Airsoft Action - October 2023

RED CELL
SMG UPDATE
an ASG MP9 with UK retailers when I was putting this
article together which is a huge shame… if you see
one, then grab it!
Of course it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention a
couple of OPFOR models, now would it? The S&T
Bizon is still rockin’ and rollin’ (surprisingly as I didn’t
hold out huge hope for its durability!), and the
excellent LCT PP-19-01 “Vityaz” is still going like a
train!
Dan: Sticking with Swiss design, and one which is
undoubtedly mired in aesthetic controversy, the Vector
is emblematic of the unconventional look and deftly
divides its adherents and detractors into two opposing
camps. Previously, one was only entreated to GBB
versions of this compact SMG, but Krytac stepped
into the void with their AEG example that houses a
rather unique gearbox layout that can either leave
you scratching your head or amazed at the innovative
approach.
Owing to the design constraints put forth by the
Vector’s body design, the gearbox upends traditional
layouts with a vertically oriented approach; an angled
cylinder head and an interesting air nozzle and tappet
linkage paired with a short type motor and a quickchange
spring guide. The gearbox shell itself is a
rather massive and robust beast, which lends itself
well to handling the higher stresses imparted from
powerful springs needed to compensate for the
short 155mm factory barrel length. There is some
commonality with a few V2 components, but most of
what is contained within is proprietary. There is also a
rather curious ‘decompression’ feature that releases
main spring tension when the selector switch is
rotated into safe, similar to that found on an ICS.
The Vector also has an on-board MOSFET that
interfaces with a microswitch for the trigger. The
selector setup mimics the real steel version exactly,
including the option of running 2-round burst,
which is a lot of fun. Perun makes a fantastic dropin
MOSFET that improves on the functionality of the
original while also bringing pre-cocking to the table,
which greatly improves the trigger response.
On the performance metrics, the trigger response
of the as-equipped Vector is nothing to write home
about, though the range and accuracy is sufficiently
adequate for closer distances, Krytac’s weak motor
and the gears generally being shimmed too tight,
coupled with a heavy trigger spring all contribute to
the slow feeling drive train. This is a gun that benefits
immensely from a good tune up, omitting the selfshimming
spring on the spur gear, a re-shim and a
brushless motor install… the latter especially so as the
battery space is quite tight and only accepts small LiPo
packs, even with the optional extension fitted. With
some effort, you can improve trigger response greatly,
remove the AEP-like ‘whine’ and also significantly
reduce amperage draw and increase ROF too.
With its compact barrel length and unusual
compression parts layout, this is a gun that generally
excels better on the CQB arena than the field. Most
of the “400 FPS” models actually turn in around 360
FPS in my experience. But with select upgrades and
some fine tuning, the range and FPS can be improved
greatly. Carbine kits also exist to help gain some FPS
without having to install massive springs to boost
velocity too. And speaking of the aftermarket, this
platform does enjoy a fair bit of support in this arena.
Everything from stocks, barrel assemblies and shrouds,
suppressors, drum magazines, and more exist to
transform the Vector into the SMG of your dreams.
Overall, I’d have to say the Vector is a bit of a
curious beast to me because it feels a bit like a game
that’s had certain features gated off behind a paywall.
I appreciate the innovation and innate versatility of the
chassis, and even the aesthetics grow on you after a
time, but the best features can only be unlocked by
spending some coin on the DLC. AA
Red Cell is supported by:
“WITH ITS COMPACT BARREL LENGTH AND UNUSUAL COMPRESSION PARTS LAYOUT,
THIS (THE KRYTAC VECTOR) IS A GUN THAT GENERALLY EXCELS BETTER ON THE
CQB ARENA THAN THE FIELD. MOST OF THE “400 FPS” MODELS ACTUALLY TURN IN
AROUND 360 FPS IN MY EXPERIENCE. BUT WITH SELECT UPGRADES AND SOME FINE
TUNING, THE RANGE AND FPS CAN BE IMPROVED GREATLY”
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