KRISS - OEM Forearm Grips

KRISS USA has changed what they use up front over time. The base Vector model included the Command Arms Accessories (CAA) "SVG". It has a basic storage area in the middle with a push-in "plug" for retention. No flats for a pressure switch. It used a screw for mounting to the rail.



This has been replaced with the CAA "MVG". Nicer ergonomics with flats/fillers for pressure switch on either side. Also has a storage area in the core with a screw plug for retention. Note the mounting to the rail is done without tools.



The "TacPac" (tactical) Vector models included the Grip Pod Systems "GPS02". Contrary to the "old" KRISS Store description, this item is not exclusive to KRISS USA. This is the same "military model" GPS02 with the metal reinforced legs you can get from GPS resellers.  (New KRISS USA store link)

The legs for the bipod pop out of the GPS02 with the push of a button...


Brownells has a short video too: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24481/Product/GPS-02-GRIP-POD

When shopping for one of these, be sure to buy from a reputable source. There are fakes out there.

One feature of the GPS02 is that it makes for a nice "kickstand" for your KRISS while on the range.

I never liked the grip pod. it is too tall. After some analyzing of the vertical grip and over 8 years of running vertical grips in airsoft I have come to the realization that they do not work well with the KRISS.

And here's why: (take it with a grain of salt, this is my observation and realization to utilize my KRISS)

I have come up with the "Hammer" metaphor. If you hold a hammer by the handle, have a friend grab the head and move it around. Try to stop that movement with just your hand holding the handle. It is tough. Now move your hand up the handle closer to the head. It will become easier to mitigate the movements your friend makes with the head. Now ideally you hold the entire hammer head in your hand and have your friend try to move it. It is a lot tougher for him now.

What does this mean for vertical grips? Simply that you cannot control movement as well if you are holding the gun by a vertical grip. A lot of competition shooters and Magpul Dynamics use a thumb over bore grip. While Chris Costa exaggerates this grip, and my friend equates it to an ape grabbing a gun, it is effective in controlling the firearm and keeping the muzzle steadier.

I have not tried it but I don't know if you can do this with the carbine. Simply because the shroud touches the barrel. Possibly for close range shots you could reach out and grab the shroud as far out as possible. I will implement this technique at my next shooting match and report back with my findings.

The second biggest issue is mag changes. I used my SureFire M900 vertical grip at my last shooting match (since it was lights out). I found it slower to release my grip, move around the grip and hit the mag release.

Since the KRISS mag release requires the left hand this is a double edged sword. Do I try to extend my arm to steady my shots and have a longer reach for mag release? Or do I keep my hand on the mag well for faster mag changes? tough call. Of course practice makes perfect but there are fundamental differences between the two.

I will just have to try them out.

Anyone know who made the MP5K-PDW style vert grip?

As seen here in the KRISS prototype

Solscud007 wrote:Anyone know who made the MP5K-PDW style vert grip? As seen here in the KRISS prototype

From this view of the prototype at SHOT Show 2007, (click into the fullsize version), it looks like they made that virt grip in-house. Even notice how the "two-tone" looks to be paint... maybe DuraCoat... maybe not.  

i'm with solscud. forward grips on the kriss sucks. I use mine as a finger stop more or less. But now I need an actual finger stop to put in front of that because the can gets hotter than anything..

Also, I wish they would start using a quality forward grip company... compared to what else is out there, CAA is crap.

Ha, and just personal opinion, but I loathe the grip pod.

GlockInMySocks, you can try the AFG mod or try to get the new Magpul xtm hand stop panels.

https://www.magpul.com/search-results?PID=88&q=afg

https://www.magpul.com/products/firearms-accessories/rails-and-accessories/xtm-hand-stop-kit

I probably will soon. I've held off for a while because every time I go to the range with friends, they always want to shoot the suppressed vector. It's just easier to give a new shooter something big up there to grab on to.