It was made that way to allow a lower profile on the
ground. The Sterling was much better but still quite
heavy, although that probably helped control some.
No mention of the infamous Sten dance.
Which could occur when dropped and the bolt came out
of detent and proceeded to spray rounds randomly.
M-3 was a much better version.
That MP44 would as well if dropped.
Not a big fan of the open bolt system.
Read a long time ago the Sten cost about $5