Stern Defense 45 ACP Conversion

Published on August 14, 2020
Duration: 19:38

This video reviews the Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit for AR-15 lowers, demonstrating its functionality with S&W M&P 45 magazines. The presenter highlights the kit's ability to convert a standard AR-15 lower into a 45 ACP pistol caliber carbine, discussing its compatibility, magazine release mechanism, and the use of a heavy buffer and spring. The review includes live-fire testing with various ammunition types, identifying an ammunition-related failure with Federal HST due to case head separation at the crimping cannula.

Quick Summary

The Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit transforms an AR-15 lower into a 45 ACP pistol caliber carbine, utilizing S&W M&P 45 magazines. It requires a heavy buffer and spring. During testing, an ammunition-related failure occurred with Federal HST due to case head separation at the crimping cannula.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 45 ACP
  2. 00:19Stern Defense 45 ACP Conversion Kit Overview
  3. 01:07Magazine Compatibility (S&W M&P 45)
  4. 01:26Firearm Specifications (Barrel, Threads)
  5. 01:37Trigger and Buffer System
  6. 01:53Bolt Weight and Charging
  7. 02:02Manual of Arms and Magazine Release
  8. 02:33Magazine Affordability
  9. 03:02Live Fire Begins
  10. 03:18Ammunition Used (Browning BXR)
  11. 03:27Optic and Brace Setup
  12. 04:15Hollow Point Ammunition Test
  13. 04:40Drop Free Magazine Test
  14. 04:49Last Round Bolt Hold Open
  15. 06:33Malfunction Observed
  16. 07:05Out of Battery Failure Analysis
  17. 07:20Ammunition Related Failure Identified
  18. 07:40Federal HST Case Head Separation
  19. 08:13Stoppage and Second Round Chambering
  20. 09:34Uncommon Failure Mode Discussion
  21. 09:54Comparison with Other Brass
  22. 10:46Decision to Stop Using HST Ammunition
  23. 11:11Ammunition Failure Analogy
  24. 11:41Continuing to Shoot
  25. 12:14Clearing Obstruction
  26. 12:34Accuracy Demonstration
  27. 12:43Federal White Box Hollow Point Test (+P)
  28. 13:24Magazine Capacity Limitation
  29. 13:27Why M&P Mags, Not Glock Mags
  30. 13:46Companion to M&P 45 Pistol
  31. 13:54Suppressor Host Potential
  32. 14:12Compact and Handy Setup
  33. 14:37Cheap Mags Advantage
  34. 14:51Continued Shooting and Ammo Chalked Up
  35. 15:15Federal White Box (+P) 230 Grain Hollow Point
  36. 15:55+P Ammunition Functioning Well
  37. 16:14Final Shots with White Box
  38. 17:27Conclusion and Summary
  39. 17:39Importance of Ammunition Testing
  40. 18:09Value Proposition of the Setup
  41. 18:34Turning an AR Lower into a PCC
  42. 18:55Companion for M&P 45
  43. 18:59Thank You and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit?

The Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit allows users to adapt a standard AR-15 lower receiver to fire 45 ACP ammunition. It typically uses S&W M&P 45 magazines and requires a specific heavy buffer and spring system for reliable operation.

What magazines does the Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit use?

This conversion kit is designed to accept S&W M&P 45 ACP magazines. The presenter notes that Glock magazines are not compatible with the standard AR-15 magazine well, making M&P mags the practical choice for this adapter.

What are the technical specifications of the Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit setup?

The tested setup featured an 8.5-inch barrel with 5/8x28 threads, an AR-15 trigger, a heavy buffer and spring, and a heavy bolt. It was paired with a Primary Arms MD-25 optic and an SB Tactical SBA3 brace.

What caused the failure during the Stern Defense 45 ACP conversion kit test?

A failure occurred due to an ammunition-related issue with Federal HST 45 ACP. The case head separated at the crimping cannula, leading to an out-of-battery situation and a stoppage. This was attributed to a potential bad lot of ammunition.

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