Sten vs MP40

This is a table-top review and comparison of two of the most recognizable SMGs of WWII: the Sten and the MP40. We will start by laying out the historical foundation of the two and then move through a point-by-point comparison. Which one would you have carried in WWII?
Photo Sources:
Wikipedia
German War Machines
Britanica
USHMM
wikimedia
guns fandom
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[@CoffeeFreak759]

The German version of the STEN was the MP3008 and the magwell was in the vertical position. It used the MP40 magizine.

[@ronschramm9163]

The original concept of the MP38/MP40 was to arm the squad leader with a higher rate of fire weapon to support the MG 34/42. The 98K armed rifleman and the sole MP38/40 were there to do that and provide the attacking formation. The battle unit concept early in the war centered around the LMG.

[@BatCaveOz]

Sten for the win!

[@ronaldhowdeshell8628]

Another piece that would be interesting to match up would be the American M3 "Grease Gun." I am a big fn of German arms, and the MP40 is a beautiful piece of equipment. Having said that, I agree with the assessment of the advantages offered by the Sten.

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Wow …thanks for this great comparison.. I hope this format becomes a regular feature Excellent Stuff …!!!

[@terryholloway9930]

Great review Chris always wondered about the Stein lot of info thanks for all you do

[@caseknifes]

Great job and thank you for the history.

[@seethebutter]

Very cool review, thanks

[@ACE-or8bo]

Thanks Chris, not everyday to get to see these type of firearms.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

MP-40 for me. At least till the Sterling comes.

[@rbm6184]

Both have same rate of fire at 550rpm. Between the two I would go with the Sten for the same reasons you gave. The Israeli Army or IDF manufactured and used the Sten extensively before they developed the Uzi SMG.

[@ronschramm9163]

Sorry to add a second comment...Allegedly, according to 3 of my uncles who served in WWII, the term "Schmeisser" was due to magazines being stamped thusly on guns that had been captured. It appears that Hugo Schmeisser wanted credit for his contribution of the magazine design...likely a royalty on them as well.

[@robertskrzynski2768]

The cheapest Sten Guns were produced in Northern Ireland for 12 shillings and six pence at the time $3 and 6 cents. Also a toy designer and manufacturer one the Lines Brothers helped to simplify the design before it went into manufacture.

[@garrisonandrew9862]

Threaded muzzle for a blank firing adaptor for training.

[@christopherfranklin972]

Excellent video,as a side note in addition to the Lend-Lease arms that the US provided us with after Dunkirk the American public also made a contribution by donating their own private firearms resulting in the appearance of Winchester,Marlin and Savage rifles and an assortment of pistols and revolvers that were issued to the Local Defence Volunteers aka the 'Home Guard'.

[@localguy8]

Chris that is a lesson in machine gun 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻☮️ love it 😍

[@alanfaulkner6329]

My grandad loved his mp38/40.

[@briantruxtonjr.6108]

Personally I'm fond of the aesthetics of the sten but both are awesome.

[@HO-bndk]

There are lots of photos of British and Commonwealth troops in Normandy using battlefield pickup MP40s instead of their "Tuppenny Woolworth" guns.

[@geraldgilmore1177]

I love the old stuff and when you compare its just good shit