Vltor Weapon Systems

    Last week we had the opportunity to meet with Eric Kincel the General Manager of Vltor Weapon Systems, he took us on a personal tour of their operations and we were invited to shoot a few of their products. This was an interesting and eye opening tour and we all had a lot of fun. The folks at Vltor are a friendly bunch who really know their products, are proud of what they build and it shows.

    It is difficult to express the scale of the Vltor operation. To put numbers on it they regularly deliver thousands of items per month to their multiple military contracts. In addition, production runs full time to keep up with Law Enforcement orders as well as regular retail demand for their line of exceptional AR accessories. They are growing fast, but growing smartly. Eric talked about their plans for the near and distant future. Like many successfully businesses Vltor has a plan. "Vltor has every type of manufactures license the ATF offers" said Eric, "we are ready to follow any new product no matter what it requires. When we develop a weapons system we can handle every aspect of it in house if needed"

When Eric sees a rifle he starts to find ways to improve the design. He has a prestigious history in the firearms development field. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, Eric has now cleared a spot for himself in the ranks of the major players in today's Military Small Arms developers. See below for his his response to my inquiry to a photo of Himself, M. Kalashnikov (inventor of the AK47) and E. Stoner (inventor of the M-16) that hangs in his office. There are only a few pictures of these two legends together, even fewer them both joking around like this one of the three of them taken just after Mr Kalashnikov had made a joke.

    A few times during the tour, Eric would talk to us "off the record" about some new projects, and product lines. Needless to say Vltor should be a name to watch for as time goes on.

    Eric is not alone Vltor / Abrams employees over 300 employees, engineers, programmers, machine operators, and customer service personnel. They are all 'in house' and in the USA. Eric was always quick to give credit to his team for an innovation or assembly technique as we toured the facilities. "You work with the best you get the best in return" We noticed the level of pride in the work being done as we met with the guys running the various equipment. "It feels good to be supporting our troops every day at work" remarked one of the guys I talked to who was wearing a Vltor shirt.

How should we say Vltor?      It's Ultor, The V is actually a Roman U. What does VLTOR mean?      VLTOR is the ancient Roman spelling for the Latin word ULTOR, meaning "Avenger". Ultor actually means Avenger, Revenge or Vengeance in Latin. This word was commonly used to describe the Roman God of War "Mars".

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Profile of Eric Kincel

   I met Eric who is a fellow AK type rifle enthusiast (read collector) through a collectors group. I was curious about their PKM receiver so we arranged for a visit. This June we stopped by for a tour of the Vltor operation and had the opportunity to chat with Eric for quite a while and he has some interesting stories for sure.

Eric is the General Manager of Vltor Weapon Systems. in addition he oversees Product Development and Manufacturing for various small arm companies. One such company is Milkor USA (known for the MGL-140 Grenade launcher, AKA M32)

Milkor USA MGL-140 Grenade launcher

   As we walked through the buildings at Abrams, Eric told about some of his achievements and it's an interesting story to hear. In his time Eric has worked with some of the greats in the firearms industry including Eugene Stoner and Reed Knight.. He's curated an impressive Firearms Museum and he has patents held and pending on multiple firearm components and accessories. He's very aware of the firearms industry, knows most of the major players and has even served as an expert witness for both criminal and civil litigation (defense) cases, for firearm and firearm industry knowledge.

   It's no surprise that Vltor's products are built well, they are designed well and that's a factor of Eric's knowledge and abilities. He'll be the first to admit his skills come from years of studying firearms technology in real world situations.

