semi auto Sten?

[tomj]

I have seen sites that sell conversion kits to build Semi Stens. With a 16" barrel would it be legal in CA to build a semi Sten? Does the magazine coming out the side count as a forward grip since that is how a lot of people hold the gun?
Tom

[SemiAutoSam]

DO they provide a bolt that isn't a slam fire design ?

If not it may be illegal here.

In other words if the bolt does not have a firing pin that moves and also has a hammer to strike the firing pin it may be illegal.

As the original design of the sten from memory was slam fire somewhat like the Early MAC10.

[aklover_91]

It's a n "open bolt design" not a slam fire. And it would have to completely change the way the gun works, open bolt semi autos have been illegal on the federal level for a while now

[Richard]

They have semi conversion kits...I was planning this project years ago,but never got around to do it.Sten Mark III was the semi version with an uzi 9mm barrel.

I'll try and dig up some links....Oh and it was closed bolt semi and you would need to complete an 80% tube.

I'll get back to you.

Here You Go

http://stenguns.tripod.com/

http://stenparts.com/Tubes/tubes.html

http://www.semiautosten.com/

http://www.copesdist.com/partskits.htm

http://www.prexis.com/sten/5b.html

[tomj]

The conversions I have seen do not have fixed firing pins. You have to machine the bolt to a smaller diameter and the reciever tube is also slightly smaller inside diameter. This is so unaltered full auto parts won't work in the gun. My main concern is I don't know if the magazine would be considered a forward pistol grip. I am also interested in the Beretta 38a for which conversion kits are also on the market.
Thanks for the links I have been to one before but not the others.
Tom

[wilit]

The SAS3 semi-auto conversion kit comes with the bolt ready to drop in. it's a closed bolt ATF approved design. It uses an AR15 firing pin, so no slam fire. Good luck finding a 16" barrel though. A true 16" barrel is just a reworked mini-uzi barrel, but they now pretty damn hard to find. The SAS3 kit comes with a tube to weld on to the 8" Sten barrel to get to the 16" requirement. Also, you'll need to make some 10 round mags yourself as there really is no such animal. The Indian 20 rounders are a good place to start as they have the single stack follower which will give less trouble than the 32 round double stack follower.

[tomj]

I already have some Sten mags that I have had for ages so I dont need to worry about 10 rounders. Do I have to worry about 922r compiliance?
I think this looks like it could be a fun project. Especially with the kits that come with bolts ready to go.
Tom

[Spiggy]

I said the same thing, about 50% into it, I gave up... it wasnt too fun

there's a kit out there that uses an AR trigger group, works pretty good if you can get it to work right.

[RANGER295]

[wilit]

I already have some Sten mags that I have had for ages so I dont need to worry about 10 rounders. Do I have to worry about 922r compiliance?
I think this looks like it could be a fun project. Especially with the kits that come with bolts ready to go.
Tom

Yeah, you do have to play the 922(r) game but with the Sten it's an easy one. There aren't that many parts to begin with. With the new SA receiver tube, that's 1 less foreign part, if you do the SAS3 kit, it comes with new trunions, hammer, and bolt. A MKIII doesn't really have a forearm grip since the receiver tube is actually that. The only non-US parts you're left with are:

1. Barrel
2. Trigger group housing
3. Trigger
4. Sear
5. Disconnector
6. Stock
7. Magazine body
8. Magazine follower
9. Magazine floorplate

Remember, you only need 10 or less imported parts.

Check out http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/STENS/

There's lots of great info on there.

[indianapolisordnance]

semi auto sten

Hi folks, I have built several semiauto stens and they work great and are very reliable. Currently i have fired 2000 rounds through one of them. I designed my own closed bolt and internal parts that will not allow it to slam fire. The design is approved by the BATF. I also make the parts and conversion kits are available. 16" barrels are also available. You can check them out at www.indianapolisordnance.com.