Austen Questions -Recoil Spring and Barrel

[Grease Gunner]

I just received an Austen that wouldnt run. Light strikes.Bolt would close without detonating. Tried many kinds of ammo including federal which is

known for softer primers. Solution: I took a sten spring,cut 3 inches and added it onto the captured recoil spring assembly.It runs 100% now.

Question: Can that recoil spring assembly be disassembled and a new spring added?

2. Are any of the sten barrels compatible?It has a cut for indexing

Edited February 27, 2020 by Grease Gunner

[m3bobby]

I cant say for sure but it looks like you could take a Mk2 barrel and either mill the index slot or swop the collar. I cant see the face of the barrel but it looks like it may have an extractor slot, if it does then the STEN barrel would need that cut also.

[johnsonlmg41]

Yes,

it can be disassembled and a new spring replacement. I haven't had mine apart (fact is I can't find it right now?) but like an MP40 I'm sure it comes apart. You might have friction issues in the assembly or other issues? Adding that secondary spring can act as a "booster" raising the rate of fire. Some guys like that, but I'd rather it be a little slower. I guess the other option might be an MP40 assembly or the clone version as an easy replacement. Without comparing them side x side I'm not sure it would fit? If I can find the stuff soon, (those are all questions I was already wondering about but were low on the priority list) I'll dig into it.