STEN Spoon Type Loader

[Robert Henley]

I bought a STEN spoon type loader out of curisority:

 

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/846715000

 

It doesn't snap or lock on but if I hold the spring down it stays on. Is there a way to adjust the tension so it will snap on? I played with it a little but it didn't seem to help.

 

I've got an Austen magazine loader which is my regular loader.

 

Thanks,

 

Robert

 

[laurencen]

from what I recall they should snap on the back of the magazine, should stay in place

[APEXgunparts]

Here is the link to the ones we sell on the APEX web site:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/sten-magazine-loading-tool-spoon-lever-mk4.html

The pictures show how they slide on and lock.
You should have to lift the spring on the back (shown in the bottom image) to get the loader off of the magazine.

Richard

[Robert Henley]

Maybe someone who has one can take a picture of the side that goes against the magazine and the bent up part that I believe enables the loader to snap into the magazine. Maybe the bent up part needs bending up more. There's not much to go wrong with these loaders given the simple design.

 

Robert

[2ndArmored]

See the attached photo. The bullets would be pointing to the left. Place the loader against the spine of the magazine, noting that the loader has a portion cut away so it clears the mag stop (red line). Holding the magazine steady, slide/drag/push the loader up and forward simultaneously. It'll click & stop on its own when it's in place. To detach it, pull the spring (in the green circle) rearward as you slide the loader back down again.

 

 

If it isn't securing properly, check the claw on the back side of the spring (blue circle). It may have been peened down or deformed and thus doesn't reach in far enough to secure itself to the magazine. Or the spring may have lost its spring - less likely though possible. If the loader attached properly but only when you push on the spring, then those are the only options I can think of.

[peter kohler]

you may have bought one with the locking tab broken off. I slide mine up the back of the mag until it snaps in place, then to remove it I lift the spring tab and slide it downward. I have a box of broken spoon loaders..

[Robert Henley]

Is the locking tab the same as what 2ndArmored refers to as the claw (see above post)? If so, it's intact. That seems like the likely culprit given it doesn't lock into place. Can it be adjusted?

 

Robert

[laurencen]

are the 2 hooks grabbing the rear of the magazine

[Robert Henley]

are the 2 hooks grabbing the rear of the magazine

 

The two hooks on the bottom slide on but there is no lock-up.

 

Robert

[Robert Henley]

I took a peen hammer and squeezed the sides a little in my vise, and it seems to be fitting better. I hit my finger with the peen hammer, which is not much fun. I'll continue to work on it, but the locking mechanism doesn't seem to be functioning as it should. We'll see.