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FINALLY joining the KAC club - KS-3 & KS-1 (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 6/14/2026 8:51:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Brahmzy][Edited]
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Ordered a KS-3. Been wanting a Knights rifle for a very long time but for whatever reason never really went down this road due to availability / price / never being able to hold one in a brick and mortar gun-store and certainly not shoot one due to ownership rarity around here. I’m 100% a builder and have not bought an OTS AR in well over a decade and a half probably. Always building extremely lightweight, reliable, high-end rifles using V-Seven parts etc (usually costing way more than a Knights rifle by the time it’s all over). Have a ton of these high-end ARs I’ve built and run. Anyway, anything I should know about the KS-3? It’ll be suppressed probably 100% of the time. I’ve heard KAC rifles can be finicky with lower-powered ammo (PMC Bronze, which is my go to practice ammo), but that if they’re suppressed + break-in they run fine? I have to spin off the factory FH to put a suppressor mount on - anybody have luck with the boiling hot water 20min submersion method to loosen the rockset? Any tips I should know there? Are these things really that much smoother shooting? Really enjoyed GarandThumb’s review of the KS-3. I think it pushed me over the edge to purchasing one. Can’t decide on the optic yet - run ACOGSs and Mini-ACOGs on my many other SBRs. Wish Trijicon would have really been pushing innovation on their ACOGs and had full LED model across their lineup by now. Seems the ACOG line has been stagnant for a very long time. EDIT: Also have a KS-1 coming |
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Make sure you have the KAC specific "reaction" rod. I've never had to boil any KAC muzzle devices to break them loose, but I did have one that made me nervous. It needed a trip back to the mothership anyways, so I asked them to take care of that. Otherwise, no issues with proper tools and the right application of torque. My most recent KAC uppers have ALL run fine on PMC 223 and similar ammunition. KAC has more or less said they gas their rifles to run, so they're going to be a little more aggressive than other brands. They're set up properly out of the factory, so overall they're smooth shooters....though my KAC rifles seem to benefit from an A5 setup, which I've been experimenting with lately. |
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Originally Posted By Marksman14: Make sure you have the KAC specific "reaction" rod. I've never had to boil any KAC muzzle devices to break them loose, but I did have one that made me nervous. It needed a trip back to the mothership anyways, so I asked them to take care of that. Otherwise, no issues with proper tools and the right application of torque. My most recent KAC uppers have ALL run fine on PMC 223 and similar ammunition. KAC has more or less said they gas their rifles to run, so they're going to be a little more aggressive than other brands. They're set up properly out of the factory, so overall they're smooth shooters....though my KAC rifles seem to benefit from an A5 setup, which I've been experimenting with lately. Thanks for the reply. I’ve got a reaction rod and Magpul BevBlock I was going to use, but don’t have a KAC-specific one. Is there a reason I have to use a KAC-specific RR? |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Thanks for the reply. I've got a reaction rod and Magpul BevBlock I was going to use, but don't have a KAC-specific one. Is there a reason I have to use a KAC-specific RR? The rounded lugs on the bolt = rounded lugs in the chamber. This is the one I have and it works fine for KAC stuff. https://www.sunnshadow.com/online-store/SR15-Barrel-Torque-Rod-p684578931 I usually just boil a pot of water then rest the muzzle device in it for 30 seconds to a minute then run out to the garage and remove the muzzle device. I've never had an issue with getting one off that was rocksetted on. