Dummy Sten bolts

Came across these on the Canadian ‘Collectors Source’ website:

http://www.collectorssource.com/sten-gun-bolt-aluminum-dummy.html

It occurred to me that these might be of interest to UK owners of post-1995 deactivated Stens as they would make one externally visually correct and would correctly hold the cocking handle and return spring. Inserting the important caveat that you would have to cut a chunk out of them that corresponds with the piece of original bolt welded across the ejection port.

There is however the question of importation into the UK. They should be fine in theory as they are not and never have been functional firearm components + AFAIK the VCR Act doesn’t apply to the components of replica guns, only complete ones.

BUT what’s your average HMRC functionary going to think if they open the packet..?

Here's a live link... Sten gun bolt aluminum dummy - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

I'd think it would depend on what's written on the package for contents...

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Originally Posted by peregrinvs

BUT what’s your average HMRC functionary going to think if they open the packet..?

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There are a number of things that they could think and probably none of them are going to be good. (for you)

Link dosent seem to work now, assuming it's an accurate copy with extractor and fixed firing pin, it's far too close for comfort, I certainly wouldn't risk it.

At the very least, it could give you a real headache while some 'experts' decide if you are a danger to the public and the breech block is viable.....

Deactivated British Sten mk5 9mm submachine gun sliding bolt and cocking handle

Here's a similar 'dummy bolt' in a UK Sten deac, not sure how this meets the requirements, but it obviously does.

Looks like it's just made from a piece of pipe or tube like...

I am not an expert but: I think they work on the principle of the current EU spec stating that the real bolt has to be cut and part of the real bolt has to be welded in place. Crucially, it does NOT state that the whole bolt has to be welded in place and also, I assume, it does NOT state which side has to be welded in place. I assume that what they do is to weld the part of the bolt in place that was, in the past thrown away, on the side that was left free previously, creating a space for a fake moving bolt to work, which previously had a portion of the original bolt welded in place. I assume that the new fake bolt has a chunk taken out to clear the portion of the original bolt welded inside the receiver. Obviously the fake moving bolt still has to comply with current legislation to be legal to own in the UK. D&B Militaria's video probably explains it better than I have.

Deactivated AKM - YouTube

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Originally Posted by peregrinvs

Came across these on the Canadian ‘Collectors Source’ website:

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The problem with things on collectors source (and likely the reason the link doesn't work now) is that much of their stuff is one-off, and not held in quantity. So the one dummy sten bolt may have now sold, and very possibly because of the posting on this site.
I check their site daily for new listings, and it is often incredible what will show up. You have to be fast though, as the good stuff, if priced properly, does not languish on there long.

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Originally Posted by stencollector

if priced properly,

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The biggest point...some is way over the top.

Yes, but at the end of the day, some of this stuff is hard to price, as you don't see it every day. Sometimes they are over, sometimes they are under, and sometimes they get it right. It's their business, and their business model. Personally, I am glad they are there and surviving. Some of the things I have bought there over the years I have never found elsewhere.