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Posted: 5/21/2015 7:27:35 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
OK, loading these things by hand hurts. So I finally ordered a loader for it. This one: http://www.ima-usa.com/british-sten-lanchester-magazine-loader-box-type-new-made.html It sucks. For the life of me I can't figure out how you would insert a new round into it. Plus the piece of crap doesn't stay in one unit. The handle isn't securely pinned in the ears. Is it just a poor product or is there a trick to this? Well if the handle isnt pinned in, you got a defective product. The unit should also be able to pushed on far enough so it snaps into place and wont come off. Operation of your loader is 2/3rds down this page/ http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10754 |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 8:44:24 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well if the handle isnt pinned in, you got a defective product. The unit should also be able to pushed on far enough so it snaps into place and wont come off. Operation of your loader is 2/3rds down this page/ http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10754 Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
OK, loading these things by hand hurts. So I finally ordered a loader for it. This one: http://www.ima-usa.com/british-sten-lanchester-magazine-loader-box-type-new-made.html It sucks. For the life of me I can't figure out how you would insert a new round into it. Plus the piece of crap doesn't stay in one unit. The handle isn't securely pinned in the ears. Is it just a poor product or is there a trick to this? Well if the handle isnt pinned in, you got a defective product. The unit should also be able to pushed on far enough so it snaps into place and wont come off. Operation of your loader is 2/3rds down this page/ http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10754 Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I needed. Now I understand how it is SUPPOSED to work. And mine simply doesn't. I need to send this back. What really sucks is their shipping costs are high and I need one by the 29th. Gonna be close now. I think I'll call and find out if the original military unit is better built than this new manufacture. |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 10:17:36 AM EDT
[#3]
Contacted IMA. No problems. It is defective.
I changed my order to an original WWII loader figuring if it lasted this long it must be solid. |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 10:56:54 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Contacted IMA. No problems. It is defective. I changed my order to an original WWII loader figuring if it lasted this long it must be solid. Is that the one that looks like it's made out of brass knuckles? We had two of those at our last mg shoot and they still suck. Loading Sten mags sucks. |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 11:01:12 AM EDT
[#5]
Ring loaders are by far the best way to load a Sten magazine. With a little practice, you'll be as fast as loading mags with a LULA.
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Posted: 5/22/2015 11:26:03 AM EDT
[#6]
I think the IMA loader is a repro magazine loader.
If you can find a Austen loader buy it, they work much better.  |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 11:42:59 AM EDT
[#7]
My original british ring loader works a charm. As mentioned above, once you're used to it, it's almost as fast as a lula, and the limiting factor for your loading speed is being able to wriggle the rounds into the correct orientation in your hand and present them to the loader.
I'll load sten mags for MG shoots while watching tv without having to look at the rounds or magazine, like touch-typing - orienting the rounds by feel, and the loading motions coming automatically. I stack 12 sten mags to a 30cal ammo can, and can load those 384 rounds in about 20-25 minutes depending if I've got the rounds loose or have to keep stopping to unbox them. Loading sten mags without the ring loader is, I believe, expressly forbidden by a human rights treaty somewhere. |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 11:48:47 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think the IMA loader is a repro magazine loader. If you can find a Austen loader buy it, they work much better. http://www.justordinarymen.org.uk/attachments/Image/StenAustenLoader.JPG Austen loaders go for $150 these days, maybe more. I'd stick with trying to make the IMA brass ring repro work for that much. 
Mine works fine in the STEN mags I use in my Sterling SBR. |
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Posted: 5/22/2015 7:36:26 PM EDT
[#9]
The IMA one I sent back today is a repro. I am exchanging it (plus more money) for an original WWII one of the same type. The brass knuckles type. By god I hope it works well as I had a good time with the Mac-11 and Lage upper today.
Sadly, I am going to have to load a bunch of sten mags without again to entertain some buddies from out of town who have never fired full auto before. Well, we do this stuff for pals. |
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Posted: 5/23/2015 8:37:42 AM EDT
[#10]
I'm looking at getting the same set up. Figures I buy the weapon with the mags I loath the most.
