Sten gun Mk2 cocking handle

[Peter Laidler]

I don't think the reciprocating action of the Sten made the cocking handle tip forwards because the handle is not fixed in position in the bolt like the Sterling, it's free to rotate and I'd say that every time the bolt reciprocates, the cocking handle will move/rotate with it. And don't forget, it goes backwards as many times as it goes forwards. I think that it's just got a bent cocking handle.

Best cocking handle was the last one that you could push through to lock the breech block forwards. This simple 1942 modification made the Sten gun as safe, if not SAFER than or at least AS safe as any other SMG before and after it. A lot of these old boys who were there (???????) and those who have been reading too many comics won't admit to this but tests using live ammo have proved it time and time again.

If I had a penny off everyone who's brothers uncles best friends sisters boyfriend had his finger chopped off in the ejection opening port I'd be a rich man now. As for those buffoons who tell me that it would cock and fire by inertia as the parachute breaks from the static line and deploys...............

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[Topfmine]

I don't think the reciprocating action of the Sten made the cocking handle tip forwards because the handle is not fixed in position in the bolt like the Sterling, it's free to rotate and I'd say that every time the bolt reciprocates, the cocking handle will move/rotate with it. And don't forget, it goes backwards as many times as it goes forwards. I think that it's just got a bent cocking handle.

I can see the sense in what you say, didn't take in consideration the bolt rotating and the bolt handle going back as many times forward.
I read a reveiw about the Sten in a Machine gun publication evaluating similar weapons old and new, the Sten and the Owen came out best.