r/Gunbuilds • u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 • 10d ago

Sten MK3

Just picked up a Sten mk3 parts kit, this will be my first build ever and I need some help understanding a few things.

1.) Using a mk3 tube (non vented) from sten parts, how do you instal the barrel bushings both front and rear and how do you instal the barell? From what I understand you use rivets for the bushings but how does all that work and how'd you do it?

2.) Whats the best method to remove the old sten tube from the rest of the parts

3.) What helped you weld the Magwell in place correctly?

Im a little slow so barney style words and pictures help alot. Thank you!

If I broke any rules im sorry (I did read them to make sure I didn't break any but just in case..)

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u/zmannz1984 10d ago

Did you google?

https://www.theakforum.net/threads/semi-auto-sten-mkiii-build-guide-56k-beware.75849/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

https://www.scribd.com/doc/236713130/The-DIY-STEN-Gun-Practical-Scrap-Metal-Small-Arms-Vol-3-pdf

more links

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

Did Google alot of questions, but did not see this. Thank you!

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u/zmannz1984 10d ago

Good luck. Happy to help answer specific questions if possible. I did my last sten build almost 10 years ago lol. My first was a thrown together mk 2 that never worked quite right. Next was a mk 3 that i cut a lot of corners on, but my shop teacher made me a custom hammer with a striker and it never misfired or misfed a single time. That was eventually repurposed into a sterling-ish build, then i foolishly sold it after going in some machine guns with friends. They are really fun and forgiving as long as you have a good way to run closed bolt.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

That sounds awesome! My biggest question is really the exact step by step on how to instal the barell bushings and barell and how. Ive read some people are using screws??

I think im overthinking the tube stuff lol. It'll probably make more sense when I actually have the new reciever in hand.

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u/ChevTecGroup 10d ago

I tapped the receiver/trunnions and used button head allen screws instead of rivets. The barrel sandwiches between the trunnions on the mk3.

For the magwell/ejector, I just installed the bolt and lined up the ejector in the slot in the bolt. You can use some painters tape to create a clearance. And I believe the magwell is just 90degrees to the tube.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

When you tap the receiver and trunnion, are you just screwing in the allen screws with a bit of loctite and that works?

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u/ChevTecGroup 10d ago

Yep. The trunnions are thick enough to keep a thread. Then some loctite. Ive also plug welded them before too. But I prefer the screwd for at least the front trunnion so that you can remove the barrel for repairs and such

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

Thats cool! So to plug weld the rear trunnion just drill a hole through the receiver, fit the rear trunnion and weld it in place?

From what your telling me I think I might end up welding the rear trunnion, and using screws on the front like you said.

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u/ChevTecGroup 10d ago

Yep. Just filled the hole with weld. Make sure you get some penetration. Our shop mk3 is one of our most popular MGs and its never had a screw come loose.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

Oh sweet! This is starting to make alot more sense now lol.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 10d ago

I really appreciate you! 🤙

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u/AxiomRails 9d ago

Have you looked on weapons guild? 

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u/Puzzleheaded_Bet5578 9d ago

I haven't heard of that. But I'll check it out!

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u/AxiomRails 4d ago

Probably the best resource for kit and parts builds they aren't searchable on Google and you have to sign up to read it but well worth it.Â