Engineering:Sputter Gun

Sputter Gun
Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	None
Used by	None
Wars	None
Production history
Designed	~
Produced	~1982-1985
Specifications
Barrel length	7.8 inches (197 mm)
Cartridge	9×19mm Parabellum
Action	Blowback-operated, Open bolt
Rate of fire	~500 round/min
Muzzle velocity	1,200 ft/s (365 m/s)
Effective firing range	50 yards (46 m)
Feed system	32-round detachable box magazine

The Sputter Gun was a U.S. modification of the United Kingdom Sten submachine gun, designed to circumvent then-existing U.S. laws defining a machine gun. The Sputter Gun, lacking a trigger, was designed to fire multiple rounds upon release of the bolt, until all ammunition was expended. The Sputter Gun was, however, reclassified as a machine gun by the ATF.

Background

In 1985, the ATF became aware that William M. York, doing business as York Arms Co., was selling a modified version of a Mk.II Sten that was capable of fully automatic fire. York advertised the gun as a firearm for those "who want the fun and excitement of owning and firing a fully automatic firearm without the government tax and red tape." The ATF instructed York to recall firearms already sold and issue refunds. This was unnecessary, however, as none had been sold.

Reclassification

The ATF originally defined a machine gun as any firearm capable of firing multiple rounds by a single trigger action. This was changed, in light of the Sputter Gun, to read:

That 'shoots automatically' definition covers firearms that will function automatically. The 'readily restorable' definition defines firearms which previously could shoot automatically but will not in their present condition. The 'designed' definition includes firearms which have not previously functioned as machineguns but possess specific machinegun design features which facilitate automatic fire by simple alteration or elimination of existing component parts.

See also

• Gun politics in the United States
• Firearm action