STEN Mk V

Gun description

STEN: The submachine gun that saved Britain

Introduction: A weapon made out of necessity that became a legend

STEN is an iconic British submachine gun that left an indelible mark on the history of World War II. It was created out of necessity—quickly, cheaply, and in large quantities—and yet it became the standard weapon of the British and Allied forces. Thanks to its simple design, low production costs, and combat effectiveness, it became not only a symbol of British determination, but also a weapon of resistance across Europe.

History: When improvisation meant survival

The year was 1940. After the fall of France, Britain faces a real threat of invasion and an acute shortage of weapons. Supplies of light automatic weapons are minimal, and the production of conventional weapons is insufficient. The solution? Design a submachine gun that is extremely cheap, quick to manufacture, and effective enough for close-range combat.

The result was the STEN, named after its designers Reginald Shepherd and Harold Turpin and the Enfield arms factory (Shepherd-Turpin-Enfield). The first models were produced in 1941, with mass production beginning almost immediately. More than 4 million units were produced during the war.

Design: Simplicity perfected

The STEN was designed as an extremely simple weapon:

• The magazine was inserted from the left to simplify production.
• The breech operated on the principle of recoil from an open breech – fast, reliable, and undemanding.
• The construction was mostly made of pressed sheet metal and tubes, which allowed for production even in non-arms factories.
• The minimal number of parts meant cheaper production and easier maintenance, but also lower durability if neglected
• The weapon was unadorned, practical, and completely subordinate to its purpose – to arm as many soldiers as possible in the shortest possible time.

STEN variants: From improvisation to optimization

• STEN Mk I The first version with a wooden stock, compensator, and more complex construction.
• STEN Mk II The most widespread model with a metal folding stock, more than 2 million units produced.
• STEN Mk III Even cheaper, almost entirely made of sheet metal, with a minimum number of parts
• STEN Mk V Ergonomically improved for paratroopers, wooden stock, sights, pistol grip
• STEN Mk VI Version with integrated silencer, used by special units

STEN in action: A weapon of resistance and paratroopers

The STEN was widely used by the British Army, paratroopers, and guerrilla groups. Thanks to its compact design and simplicity, it was often dropped with paratroopers and smuggled into occupied countries. Its production was so simple that it spread to illegal workshops – from Yugoslavia to Poland.

The weapon earned respect despite its weaknesses – in particular, its tendency to jam if maintenance was neglected.

Interesting facts and design details

• Compatibility with MP40 magazines – an advantage in combat, where it was possible to use captured weapons
• Low production cost – in 1943, the STEN Mk III cost approximately £2.50
• Could be carried in a backpack or under a coat – partisans appreciated the possibility of concealed carry
• After the war, it spread to more than 30 countries, where it was also used in colonial and post-war conflicts (e.g., Palestine, India, Malaysia)

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Why was the STEN so cheap?

Thanks to the use of simple materials, the absence of machined parts, and its pressed construction. It was produced quickly, even outside the arms industry.

Was the STEN reliable?

With proper maintenance, yes. However, in extreme conditions, it could suffer from jams, mainly due to the uncovered magazine.

Was the STEN used after the war?

Yes. Even in the 1950s and 1960s, it was still in service with various armies and often served in reserves.

Can the STEN be legally owned today?

Fully automatic variants of the weapon are subject to very strict regulations, but holders of a firearms license can legally purchase civilian self-loading versions.

Conclusion: A simple but essential weapon

The STEN is not beautiful. It is not luxurious. But it changed the war.

Its success was based on functionality, efficiency, and the ability to save a country in need. To this day, it remains a symbol of wartime determination, technical improvisation, and mass production in the service of defense. The STEN has indelibly entered history as a weapon that helped reverse the fate of Europe.