Eric shows us some of the prototypes and stages of development of his modstock	We visited a nearby range and test fired their belt fed PKM and an AR with a Vltor and upper installed (pictured here).
One stop of the tour was a table set up near the Vltor Quality Assurance area, each item shipped by Vltor is inspected and tested to assure it will deliver up to their high standards in the field.	Using the finished product as an example Eric explains the development and production of the Vltor Modstock for the AR

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I asked Eric about this photo in his office

I asked Eric about this photo in his office. Apparently Mr Kalashnikov had just made a joke and the photo was taken as the three were still laughing, a very rare photo indeed Mr. Stoner was a great man. I had the great pleasure to chat with him a few times regarding things he was passionate about. He would talk openly about his designs as well as others firearm technology. Stoner would talk passionately about historical designs, especially those of the Germans, during WW2. I remember when Knight's Armament received a newly purchased FG42. Not only was it my favorite gun, but it was Mr. Stoners as well. I remember talking with him for over an hour on the history and function of the FG42. He was so excited about having one in his hands. the FG42 In the later years before he pasted away, Mr. Stoner had a love / hate relationship with firearms. Sometimes he really didn't have any enthusiasm to talk about firearms and instead, he would rather talk about luxury yachts or aircraft. Over the years, Stoner flew on a regular basis (rotor and fixed wing) and he even built luxury cruisers. He always enjoyed talking about Water and Air. As mentioned before, Mr. Stoner had very little enthusiasm to talk about firearms, but sometimes he talked openly about firearms, because deep inside it was his passion. I think he was bored (maybe burned out) with firearms, but he always had them on his mind. Until the day he died, he was developing innovative designs that could possibly change the world. I had the chance to travel with him (on his personal jet) on a few cross-country trips and got to spend many hours in conversations. Every minute spent was a learning experience. I will always remember that learning experience and he will truly be missed. Introduction to Kalashnikov, I meet Mr. Kalashnikov through Mr. Stoner. I only had a few brief visits with him, mostly during his visit to the SHOT Show (1994). I had a few questions to ask him, which he answered through his daughter, for translation. Of course, at the time, the questions I asked we're not of any significance. In fact, I think he asked more question about me, then I about him. He asked questions about my family and wondered why I was so tall (me being 6'5"). He asked me questions like, what does a tall person eat and were your parents tall? I had a few weapon related questions I asked, but nothing of importance. I remember he asked if I was a weapons designer, because I work with Stoner. I said no, but I would like to be one someday. He told me to stick with Gene (as in Eugene Stoner) and I would learn from one of the best. After our brief meetings, I realized I had many questions to asked, but at the time, all those questions had slipped my mind. If we ever meet again, I would like to have a list of questions ready.

The Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG42) was an automatic rifle produced for Germany during World War II. The weapon was developed for paratroopers, who wanted a lighter machine gun

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History of Vltor

     Our tour of Vltor included the Abrams Airborne facility a remarkably large and efficient operation.

This is no small resource. Being an international aerospace manufacturing company, Abrams has a wealth of resources to bring to firearms development in technology, knowledge and manpower

Established in April of 1965, Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc. is a one of a kind precision sheetmetal and CNC manufacturer and fabricator of commercial, military, and aerospace assemblies.  Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc. is full service job shop dedicated to providing their customers with quality workmanship and personalized service

Abrams precision manufactured products orbit the planet on International Space Station Alpha, communication satellites and space shuttles. They have components and antennas on naval ships, tanks, military and civilian aircraft, and they also manufacture commercial computer housings, chassis, panels for the electronics industry and products for the medical field. Their award-winning company offers full CAD/CAM design capability and electronic transfer of customer drawings and is a single source supplier for many products.

     After a tour of the plant we were met by Gary L. Abrams, President of Abrams Airborne. He welcomed us and we talked for a bit. I was impressed that the president of a company like this would come out to greet our small tour group.  Gary didn't come out in a pressed suit from an air conditioned office, instead he looked to have just finished working on a machine in the shop and he apologized for the grease on his hands (as if that would offend any of us).

     I was further impressed that with all their achievements with military aviation and naval contracts, the story Gary told us was about his favorite items they've produced at Abrams. He explained that in the 1960's and 70's Abrams would get orders to fill on single items or small runs, for strange parts with little or no descriptions. This was common during the cold war, systems would be assembled with parts from many suppliers so no one would know exactly what the final product really was.

