Like many couples in this modern “information age,” I first met this KVD-15 over the Internet. I received an email from a shop in Georgia called Vidalia Police Supply. They told me they made some lovely little carbines and wanted to send one my way to see what I thought about it. How could I say no?
Emails were sent, forms were filled, and before I knew it the KVD-15 Alef had appeared at my snow-covered FFL’s shop, and we were off to the range for our first date. Within the first couple hundred rounds, I was pretty sure I had found a keeper.
Performance
Reliability
At this point, this KVD-15 Alef has run through over 600 rounds. Due to Wisconsin’s unfortunately long winters, most of those range dates have been in sub-freezing temperatures, or even in the snow (see video above for video review, including snow shooting). Regardless of less-than-ideal weather, the KVD-15 Alef has performed admirably. I’ve yet to experience any kind of error, with feeding, ejection, or otherwise.
Accuracy
I largely shot at a little 6 inch diameter steel auto popper from shootsteel.com. Using irons made that a little tricky (at that distance, the irons and the target look to be the same size), but I still hit it regularly. Just what I’d expect from a well-built AR-15.
Features
The Kavod Custom’s KVD-15 is an independent AR; it ships with accessories already mounted. Here’s how she was configured when she arrived from Vidalia:
Upper
- Flattop upper
- Troy M4 Folding Battle sights
- Troy/VTAC 15inch Alpha Rail/Handguard
- Magpul MOE RVG
- NiB coated bolt carrier group (BCG)
- BCM Gunfighter Mod3 charging handle
- A2 style flash hider
- 16in fluted barrel, 1:7 twist
The receiver is a flattop, but if you order from Kavod’s website, they offer to ship with a few different sights. I opted for the Troy folding M4 folding battle sights. They’re sturdy sights, and allow me the flexibility to mount other optics on the 15inch rail. The handguard is a Troy/Viking Tactics Alpha free float handguard, with lots of space to add rails, for the accessory-inclined. The low profile, mid-length DI gas block tucks beneath it neatly. The fluted stainless steel barrel is 16in and utilizes a 1:7 twist. This KVD-15 also comes with a large latched (Mod3) Bravo Company Gunfighter charging handle.
Lower
- 5.56×45/ .223 chamber
- Kavod 2-stage trigger
- Fixed Magpul MOE stock (A2 length)
- Hogue rubberized grip
- Ambidextrous safety
Due to my short reach, I generally prefer telescoping buttstocks, but it wasn’t too much of an issue to adjust to the KVD-15 Alef’s fixed A2 stock. Kavod offers a couple of options for triggers, (including a couple different Timney triggers), but I went with Kavod’s own 2 stage. I measured the pull with a Lyman trigger gauge, and it averaged at 4lbs 5oz, light with a clean break. The Kavod Custom site notes that the trigger is finished off with a LWRC trigger guard, but the model in this review features a Magpul MOE trigger guard (which worked just fine for me). The Hogue rubberized grip made for a comfortable, ergonomic shooting experience. As a lefty shooter, I appreciated the convenience of the ambi selector switch. The KVD-15 Alef also arrived with her own pair of Magpul standard 30 round mags (which it fed without issue).
MSRP & Final Thoughts
The KVD-15 Alef is a range ready weapons system; it ships from Vidalia with a number of popular “after market” components. With the configuration I recieved (minus the pricey Troy sights), the KVD-15 runs a MSRP of about $1,200. So, if you’re looking for a “budget” AR, the KVD-15 may not be up your alley. However, considering the quality of its components, its durability, and reliable range performance, it’s a great AR-15 setup. The KVD-15 Alef is a carbine to bring home to meet the folks. Just make sure no one runs off with yours.
Featured image courtesy of kavodcustom.com
