The Sneaky Silent Sten MkII(S) at the Range

Published on November 6, 2021
Duration: 6:06

This video showcases the rare Sten MkII(S) suppressed submachine gun, highlighting its remarkable quietness and historical significance. Ian McCollum demonstrates its performance with both supersonic and subsonic 9mm ammunition, noting that the mechanical action is often louder than the gunshot. The discussion covers the suppressor's unique baffle and wire mesh design and the importance of safe testing practices with vintage firearms.

Quick Summary

The Sten MkII(S) is a rare WWII suppressed submachine gun known for its extreme quietness, often making the bolt cycling louder than the shot. It features an integral suppressor with baffles and wire mesh, and its short, vented barrel helps keep rounds subsonic.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro Skit & Stealth Demo
  2. 00:26Sten MkII(S) Overview & Rarity
  3. 01:01Mechanical Issues & Safety Tips
  4. 01:41Testing Supersonic 9mm Ammo
  5. 02:56Subsonic Ammo Experiment
  6. 04:27Operational History & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sten MkII(S) special?

The Sten MkII(S) is a rare, standardized suppressed submachine gun from WWII. Its integral suppressor is remarkably quiet, often making the mechanical action louder than the gunshot, and it uses a unique baffle and wire mesh design.

What are the safety concerns when testing vintage machine guns like the Sten MkII(S)?

Modern ammunition can cause issues with the bolt and spring balance in vintage guns, potentially leading to uncontrolled full-auto fire ('runaway'). It's crucial to test with small magazine loads for safety.

How does the Sten MkII(S) suppressor work?

The Sten MkII(S) features an integral suppressor with baffles and wire mesh, designed to reduce the sound signature. Its short, vented barrel also helps keep projectiles subsonic, contributing to its quiet operation.

Why was full-auto fire discouraged on the Sten MkII(S)?

Full-auto fire was discouraged to prevent damage to the suppressor. To preserve these rare components, armorers often removed the suppressor cores during training exercises.

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