#STEN MK II TUBE STOCK FREE#

Where this hybrid fits into the story is not yet clear but the similarities are striking, when we have more information we will revisit this weapon. UPDATE: Their is some evidence emerging that this Hybrid Sten may be related to the T42 Sten prototype, part of the Sten MkIV development program. I suspect that the weapon may have been put together by a unit armourer, perhaps authorised by a superior officer to suggest improvements or as an unofficial project gun. Intriguingly, the magazine housing of the weapon has been stamped вЂPILOTвЂ™ below the usual вЂSTEN MkIIIвЂ™ stamp. While impressive it is relatively crudely assembled and does not match the Sten prototypes made by Enfield, such as the VI. While the origins of the hybrid Sten remain unclear I donвЂ™t believe it was an officially made prototype. Right side of the Sten with its stock unfolded (Matthew Moss) A simple hand-stop, made from a bent piece of sheet metal, has also been added in front of the weaponвЂ™s ejection port to prevent the userвЂ™s hand moving back and fingers being caught if gripped by the forend. The shape shape of the pistol grip does not resemble any production or prototype Sten grip. The pistol grip itself is made from paxoline, a form of early resin plastic. Left side of the Sten with its pistol grip and stock assembly detached (Matthew Moss) The proprietary rectangular trigger group housing brazed onto the tub receiver is unlike any other Sten and lacks a fire-selector. The folding stock attaches to the pistol grip assembly (which can be seen detached below). It uses the receiver main spring-loadedВ return-spring cap.

#STEN MK II TUBE STOCK FREE#

The under folding stock is rudimentary but effective, the butt plate swivels free but the lock up is quite secure. Rear right of the weapon close up of its pistol grip, stock and trigger housing (Matthew Moss) The weapon has a short, 3.5 inch, perforated fore-end welded onto the front of the tube receiver that appears to be from a Lanchester.

The entire weapon is covered by a layer of textured, crackle paint finish, this was commonly used on commercial Sterling Mk4 submachine guns. No production Variant of the Sten was fitted with an under-folding stock, the Australian Austen, however, directly copied the MP38/40. left side of the Sten with the stock folded flush under the receiver (Matthew Moss) Very little is known about the hybrid Sten with Peter LaidlerвЂ™s book The Sten Machine Carbine mentioning it and the later Osprey book by Leroy Thompson sharing a photograph and brief caption which calls it an вЂњexperimental version of the Mk III.вЂќ It is also unclear exactly when it was built.Д«elow are some photographs I took of the Sten, lets look at some of the interesting features of the Hybrid Sten. Added to this was a proprietary folding stock and a new fire control group and pistol grip. The weapon combined a MkII StenвЂ™s receiver with a MkIIIвЂ™s magazine housing. During our first research trip last spring I had the opportunity to examine an unusual вЂhybridвЂ™ Sten submachine gun.

Sten mk ii tube stock