Sten Mk II
Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: Sten Gun, Woolworth Gun, Plumber's Nightmare
Overview
The Sten Mk II is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield since 1941. Featuring a 32-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense. Safety features include grip safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 209 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3180 g (112.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Barrel Length | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Height | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 537 J (396 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety
- Features: Open Bolt Operation, Side Mounted Magazine, Skeleton Stock, Simple Blowback, Tubular Receiver, Removable Barrel, Silencer Capable
Variants
- Sten Mk I — Original
- Sten Mk III — Simplified
- Sten Mk V — Improved
- Sten Mk IIS — Suppressed
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1941
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 1941
- Australian Armed Forces · adopted 1942
- New Zealand Armed Forces · adopted 1942
- Free French Forces · adopted 1943
- Polish Resistance · adopted 1943
- Norwegian Resistance · adopted 1940
Conflicts
- World War II (1941-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
- Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949)
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,000,000 · Production years: 1941-1960
Over 4 million total Stens produced across all variants. Mk II: ~2 million; Mk I: ~300,000; Mk III: ~876,886; Mk V: ~280,000. Second most-produced SMG of WWII.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold J. Turpin
Discontinued: 1960
Notes
The name 'Sten' is an acronym from Shepherd, Turpin, and Enfield. The Mk II simplified production further by using stamped metal parts. The weapon was notorious for accidental discharges if dropped, but remained in service due to its low cost and ease of manufacture. Over 4 million Stens were produced, making it the second most-produced SMG of WWII after the PPSh-41.
Background
The Sten earned colorful nicknames including 'Woolworth Gun' (after the budget store) and 'Plumber's Nightmare' due to its crude pipe-like appearance. British paratroopers jumping into Normandy on D-Day carried Stens because of their compact size. The weapon cost £2.87 to manufacture-less than one-tenth the cost of a Thompson submachine gun-and could be assembled by semi-skilled workers in just 5.5 hours.