Sten Mk II SMG

Sten Mk II Sub-machine Gun.

Cartridge: 9mm Parabellum
Barrel: 197mm
Weight, empty: 3.0kg
Rifling: 2 or 6 grooves, rh
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds
Rate of fire: 550 rds/min
In production: 1942-44

The Sten gun was developed by the British during the dark days of 1941 as a cheap and easily manufactured sub-machine gun. The Sten saw widespread use during the Second World War with British and Commonwealth armies and Resistance groups in Europe and the Far East.

The mark 2 was the most common version of the Sten produced, with over two million made in the UK, Canada and New Zealand. The weapon was also copied by several European resistance groups and by the Nazis during the war, and by several national arms industries post-war.

Built from parts made by a number of subcontractors, some of the early weapons were of poor quality, and the Sten gained a dubious reputation amongst many of the men who had to carry it into combat. The double column, single feed magazines frequently misfed ammunition and the lack of a safety catch made the gun unsafe if handled carelessly. The weapon did have advantages however, its simple design allowed it to be used without lubrication, the Sten's simplicity also meant that it was quick and easy to train resistance fighters how to use.

In the hands of a trained soldier, with decent quality magazines (loaded with 28 rounds to reduce stoppages) the Sten was as effective a weapon as any other sub-machine gun issued during the war.

Wiki article.
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'Ode to a STEN Gun'.

You wicked piece of vicious tin!
Call you a gun? Don't make me grin.
You're just a bloated piece of pipe.
You couldn't hit a hunk of tripe.
But when you're with me in the night,
I'll tell you, pal, you're just alright!

Each day I wipe you free of dirt.
Your dratted corners tear my shirt.
I cuss at you and call you names,
You're much more trouble than my dames.
But, boy, do I love to hear you yammer
When you' re spitting lead in a business manner.

You conceited pile of salvage junk.
I think this prowess talk is bunk.
Yet if I want a wall of lead
Thrown at some Jerry's head
It is to you I raise my hat;
You're a damn good pal... You silly gat!

Gunner S.N. Teed
(Poem first published ‘The Maple Leaf', a newspaper printed for Canadian troops in Europe)