The tender for new rifles for British Army units ended in 2023 with the choice of the KS-1 rifle (New weapon for British special forces) designed by Knights Armament. The new rifle was designated the L403A1 and began replacing the famous bullpup L85 and its derivatives in Special Forces and Royal Marines units. No official replica of this design has been released to date, but this is changing with the new Vega Force Company proposal. On August 22nd, the new VFC L403A1/KS-1 replica, based on the new VFC EVO AR GBB system, was officially unveiled. What new solutions have been introduced?
The replica will be equipped with a replica of the URX 6 M-LOK handguard and a new mounting system for the replica's upper receiver. Under the handguard itself, there is an aluminum outer barrel. Additionally, the characteristic Dimplet barrel has been recreated.
As befits a more modern design, the replica features ambidextrous controls: a selector switch, magazine release, and bolt catch. The entire replica is finished in a tan color.
The exterior also features a small touch in the form of a new muzzle device. It is designed for the quick attachment of a dedicated silencer with a thermal shield. Mounting is accomplished by threading the silencer replica onto the muzzle device and tightening it (similar to a firearm).
Another improvement in replicas operation is the newly designed bolt and nozzle assembly. In the new VFC EVO AR GBB system, disassembly is accomplished similarly to a firearm by extending a lug. This facilitates nozzle removal without the use of tools. Other changes to the bolt and nozzle assembly include new, standard screws on the barrel and an enlarged clip securing the nozzle return spring.
The inner barrel and chamber assembly have also been modified. The hop-up system is adjusted via a screw located inside the chamber, and can be adjusted using a standard 2mm Allen key or an additional tool. The entire assembly is mounted in the outer barrel using two screws located on the bottom of the receiver. New magazines will be available for sale along with the L403A1 replica.
In addition to the new L403A1 carbine replica, a new replica of the Glock 17 GEN.5 pistol in the MOS variant was also presented. Unfortunately, not many details were revealed.
Both products are officially licensed by Knight Armament and Glock, respectively.
The announced official release date is August 29th. Pre-orders for the new replicas are now underway, with prices starting at $590 for the L403A1 replica and $150 for the Glock 17 Gen.5 MOS pistol replica. More information about the upcoming products will be available after their release.
