Sten Bolts

[Barry]

Has anyone here used an original MK1* or MK2s bolt in a standard MK2? And if so, what were the results?

 

Thanks,

Barry

Edited August 2, 2010 by Barry

[RoscoeTurner]

Has anyone here used an original MK1* or MK2s bolt in a standard MK2? And if so, what were the results?

 

Thanks,

Barry

 

 

The MK1* bolt is standard for a MKII Sten. The MK2 bolt for a MKV Sten will work just fine in a MKII Sten.

 

[Barry]

Thanks for the reply.

I don,t think I stated my question clearly. Can you use a lighter bolt from a MK2s (silencer version) in the standard MK2 without harming the weapon? Would you need an extra buffer in it ? Would it cycle faster?

Thanks for your help,

Barry

[RoscoeTurner]

Thanks for the reply.

I don,t think I stated my question clearly. Can you use a lighter bolt from a MK2s (silencer version) in the standard MK2 without harming the weapon? Would you need an extra buffer in it ? Would it cycle faster?

Thanks for your help,

Barry

 

The two type Stens in question were designed for two different purposes. If you want a firearm that shoots faster I would recommend buying something other than a Sten rather than messing around with lighter bolts. The Sten was designed to fire at a specific rate and to try to make it fire faster only risks damage to the firearm in the long run. It all goes back to "If ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

I would also recommend learning the nomenclature of the different Sten bolts, it does not correspond to the MKs of the firearms -

 

Bolt -

 

MK1* - most common found in kits. Used in MkII and MkIII Stens

 

MK2 - Has a longer radial recess for the tripping lever. Can be used in Mks I, II, III, & 5 Stens.

 

MK3 - proper bolt for Mk2 and Mk6 silenced Stens. These were individually fitted to the firearm. This block was made lighter to compensate for the reduced velocity and pressure of the subsonic ammunition used in the silenced version. It was not designed to make the Sten fire faster.

 

If you are seriously interested in Stens I would suggest buying a copy of Laidler's The Sten Machine Carbine if you do not have a copy already.

[Barry]

RoscoeTurner thanks for the reply. I realize that as stated in Laidler's "The Sten Machine Carbine" the lighter block(MK3) and cut spring was fitted to the weapon for proper function with sub ammo and that it was set up for single fire only. I was thinking (bad sign when I'm doing it) if the MK3 bolt was with regular spring what would the end results be.

 

Thanks,

Barry

[Frank Iannamico]

I did an article on the Sten "Speed Bolts" I don't recall off hand what month it was in SAR, but it was Vol #6 No. 9.

 

The center of the bolt was narrowed to the same diameter as the MK3 bolt and fired with a standard spring...As I recall (don't depend on my memory) I think the cylic rate of 650 RPM or so.

 

 

RoscoeTurner thanks for the reply. I realize that as stated in Laidler's "The Sten Machine Carbine" the lighter block(MK3) and cut spring was fitted to the weapon for proper function with sub ammo and that it was set up for single fire only. I was thinking (bad sign when I'm doing it) if the MK3 bolt was with regular spring what would the end results be.

 

Thanks,

Barry