The latest outing at the range featured the brand-new Kriss Vector Gen 3, a platform that has long been a favorite for its unique design and punchy personality. We spent the day putting several hundred rounds through this updated model, testing its reliability, ergonomics, and those eye-catching new features that define the Gen 3 lineup.
Evolution of the Gen 3
The Vector has always been a conversation starter, mainly because of its iconic Super V recoil system. While the core DNA remains, the Gen 3 feels like it finally stepped into 2025. The shift to a rear Picatinny rail is a major win, as the previous buffer tube setup felt bulky. Now, you can run a much more compact folding brace, making this an ideal candidate for a truck gun or a dedicated PDW setup. The addition of M-LOK slots is a nice touch for aesthetics, though you have to be careful with space because things get tight near the muzzle real quick.
Performance and handling
When you get this thing on the line, it just wants to be shot fast. The recoil impulse is honestly addictive—it pushes straight back, keeping you on target in a way that feels distinct from standard blowback platforms. The trigger is another highlight. It is light and resets almost instantly, which helps when you are trying to dump a mag into a target as quickly as possible.
However, it is not all smooth sailing. The Vector has always been a bit particular about how you grip it. Here is a quick breakdown of our findings:
| Feature | Performance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil | Excellent | Stays flat on target |
| Trigger | High quality | Quick and tactile reset |
| Ergonomics | Challenging | Watch your hand placement |
| Heat | Significant | The front bolt gets very hot |
The reality of the ergonomics
If there is one thing to watch out for, it is the "hot spots." Because of the way the action is designed, the exposed mounting bolts near the front of the handguard can get incredibly hot after a few mags. Since there isn’t much room to grip the rifle, you often find yourself touching surfaces that are better left alone. We also ran into some minor issues with the magazine release. While they have recessed it slightly to prevent accidental drops, it still requires a deliberate reach, and it is easy to bump if you are not careful.
Final thoughts
Is it the most practical gun in the world? Maybe not if you are looking for a sterile, "do-it-all" carbine. But for pure fun and a unique shooting experience, the Gen 3 is hard to beat. We did hit a couple of failure-to-feed malfunctions during our session, which is something to keep an eye on as we break it in further. For a defensive setup, you would definitely want to consider an SBR conversion to allow for a vertical grip, which solves most of the heat and handling issues. At the end of the day, it is a blast to shoot, it looks great, and it certainly keeps things interesting at the range.
Lance Rankin is the owner and Chief Gunsmith of Western Sport, a family-run Type 07 FFL and Class 3/SOT dealer in Roanoke, Texas, serving shooters since 2007. Born and raised in Texas with over 50 years of experience handling firearms, Lance purchased Western Sport in 2017 and turned his lifelong passion into his profession. He specializes in AR-15 and AR-10 platform rifles, manufactures Western Sport’s own AR-15 line under the Rankin Industries brand, and runs the shop’s in-house Cerakote coating operation. When he’s not behind the counter or the workbench, you’ll find him on his ranch deep into the night, hunting coyotes with an AR-15 and thermal optics. Lance holds an MBA and personally shoots and tests the products Western Sport sells.
