STEN Mk II - welded fire selector

[Charlie303]

I recently acquired an old spec (deactivated in 1988) Sten Mk II, generally all OK, matching numbers, ROF Theale stamp under mag housing.

The fire selector is welded in the fully automatic position. This might have been done as part of the de-act process, though I can't see why in 1988. The trigger housing in this area shows signs of damage / repair. Might the selector have been welded for some operational reason?

I'm tempted to remove the welds and free it up, but if it were welded when in service, I'll leave it alone.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

That's part of the process we used here in Canada to change them over to a converted auto. Perhaps it made it's way from here to there...note it also has the mk 1(?) barrel.

[Peter Laidler]

Never any instruction in our Army to weld one into the A position, believe me! There was an SOE requirement for some Mk2S and 6 Stens to be modified for ONLY single shot fire. And thinking on my feet....., how would you get the tripping lever out with the change lever welded in place?

I'm not sure that the change lever was required to be welded in place in the first spec deactivated weapons. Maybe some early de-acter was just being over cautious - like the clowns who used to weld the Stering butts open too!!!!!

I'd just mill that one out, get another and put it in. I have got my steel helmet on and am eagerly awaiting the incoming flak.

Interesting barrel on yours. Are you aware of the significance of the stepped muzzle?

[browningautorifle]

the stepped muzzle

Was that not for the gun with the full length barrel jacket?

[Brit plumber]

The Mk1 and MkIII

Attachment 55537

[browningautorifle]

Thanks...that's what I thought.

[Charlie303]

I believe the barrel is from a MkIII, it's serial number stamped to the gun's s/n.

I quite agree with Peter that it may well have been done as part of the de-act process, but it shouldn't be an issue, a friend of mine has a MkII deact and the button works as it should.

Any idea where I can get another selector button?

Thanks,

Charlie

[Peter Laidler]

Selector button....... EBay! Oooooooooops, that'll create a storm I expect! But easily made if you keep the spring and balls from the old one - and remember that the hole is angled.

The barrel is actually from a Mk3 gun utilised to use up old stocks from Lines Mk3 production

[Brit plumber]

These are new made but I don't see the detent balls. £8.50

PDH Enterprises - Sten MK2 Select Switch (Powered by CubeCart)

[Charlie303]

Thanks chaps!

I'll ask about the ball detent.