WHAT IS KRISS?
The Kriss Vector handgun is the strangest looking handgun that I have seen. It is a cross between science fiction and real-world science. Based on the 2007 Kriss submachine gun design, it directs recoil energy downward into the large receiver forward of the trigger guard.
An internal linkage between the rearward moving bolt and low mass slider is guided by internal channels to drive recoil energy downward. Kriss calls this arrangement the Super V Recoil Mitigation System. It enables the Kriss submachine gun to fire at a cyclic rate of 1,200 rounds per minute without muzzle rise. That is amazing!
MY IMPRESSIONS
This large, heavy (over 5.5 pounds stripped) pistol will not fit any holster I own, but it is well made. I love the green camouflage pattern. A semi-automatic delayed blowback handgun, the Vector uses standard Glock magazines and comes with one Kriss 40-round magazine that loads forward of the trigger guard.
The gun is well balanced despite its weight and is a natural pointer. Fire controls are an ambidextrous flip-type safety and a non-reciprocating folding cocking handle on the left side of the receiver.
My favorite features of the Vector are its low-mounted barrel, light recoil, and customizable design. The barrel is mounted well below the receiver top and in line with the middle finger of my right hand. This helps to control any residual rearward recoil energy, while the downward-recoiling bolt linkage dissipates the remainder of this energy. The result is a pistol that can be fired very quickly with little muzzle climbing.
Despite its strange look, the Vector can be customized to suit any shooter’s dreams. It comes with a top-mounted receiver-length Picatinny rail, a rear Picatinny rail that can accept a pistol brace, an M-LOK foregrip, and Kriss folding polymer sights. The barrel is threaded to accommodate a suppressor or flash hider. This adaptability means that the Kriss Vector can be configured as a pistol or SBR with pistol brace as the shooter desires.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 5.6 pounds
- Length: 15 inches
- Height: 7 inches
- Trigger: 6 pounds, 10 ounces; single stage
- Barrel: 5.5 inches; threaded 1/2x28; 4140 Chrome Moly; black Nitride finish
- Sights: Kriss pop-up polymer; rear peep adjustable for windage; front post adjustable for elevation
- Picatinny Rails: 12-inch top; 1-inch rear
- M-LOK: Front handguard
- Magazine: KRISS MAG-EX2, 40-round capacity
- Safety: Ambidextrous flip lever
- Action: Closed bolt delayed blowback
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Calibers: 9mm (tested), .45 ACP, 10mm
Accessories
I attached my Holosun AEMS-Pro red dot sight for testing. This sight is a favorite of mine because of its wide 1-inch-square view screen, high-rise mount, and top-mounted solar power panels. It allows unbroken peripheral vision, quick sighting, and co-witnessing of iron sights. It brings the best accuracy out of any firearm.
The Vector begs to have a suppressor attached, and the Banish 45 is a great fit. Built of lightweight titanium, this modular silencer is equipped with a Neilsen device to aid in functioning. It enables sound reduction on any 9mm or .45 ACP caliber pistol without affecting accuracy.
SHOOTING TIME
Area 52 in Southern Arizona is the best place to test a firearm like the Kriss Vector. Targets were a mix of steel plates and 2-liter root beer jugs, and ammunition was 9mm PMC Bronze 115-grain hollow points. Kriss shipped the pistol without a pistol brace, so all firing was done as an unsupported pistol at medium distances.
The Vector is loaded by inserting a full magazine into the magwell, pulling back on the charging handle, and releasing it. The bolt may also be locked back rearward with the bolt release. Due to the downward recoil spring action, the charging handle is stiff and requires a firm pull to cock the action. The forward-mounted magazine release is easily reached by my left thumb.
The trigger is stout, but its single-stage design and short travel make it manageable. I was rewarded with my first shot penetrating a water jug and two soda jugs at once – my first triple hit with one shot in Area 52! The Kriss Vector is not a bullet sprayer; it is accurate.
Attaching my Banish 45 suppressor transformed the barking dog to a quiet pussycat, and I only needed light foam earplugs for suppressed shooting. Hitting steel plates at 20-40 yards was remarkably easy, with noticeable lack of muzzle rise and kick from the Vector. After mastering the trigger, I could reliably hit the 40-yard steel plate with good groups even at that distance. Rapid-fire strings were much easier than most blowback handguns that I have tested.
My Magpul 50-round drum functioned well with full-power PMC Bronze ammunition. Although it adds weight, it balances well on the center of gravity. Longer 40-yard shots were still possible with the drum, although I had some failures to eject with my light reloaded ammunition included in the drum. The Kriss Vector must have full-power ammunition to cycle the downward recoil mitigation system. Further testing with a standard Glock 17-round magazine was flawless in rapid fire.
PROS & CONS
