Like many gun owners, the looks, design and format of the Kriss Vector falls into the same realm as a Desert Eagle, UZI, or Bond Arms derringer. The format looks cool and is super fun. That uniqueness also leaves a lot of buyers wondering if the features actually deliver something beyond a range toy. I was in that category when presented with a deal on a new KRISS Vector SDP chambered in .22LR.
The deal was too good to pass up, but even as I was heading home from my FFL, I started to wonder whether the $749 MSRP Kriss Vector SDP .22LR was worth the ”seller needed money right now” price I paid. After the first magazine emptied I was hooked.
Who would have ever thought that a 5.9-lbs and a 16.75-inch .22LR pistol would be a hoot to shoot and shockingly accurate. I literally have factory Ruger 10/22 rifles which are not as accurate as this 6.5-inch barreled Vector 22. Though great match grade 40gr ammo over 950-ft/sec offers the best accuracy, my KRISS Vector 22 delivered a rather amazing 10-round 50-yard CCI Mini-Mag group with just a red dot and 3x magnifier. KRISS delivered a perfect design which is literally identical in design, weight, function, and length compared to the centerfire models. That design also happened to really help the accuracy of the .22LR round.
The barrel coupled with the excellent KRISS Vector trigger, recessed match muzzle crown, and heavy hammer pressure delivers amazing accuracy and reliability far beyond what anyone would expect from this format. KRISS is using what looks very similar to an upside down Ruger 10/22 bolt which clearly adds to the reliability and accuracy.
I was really expecting baseline plinking level accuracy from the Vector 22 similar to a S&W 1522, and not 10-rounds in one ragged hole at 50-yards with CCI Mini-Mags. The other very surprising attribute was the exceptionally high reliability. KRISS did a fantastic job with their magazine design and their reliability.
The only downside to the format is adjusting for the 4-inch barrel to optic offset. The Vector design increases the bore offset by about 1.5-2 inches depending on your optic mount height. Technically most owners zero to 40/70-yard which provides a nice zero at both points. Mentally this can be a bit flustering though when standing in front of a 6-foot rattler that you want the head to blow off of and you are working through the 3.8-inch zero to bore offset at 10-feet. Though very capable at longer ranges, my SDP 22 is now zero’ed at 25-yards like every other 22 pistol I own.
The reality of the KRISS SDP 22 Vector is far better than I had expected. At this point I have shot over 2000 rounds through the KRISS Vector SDP 22 and only had one ammo related failure. This reliability makes it my most dependable and reliable .22LR I own. The pistol is a joy to shoot. For KRISS centerfire owners, I would buy one of these just to have an inexpensive trainer. For those that have always wanted a KRISS, the Vector 22 is an outstanding gun that will likely get shot far more than its centerfire siblings, but will ultimately drive shooters to also owning a 9mm , 45 or 10mm centerfire version as well.
ModelVector 22 SDP
Caliber .22LR
Capacity 10 / 30
Barrel Length 6.5″
Overall Length 16.75 in / 425 mm
Operating System Direct Blowback
Action Type Semi-Automatic
Color Options - Black, FDE or White
Weight5.9 lb / 2.7 kg
Barrel Material4140 Chrome Moly
Barrel FinishBlack Nitride (QPQ)
Twist Rate 1:16″ RH
Thread Pitch1/2x28
Trigger Type Pivoting, Single Stage