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Ordered a KS-3. Been wanting a Knights rifle for a very long time but for whatever reason never really went down this road due to availability / price / never being able to hold one in a brick and mortar gun-store and certainly not shoot one due to ownership rarity around here. I’m 100% a builder and have not bought an OTS AR in well over a decade and a half probably. Always building extremely lightweight, reliable, high-end rifles using V-Seven parts etc (usually costing way more than a Knights rifle by the time it’s all over). Have a ton of these high-end ARs I’ve built and run. Anyway, anything I should know about the KS-3? It’ll be suppressed probably 100% of the time. I’ve heard KAC rifles can be finicky with lower-powered ammo (PMC Bronze, which is my go to practice ammo), but that if they’re suppressed + break-in they run fine? I have to spin off the factory FH to put a suppressor mount on - anybody have luck with the boiling hot water 20min submersion method to loosen the rockset? Any tips I should know there? Are these things really that much smoother shooting? Really enjoyed GarandThumb’s review of the KS-3. I think it pushed me over the edge to purchasing one. Can’t decide on the optic yet - run ACOGSs and Mini-ACOGs on my many other SBRs. Wish Trijicon would have really been pushing innovation on their ACOGs and had full LED model across their lineup by now. Seems the ACOG line has been stagnant for a very long time. Spend the money and buy a KAC can. I know its another bit of change but the rifle was designed to run with their can. But I get the cost thing. Dan |
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Originally Posted By JohnDough: The crs series cans are good enough that Id just buy one vs modifying the rifle to accept something else. Originally Posted By JohnDough: The crs series cans are good enough that Id just buy one vs modifying the rifle to accept something else. Originally Posted By AGR1279: Spend the money and buy a KAC can. I know its another bit of change but the rifle was designed to run with their can. But I get the cost thing. Dan QFT |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Are these things really that much smoother shooting? I'll be really curious to see what you think, but given that you're used to building and presumably tuning your own high end rifles, frankly I'd expect to be disappointed. Especially because smoothness generally means less gas, and as a military focused rifle the KACs are going to be gassed for reliability. Maybe wait on buying a suppressor until you've tried it out. |
Couple things:
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Was going to build this KS-3 out like the GrarandThumb UK contract video and then shit my pants. https://i.ibb.co/5XR9TH0m/IMG-8489.jpg Need to find a Tasco or something. Nightforce NX8 1-8 with fcdmx reticle and capped turrets. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Was going to build this KS-3 out like the GrarandThumb UK contract video and then shit my pants. https://i.ibb.co/5XR9TH0m/IMG-8489.jpg Need to find a Tasco or something. My man, if you throw a Tasco on there, I will personally come and find you... and buy you a beer. I like your style. I wish I still had pictures of my EMC with a $300 (after rebate) Bushnell Forge on it. That really got folks going. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Was going to build this KS-3 out like the GrarandThumb UK contract video and then shit my pants. https://i.ibb.co/5XR9TH0m/IMG-8489.jpg Need to find a Tasco or something. That scope is for the KS1 which is basically what the Brits got. FYI if you so want it you can find them around $4K but a NF 1-6/8 or something similar will work. Or you could put a T-2 on it with a magnifier. Your choice. Dan. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Ordered a KAC MQS-2 shorty this morning. Ooof - But it'll be real-deal KAC now I guess And yeah, they engineered the whole thing as a system, so makes sense to stick with their stuff throughout. Thanks for the input all! Shoot it unsuppressed and pop that on and it's a noticeable difference. |
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Originally Posted By atz: I'll be really curious to see what you think, but given that you're used to building and presumably tuning your own high end rifles, frankly I'd expect to be disappointed. Especially because smoothness generally means less gas, and as a military focused rifle the KACs are going to be gassed for reliability. Maybe wait on buying a suppressor until you've tried it out. The KS3 is gassed what I consider to be "appropriately" regarding port vs. barrel vs. intended purpose. I do not find that it shoots especially smooth, but rather, as expected for a quality 11.5" gun. The CRS3 and MCQ2, however, are VERY smooth shooting cans. I compared them to my QDC556 and it literally feels like a different gun. |
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Originally Posted By ClangClang: Couple things:
