From the Vault: The Evolution of the Sten Gun

Published on October 22, 2021
Duration: 7:47

This video from Brownells' 'From the Vault' series, filmed at Rock Island Auctions, details the evolution of British submachine guns from World War II. It covers the Lanchester Mark I, the various Sten gun marks (Mark I, II, III, V, and IV), highlighting their design changes, production costs, and historical context. The presenters emphasize the Sten's role in equipping British forces and resistance fighters, noting its simplicity and cost-effectiveness compared to other contemporary submachine guns.

Quick Summary

The Sten gun was developed during World War II out of an urgent need for a cheap, easily mass-produced submachine gun for British forces, costing only $5-$10 to make, compared to the Thompson's $100-$200. Its design evolved through various marks, prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness, though it notably lacked a manual safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: WWII British SMGs
  2. 00:28Lanchester Mark I
  3. 01:23The Sten Gun: Need for Production
  4. 01:26Sten Mark I
  5. 01:43Sten Mark II Features
  6. 02:07Storage and Transportation of Sten Mk II
  7. 02:22Sten Mk II Barrel Change
  8. 02:47Sten Mark III: Simplicity and Cost
  9. 03:48Sten Mark V: Refinements
  10. 04:09Sten Mark IV: Suppressed Variant
  11. 04:31Sten Safety Features (or lack thereof)
  12. 04:47Sten Fire Modes: Single Shot & Full Auto
  13. 04:56Sten's Role in WWII and Resistance
  14. 05:05Sten Guns in Finnish Service
  15. 06:01Conclusion: Sten Gun Legacy
  16. 07:19Thanks to Rock Island Auctions

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary reason for the development of the Sten gun during World War II?

Following the significant loss of firearms after Dunkirk and the US entering the war cutting off Thompson supplies, Britain urgently needed a cheap, easy-to-produce submachine gun to equip its forces. The Sten gun was designed to meet this critical demand for mass production.

How did the Sten gun's design evolve through its different marks?

The Sten gun evolved from the more complex Lanchester-inspired Mark I to simpler, cheaper designs like the Mark II and III, which prioritized mass production. Later marks like the Mark V reintroduced features like a pistol grip and wooden stock, and suppressed variants like the Mark IV were also developed.

What were the cost differences between the Sten gun and the Thompson submachine gun during WWII?

The Sten gun was remarkably inexpensive to produce, costing around $5 to $10 per unit. In contrast, the Thompson submachine gun was significantly more expensive, estimated at $100 to $200 at the time, making the Sten a vital choice for mass arming.

Did the Sten gun have a manual safety mechanism?

No, the Sten gun did not feature a manual safety. The only method of ensuring it wouldn't fire was to pull the bolt back and lock it into a rear position. However, this was not foolproof, and there was a risk of accidental discharge if mishandled.

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