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Posted: 5/23/2015 8:43:52 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm looking at getting the same set up. Figures I buy the weapon with the mags I loath the most. I had a choice of a Mac11 with Sten or Zytel when I bought. The seller said sten mags last longer and are easier to find. He failed to mention the part where you will never use your thumb again without a loader.
I'll update this thread when the original WWII loader arrives and I can use it. |
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Posted: 5/24/2015 7:34:17 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
OK, loading these things by hand hurts. So I finally ordered a loader for it. This one: http://www.ima-usa.com/british-sten-lanchester-magazine-loader-box-type-new-made.html It sucks. For the life of me I can't figure out how you would insert a new round into it. Plus the piece of crap doesn't stay in one unit. The handle isn't securely pinned in the ears. Is it just a poor product or is there a trick to this? it's a phenominal loader if it's in good shape. |
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Posted: 5/24/2015 4:40:40 PM EDT
[#13]
Best in the business is the AUSTEN..
Well worth the money... I compared the TAPCO , the Brit loader...even Cobray 9mm loaders and other setups. |
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Posted: 5/24/2015 6:15:30 PM EDT
[#14]
When I had my STEn-converted M11/9, I used an Austen loader exclusively. Still was such a PITA to load mags that I sold the M11/9.
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Posted: 5/25/2015 1:54:08 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
When I had my STEn-converted M11/9, I used an Austen loader exclusively. Still was such a PITA to load mags that I sold the M11/9. Jees you guys are scaring me.... I think the sten I'm waiting on uses sten mags
I picked up the other type of loader. Slides on the back of the mag and just presses the round down like a lever. Seems easy enough. It's the 15ish dollar loader. Hasn't given me any issues, just trying it out while I'm waiting. |
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Posted: 5/25/2015 10:25:20 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Jees you guys are scaring me.... I think the sten I'm waiting on uses sten mags I picked up the other type of loader. Slides on the back of the mag and just presses the round down like a lever. Seems easy enough. It's the 15ish dollar loader. Hasn't given me any issues, just trying it out while I'm waiting. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: When I had my STEn-converted M11/9, I used an Austen loader exclusively. Still was such a PITA to load mags that I sold the M11/9. Jees you guys are scaring me.... I think the sten I'm waiting on uses sten mags I picked up the other type of loader. Slides on the back of the mag and just presses the round down like a lever. Seems easy enough. It's the 15ish dollar loader. Hasn't given me any issues, just trying it out while I'm waiting. I have a Sten Mk II and I have about 150/60 mags Yeah they suck loading. I rode in the back of Monkey_Wrenches' car to a MG shoot loading Sten mags. 1 and a half later I loaded 7/8 mags |
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Posted: 5/26/2015 7:23:26 AM EDT
[#17]
How long can it take to load ten rounds? You shouldn't even need a loader............
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Posted: 5/27/2015 12:29:44 PM EDT
[#18]
Chase- haha that sounds unbelievable!
Redeye- Thanks!
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Posted: 5/27/2015 1:33:19 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Chase- haha that sounds unbelievable! Redeye- Thanks! lol I think two of the mags were bad too  |
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Posted: 5/27/2015 2:36:10 PM EDT
[#20]
Stop being lazy......it's really NOT that bad....with the AUSTEN, it really wasn't that bad...
No loaders...yeah....horrible. |
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Posted: 5/29/2015 8:59:25 AM EDT
[#21]
Loading mags.....any mags but especially STEN mags is the only reason that should legitimize human trafficking. I would gladly pay several grand for and feed, house and clothe a (insert human traffickers' nationality du jour) just so I never had to load mags again. The oldest is 8 and understands the concept, but she lacks the strength to load a G21 mag to capacity with a LULA. You can forget sub gun mags.
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Posted: 5/29/2015 4:18:18 PM EDT
[#22]
We do machinegun shoots a few times a year that are open to the public and not just us greedy bastards. Another friend and I always wind up as the mag/belt loaders just to stop the whining. I am more than happy to do this, but after 6 straight hours of loading I don't want to see another Sten mag. Why do so many subguns accept Sten mags?
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Posted: 5/29/2015 8:18:46 PM EDT
[#23]
OK, I got the British WWII mag loader. On the plus side - it works. No issues getting full mags. The big problem now is the darn thing is really hard to get OFF a mag. I think I'm going to get some fine sand paper and smooth all the mags and the inside of the loader. I mean shazaam. Nothing about these is easy. I shoulda kept the MP5.
