MVB Micro Pistol Kit

[Canonshooter]

I recently made my first foray into AR pistols, putting together a BCM pistol to serve as a PDW and something I could convert into a SBR once the paperwork was approved. Knowing it would remain in pistol configuration for a while, I decided to use the MVB Micro Pistol Kit (MPK) with their H1 buffer (3.9 ounces) as part of the project. My decision was based primarily on the desire to keep the AOL as short as possible and on the positive reviews the MVB ARC PDW has received, which the MPK is based on. Additionally, I wanted to keep this PDW as simple and as light as possible.

The parts/assemblies ordered;

• BCM pistol lower
• BCM 11.5 ELW upper with BCG and Mod 3 charging handle
• Precision Armament EFAB muzzle device (selected for good flash suppression and muzzle control)
• DD fixed sights with Blitzkreig chevron front post
• MVB MPK

Here is a photo of the completed pistol (also shown is the Malkoff MD2 M61T light that gets moved around among several guns);




OAL is just under 26" to the end of the EFAB and weight is 5 pounds - 5 ounces (minus the Malkoff light and Vltor mount). The MVB MPK extends less than fives inches from the rear of the upper, making it 1-3/4" shorter than the BCM pistol buffer tube that came with the lower. On the scale, the MVB MPK weighs less than one ounce heavier than the BCM tube/end plate/castle nut/spring/H buffer (3.8 ounces);




Part of the MPK buffer rides inside the rear of the bolt carrier, which MVB claims will work with any mil-spec bolt carrier. It fit my BCM carrier just fine. The spring is a two piece affair and the entire buffer and spring assembly fits inside the short buffer tube. Unlike a standard AR buffer set up, a button needs to be pressed on the bottom of the MPK assembly to capture the buffer inside the tube when opening the upper receiver. I don't find this extra step much of a hassle though once the buffer is captured, the forward assist comes in handy to fully close the bolt so the upper can be opened. Here is a photo of the buffer captured;




Once this is done, the upper can be opened or removed in normal fashion. The capture latch holds the buffer pretty securely so there is no worry of a buffer unexpectedly flying across the room. As you can see, the standard buffer retainer and spring are not used with the MVB MPK.

Once the upper is secured in place, racking the charging handle re-seats the buffer in the bolt carrier. You can hear and feel a "thud" when this happens and so far a single pull of the CH has always re-seated the buffer without any drama or difficulty (I keep the buffer and the inside of the bolt carrier well lubed with EWL 2000).

Shooting with the MVB MPK

This pistol is an entirely new build. The MPK was installed before I fired the first shot with it. So far with 200 rounds of various loads including XM193, Gold Dot 75 and some .223 69 OTM hand loads, from off a bag on the bench and standing unsupported using a sling, it has not missed a beat. The ejection of the spend cases is extremely consistent, straight out the ejection port in a 3 o'clock direction. Regardless of the load, the empties form a tight pile directly to the right and about six feet away. The cases show no unusual ejection marks or dents. So far, I can't honestly ask for anything better in that regard.

In terms of how the MVB MPK feels compared to a different buffer set up, I have no basis for comparison on this particular AR. That said, if feels smooth and there are no unusual sounds when the action is cycling compared to the A5 set up in my carbine.

The final aspect of the MPK is something to consider due to its short length - its "LOP" is only suitable for a cheek weld. Additionally, I do not see how any of the current braces would work well with the MPK. Some might consider that a deal killer, but if you run an AR pistol like I do - with a two-point sling using a cheek weld - the MVB MPK gives just enough real estate on its short buffer tube to do so.

In conclusion, I like the MVB MPK - it shortened my BCM pistol by 1.75 inches, gives me the rear sling attachment points on both sides that I prefer, looks great and so far functions perfectly (if I get another 500 rounds through it without issue, I'll consider it GtG). In combination with the EFAB brake this pistol is extremely stable and very comfortable to shoot (other than muzzle blast indoors, surprisingly so in fact).

Time will tell if I SBR it but for now I plan on fully exploring its capabilities configured as a pistol. So far, I like what I'm seeing.

[Diamondback]

Thanks for the review! This looks interesting, I may have to consider it for my PDW... Even though the length reduction would be negligible, think this would work in tandem with a LAW Tactical sidefolder adapter?

[Canonshooter]

Even though the length reduction would be negligible, think this would work in tandem with a LAW Tactical sidefolder adapter?

I'm not certain but based on what I've seen, I kind of doubt it.

[Diamondback]

Thanks, CS. I'm thinking that since what I bought expecting a cheap crappy one-notch-above-airsoft buffer kit turned out a little better made than I thought, I may just stick with it and the LAW folder.