Sten Mark II Submachine Gun, UK 1940

Description of the Product

Sten submachine guns are British 1940s weapons that were designed to be very inexpensive and quick to manufacture. The official name of this submachine gun is Machine Carbine N.O.T.40 / 1, but in practice the name became the initials STEN, according to Major Reginald Sheperd, arms factory designer Harold Turpin, and arms factory ENfield.

At the outbreak of World War II, there were no submachine guns for military use in Britain, as they were despised as mere weapons for gangsters. As soon as the fighting began, the need for the submachine gun was soon realized, and the design and manufacture began immediately. Britain feared a German invasion of the island, and submachine guns could only be purchased abroad in very small quantities. As can be deduced from the appearance of the weapon, speed and affordability of mass production were the top priorities, at a time when the war was raging and the soldiers were being let down by their weapons. This low-cost submachine gun was produced at best at a paltry 2,5 pounds.

Sten submachine guns were made in a few different models, with this Mark II being the most common and most manufactured model. This submachine gun was popular with resistance movements in continental Europe, as it could be quickly dismantled, concealed and transported in secret, for example under a jacket. Although the magazines of Sten's submachine guns were prone to getting jammed, its cheapness and speed of manufacture meant that the Poles made their own copies (Polski Steni), and so did the French. Even the Germans copied the model for the home security forces.

Sten's submachine gun fires bullets from a 9mm pistol, meaning British troops could fire ammunition won from the Germans. Resistance movements also had easy access to 9mm bullets. The weapon has a fixed sight aimed at a distance of 100 yards, or 91 m.

After the Second World War, in the 1950s, 75 000 Sten submachine guns were acquired to Finland and renovated in Kuopio. These have been stocked in case of mobilization, and have so far only been in service use as training weapons. The name of these in Finland is 9.00 kp Sten II and 9.00 kp Sten III, ie 9mm submachine gun Sten mark II and III. After the Second World War, the countries of the British Commonwealth have used the Sten e.g. during the Korean War.

Because this weapon, perhaps the easiest to identify in World War II, was so widely used by resistance movements, it was seen as one of the symbols of resistance. Vive la Résistance!

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size and weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. The magazine and stock are detachable. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• This replica is made entirely of cast metal. Zamak differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 77 cm
• Weight: 2,96 kg
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-