Will we ever get a 22 conversion kit for the Sten?

[Open Bolts]

I know there's been a little talk here and there and seem to recall someone starting a poll if we'd be interested in buying such a kit, but I've never read of even a prototype.

I don't know, maybe there's not enough guns in the registry to engineer, build and sell them and make enough profit to justify it but I think the vast majority of us would get one. I know I would.

 

[Villafuego]

I've thought about it......and tried to draw something out on paper.......but there are 3 things that would make it tough......

Without an "indexed" bbl (except on the MK5's), it would tough to keep a feed ramp for a .22 LR rounds properly located. I don't know what you'd do about an MKIII.

For models other than an MKIII, that honking big fixed ejector is a real problem

Manufacturing variances between not only original C&R guns, but all the rebuilds on registered tubes would make every one essentially a "hand fit" proposition.

Then there is the mag issue......but that could probably be solved with an insert fitted into original 9mm mags.

 

[Mackjack]

I've thought about it......and tried to draw something out on paper.......but there are 3 things that would make it tough......

Without an "indexed" bbl (except on the MK5's), it would tough to keep a feed ramp for a .22 LR rounds properly located. I don't know what you'd do about an MKIII.

For models other than an MKIII, that honking big fixed ejector is a real problem

Manufacturing variances between not only original C&R guns, but all the rebuilds on registered tubes would make every one essentially a "hand fit" proposition.

Then there is the mag issue......but that could probably be solved with an insert fitted into original 9mm mags.

Didn't lage make 22 mags for sten mag wells?

 

[booger hooker]

Richard at BWE has talked about making a .22lr conversion for the Sterling at some point and it should be able to work with the Sten I would hope.

 

[Open Bolts]

It sounds like it wouldn't be an easy. I don't know, a barely running 22 kit isn't worth anyone's time but if there's a way I'd be on it.

 

[boomer535]

It is such a small market, just not enough profit. The M11/9 is one of the most common machine guns with about 17,000 registered and there is just one company who makes a 22 kit for it.

 

[BWE Firearms]

If I do eventually offer a 22LR kit for the Sten it will be because I had time to kill on my hands and I wanted a kit for my Sten. Designing one for the sole purpose of making money at it is a loosing cause. There is not enough call for them.

 

[garandman]

I doubt it. There just aren't enuf Stens / Sterlings out there to make it commercially viable, without charging $10,000 per conversion kit.

Money still makes the world go round.

 

[sniperdoc]

Probably easier and cheaper to buy a FA 22 and a STEN parts kit build a STEN 22 by using the parts kit to build a "housing" to hold the 22 Receiver, judging from what is posted here

 

[chili17]

a full length receiver insert that the bolt rides in with a guide for the barrel would be the easiest way to do it i think. Think a receiver in a receiver

 

[sniperdoc]

a full length receiver insert that the bolt rides in with a guide for the barrel would be the easiest way to do it i think. Think a receiver in a receiver

I think we are on the same page, right?

 

[arch stanton]

If I do eventually offer a 22LR kit for the Sten it will be because I had time to kill on my hands and I wanted a kit for my Sten. Designing one for the sole purpose of making money at it is a loosing cause. There is not enough call for them.

This is very true. We made a small run of these years ago never brought them for resale just not enough interest to justify the costs involved

 

[K2]

Hi All,

There is no money to be made on the conversion (as mentioned earlier). Even as a labor of fun, the problem I've not been able to overcome is a rock solid reliable magazine of 30 rounds or better.

Some STens have removable mag wells. So long as the S/N was not on the mag well, the 16/22 mags from BDM and others would be a great candidate. Unless it is a MkV, the front sight has to come off to change the mag well. Nobody wants to pull the front sight in a caliber conversion. Again, dead end.

The Bingham 30rnd that JAC used in the early '16 conversion kits would be a candidate if available. Unfortunately JAC Bingham magazine would be cost prohibitive as most folks want a bunch of cheap, reliable magazines. At least the Bingham mag fits into the Sten mag well and has been shown to be reliable. If I do a kit for myself I can scrounge enough of these magazines to make it work.

I was involved in magazine development once. I don't care to do that again. I do think I've worked through the problems of the conversion from tolerances to the fixed ejector.

While others may have had good luck with the BDM Uzi magazines or the plastic Mac 22RF magazines, I've had mixed results. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Enjoy,

Grasshopper