Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced

This is a review I’ve been really looking forward to. The Kriss Vector is iconic for me because it was one of the first “space” like movie guns I remember from my teenage years.

Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced

Calibers: 45ACP, & more
Weight: 6.25 lb
System: Closed Bolt, Delayed Blowback

Price Check

What is the Kriss Vector?

The Kriss Vector is a gun that looks different from most others. It is known for having less “kick” or recoil when you shoot it, which makes it easier to aim and control.

This is because of its special design that helps reduce the force that pushes back on the shooter.

The gun is used by some police forces and military, but it is also popular with people who like to collect and shoot guns for fun.

It can shoot quickly and comes in different calibers and models to fit different needs.

Overall, the Kriss Vector is famous for its unique look and how easy it is to handle when firing.

Why a PCC?

A pistol caliber carbine (PCC) is a type of firearm that shoots pistol-caliber rounds instead of rifle rounds but is typically in a rifle size configuration instead of a handgun.

Here are two key reasons why a PCC can be a great choice:

Increased Accuracy: A PCC is easier to shoot accurately than a regular pistol.

This is because you can hold it with both hands and brace it against your shoulder, which helps you keep the gun steady.

The longer barrel gives the bullet more time to stabilize, making it more accurate.

Small and Easy to Handle: PCCs are smaller and lighter than most traditional rifles.

Their compact size makes them easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces, such as around corners or in small rooms.

This makes them a good option for home defense or shooting in places with limited space.

Ergonomics & Firearm Overview

The Vectors’ most significant selling point is that the gun has extremely controllable recoil and excellent ergonomics.

The first Vector I shot was in high school; a friend’s dad had purchased a 16″ barrel model, which was a lot of fun to shoot.

I knew early on that I had to get my paws on a Vector one day, and about a year ago, I finally picked up a Kriss Vector.

The Kriss Vector I’m reviewing is the Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced Gen II in Multicam Black chambered in 45 ACP.

Why did I choose this model?

Simple. I knew I wanted to put the classic Silencer Co Osprey suppressor on the gun.

I wanted that look, and if I’m going to suppress the gun, why not buy a gun that’s ammo is already subsonic?

So that’s why I landed on the 45 ACP.

The Multicam Black spoke to me because it matches so well with several range bags that we make here at Lynx Defense.

Picking the Enhanced model option came down to the enhanced attachment features, which I liked the best.

Safety

Safeties can be tricky on unique firearms like the Vector.

For example, I hate the stock AP5/MP5 safety selector because it sits so high in the safe position, making it hard to actuate.

The Kriss Vector safety is as good as it can be.

The safety is at the top of the grip frame, so your thumb naturally falls on it when you grip the gun.

It has a short but stiff throw and is ambidextrous.

Pistol Grip

With the Vector, the grip ergonomics are a weird blend of pistol and AR-15.

It has a very comfortable grip and decent texturing, but nothing extreme.

An aggressive grip texture is unnecessary for this gun because even in 10mm, it’s a very low-recoiling gun.

The pistol grip connects to the magazine well which doesn’t impact the ergonomics but brings us to our next section.

Magazine Well

The magazines for all Vectors are Glock pattern magazines.

So the Magpul magazines and anything Glock based will work with the Vector.

I like to stock up on magazines and so I got a bunch of Glock 21 magazines and added the Kriss Vector Magazine Extensions.

But buying ready-to-go magazines for the Vector is an option as well.

The one downside to the Gen II Vectors is the lack of a magazine well flair of any kind.

While it’s not a big deal, don’t expect any help funneling your magazine into the well.

Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced

Calibers: 45ACP, & more
Weight: 6.25 lb
System: Closed Bolt, Delayed Blowback

Price Check

Magazine Release

The magazine release is located on the vertical portion of the gun, where most people’s hands will likely fall on the Vector platform.

That makes it easy to drop magazines when the time comes for a reload.

