When the Kriss Vector first hit the market back in 2009, it felt like a gun straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its unique bolt travel design promised something revolutionary: a subgun with virtually no recoil, delivering controllable full-auto firepower in a compact package. Fast forward to today, and Iโve had my hands on the Kriss Vector SDP-SB (Special Duty Pistol with an SB Tactical brace) for a couple of years.
While court rulings and legal debates have scared off many manufacturers from offering braced variants, my model remains a steadfast reminder of what this gun was designed to do. Just note as you read: the brace is the only difference between my version and the ones still in production.
Now, letโs dive into the gun itself and my many range adventures with it.
If youโre into foreign subguns or battle rifles, the Kriss Vector will strike a chord of familiarity. Its forward-mounted folding charging handle mirrors designs from classics like the MP5, G3, and FN FAL. Itโs smartly placed and just as effective here as it is on those guns. Once the bolt is open, your left hand is perfectly positioned to engage the bolt lockโalbeit with a touch of awkwardness.
The Vectorโs โcontrol centerโ is a well-thought-out cluster of functionality. The bolt stop/release, mag release, and charging handle are all within inches of each other. The mag release is positioned on the left side of the magwell, just below where it meets the receiver. If youโre one to grab the magwell, youโll find yourself naturally catching the magazine as it drops free. My only gripe? The mag release button is a tad too recessed. Iโd love for it to stick out just a smidge more, especially when Iโm wearing gloves.
The safety, on the other hand, is perfect. Ambidextrously placed, itโs effortless to flick on with your thumb when going hot and equally easy to switch back to safe with your trigger finger. The short 45-degree throw is a small but satisfying detail that shows the designers were paying attention.
Out of the box, the Vector came equipped with flip-up iron sights, which are perfectly serviceable. That said, Iโve mostly been running red-dot optics (RDO) on this gun. My current setup features a Bushnell TRS-26, and itโs been a reliable companion.
The barrel is threaded for suppressors or muzzle devices, but Kriss made an odd decision here. The .45 ACP version uses an M16x1 LH thread pattern, which is far from standard for American suppressors in this caliber. I havenโt yet found an affordable adapter for my AAC Ti-Rant .45 suppressor. Honestly, this feels like a missed opportunity. Most U.S. manufacturers stick with 5/8ร24 threading for .45-caliber cans, and Kriss shouldโve followed suit.
As for other accessories, the Vector keeps things simple. A Picatinny rail section mounted at the 6 oโclock position allows for vertical grips, but honestly, using the front of the magwell as a gripping surface feels just right. Itโs one of the rare times where ergonomics and logic align.
Then thereโs the recoil systemโa true marvel of engineering. The bolt travels vertically, slamming downward to counteract muzzle rise. Pair this with the gunโs low bore axis, and youโve got a recipe for some serious recoil reduction. Itโs a fascinating mechanical experiment that delivers real results.
Disassembly? A breeze. Four toolless push pins are all it takes to break it down. Reassembly, though, is a bit of a puzzle the first time around, but it becomes second nature after that.
When it comes to pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs), my zeroing routine is straightforward. I start with a rough zero at 10 yards and fine-tune it at 25. Beyond that, itโs all about shooting steel from 5 to 100 yards. My ammo of choice has been HSM 230-grain remanufactured FMJsโa stash Iโve held onto since closing my gun shop. Itโs reliable, accurate, and affordable, making it a perfect match for the Vector.
Most peopleโs first exposure to the Kriss Vector is through TV shows like Future Weapons or video games like Call of Duty. While the shows give a decent portrayal of its unique recoil system, video games tend to exaggerate for the sake of gameplay. So, whatโs the real shooting experience like?
In one word: fun.
Once you start shooting the Vector, any ergonomic doubts vanish. It just works. The only slight hiccup is manually locking the bolt back, which can feel a bit awkward. Thankfully, the gun has been 100% reliable, locking back on an empty mag every single time.
Recoil is impressively mild. The muzzle returns almost exactly to its pre-shot position, with just a hint of torque during recoil. This slight twisting motion isnโt a problemโitโs more of a curiosity. The trigger, meanwhile, is a pleasant surprise. Compared to the average MP5 trigger, the Vectorโs is lighter, with less creep. Itโs a noticeable improvement that contributes significantly to the gunโs accuracy.
At 25 yards, hitting steel feels like a rhythmic dance. By 50 yards, itโs still a breeze. Beyond that, though, the .45 ACP round starts to show its limitations. At 100 yards, the rounds drop like a stone, requiring significant holdover. Itโs not a dealbreaker, but itโs worth keeping in mind.
Muzzle blast is more pronounced than youโd expect, likely due to the Vectorโs unique separation of recoil and muzzle rise. Itโs all bark and no bite, thoughโa tradeoff Iโll gladly take. My 12-year-old absolutely loves shooting this gun, which says a lot about its ease of use and manageable recoil.
In the years Iโve owned my Kriss Vector SDP-SB, it has never jammed, misfed, or malfunctioned in any way. Itโs a reliable, innovative, and downright fun firearm that stands out in a crowded market. While there are a few nitpicksโthe odd thread pattern and recessed mag release come to mindโthey donโt overshadow the gunโs many strengths.
Whether youโre a die-hard PCC fan or just someone looking for a unique and reliable firearm, the Kriss Vector delivers. Itโs a futuristic gun with timeless appeal, and I can confidently say itโll remain a staple in my collection for years to come.