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Posted: 5/30/2015 2:34:27 PM EDT
[#24]
That was why the AUSTEN is better.
That Brit setup...original and reproduction is hard to get off. |
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Posted: 5/30/2015 6:12:06 PM EDT
[#25]
FWIW ... the STEn's successor, the Sterling, has by far the best 9mm subgun magazine ever invented. Easy to load, reliable, you name it.
Never tried it myself, but I have seen STEn-mag subguns converted to use Sterlings. (Sterlings will run either STEn or Sterling mags, so it shouldn't be that difficult a mod.) Just something for you inventive guys to think about .... 
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Posted: 5/30/2015 7:33:58 PM EDT
[#26]
I think I'd like a conversion of some kind. The M11/Lage upper wasn't very reliable today. Now, I freely admit that given some time, proper lube (maybe thats the issue), different ammo, selective mags that I can resolve it. But at this point it isn't a reliable weapon. And I was kind of embarrassed at the range with my guests having problems.
Guess I need to spend some time at the open range where I can shake it out. Luckily the M16 as usual ran without a hitch. |
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Posted: 5/30/2015 8:29:26 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think I'd like a conversion of some kind. The M11/Lage upper wasn't very reliable today. Now, I freely admit that given some time, proper lube (maybe thats the issue), different ammo, selective mags that I can resolve it. But at this point it isn't a reliable weapon. And I was kind of embarrassed at the range with my guests having problems. Guess I need to spend some time at the open range where I can shake it out. Luckily the M16 as usual ran without a hitch. That sucks man
One of the many reasons I chose a different subgun for my first MG. If I can do a second it will be an m16 
So at least you had that as backup! |
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Posted: 5/31/2015 9:42:05 AM EDT
[#28]
Yeah, the M16 always works. I think my issues are mag related. I'm going on my own to the range this week to sort them out and find which ones I can count on. Hard to do with guests wanting to shoot a machine-gun and an indoor range with little room.
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Posted: 6/1/2015 4:30:22 PM EDT
[#29]
You really need an Austen loader for Sten mags.
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Posted: 6/1/2015 6:25:56 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yeah, the M16 always works. I think my issues are mag related. I'm going on my own to the range this week to sort them out and find which ones I can count on. Hard to do with guests wanting to shoot a machine-gun and an indoor range with little room. Yea that doesn't sound like a good time. I have the spoon loader and just realized that there is a small flat lever on the back with a piece of folded metal that goes through to the inside. It looks like it would fit in the small rectangle cutout on the back of the sten mag, but Im not exactly sure on the purpose of this part of the loader....? Can anyone tell me? |
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Posted: 6/2/2015 7:24:57 AM EDT
[#31]
If I'm reading your description correctly, it's to lock it in place on the magazine while you are loading.
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Posted: 6/2/2015 9:50:46 AM EDT
[#32]
I just received an AUSTEN loading tool in the mail today (happy Birthday to me!) and can confirm that this is the greatest loading tool ever made for the Sten magazines. I cant believe that I suffered for so long, loading the magazines like an animal. Love the gun but always HATED loading the magazines..........problem solved.
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Posted: 6/2/2015 12:08:28 PM EDT
[#33]
My British issue WWII loader is working OK too. And IMA did me right restocking the broken new manufacture one and shipping me without any extra charge other than the difference between the first one and this one. I'll do business with them again.
Would love to try an Austen but this one works so I'm not spending more on another. Now I have to sort out the faulty mags and sight in the Lage/Mac11. Guess I'll have to go shooting in this hot weather. Oh well. At least the range will be relatively empty afternoon during the week. |
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Posted: 6/3/2015 12:11:35 PM EDT
[#34]
I'm cheap by standards that would shock most people but buying the Austen loader was the best investment I ever made.
I started with a Cobray and even was using a Mac 10 loader for my sten...until I got licky on a Austen for less then 50 USD. I'm glad I did and it was well worth it. Anyone with a sten...first thing I tell them. get the Austen.... everyone balks on the price but I tell them it is worth it. |
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Posted: 6/9/2015 1:22:55 PM EDT
[#35]
another +1 for the Austen loader. I had tons of sten mags and 3 of the Lancaster 50rd mags and the Austen mag loader was the only way to go...