Unfortunately, the magazine releases are not ambidextrous on the Gen II models.

However, the Gen 3 Vectors will have ambi magazine releases (release date unknown).

Bolt Release/Hold open

With a unique design, look, and feel you can only imagine some of the controls are going to be different.

The Bolt Release/Hold open is one of those unique controls.

It sits just about the magazine well, almost directly in the middle of the gun.

It works on a pivoting system and is large enough and easy to use.

While shooting the other day I had my hand over the bolt hold open and shot the last round.

The hold open, slapped my hand, and startled me, but it didn’t hurt my hand.

I realized I was holding the gun and had my hand over the hold open, and it was doing its job and going to last round bolt hold open.

This is something you don’t have to worry about on AR-15-style guns because those controls are nowhere near where you grip the rifle.

It was nothing bad and not a criticism, just something that happened that was worth noting.

Charging Handle Configuration

The Gen II charging handle lays flat along the left side of the gun.

For the most part, it just sits there and minds its own business until needed.

It’s pretty easy to grab but not as easy as a fixed charging handle that sticks out.

On my 45 ACP model, the charging is extremely stiff, but the stroke is extremely short, so you don’t have to pull it back very far.

Stock and Brace Option

I purchased the Vector as a pistol without a brace with the intent to Form 1 it and make it an SBR (which I did).

I added the Kriss Vector stock (again, in terms of aesthetics, I was going for the classic version of the Vector) and the Kriss Verticle foregrip.

I can’t speak to shooting this gun in the pistol configuration because I didn’t touch it until Form 1 came back and all of the accessories I wanted were put on it.

Factory SBRs are hard to come by, but they do exist.

So if that’s your thing, you can find one. Just be patient or buy a pistol and Form 1 it.

Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced

Calibers: 45ACP, & more
Weight: 6.25 lb
System: Closed Bolt, Delayed Blowback

Price Check

Muzzle Device

There is no “muzzle device” for the vectors.

You either get a long barrel version with a shroud or a short barrel version with a thread protector.

If you are considering a Vector, I highly recommend you buy one to suppress if it’s allowed in your state.

Ammo for Kriss Vector

I shoot 230 GR AAC 45 ACP amount out of the gun almost exclusively since I bought it.

AAC .45 ACP 230 GR

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Magtech 45 ACP 230 GR

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Armscor 45 ACP 230 GR

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I have had no issues with 230 GR ammo but haven’t tried anything outside that grain weight.

Shooting the Kriss Vector

I love shooting the Kriss Vector.

It’s one of my favorite range guns to take out and stretch out.

Rapid fire is smooth and staying on target is extremely easy.

If you are looking for a smooth-shooting gun that is fun to take to the range, I’d highly recommend the Vector.

However, I will say all of my shooting has been done suppressed and I haven’t shot an unsuppressed Kriss Vector in 15+ years.

Here is my target sight at 25(ish) yards. As you can see, the Vortex UH-1 that I was using was low out of the box but dead center.

I never touched the windage; I only had to adjust the elevation.

Not my best sight in work but I could see the walk up so I didn’t group multiple rounds on #2 and #3.

Once I knew I was close, I went back to grouping and ended with a 2 shot test group, as you see next to #5.

Final Thoughts

Is the Vector a practical firearm?

Yes and no.

I love shooting the Vector at the range. It’s a fantastic gun that’s fun and looks awesome.

Does it have a practical application?

Yes, any application a pistol caliber carbine could have the Kriss Vector would work for.

I like the Kriss as a home defense gun for several reasons.

However, it does have its limitations, such as the range and terminal ballistics of handgun caliber rounds.

There are some claims about the Vector’s longevity, but after a year of ownership, I haven’t had any issues with it.

It comes down to whether the Vector does what you want it to do.

Kriss Vector SDP Enhanced

Calibers: 45ACP, & more
Weight: 6.25 lb
System: Closed Bolt, Delayed Blowback

Price Check