Introduction
As a true gun nut you simply cannot look past some cool designs, regardless of their utility some firearms simply must be experienced. Today we are looking at one of those, the undeniably unique Kriss Vector. Weāll review it in full.
Specifications
| Model | Vector CRB |
| Caliber | .45ACP |
| Capacity | 30rds |
| Barrel Length | 16.0ā³ |
| Overall Length Collapsed | 35.25 in / 895 mm |
| Overall Length Extended | 38.25 in / 978 mm |
| Operating System | Closed Bolt, Delayed Blowback |
| Action Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Stock | Folding Stock |
| Color | Duotone Black/FDE |
| Weight | 8.0 lb / 3.6 kg |
| Barrel Material | 4140 Chrome Moly |
| Barrel Finish | Black Nitride (QPQ) |
| Twist Rate | 1:10ā³ RH |
| Trigger Type | Pivoting, Single Stage |
Kriss Vector Background
The Kriss Vector utilizes a very unconventional operating system, which gives the firearms its very unique look. With a strong base both here in the US and Switzerland, the Kriss brand promises to be much more than a flash in the pan.
Part of the design that makes the Vector so unique also aids in the gun’s operation. It also is what gives the gun its stand alone profile. Unlike most semi-automatic carbines, the bolt is blown down and back. Instead of straight back in the traditional fashion. This compound motion of the bolt and carrier creates an opposing inertia to the recoil impulse, making the gun more controllable than its straight recoiling counterparts. Another benefit to the design is that it creates a lower bore axis, which again makes the gun more controllable.
These are very desirable features for a sub-machine gun. And the Vector was built to be a venerable version of exactly that for those who need one.
Other Kriss Firearms
Kriss USA supports the North American firearms market, while its Swiss counterpart sells their products worldwide. With such a recognizable firearm, you might think it is the only thing that Kriss is known for. My children even knew what the Vector was from seeing it in video games like Call of Duty. But Kriss also manufactures other firearms.
A pistol called the Kriss Sphinx SDP is a 9mm duty pistol with several options for those interested. Additionally Kriss offers an AR pattern rifle called the Kriss DMK 22c chambered in 22lr for rimfire enthusiasts. Kriss USA offers up to a 2 year warranty on their rifles and a lifetime warranty for their Sphinx pistol line. Be sure to follow them if you too are curious to see what the future will bring from the company.
Kriss Vector Features
- Super V operating system- The nonlinear system reduces muzzle climb
- Glock Magazine compatibility- Popular design makes magazine options simple
- Tool Less Takedown- Making cleaning and maintenance easy
- Suppressor Ready- A gun this smooth needs a good suppressor
- Broad Picatinny Rail- Gives you ample sight mounting options.
- Folding stock- For more compact storage and transportation
Other Models
In addition to the CRB Origin model tested here, there are Canadian and various state complaint models available. As well as a rimfire .22Lr model. And if you find yourself among those who get to practice freedom without infringement, the submachine gun version of the Vector is also available. Depending on the model, Vectors can be had in 9mm, 40S&W, .45ACP, and even 10mm.
Kriss Vector Review
I was excited to get the Vector onto the shooting range. Additionally, I had brought along a SilencerCo Osprey suppressor to enhance our shooting and testing of the gun. On the sight rail I had some pop-up iron sights, as well as a Holosun 509 red dot mounted on a riser. The whole thing seemed pretty compact and ready for quite a few scenarios.
Iād brought along a few boxes of Sellier & Bellot 230 grain ball ammunition for testing purposes. Loading magazines for PPCās always seems to be so tedious for me, they seem to empty so much faster than they fill.
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First thing, I wanted to zero the red dot, by shooting some cardboard hung targets at 25 yards. After a few course corrections, we were hitting very close to the point of aim. From there we sorta went nuts, shooting a wide variety of targets from 15 to 75 yards.
