Sten SMG
Replica 3D-Printed Sten SMG – Display/Reenactment Prop (NOT A TOY)
This is a full-scale 1:1 3D-printed replica of the Sten SMG, crafted from durable plastic and designed specifically for display, cosplay, or reenactment use.
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Material: High-quality PLA or PETG plastic
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Construction: 3D printed in multiple parts, part assembly is required.
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Functionality: Non-functional replica – not capable of discharging a projectile by explosive charge or gas, does not fire and can not be modified to discharge etc.
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Safety Features: Comes with an orange tip to comply with safety regulations
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Use Cases: Ideal for film props, military reenactments, collectors, or themed displays
⚠️ Not a Toy – This is a detailed replica intended for adults. It should be used responsibly and never brandished in public spaces. Please ensure you have read and understood the shipping terms to confirm you have met your legal responsibilities. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding replica weapons. We reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order at our sole discretion.
Sten Submachine Gun: Historical Content
Origin: United Kingdom
Period of Use: Primarily World War II and post-war years
Type: Submachine gun (SMG)
Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
Magazine: 32-round detachable box magazine
Background and Development:
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The Sten was developed in the early 1940s as a response to a critical shortage of British small arms during World War II.
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The name "Sten" is often said to come from the names of its designers and manufacturer: Shep (Reginald V. Shepherd), Ten (Harold Turpin), and Enfield (the Royal Small Arms Factory).
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It was designed to be a cheap, easy-to-produce submachine gun using simple stamped metal parts to allow mass production.
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The Sten was chambered for the widely available 9mm Parabellum round and fed from a side-mounted 32-round magazine.
Key Features:
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Simple Construction: The Sten’s design prioritized ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness. Its body was mainly sheet metal, welded or riveted together.
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Open Bolt Operation: It fired from an open bolt, which was typical for many SMGs of the era, allowing for simple internal mechanics.
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Side-mounted Magazine: This distinctive feature set it apart visually from other SMGs like the German MP40, which had a bottom magazine.
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Selective Fire: Capable of both fully automatic and semi-automatic fire (some models).
Usage and Impact:
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The Sten was widely issued to British and Commonwealth forces during WWII and became a symbol of wartime ingenuity under resource constraints.
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It was popular among resistance fighters and special operations groups due to its compact size, ease of use, and cheap production.
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Despite its simplicity, the Sten had some reliability issues, such as accidental discharges if dropped and occasional jamming, but its advantages outweighed these for mass wartime needs.
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Post-WWII, the Sten continued to be used in various conflicts around the world due to its low cost and availability.
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It influenced other weapon designs and is a classic example of wartime manufacturing efficiency.
Variants:
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Mk I: The original design, introduced in 1941.
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Mk II: The most widely produced and recognizable model, simpler and cheaper to manufacture than the Mk I.
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Mk III: A more compact version with a fixed stock.
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Mk V: Featured a wooden stock and a more robust design.
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Various specialized versions also existed, including suppressed models for covert operations.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
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The Sten SMG is emblematic of British wartime production—mass-produced, functional, and designed to meet urgent military needs.
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It represents a departure from precision craftsmanship toward mass manufacturing in military small arms.
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The Sten is often featured in WWII movies, documentaries, and reenactments, symbolizing the improvisational spirit of the Allied forces.