AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/28/2014 4:51:47 PM EDT
is there a trick to loading these things?
cant use a sten loader, due to the mag block welded to the rear. i really dont want to spend 100 bucks on a hahn block, then more money on unmodified sten mags, but loading these things is taking the fun out of having a 9mm ar. 
|
|
I've been told that they are easier to load, and still feed properly, if you cut a few coils off the spring. Haven't tried it myself, since I use a magwell adapter (loader still works on my mags).
ETA: You might try something like the ball starter than muzzleloaders use. Should make it less painful to push the rounds down, if you can find one that fits between the feed lips. |
| STEN magazines are a bear to load. The Brits issued a brass device that helps you hold down the rounds that are already in the mag while you slide in the next round. It works kind of the way a Lula magazine loader works. But sadly, Lula does not make a loader for STEN or Sterling mags. |
|
Quoted:
yes, the block is hollow. i have no machining experience, or equipment. Quoted:
Quoted:
The block is hollow yes? Make one....square stock to slide in the block.....with a tab to depress the round...and a thumb loop on the back.... yes, the block is hollow. i have no machining experience, or equipment. Hardwood. Square (or rectangular) cross section piece to slide down in the block. L shaped piece dovetailed into the square piece, with the leg of the L sized to slip between the lips of the mag. Add a flat piece to the top of that (more surface area to push on, so you don't hurt your hand). |
|
I attached a length of small gauge steel cable to the follower then out the bottom of the floor plate where it ended in a loop. I stick a dowel thru the loop and sit down with it placed under my knees then pull up on the mag to pull the follower downward while dropping rounds into the mag.
Works great - looks ghetto, I call it the Tampon string mod! |
|
Call Oly on the phone and ask them if they have anymore box loaders. They used to keep them on hand even though they didn't list them. Last few years though they have moved from supplying desired parts to building complete rifles so they may not have made anymore. Worth a phone call anyway. Piece of wooden dowel and a u bolt will also make a loader.
|
|
Or you could buy a Socom block
and run unmodified Sten mags. I made a couple of block sets that let me use slightly modified Sten mags with the standard AR mag release. Either of these options will also help with getting your mags into more conventional mag pouches & use one or more of a few different commercially available Sten mag loaders. I modified an UPLULA that works great. Be safe! John |
badfishy this is a phone pic of what I was talking about. While pushing down with the loader on the back of the bullet casing you push down on the nose with a fresh round and then slide it under the feed lips. Not the best but will help load them. From Lowes 5/8" square dowel and ubolt from cable clamp 3/4" wide. Add string or rod to bottom hole to help pull down if needed.
|
AR Sponsor