There has been several threads on stens here of late, and I have even put one together myself. I like them because of the simplicity, a more basic weapon would be hard to envisage. It is also an easy weapon for almost anyone to put together precisely because it is so basic. The trouble with stens is that at the end of the day they really are a heap of crap when compared to almost everything else.
I like several WW1/WW2 smg's, but to me one that stands out way above the rest is what I would describe as a first generation smg, the Suomi KP-31. I would rate it the best due to the reasons listed below. ( not necessarily in the correct order)
1) Exellent accuracy.
2) Superb firepower, especially with its 71 rnd drum
3) Longer range than most smg's
4) Quick change barrel and barrel jacket.
5) Fully adjustable sights.
6) Rate of fire vacuum regulating valve.
7) Detatchable trigger group.
8) Takes a wide variety of magazines.
9 ) Last but by no means least, the outstanding workmanship and materials of the entire weapon, it was made to last and it just oozes quality. It is absolutely beautifull.
I can only think of one downside, and that is it's weight.
The Suomi KP-31 was a very expensive gun to produce, it was this that lead to it's demise.
