- Sputter Gun
Infobox Weapon|is_ranged=yes
caption=
name= Sputter Gun
type=Submachine gun
origin=flagcountry|United States
design_date= ~
production_date= ~1982-1985
service= None
used_by= None
wars= None
spec_type=Automatic fire submachine gun
part_length= 7.8 inches (197 mm)
cartridge=9mm Parabellum
feed= 30-round detachable box
range= 50 yards (46 m)
cartridge=9x19mm Parabellum
action= Blowback-operated,Open bolt
rate= ~500 round/min
velocity= 1,200 ft/s (365 m/s)
feed= 32 round detachable box magazine
sights=The Sputter Gun was a modification of the British
Sten Submachine Gun , designed to circumvent then-existing U.S. laws defining a machine gun. Lacking a trigger, the Sputter Gun was designed to, upon release of the bolt, fire multiple rounds until allammunition was expended. The Sputter Gun was, however, reclassified as a machine gun by theATF .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 weapon for those "who want the fun and excitement of owning and firing a fully automatic weapon without the government tax and red tape". The ATF instructed York to recall weapons already sold and issue refunds. This was, however, unnecessary, as none had been sold.http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/york.txt]
Reclassification
The ATF originally defined a machine gun as any weapon capable of firing multiple rounds by a single trigger action. This was changed, in light of the Sputter Gun, to read
The 'shoots automatically' definition covers weapons that will function automatically. The 'readily restorable' definition defines weapons which previously could shoot automatically but will not in their present condition. The 'designed' definition includes weapons 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.
References
ee also
*
Gun politics in the United States
*Firearm action
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