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Posted: 6/15/2015 2:44:52 AM EDT
[#36]
Adco solved this years ago.
Sten modified Uplula. Took 10-15 minutes to mod, easy peasy and works PERFECTLY. |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 12:35:36 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Adco solved this years ago. Having and having used both, the ring loader is MUCH easier for sten mags than a modified uplula, IMO. I do use the modified uplula for grease gun mags, though. |
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Posted: 6/17/2015 11:07:14 AM EDT
[#38]
Might have to get one for my grease gun, man I hate loading those damn mags.
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Posted: 6/25/2015 2:12:34 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Having and having used both, the ring loader is MUCH easier for sten mags than a modified uplula, IMO. I do use the modified uplula for grease gun mags, though. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Adco solved this years ago. Having and having used both, the ring loader is MUCH easier for sten mags than a modified uplula, IMO. I do use the modified uplula for grease gun mags, though. I have never used a ring loader, but my Sten-mod Maglula works like a dream and they are available pretty much in any sporting goods store. |
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Posted: 6/25/2015 8:41:37 AM EDT
[#40]
Here I am bitching about loading Sten mags and what do I do? Go and buy a Sten MKII. At least it came with a 1919 and an RPD, so I can rest my sore thumbs while loading belts.
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Posted: 6/25/2015 2:07:54 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Here I am bitching about loading Sten mags and what do I do? Go and buy a Sten MKII. At least it came with a 1919 and an RPD, so I can rest my sore thumbs while loading belts.  .....
I see what you did there. |
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Posted: 6/26/2015 10:32:50 PM EDT
[#42]
Now I need to try an Austen loader if I can find one, And a tripod. I forgot that the Sten was an integrally suppressed model until I went over the paperwork. I was more concerned about getting the 1919 at the price i did before someone else did.
By the way unit, Futurama is almost always playing on my tv. It's become the "fuck it, just put Futurama on" program in my house. |
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Posted: 6/27/2015 1:03:57 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Now I need to try an Austen loader if I can find one, And a tripod. I forgot that the Sten was an integrally suppressed model until I went over the paperwork. I was more concerned about getting the 1919 at the price i did before someone else did. By the way unit, Futurama is almost always playing on my tv. It's become the "fuck it, just put Futurama on" program in my house. Yep, 3:30ish-5:30ish everyday on comedy central.
Did you pick up on how my username is written..... Picture of Bender-Bending Rodriguez-haha very few would get it....you really have to be a fan of the show
But very cool purchases. SO what is that, the MKIIS because of integral suppressor? |
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Posted: 6/27/2015 3:46:31 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep, 3:30ish-5:30ish everyday on comedy central.
Did you pick up on how my username is written..... Picture of Bender-Bending Rodriguez-haha very few would get it....you really have to be a fan of the show
But very cool purchases. SO what is that, the MKIIS because of integral suppressor? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Now I need to try an Austen loader if I can find one, And a tripod. I forgot that the Sten was an integrally suppressed model until I went over the paperwork. I was more concerned about getting the 1919 at the price i did before someone else did. By the way unit, Futurama is almost always playing on my tv. It's become the "fuck it, just put Futurama on" program in my house. Yep, 3:30ish-5:30ish everyday on comedy central.
Did you pick up on how my username is written..... Picture of Bender-Bending Rodriguez-haha very few would get it....you really have to be a fan of the show
But very cool purchases. SO what is that, the MKIIS because of integral suppressor? I think so, I found a little info on it not much. We (DNA Guns) have three already, all MKII's. I should have them in a few weeks, I hope. |
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Posted: 6/28/2015 1:42:31 AM EDT
[#45]
We actually have two MKIII's and now that MKII. Figures you'd already be in on this thread.
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Posted: 6/28/2015 7:03:40 AM EDT
[#46]
You sir poured gasoline on this fire in my head, thank you. This started shortly after you broke my thumbs. And thank you for the correction on the Stens. They are still a mystery to me.
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Posted: 6/28/2015 12:22:59 PM EDT
[#47]
IMHO a sten = reliable, fun cheap tube gun with TERRIBLE mags.
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