My immediate impressions were these; it was clearly a .45Acp and not the 9mm I was used to shooting. While certainly not excessive recoil, it surely felt like more than I had anticipated. Based solely on the size and weight of the gun, as well as suppressor and other factors. Perhaps the gun was a little more violent due to being suppressed. I was also quite impressed with how accurate the Vector shot. Hitting targets at PCC ranges was all but guaranteed if you did your part right.
The Vector definitely takes a minute to get used to as far as controls and handling are concerned, let’s start at the front. If you get the short barrel version of the Vector, your hand could get pretty close to the muzzle if shot unsuppressed. Using the Kriss vertical foregrip made it a little less of a concern. Grabbing the magwell is also a good option, particularly if you’re a magwell grabbing kinda shooter. The down side to that is the potential for accidental magazine releasing, which is probably something you can easily train out.
The Super V action definitely shined during our test. The low bore axis of the design, and the bolt riding on rails made followup shots fast and accurate. It was incredibly fun to shoot, even though I could see dollar signs piling up on the ground around us. The Vector is for sure a different experience in shooting, and one you are going to pay a little more premium for.
The Kriss design is definitely made for right handed shooters, the charging handle and bolt controls are on the left side of the gun. There is a hold-back and release type paddle control much like an AR, but it is a fore and aft design vs. a top and bottom. The safety is on both sides of the grip area, allowing either side use. The charging handle has a different feel than I anticipated, there are varying resistance sensations as the bolt is pulled to the rear.
It took a little getting used to, but in what seemed like short order the Vector felt like second nature. Swapping mags during reloads was a touch more of a challenge than I expected due to the small target size of the magwell.
Cleaning
After some range time, I disassembled the Kriss Vector CRB to see how easy it was to maintain. As well as to gain some insight to its curious design. Removing four push-pins made disassembly a snap, and the upper and lower were easily separated. There I could see the function of the Super V recoil system, which is quite genius. The recoil spring is seated down into the lower receiver, and pushes up on a yolk that harnesses the bolt. The receiver has a track that carries the bolt on a path back and down into the lower receiver, to be pushed back up by the spring.
Another strange part of the Vector, is that the hammer swings down and forward into the back of the bolt. Near completely the opposite of what we are used to, and also a feature shared with the Laugo Alien 9mm pistol. Cleaning up the Kriss with some towels and oil, I snapped it back together to finish out our test.
Pros and Cons
- Compact size for easy maneuvering
- Glock magazine compatibility
- Suppressor ready
- Accurate shooting
- Very controllable under fire
- Ample sight mounting area
- .45Acp firepower
- Cool factor +10
- Whole new manual of arms
- Unique design has reduced aftermarket
- Cost more than other PCCās
Report Card
Shootability (A) The Vector shoots very well, and easy to handle
Reliability (A) We experienced zero malfunctions during testing
Ergonomics (B+) Some of the controls were easy to hit by accident
Accuracy (A) The Vector shot much better than expected for a PCC
Value (B+) Not inexpensive, but people who buy Vectorās have a reason
Preferred Ammunition
We only shot the S&B 230 grain ball ammo through the gun. It functions flawlessly. For defense ammo, I would use the Federal HST 230 grain personal defense ammunition.
Accessories
A good red dot like I used is a must in my opinion. While I quite enjoyed shooting with the Holosun, I think I would have preferred the Trijicon MRO a little more with its larger window.
The SilencerCo Osprey was a definite must have for the Vector. Whether you use the Osprey or another .45 caliber suppressor, I would highly recommend one. The hushed report of the typically subsonic .45Acp cartridge is like therapy.
The Magpul MBUS 3 sights would also make a good option for the Kriss, and with plenty of room there’s not really a reason not to run two options.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed shooting the Kriss Vector. It is a little different when it comes to practice and use, but certainly something you can get used to. It was fun and reliable, and is sure to catch the eye of any gun fanatic.
-CBM