NRA Gun of the Week: Sten Machine Carbines (MK1 and MK1*)

Alyssa Seymour provides an in-depth look at the B&T KH9S, a modern submachine gun drawing inspiration from iconic WWII and Cold War designs like the Sten and Sterling. The review highlights its unique side-feeding magazine, top-mounted charging handle, and tri-lug barrel for suppressor compatibility, emphasizing its heritage and modern features.

This "NRA Gun of the Week" video features American Rifleman's Editor-In-Chief Mark Keefe showcasing and discussing the Sten Mk II Machine Carbine. The video highlights the firearm's historical significance as one of the most-produced weapons of World War II. It also provides a link to the American Rifleman website for more detailed information on the Sten Mk II.

This video compares a suppressed Thompson M1A1 prototype with the Sten Mk.IIS, detailing the Thompson's unique suppressor design and modifications. Despite comparable muzzle noise, the Thompson's significantly louder mechanical action and heavier, longer profile led to its abandonment in favor of the M3 Grease Gun in 1944 trials.

The Sten MkIII submachine gun, produced by the toy company Lines Brothers, was a simplified, fully stamped sheet metal design intended for mass production during WWII. Despite its efficiency (5.5 man-hours per gun), it was considered inferior to the MkII due to quality control issues, leading to its primary use by the UK's Home Guard. Approximately 874,000 MkIIIs were manufactured before production ceased in late 1943.

The Sten MkII, developed by Harold Turpin, was a simplified and more compact submachine gun designed for paratroopers and resistance groups. Key innovations included a quick-removable barrel, a rotating magazine well for flat packing, and a simplified stock for ease of manufacture. Despite its basic appearance, the MkII was produced in vast numbers, with approximately 2.6 million units made, making it the most common Sten variant.

B&T is releasing two new Pistol Caliber Carbines: the KH9S, a Sten-style PCC with a folding side-loading magazine, and the KH9B, a Bizon-inspired PCC featuring a high-capacity 50-round helical magazine. Both are chambered in 9mm and build upon the evolution of the KH9 platform, known for its unique trigger system and Swiss engineering. Pricing is anticipated to be similar to the KH9 Covert, with the KH9B potentially higher due to its specialized magazine.

This video details the meticulous process of ammunition manufacturing at Hornady's facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. It covers the creation of bullets, starting with copper cups and lead cores, and the production of brass cartridge cases through annealing and hammering. The content also highlights Hornady's rigorous quality control testing on a 100-yard range and the final packaging stages, emphasizing their commitment to American-made quality.

The L1A1 SLR, a British variant of the FN FAL, was adopted by the UK military for its semi-automatic-only operation and inch-pattern components. It served through major conflicts like the Falklands War and was eventually replaced by the L85 bullpup. The rifle is known for its robust design and reliability, though original British-made examples are now rare.

This video documents a startling bobcat attack on a turkey hunter. The hunter's calls, intended for turkeys, attracted a bobcat which stalked and then pounced. The hunter's reaction caused the bobcat to retreat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of situational awareness.

Vista Outdoor has acquired the iconic Remington Ammunition brand, aiming to revive its manufacturing operations in Lonoke, Arkansas. The acquisition follows Remington's 2020 bankruptcy, with Vista Outdoor integrating the brand alongside Federal, CCI, and Speer. The focus is on restoring quality, securing raw materials, and re-employing skilled workers to meet high market demand for popular lines like Core-Lokt and UMC.