Sten Qusetions

[carbineone1964]

I have had a Sten Kit MKII lying here fo many years. Just now am going to build it to a semi auto configuration.

My first question is does anyone know anything about what all the Magwell markings mean? I will post pics. Just curious if it was actually made by the British, possible date of manufacture. Any other interesting things the stamping may show.

Second is a question on the build specifically. I have a semi tube coming from Indianapolis Ordinance. Shipped today so should see it late next week. I am also getting a semi bolt kit next month when they are back in stock.

I have a question on using a shorter than 16 inch barrel with a short paratrooper Pistol grip. I did talk to the ATF on the phone and the one person I did talk to thought I should be able to build a virgin receiver and use a Pistol grip with a sub 16" length barrel.

But another Agent may tell me something completely different. I am thinking it would be OK judging from building AR15 SBR pistols in the past.. But maybe they look at the Sten with completely different views as the stocks on the Stens may be more quick change adaptable. But then again it is even faster to slip a stock over a AR tube extension though. Makes sense, but maybe not to them.

Other wise I will have to go the SBR route through ATF. That will take another year to complete it or more. Hate too weld a extension on the barrel also. But will if it is the only expedient scenario.

I did ask IO about the pistol grip, but they would not provide any ATF info. Funny, they sell pistol grips and short barrels too. But know nothing about the rules

Pics hopefully.

Information

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[Paul S.]

'S/59' is a wartime sub-contractor code. 'T35846' and 'AA 3024' would be serial numbers - possibly one original and the other a 're-issue'. The 'RTL' is a manufacturing company logo. The wayward 'A' and 'S' are probably inspector marks.

[carbineone1964]

Thanks very much. Way more than I knew before.

[browningautorifle]

Doubt you'll be able to date that gun.

[carbineone1964]

Thanks Jim. She is really not all that pretty right now anyway,LOL

[browningautorifle]

Doesn't matter, oil it up and I'll bet it works just fine... Keep us infoed on the build as it proceeds. More than a few here have done it.

[carbineone1964]

I will.

I am sure I will have some questions when the semi tube gets here to start with. One thing I am somewhat needing to figure out is placement of the ejector. Have done some reading on it. And I am sure it will make more sense to me as far as placement of it when I have the tube hear.

[browningautorifle]

placement of the ejector.

I think there's some drawings here somewhere, I know some have them. There's a couple books published with proper line drawings...

[Macca]

You might want to check out snipershide vintage section where a member,ex sf,recently posted his sten rebuild (amongst many i might ad).

[muffett.2008]

If you get this moved to the SMG forum and check out the other Sten Info there.