Gun Review: The Second Generation Kriss Vector

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The Kriss Vector has an unmistakable look. It’s as if someone pulled it out of a science fiction movie. Even the name has a certain cyberpunk-ring to it. And it makes sense. It’s different than most pistol caliber carbines. Although it’s been around for almost a decade now, behind the boxy frame is still somewhat of a mystery.

Kriss USA, owned by the Switzerland-based company Kriss Group, brought the Kriss Vector stateside in 2011. Originally designed as a submachine gun, it’s perfectly sized as a PCC and more marketable in that configuration for civilian sales. Since then, Kriss has released several variations of the Vector and are now on their second generation.

The newest edition is the Special Duty Pistol with a stabilizing brace, or Kriss Vector SDP SB. While many may see it and use it as a PCC, it’s actually classified as a handgun because of the short barrel and lack of a stock. While the brace was designed to wrap around a forearm, shouldering it is also acceptable usage.

The newest generation of the Vector continues to use the legendary Kriss Super V operating system. This mechanism allows the gun’s bolt to move back and then downward into the bottom of the gun. Hence the name “vector,” a reference to the scientific definition.

The Vector operating system effectively re-directs the energy of the bolt, so felt recoil is minimized. Even though the Vector I was using was chambered in a light recoiling round like 9mm, I could tell that recoil was diminished by the Super V. In fact, recoil was so soft it was a little hard to tell when the bolt locked back after the last round.

As for the brace, it rides on a smooth buffer tube. You can’t really adjust for length-of-pull because it moves too much on the tube. However, it is collapsible.

Compared to the Vector gen 1, the gen 2 model has a couple external additions that make it a little more user friendly. The front MLOK rail shrouds the end of the 6.5-inch threaded barrel (1/2×28) and provides some real estate for accessories. The second welcomed addition is the re-designed pistol grip. It fills he hands and makes manipulating the 45-degree safety and trigger a little easier.

 The overall size of the Vector is big compared to a lot of the other sub-guns available. At 7.5 pounds, it weighs as much as an AR-15. Even with the brace, it measures in at 18.5 inches, so it isn’t as package as some. Still, you couldn’t ask for much more for performance. Using a variety of ammo, supplied by AmmunitionToGo, the gun ran flawlessly.

The Kriss Vector SDP SB is very comfortable to manipulate. Every edge and grip area is contoured or beveled to streamline the firearm. Even the side charging handle is spring loaded so that it hugs the side when not in use.

For obvious reasons, like availability and popularity, PCC’s are usually released in only 9mm. The Vector is available in 9mm, 45 ACP, and the almighty 10mm. Additionally the Vector also uses Glock mags. Different calibers appeal to a wider variety of consumers. If you like to shoot suppressed then a Vector in .45 ACP would be well suited or perhaps if you are a hunter then a 10mm with more mustard maybe be the way to go.

Kriss offers the Vector in seven different cerakote options. Black will always be in style but if you want something a little different you can purchase one in OD or Flat Dark Earth. If you live in a snowy environment have no fear because Alpine White is also available.

I personally liked the Combat Grey color that made the black controls and rails “pop” on the gun. I really can appreciate when a manufacturer gives you color options like this. It is going the extra step for the consumer.

In an industry where the wheel seems to get reinvented daily, true innovation is really appreciated from my perspective. Kriss has a very innovative design with the Vector and it’s great to see them make improvements to the with the second generation. I think this is a gun that gets overlooked a lot in the climate where PCC’s are very popular. While nothing is perfect, the Kriss Vector has a lot of the characteristics of a great sub-gun.

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