Making your airsoft purchasing decision for Christmas either got harder or easier with the news that the KRISS Vector Gas Blowback is coming back to the airsoft market in December ever since KRISS Arms (now KRISS USA) ended the contract with KWA to manufacture the gas blowback KRISS Vector 10 years ago, ending what was said to be a very short marriage.

In 2013, the airsoft community got the news of the termination of the exclusive licensing agreement between KWA and KRISS Arms, a story that has been described as the biggest in the airsoft community for the year. The journey of the KRISS Vector firearm into the airsoft world has been a fascinating one. MadBull Airsoft announced in 2008 that they were working on an airsoft version of the KRISS Vector, which was then known as TDI before being bought by the Swiss and renamed KRISS Arms SA.

The change in ownership allowed KRISS Arms to search for a new partner, which led to the appointment of KWA as the official manufacturer for the KRISS Vector GBB in July 2010. However, it took over two years from the official announcement for the KRISS Vector Airsoft Gas Blowback SMG under KWA to finally hit store shelves, just a week before Christmas in 2012. The relationship between KWA and KRISS Arms seemed strong, with KWA even appointing Defiance, part of KRISS Arms along with Sphinx Systems, to be the KWA European Distributor in July 2012.

The release of the KRISS Vector GBB by KWA was a success, with stocks quickly depleted as airsoft players eagerly purchased the product. Things seemed bright for the partnership between KWA and KRISS Arms, and an AEG version of the KWA KRISS Vector was announced in January 2013. However, rumors of troubles between KWA and KRISS Arms began to circulate after the IWA 2013 & Outdoor Classics.

These rumors were confirmed when a press release from KRISS Arms announced the termination of their licensing agreement. This meant that KWA would have to cease supplying the KRISS Vector airsoft gun. The airsoft version of the KRISS Vector only saw about four months in the airsoft world before this termination. While no specific reason for the termination was given by KRISS Arms, they did state that they would pursue sales of their products without authorization.

The next step was for KRISS to setup Krytac which then split off to become an airsoft company of US-based professionals with Allen Lau formerly of KWA and Tim Sargeant from Airsoft GI. From there Krytac released products of its own design such as Trident series and other designs in cooperation with EMG and Cybergun. Krytac also released the first KRISS Vector AEG and many wondered when an official gas blowback KRISS Vector will be back.

Years after, image leak of the KRISS Vector GBB circulated on social media and attributed to the Evike.com which first took the page down and then restored the page yesterday. Our speculation that it may make a full appearance at the upcoming first Krytac Owners Meeting USA to be hosted by Evike.com.

According to Evike.com, which is now taking pre-orders for the Krytac KRISS GBB, the all-new gas blowback Vector is everything you would expect from an airsoft replica of this caliber. The SMG stands out with its high-quality polymer body that is lightweight yet durable, complemented by robust metal internals and an efficient gas system. It offers an unparalleled degree of customization, being fully compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts designed for the AEG variant. This includes handguards, stocks, muzzle devices, and more. Additionally, the SMG uses the popular VSR-10 pattern buckings and inner barrels in an easy-to-access TDC hop-up chamber, allowing for easy upgrades and impressive out of the box accuracy and precision.

The features of this model are numerous. If customers bring their pre-order order number to the first Krytac Owners Meet USA event on November 4, they will receive an extra magazine, an “ACE OF HEART” weapons cache, and a Special Event swagpack. The replica is licensed by KRISS USA with accurate markings and has a lightweight polymer body construction, just like the real SMG. Evike says the high efficiency gas system gets more out of every shot and helps magazines last longer. The realistic gas blowback system replicates the unique, revolutionary recoil system of the real KRISS Vector.

The Vector also features a separate ambidextrous safety and fire selector with semi, two-round burst, & full auto fire modes. It utilizes VSR-10 pattern buckings and inner barrels in a precision TDC chamber. There is a 1913 Picatinny RIS at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions for mounting optics, lights, lasers, grips, and other standard 1913 Picatinny/20mm RIS accessories. Mounting points on either side provide additional rail space. The KRISS GEN II folding stock with comfortable rubber buttpad and flip-up KRISS Defiance front and rear iron sights are also included.

In terms of specifications: The length is 445mm/665mm (Folded/Unfolded), it weighs approximately 2800g (6.24lbs), and has an inner barrel length of 155mm. The FPS Range is 340-350. The magazine capacity is 60 rounds, and it is compatible with Large Caliber Vector Style Gas Blowback Magazines (but not with Gas Blowback GLOCK Magazines). The thread direction is 14mm Negative. The hop-up is adjustable. The package includes the gun itself, a magazine, and a manual.

As for the pricing at US$399 it looks to be a sweet spot that may make it easy for airsoft players to purchase the KRISS Vector GBB. Finally, the wait is over for the official KRISS Vector GBB. We will find out how it performs in the following weeks after it gets released next month.