a bit sarcastic at times. It's just Me! :) I TRY to educate / help anyone I am able. The knowledge acquired by us all on here.
SHOULD be used for the benefit of ALL of us on here! :thup: 'Arte et Marte'

Sling attachment corrected, thank you.

Now what is the proper way to carry it. If upside down the magazine swings way wide and would be banging into everything. If muzzle up, seems to fit snugly with the magazine comfortably across the back and the rifle doesn't seem to move or swing around at all.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Sling attachment corrected, thank you.

Now what is the proper way to carry it. If upside down the magazine swings way wide and would be banging into everything. If muzzle up, seems to fit snugly with the magazine comfortably across the back and the rifle doesn't seem to move or swing around at all.

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Hmm, Even that can bring it's own problems!...Muzzle up is I believe shown in user handbooks, particularly Post war version.

However.....(Isn't there always a 'However'?) When riding a Motorcycle, THAT brought it's own problems!
The MK.III sten in particular, had a documented MOD done to it for this purpose.

The Top Rib that runs along the entire upper surface of a MK.III. Had two holes drilled in it. These were made slightly Oval. THIS was enacted to allow the 'Curly Hook' to pass through. & support the front of the Weapon, The SMG was carried like this with no magazine inserted.
The entire ensemble was hung from the sling around the neck.

Even though this MOD was introduced. I have still handled many Sten's Post War. That had NOT had this MOD done!

There were also canvas action covers manufactured. That covered the action of Stens. But allowed the Stock & muzzle to protrude, enabling the weapon to still be carried. By The Sling.

Funnily enough, something I don't do everyday, I watched a Movies for men war film last night, and saw that the stens had been strapped wrongly by the actors or the pyrotechnics supplier, but, as has been said it was, like the Sterling, a personal preference the way you laced them and attached them!