British STEN Mk II Taylor Mfg. 9mm Transferable Submachine Gun

Status: In Stock / Please Call to Purchase

This Chester County Armory listing is for a British-designed STEN Mk II 9x19mm transferable open bolt submachine gun manufactured by Taylor Manufacturing.

Originally designed at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, the STEN submachine was a true necessity of wartime designed and produced model for Great Britain. Facing a German onslaught after the Battle of Dunkirk, and in need of a submachine gun that was reliable and solid performing, yet considerably cheaper and easier to produce than the models that were currently in their arsenals (most notably the Thompson submachine guns that were on loan from the US), the first STEN was born from this need demand.  Developed by Major Reginald V. Shepherd and Harold J. Turpin using the Lanchester submachine gun (as well as the German MP28) as inspiration, the first STEN models were built in 1941. The name STEN was derived as an acronym of Sheperd, Turpin, and the ENfield factory were they were assembled.

Over 4,000,000 STEN’s were produced during WWII, with many more repurposed and assembled with original parts kit over the years up until the 1986 US NFA cutoff for registration. This particular model was assembled by Taylor Manufacturing of Decatur, GA using their own registered machine gun tube and an original British STEN Mark II parts kit. Purchase of this model will include four 32rd original magazines and one 50rd Lanchester magazine, which were designed to be interchangeable between the two models.

Overall, this model is in very good condition both mechanically and cosmetically. This weapon runs flawlessly with standard 9mm Parabellum ammunition. Mechanically, the metalwork is solid with no cracks, dents, dings, malformations, etc. noted. The welds remain solid and strong with no concerns. The bolt face remains crisp and clean with a solid firing pin. The action operates smoothly and appropriately and the fire controls note only moderate wear. The bore is slightly darkened, but the rifling remains intact. Cosmetically, this model notes minor use and handling marks on the exterior of the weapon and some minor finish wear and a slight patina of the metal is observed at the muzzle.  The included magazines are all in excellent working order with solid spring life remaining.

Sure to continue to climb in value as less models are available everyday, this NFA registered submachine gun is an excellent model for both the seasoned collector as well as those new to the NFA world. This model is currently on an eForm capable Form 3 that lists “Taylor Manufacturing” as the manufacturer and “MKII” as the model.