Viper MkI: A Simplified Steampunk Sten

Published on April 26, 2019
Duration: 9:54

The Viper MkI was a post-WWII British modification of the Sten submachine gun, designed for one-handed police use in occupied Germany. It featured a simplified Sten action housed in a wooden shell with a side-mounted 20-round magazine and no sights, intended for hip-firing. Despite its unique steampunk aesthetic and handmade craftsmanship, the design was ultimately deemed impractical and hazardous, leading to its non-adoption.

Quick Summary

The Viper MkI was a post-WWII British modification of the Sten submachine gun, designed for one-handed police use in occupied Germany. It featured a simplified Sten action housed in a handmade wooden shell with a 20-round side magazine and no sights, intended for hip-firing. It was never adopted due to impracticality and safety concerns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Viper MkI
  2. 00:54Design and Ergonomics
  3. 02:12External Features
  4. 04:12Disassembly Process
  5. 06:06Comparison with Sten MkII
  6. 07:12Internal Craftsmanship
  7. 08:17Conclusion and Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Viper MkI firearm?

The Viper MkI was a post-WWII British modification of the Sten submachine gun intended for one-handed use by military police in occupied Germany. Its design focused on ease of carry and hip-firing without sights.

How was the Viper MkI constructed?

It featured a simplified Sten action housed within a handmade wooden shell, giving it a unique steampunk appearance. It used a 20-round side-mounted magazine and operated in full-auto only.

Why was the Viper MkI never adopted?

The Viper MkI was deemed impractical and potentially hazardous for police use. The lack of sights and its 'spray-and-pray' nature made it unsuitable for accurate police work, leading to its non-adoption.

What are the key differences between the Viper MkI and a standard Sten MkII?

The Viper MkI has a simplified barrel nut, a custom receiver with a top-mounted bolt handle, a handmade wooden housing, and lacks sights. A standard Sten MkII has a more conventional metal construction and iron sights.

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