First off this is an intellectual question only, I do not own, plan to purchase or want to test this theory. This is just the sort of mechanical 'what if' that sticks in my craw. To avoid repetive posts I'll lay out some givens, please reply if you disagree.
1. 9x18 Mak is .01 shorter than 9x19 parebellum/luger. Since the Sten is an open bolt design/fixed firing pin design where the bolt is actually still in motion at the point of firing, I dont see where the case length diff. would matter.
2. 9x18 bullet width is around .09 more than 9x19. .364 vs .355. This would certainily be unsafe in a modern firearm made to close tolerances but in a plumber's nightmare sten? Loose tolerances and a shot out barrel would negate this concern in my opinion.
3. The 9x18 generates about 10,000 PSI less force in chamber than the 9x19 so cycling may be an issue. Since the majority of the Sten's resistive force comes from the weight of the bolt I dont see where lighting the recoil spring would be productive and could cause light primer strikes.
4. I'm not even sure if com block ammo and Stens have ever come into direct contact during conflicts but if anyone has ever heard of a 'combat tested' story please post, I'd be interested in hearing it.
Again this is just a 'what if you had to'. I am not going to attempt this even if I had the means.
1. 9x18 Mak is .01 shorter than 9x19 parebellum/luger. Since the Sten is an open bolt design/fixed firing pin design where the bolt is actually still in motion at the point of firing, I dont see where the case length diff. would matter.
2. 9x18 bullet width is around .09 more than 9x19. .364 vs .355. This would certainily be unsafe in a modern firearm made to close tolerances but in a plumber's nightmare sten? Loose tolerances and a shot out barrel would negate this concern in my opinion.
3. The 9x18 generates about 10,000 PSI less force in chamber than the 9x19 so cycling may be an issue. Since the majority of the Sten's resistive force comes from the weight of the bolt I dont see where lighting the recoil spring would be productive and could cause light primer strikes.
4. I'm not even sure if com block ammo and Stens have ever come into direct contact during conflicts but if anyone has ever heard of a 'combat tested' story please post, I'd be interested in hearing it.
Again this is just a 'what if you had to'. I am not going to attempt this even if I had the means.