Uzi magazine loader compatible with a Sten?

[marklbucla]

Will an UZI mag loader work for a regular, unmodified Sten mag?

 

[Jim Watson]

I wouldn't count on it.
Uzi magazine is double position feed, STEN single.

 

[mondocomputerman]

What does double position feed mean? Does it have anything to do with the cartridges being staggered?

 

[VorpalSpork]

Double position feed would be where the top cartridge in the magazine alternates between the left and right side of the magazine as they are stripped off. For example an AR15 magazine is double position feed. Single position feed would be where the top cartridge is always in the same position on the magazine. Single stack magazines are going to be single position feed, but double stack magazines that funnel the cartridges into a single position at the top are also single position feed. An example of this would be a magazine for the Beretta 92F.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Uzi (and Thompson) magazines are staggered all the way to the top, rounds feed alternately from the left and right sides of the mag; simlar to a Mauser bolt action rifle. Sten (and greasegun) magazines are tapered into a single column at the top so the round always feeds from the center, similar to most double stack pistol magazines.