Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. Introduced in 1944, the Mk V was essentially a better-quality, more elaborate version of the Mk 2. Changes included a wooden pistol grip, a vertical wooden fore grip (only on early versions), a wooden stock, and a bayonet mount. There was a No4 Lee–Enfield foresight and the weapon was of better quality manufacture and finish than the Mk2 and Mk3. The Sten bandolier issued to paratroopers held seven full magazines.
Another variant of the Mk V had a swivel stock and rear sight mirror intended for firing around corners in urban warfare, similar to the Krummlauf developed by the Germans for the StG 44.
This example constructed from original parts on a new made solid aluminum dummy receiver, is fully ATF compliant as a non-gun and exactly duplicates the feel and appearance of the original. It has a lovely stove black finish on the receiver, as with most of the sten guns. The condition, including the original wooden stock and pistol grip, is very good. The trigger still pulls, and the fire selector can be moved back and forth.
It looks like after WWII service, the gun stayed in service, and was possibly sold overseas. At some point the barrel, and magazine well were replaced with those from a Sten MkII, which will function correctly, but not be able to mount a front sight on the barrel or use a bayonet. Sten guns were also used in Northern Ireland on both sides, so it is possible that this modification occurred there.
The upper side of the magazine housing is marked STEN MKII, while the bottom is marked with E & Co. for known Sten producer Elkington and Company, and serial number B0350393. There are additional markings and broad arrow proofs on other parts of the display gun, including the mounting for the buttstock.
The Mk V is generally considered to be the best of the Sten family, and was most extensively issued to airborne troops. It is widely represented in British hands in the film A Bridge Too Far. Combat photographs of British airborne troops show how extensive the use of the Mk V was.
The Mk V was designed to use an Enfield rifle sling so that it could be supported with the sling around the soldier's neck as was developed for the early Thompson Lend-Lease deliveries to Britain. This in fact represents the origin of the "assault sling" configuration, which is used almost universally today. This piece includes an original magazine, where permitted. Elsewhere a deactivated magazine will be sent.
A fine original display gun fully approved by BATF to be non-functional and totally legal without any type of license.
NOTE: Magazine will be deactivated if shipped to a state where they are prohibited.
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Every display machine gun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). Please note that the requirements for each display gun are decided on a per case basis by the BATF, and may require deactivation or omission of some internal components. For more information on this display gun, please contact us. Not available for Export.
Due to State & Federal law we do not ship magazines that exceed the following capacities to the following locations, and a deactivated magazine will be sent:
California - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
Colorado - 15 round maximum for all magazines.
Connecticut - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
Hawaii - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
Illinois - 15 round maximum for Chicago and Aurora. 10 round maximum for Oak Park and Cook County.
Maryland - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
Massachusetts - 10 round maximum for all magazines
New Jersey - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
New York- 7 round maximum for all magazines.
Washington, D.C. - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
Washington (State) - 10 round maximum for all magazines.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon