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Proper Sten Shooting


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If I am not mistaken -- and I probably am -- I think the proper way to fire a STEN is holding on to the barrel shroud as in the Churchill photo. I think the Mk III STEMs had a piece of metal welded or riveted to the right side of the receiver, in front of the ejection port, to prevent one from accidentally sticking one's fingers in the port while firing. This suggest that wrapping your hand around the barrel shroud or front of the receiver close to the port is the accepted (or maybe "taught") way. Or, as my old Drill Instructor used to say: There is the right way, the wrong way, and MY way!
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If I am not mistaken -- and I probably am -- I think the proper way to fire a STEN is holding on to the barrel shroud as in the Churchill photo. I think the Mk III STEMs had a piece of metal welded or riveted to the right side of the receiver, in front of the ejection port, to prevent one from accidentally sticking one's fingers in the port while firing. This suggest that wrapping your hand around the barrel shroud or front of the receiver close to the port is the accepted (or maybe "taught") way. Or, as my old Drill Instructor used to say: There is the right way, the wrong way, and MY way!

The weapon is referred to in the official nomenclature as a machine carbine, and for a reason. Shoot it like you would any other carbine. Indeed the MkIII does have a "fence" forward of the ejection port to prevent the supporting hand from slipping back over it. http://s810.photobucket.com/user/trickyrick_01/media/100_5374_edited.jpg.html

 

True, you can find photos of men holding it by the mag well, but those seem to be blokes in CQC where rapid engagement in an unknown direction is more likely than aimed fire ("shooting from the hip"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sten#mediaviewer/File:British_paratroopers_in_Oosterbeek.jpg

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I recommend the book "Combat Firing Techniques" for tips on proper handling of many auto weapons.

A sling is also recommended for a more stable platform.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/timkel24102410/stuff/Sten4_zps889e8c71.jpg

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The reasons are 2 fold, in addition to above the for arm supports the magazine and thus the magazine well. The Mk2 rotating mag well was a weak point of the design. Holding the gun by the mag well would accelerate ware on the parts and the magazine would not be presented at the correct angle thus causing feed problems.
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Yes to the barrel jacket, and if you mean the trigger housing, also yes.

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