Gary remembered one job a few parts completely gold plated and very intricate. They built them and sent them out and didn't think much of it until later they were told what those parts were for, the Voyager 1 and 2 projects. Gary is proud knowing they built a part on the only two pieces of technology that man has managed to push out past Pluto, twice as far now (V1 is about 14 billion miles away today traveling at 38,000 miles per hour)

	Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc. is ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100:2004 Revision B certified.
Building weapons systems for our soldiers and contractors	Abrams builds aerospace and electronics products used in some cool systems
VF-6 CNC vertical machining center with 4th axis	More than 25 CNC Machining centers
400 gal. AMMONIUM CHLORIDE ZINC TANK. CHEMICAL CONVERSION COATING ON ALUMINUM ALODINE 1500 ANODIZE TYPE II, with Colors ANODIZE TYPE III. PASSIVATE QQ-P-35 TYPE VI and TYPE II. COMPLETE CAUSTIC ETCH FACILITY. SOAK CLEANING FACILITY.	Sheet metal stock
Sheet Metal Equipment	Another of the buildings at Abrams
STRIPPIT FC 1000 III CNC TURRET 33 STATION PUNCH PRESS WITH HECC 80/3 CONTROL

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Salt Dip Brazing

We asked Eric to show us an example of the Salt Dip Brazing that's available to Vltor for high tech component construction. We were able to find some parts before and after brazing to use an an example.

ALUMINUM DIP BRAZE / SALT BATH & HEAT TREAT: A brazing process utilizing heat from molten chemical flux or filler metal bath.

We found these parts in the receiving area being prepared for assembly.	Eric showed us how the parts would be fitted together
The inside parts is very complicated and requires each fin to be welded to the top.	A close up of the internals of this part show why there would be no way to build this part conventionally
We walked to the other end of the production line to find an assembled part being inspected, the flawless welds leave little clue to the process used to create such a complicated part	Salt dip brazing creates a bond that is actually stronger than the original materials
Where the process takes place ELECTRIC FURNACE 4FT. X 4FT.X 4FT.

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Vltor and the AR platform

Quality Components for the M16, M4 and AR Firearm Series In 2003, VLTOR introduced the Modular Firearm Buttstock. Since its inception, Vltor has sold tens of thousands of Modstocks to U.S. Military, Law Enforcement and the rest of the world. In all, customers have shown their appreciation through repeat sales. Thank you! VIS Upper Receiver Vltor has developed a number of items which are currently being sold and manufactured by Vltor and other major firearms manufacturers. Items such as Sling Mounts, Buttstock Adapters, Flash Light Mounts, Handguards and M14 Stock Systems have made Vltor a strong competitor in the small arms industry. In 2006, Vltor made a huge step in small arms advancement with the development of the VIS modular upper receiver assembly. The VIS (Versatile Interface Structure) is an affordable and rigid upper receiver assembly for the AR series firearms. The system accepts standard off the shelf barrels as well as most rail mounted accessory, including barrel and rail mounted M203 grenade launchers. The VIS will be a keystone in securing Vltors future. In Latin, VIS means "force" or "to use force" A major cornerstone to Vltors existence is of course our Modstock. The Modstock is available in two lengths for the AR-15/M16: rifle and collapsible carbine series. The Modstock was developed to be a chassis or platform for future mounting possibilities. It offers a variety of sling mounting options by conventional means or with an ambidextrous quick detachable sling swivel. Modstocks can be purchased in the most basic configuration or as a complete combo kit. Available colors for the Modstock system include Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green and the traditional Black. For further information, refer their website.. See a video of us shooting an AR with the Vltor Clubfoot Modstock and CASV upper (among others) in June 2006 More than simple extruded stock. Eric explained the technology used to create a 'compressed extrusion' an interesting method developed to create a specific strength throughout the material. Another benefit of being experts with high tech materials A stage of the progress towards becoming a Vltor AR upper. If you look close can you see the profile of the VIS upper? We stopped to take a look at the parts at yet another stage in production. Eric shows us how the development of the interchangeable forward assist / brass defector option took place Ted Marshall (of Marshall Arms) joined was part of our group. It always helps to bring a weapons designer on a tour of weapons system production. The questions and answers we typically at a level only fellow engineers could follow but interesting none the less The Abrams / Vltor facility is housed in many buildings. It's not possible to illustrate how large their operation really is without video perhaps Pride in their job was obvious throughout the facilities. Building high tech weapons systems on multimillion dollar CNC machines does not sound like a bad deal to me.

