Chances someone will make a MKIII Sten semi auto

[raf32]

As we have seen Wiselite step up and make a nice Sterling I wonder if anyone will capitalize on making a MKIII semi auto? I certainly would buy one.

[Wise Lite Arms]

Wise Lite Arms has our unique rendition of the STEN MKIII up at BATFE FTB right now to be approved as a semi-auto. I have attached a few images of it, showing the gun and the removable simulated suppressor. The lace-on heat cover came from IMA.
We have no production orders for this firearm. This is our own design and as such it is still open for improvements. A little further down the road we do intend to offer a build service for customer supplied kits. We have no idea of pricing since we are still in a pre-production stage and the design hasn't been finalized.
We were a bit hesitant to even talk about this project at this time, since there is still a lot of work to be done, fixtures to be made, processes/procedures to be established, etc.
However, the owner (Tony) wants to know if there is anything we should consider to make this a more appealing product. Keep in mind that any large scale production would utilize new USA manufactured barrels.

So, let us know what constructive advice you have...

[raf32]

Wise lite,
VERY cool, I have one of your fine Sterlings that I recently did SBR paperwork on. It has run 300 rounds without malfunction, great work guys.
I will be first in line to purchase the MK III when you are ready. I have a MKIII kit in the garage, how convenient. Oh, I'm also in Texas!

[raf32]

I would be doing SBR on my MKIII, so keep that in mind. I'm assuming the rear stock will still be able to come off, I hope the ATF does not mandate against that.

[Traveler]

Looks nice, Richard.

However, the owner (Tony) wants to know if there is anything we should consider to make this a more appealing product.

The number one thing is price. Your Sterling Sporter is priced right at around $500. The MkIII STEN will sell well IF it's priced in the $300 to $350 range. Above $400 the Sterling Sporter is a lot more gun for not that much more money.

A pistol would be good, but not if it costs more than the carbine.

Now that I've given you my two cents, can you tell me what FCG is under the BIG dust cover?

[Olympicarmsfan]

Im tagging this for later. I have a kit and I have been wanting to build an MKIII out of a kit I have and if you price the kits in the 300 range you will get a lot of work.

The I.O. kits are at that price range but then you have to build it yourself.

I would love to have my sten done but Im in no rush and keep us posted on this.

[StooperZero]

WOW!


I'd buy one.

[Olympicarmsfan]

Originally Posted by raf32

I would be doing SBR on my MKIII, so keep that in mind. I'm assuming the rear stock will still be able to come off, I hope the ATF does not mandate against that.

It would have to coem off to be able to clean the MKIII. The barrel length is the corect lenght even if you put a pistol grip on it.

The SBR would have to be a class III and would be a good option to have but a lot of paper work.

[K.O.A.M.]

That looks good.

[mp_tx]

I would probably buy one if the price was right.

[Olympicarmsfan]

Originally Posted by mp_tx

I would probably buy one if the price was right.

Same here I have a kit just need to buy the tube and the other semi auto kit parts.

If this is in my price range or will use my parts..........I would look at it if not buy one.

[Wise Lite Arms]

Well, here is some good news!
The BATFE FTB has APPROVED the Wise Lite Arms semi-auto STEN MKIII design! They told us this is the first time they have made this approval on a STEN design that uses a non-undersized tube! This design is 922(r) compliant.
And, here is the bad news!
They had to RUIN the sample gun (pictured above) we sent in order to approve it!
At least our contact at FTB called and asked BEFORE they started bashing it in!

WLA is formulating a plan to offer the STEN MKIII manufacturing service.
We have yet to define what parts a customer would have to supply, and what condition/grading parameters we will require of the parts.
We do know we won't need an original barrel.
We will need a GOOD/SERVICEABLE magazine to be supplied with the part set.
We are not going to be able to do ANY custom work.
These will be straight 9MM carbine builds, no pistols, no SBR's, no threaded barrels, no non-standard finishes. Only MKIII STEN's will be built for now. There just isn't the time/Weapon's Techs to accomodate these variations.
We have all the semi-auto conversion parts designated for our manufacturing.
So until further notice no parts will be sold.

Details will be posted on the web site as they become available::

http://wlawarehouse.com/

I think that is all I have to share right now.
This is all very preliminary at this point, and subject to change!

[Mragu]

Richard,
Thanks for the good news and for taking the initiative to bring these to market. I am hoping that when you have the process down you will offer SBR and/or threaded barrel builds as you will miss a good portion of your base that does not want a 16" barreled Sten.

[Olympicarmsfan]

This is really good news and man I have a kit here that I have been looking at tubes and semi auto parts and I think from the price your offering on your site to build mine is the same price.

I then have to have someone weld it so your price is good. What and when do I need to send this kit to you. Im not sure if I can do it any time soon but I do want to get it done.

Congrats on getting this approved its about time we get a good gun out of the box.

[RONSERESURPLUS]

INDEED, thjer ar many of us with Kits sitting around the Price of SEMI parts has held up any real use of them? I know this will make a lot of the MK 3 Kits Dry up, But i'm all for it if I can see a Fun Semi-auto for sale!


RON

[Bu2]

I think I'll be in for one of these, waited a long time for a quality sten to come around.

[Wise Lite Arms]

Originally Posted by Mragu

Richard,
Thanks for the good news and for taking the initiative to bring these to market. I am hoping that when you have the process down you will offer SBR and/or threaded barrel builds as you will miss a good portion of your base that does not want a 16" barreled Sten.

To my knowledge we have not delivered an SBR for a very long time. I only mentioned it so folks would know without asking.
You are really better off to buy and receive the gun from WLA, and enjoy shooting it for the six+ months it takes for the paperwork to come thru.
During that time you can easily locate a gunsmith who can shorten the barrel and re-crown it once you have your NFA approval for the SBR.

For the STEN we will be making/selling the same type of "barrel shroud" that we offer now for the Sterling. It covers the extra length of barrel rather nicely.

[sunnybean]

Your website says photos up soon. Can you please post some images of the gun with the faux suppressor off?

Thank you.


Note to self, wallet feels lighter.

[Jager]

I have the Sterling, and want a Sten also.

[gunner30]

If you make a semi Sten available commercially, I am in.I love my Sterling, it's the bees knees.

Gunner