Original British WWII Sten Mk V Commando Display Submachine Gun with Magazine Original Items

Original Item: Only one available. Introduced in 1944, the Mk V was essentially a better-quality, more elaborate version of the Mk 2. Changes included a wooden pistol grip, a vertical wooden fore grip, a wooden stock, and a bayonet mount. There was a No4 Lee–Enfield foresight and the weapon was of better quality manufacture and finish than the Mk2 and Mk3. The Sten bandolier issued to paratroopers held seven full magazines.

Another variant of the Mk V had a swivel stock and rear sight mirror intended for firing around corners in urban warfare, similar to the Krummlauf developed by the Germans for the StG 44.

This example constructed from original parts on a new made solid aluminum dummy receiver, is fully ATF compliant as a non-gun and exactly duplicates the feel and appearance of the original. It is finished in the satin stove black used on most British small arms of the Second World War. The condition, including the original wooden stock and pistol grip, is very good. It also has had a new made front “Commando” foregrip installed, to complete the commando look.

The upper side of the magazine housing is marked M/78, with an overlapping “SV” marking next to serial number 55987. M/78 is the manufacturer code for the Elkington Company, which made the housing, and the SV is the abbreviation for Sten Mk V. The lower side is marked with a “Broad Arrow” and STEN Mk V, along with an RTL logo.

The Mk V is generally considered to be the best of the Sten family, and was most extensively issued to airborne troops. It is widely represented in British hands in the film A Bridge Too Far. Combat photographs of British airborne troops show how extensive the use of the Mk V was. 

The Mk V was designed to use an Enfield rifle sling so that it could be supported with the sling around the soldier’s neck as was developed for the early Thompson Lend-Lease deliveries to Britain. This in fact represents the origin of the “assault sling” configuration, which is used almost universally today. This piece includes an original magazine, where permitted. Elsewhere a deactivated magazine will be sent.

A fine original display gun fully approved by BATF to be non-functional and totally legal without any type of license.