When things go bump in the night, you instinctively reach for your handgun or shotgun. Some might even go for an AR-15. These are all solid firearms, and while there have been some technological advancements made to them over the years, there really haven’t been any revolutionary changes to their mechanical operation. It’s the 21st century: We now have mobile phones that act like computers and can stream Blake Griffn’s latest highlight-reel dunks from ESPN, cars that go for miles without using any gas, and little blue pills that can keep men… well, you know… We also now have the KRISS Vector, a 21st-century firearm that may change what you reach for when you need to defend your home.
Gazing at its exterior, the Vector looks like a weapon out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, some love its stark departure from traditional gun styling, while others just can’t seem to get past it. But it’s what’s inside that counts, and that’s what sets the Vector apart from any other firearm on the market today. The firing mechanism inside is called the KRISS Super V System (KSVS). Instead of moving the bolt directly rearward towards the shooter like most self-loading action guns, the KSVS sends the bolt at a downward angle away from the shooter after each round is fired. The concept is designed to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise for more accurate and faster follow-up shots.
The Vector's internal components are as unique as its outward appearance. The KRISS Super V System sends the bolt downward instead of back toward the shooter.
The Vector is available commercially in three configurations. The Vector CRB (Carbine) has a 16-inch barrel and a folding stock. The Vector SDP (Special Duty Pistol) has a 5.5-inch barrel and a permanently attached, stockless, rear-sling mount. The Vector SBR (Short Barrel Rife) combines the 5.5-inch barrel of the pistol with the folding stock from the carbine (all National Firearms Act requirements apply to this version). Outside of those differences, all variants of the Vector are the same. They’re chambered in .45 ACP and have identical polymer bodies with metal inserts for the firing mechanism to ride on. They also incorporate a full-length, metal, Picatinny top rail and a short accessory rail on the frame below the barrel. The SBR and SDP barrels come factory threaded with thread protectors. KRISS-marked folding front and rear sights made by Midwest Industries come standard on all versions.
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The reason it (The Vector) doesn't have a lefty mag release is due to being able to accept Glock 21 mags. Until recently with the release of the Gen 4 all Glocks where right hand only for the development and initial manufacture of the Vector. With the ambidextrous Gen 4 and their magizines becoming more available you lefties should not have to wait long.
Look at the Maxim beltfed machine gun and you'll see the operating system of the Kriss is over a hundred years old. It's ugly, but hardly innovative.