Sten Parts Question

[DWalt]

Assuming there is no Sten receiver tube present, not even one square inch, are there any other original component Sten parts which are illegal to possess or sell? I would think not, but I can't find a specific answer to that question. I see that there are numerous Sten parts kits offered for sale from various vendors, apparently without restriction.

 

[4T5GUY]

No.

De-milled parts kits as offered and sold are BATF approved. Like you suggested if you have a tube, (especially with a template for cuts,) you’d get in trouble. You would not be, and could not be in “constructive possession” if the “construction” is not possible. (No tube.)

Back in the Shotgun News days when EVERYTHING Sten wise was being offered, (parts kits, tubes w/templates,) the Feds got interested. I doubt any illegally constructed Sten’s have EVER been used in the commission of a crime.

Jim

 

[AJ]

IIRC this guy was making stens out of parts. Militia Broadcaster in Pennsylvania Arrested on Gun Charges | ADL A friend lives there and we were at his shop once, before the Feds got him.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

In the U.S. the Action/Receiver is what defines the gun! No tube, No GUN. just parts.

Getting overzealous street cops to be aware of this most basic part of the law is a little difficult!

I built a toy Sterling SMG for my 4 year old son about 40 years ago. It was about 2/3 scale, muffler pipe and 30 round M-1 Carbine mag sticking out the side, sprayed crinkle finish black! I took it over to the LGS to show the counter guys what I had been pestering them about An ATF audit was going on and a very green agent wanted to make a big bust out of my toy gun. He got laughed at by his own people. May look like a gun, but it isn't until it is a real receiver!

Ivan

 

[4T5GUY]

Well of course I was not correct again. I had a few extra minutes and checked up on Sten stuff.

Looks like most the kits are pretty used/abused judging by the descriptions. There were a few nice ones that included a barrel. Most did not. Saw a real nice one for @ $1,400, great condition everything minus receiver tube.

Since the Stens fire from an open bolt they’ve been restricted since the ‘60’s. (?) That’s the part I remembered. There are S/A receivers tubes available. They’re thicker ID, (F/A bolt won’t fit,) heavy tube w/templates for $55.00. S/A bolt kits are $280.00. It’s been a long time since I looked into Stens and had no idea there were semi-auto conversion parts.

Jim