This is intended to be a comprehensive list of cross compatible parts between the KWA, Krytac GBB and Real Steel Vectors. The information found here will be updated periodically when more information is found or provided.
Baseline differences
There are differences between the KWA and Krytac Vectors that most people do not know about. Differences we have found are:
KWA uses the famous Super-V recoil system which simulates a downward recoil by having the bolt push the slider down and pulls the bolt with it. Due to KWA having a patent on this system for Airsoft, Krytac was (apparently) forced to use their 22lr "Direct Blowback" system, which is very similar but doesn't fully recreate the Super-V feeling. The Krytac has been described as having more of a "blowback bounce" to it due to this change.
That said, both guns are still 1:1 scale replicas to the real steel model. So we will still see compatibility between them.
What have we found?
As mentioned in another post, the KWA has a very different Hopup Unit to the Krytac as it's closer to the LM4 than a pistol style hop. Due to this, many people want to make or create a better hopup unit for better results. We have considered looking into ways to innovate on these parts but overall, we believe there is a better option. That better option was found by username Toiletsplash on Discord. They swapped the Krytac Hopup housing into the KWA body to see if it would work. Thankfully, it did! Obviously, this also means either modifying the housing of the Gen 1 KWA body to allow for TDC or "Top Down Center" adjustment.
Here's a quick bullet point for anyone interested in the information rather than a "here's my chili recipe with my life story" post:
- KWA is Gen 1 while Krytac is Gen 2. (Body wise)
- KWA can use the Krytac or Real Steel Vector. (Gen 1 and Gen 2/2.1 with modification)
- KWA can swap the Hopup mount, Hopup, barrel and charging handle with the Krytac, making the KWA VSR compatible.
- KWA can use Krytac or Real Steel parts, such as pins, accessories and bodies.
- KWA (and most likely Krytac) can use Real Steel Trigger Packs (Semi only) with modification. We also believe the KWA/Krytac Vectors may be compatible with the Double Tap Binary Vector Trigger Pack. (More testing is needed to verify the Double Tap mod)
- KWA can use Krytac magazines but Krytac cannot use KWA magazines.
- KWA can use CQB Master Branded GBB Vector magazines. (They're almost identical to KWA SMG45 Magazines)
- KWA can be modded using Rhesus' Trigger Mod to allow for a much better trigger pull. Files for purchase can be found on Shapeways. (This mod is highly recommended by many people)
The KWA model of the Vector has also been found to have a bolt/nozzle issue where the bolt will sometimes get stuck around the area of the bolt lock. However, this can be fixed in the moment by cycling the bolt until it comes loose. A permanent fix for this issue is to purchase the KWA M93R Recoil Spring (Part #100) and thread it on to the existing stock Vector spring so they overlap. The double spring design will allow the Vectors bolt to still cycle like normal but have enough force to push past the hammer, where it gets stuck.
Fixes/Improvements for the KWA Vector:
- Add the KWA M93R Recoil Spring (Part #100) over the Stock Vector Spring.
- Keep Buffers for the Recoil in place or remove the bottom Buffer for "full travel". (Slower ROF)
- Add RA Tech or Hephaestus Vector Recoil Weights for more "Felt Recoil".
- Laylax Magazine Release or Speed Magazine Release for easier/faster reloads.
- Talon Grips Vector grip, which improves how well the gun feels in hand. (Pro grip is recommended as it grabs strongly to gloves with leather)
- 16mm Positive to 14mm Negative Thread Adapter for suppressors, silencers or flash hiders.
- Railed Handguard also helps but heavily depends on user preference. The Strike Industries Handguard on the Kriss Website is a fantastic option for those looking for style but not "bombastic".
This is the information we currently have for the KWA Vector that may lead to a much better user experience. While we acknowledge that this is a very old platform and more considered a "collectors item", we also recognize that people grew up with the Vector and would love to continue using them on the field. We hope this information helps the community document what we can do to keep this rifle alive.
If you have more information or would like to contribute (with or without credit at request) to this list, send us an email or contact us on Discord!