Big Box Shipping Tip

If you have a need to ship your Vector and you still have the original large flat black box, simply turn it inside out. Works great and you have a very discreet cardboard box.

Vector Revisions

I know there have been revisions to the Vector over time to improve functionality and/or reliability. Here's what I am aware of:

• Updated bolt
• Barrel contour
• Barrel updated to chrome lined
• Slider
• Updated fire control group
• Hammer & Spur
• Stock release button
• Ejector block assembly
• Replace a small quantity of out-of-spec ejectors

If you know of others, please chime in.

TDI is now KRISS USA

I'm not exactly sure when in 2010 it happened, but Transformational Defense Industries Inc. has changed their name to KRISS USA.

While on the topic, their Swiss-based parent company Gamma KDG Systems SA has changed their name to KRISS Systems SA.

KRISS Baggage

If you like the KRISS "Super V Covert Carry Case", but don't like your "covert" bag labeled in red with exactly what is inside of it, take a look at the non-branded version from the manufacturer: Tactical Tailor. It's the same 32" bag, but without the embroidery... and it's about $50 less.

Original Magpul Sights

Before using the custom Midwest Industries sights that currently ship with the Vector, KRISS USA had worked with Magpul on a set of flip-up metal sights called the "DC/HM Sight System". These have a bit of a lower profile than the MI sights. Why the change? The MI sights are very high quality and were less expensive than the Magpul. (These are not the polymer "MBUS" that Magpul currently produces for the AR platform.) There is also reference of these original Magpul sights not staying in position very well for some folks. I don't know how many of these were produced for KRISS USA, but they seem to be somewhat scarce. I have seen these for sale "used" now and then ranging from $150 to $325+ on the web. The guys at Milspec Monkey have several pictures of the Magpul sights mounted on the Vector from SHOTSHOW 2008.

CRB & Threading

Just in case you wanted to thread a CRB/SO 16" barrel, or cut down a CRB to SBR length and then thread it, here are a few nuggets:

1. Any alteration of the Vector not performed by KRISS USA automatically voids the owner's lifetime warranty.

2. KRISS USA's charge to convert the CRB/SO 16" firearms to a 5.5" SBR with threads includes an upgrade to a 16mm barrel diameter from the stock 15mm barrel. They have found through extensive testing that a 15mm barrel does not provide adequate strength for the threads. Therefore, according to the manufacturer, you are absolutely creating a safety hazard if you thread a 15mm barrel.

3. KRISS USA charges $250 to completely disassemble the firearm, install, test and certify the new larger barrel plus $150 for the threads and cap, plus the return shipping.

The service and price are not apparent on their website, so contact them directly for the most current info.

Ammunition - WWB .45ACP

The "Winchester White Box" (WWB) commonly purchased at Walmart has been on and off the approved ammo list. (It still appears in the posted Operators Manual PDF.) The advice I was given was "be careful" with it. In early January 2010, of the 2000 (or so) Vectors shipped out 12 of them have been sent back to KRISS USA for a squib round in the barrel. Of the 12, 10 of them were WWB.