Vltor and the AK Platform

AK47/AKM/AKS Stock Adapter and Extension The Adapter and Extension Combo is a direct replacement for the standard fixed AK-type stock. With this adapter installed, the user will have five stock positions, a watertight storage compartment that is accessible from the rear and an ambidextrous single-point sling mount, located near the firearm's receiver. This kit is the adapter/extension only, stock or QD sling-swivel not included. Will fit sheet metal AKM variants only, except the Yugo or the Iraqi Tabuk. The Adapter/extension has a MilSpec outer profile and will only accept Colt or Vltor dimensioned buttstocks.

This AK was on display at the 2006 SHOT Show was made by Krebs Custom. Everything you see on the gun, except for the stock and the adapter, was made by Krebs.

Thoughts on the AK47
Any plans for AK parts or receivers?

"At this time, we don't have any plans to make AK receivers.
If we make anything it would be an Improved AK, but that's later down the road.
For now, we'll stick to customizing the PKM."

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Vltor and the PKM

Vltor Weapons Systems has spent a long time developing their PKM receiver. They are proud of their success in developing the PKM receiver and like their other products it shows. Unlike some manufacturers Vltor didn't simply clone the original. First they did exhaustive research on the PKM, talking to the people who used them, built them and collect them. They learned of the problems the PKM has had over it's years in service. Next their engineers looked at the receiver and found the areas of weakness and developed methods of production to address these areas.

We were able to shoot a few hundred rounds of 7.62x54R through a post dealer sample of their PKM. This was an interesting experience. Shooting a bi-pod mounted, belt fed full machine gun in the Arizona desert knowing it's the same gun used by our guys overseas, thanks again to Vltor for the experience.

These guns were built to work in the deserts and do a good job there. Now that our guys need them it's a real pleasure to know these are being built here in the US to supply our guys.

Here's what the Vltor website has to say about their PKM

PKM Kalashnikov designed General Purpose Machine Gun. The PKM’s Rebirth. After eight months and extensive tool development, Vltor is finally preparing to offer the best PKM receiver ever built. Improvements Compared to conventional PKM receivers, Vltor’s receiver is more robust, rigid and wear resistant. Vltor has researched the PKMs history and found the weaknesses of the existing chassis and moved forward to improve upon its design. For example, the PKM receiver was notorious for cracking around the rear trunnion rivet holes. This was cured through increased strengthening around the said holes. Another downside to the original PKM receiver was the excessive wear on the receiver’s rails. Vltor has remedied the problem by the eliminating the conventional “stamped” rails by replacing them with fully machined, heat-treated tool steel rails. Finally, with the installation of the tool steel rails, the Vltor PKM receiver is less likely to flex or twist during operation, when compared to the original. Receivers, First pre-production Received with kits. A shelf of PKM receivers PKM Receivers in production This is not a simple receiver to build Eric explains some of the process required to create these receivers A rack of PKM receivers Freshly imported Hungarian PKMS Parts Kits Close-up of the Hungarian PKMS Parts Kits Receivers with Hungarian PKMS Parts Kit The PKM Receiver Production Schedule Post Dealer Sample “Post Dealer Sample” machine guns will be available to those that present proper license and a “letter of demonstration” from the military or a qualified law enforcement official. Vltor will be offering complete PKMs with spare barrel and miscellaneous accessories at a reasonable price. A discount is available for those that request quantities. Post dealer samples receivers (for those that want to build their own) will be available shortly there after.

See a video of us shooting the full auto belt fed PKM (among others) in June 2006