The CRS3 has independently metered (TBAC Sound Summit) 138.8dB 1m L/R average from the muzzle. The RC2 SOCOM measured 137.8dB. The M4-2000 was 137.5dB. The Flow 556Ti was 140.1dB. What I am saying, is that the current KAC cans are doing very well for sound reduction and are absolutely top tier regarding flash reduction. Also, at under 16oz and the muzzle device not being bulky at all, it's really a rather light setup for a "fullsize" can (6.2" or so). |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Ordered a KAC MQS-2 shorty this morning. Ooof - But it’ll be real-deal KAC now I guess And yeah, they engineered the whole thing as a system, so makes sense to stick with their stuff throughout. Thanks for the input all! The MCQ-2 is far from a "waste" or "ineffective", but it will still have some nip to it. That said, it will damp flash unbelievably well, almost the same as a 3-prong fh. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Was going to build this KS-3 out like the GrarandThumb UK contract video and then shit my pants. https://i.ibb.co/5XR9TH0m/IMG-8489.jpg Need to find a Tasco or something. Those can be had for 3.6k. I absolutely love mine, and I've used everything except for the S&B stuff, mainly because it's annoyingly huge. |
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Originally Posted By JoshNC: Nightforce NX8 1-8 with fcdmx reticle and capped turrets. This is my budget go-to option. It absolutely is an amazing optic. I recommend the 1.7" height for them, as opposed to 1.54" for the Vortex AMG. Somehow it feels the same when they are each in those respective mounts and I compare them. Odd. |
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Originally Posted By atz: I'll be really curious to see what you think, but given that you're used to building and presumably tuning your own high end rifles, frankly I'd expect to be disappointed. Especially because smoothness generally means less gas, and as a military focused rifle the KACs are going to be gassed for reliability. Maybe wait on buying a suppressor until you've tried it out. Originally Posted By atz: I'll be really curious to see what you think, but given that you're used to building and presumably tuning your own high end rifles, frankly I'd expect to be disappointed. Especially because smoothness generally means less gas, and as a military focused rifle the KACs are going to be gassed for reliability. Maybe wait on buying a suppressor until you've tried it out. Yeah, I’m used to my very smooth/soft-shooting lightweight rifles with adjustable gas, buffers, springs, Ti carriers etc. All tuned with intention and all very reliable. Almost race gun setups but dead-reliable. The gas gets adjusted while canless once and forgotten (other than routine cleaning and then returned to that same setting.) I guess I just wanted a Knights rifle with a hyper-focus on bomb-proof reliability and I’ve heard for decades they’ve been one of the more smoother-shooting rifles out of the box. That they have an x-factor to them from top-tier engineering when it comes to shooting smooth for a military-issued rifle. Originally Posted By Nobody69s: The MCQ-2 does a nice job of reducing recoil also. Shoot it unsuppressed and pop that on and it's a noticeable difference. Cool - yeah, I generally don’t shoot any of my ARs un-suppressed anymore. Cans are such a good natural barrel stabilizer. I’ve got a certain rifle + can combo I had out a few weeks ago and it was stupid easy to do double taps on steel. Stupid easy. Got off a few triple-taps too. Was actually laughing while I was shooting. I had so many rifles and cans out all over that I forget what exact combo I had going at that time. Wish I would’ve taken a picture or written it down. Good to hear the MCQ-2 helps with this too even with its small size. I will say 12.x oz is still fairly hefty for how tiny it is - that’s probably part of it too. I have a feeling I’ll be getting a CRS-3 too. Split the load, half the round count on each can etc. |
| Honestly small frame ARs are so good now, you're not going to notice a big difference between them. KACs work though and have a cool history, so if you want one and have the money, go for it. Fine tuning your own will be far "smoother" than anything off the shelf from any MFG. The old KACs used to not run low/medium powered ammo well, and those were far smoother and my favorite. But that's no longer the case with the new ones and they run anything, especially with a suppressor. Now the SR25, those are in a league of their own as far as I'm concerned and you will notice the difference. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Yeah, I’m used to my very smooth/soft-shooting lightweight rifles with adjustable gas, buffers, springs, Ti carriers etc. All tuned with intention and all very reliable. Almost race gun setups but dead-reliable. The gas gets adjusted while canless once and forgotten (other than routine cleaning and then returned to that same setting.) I guess I just wanted a Knights rifle with a hyper-focus on bomb-proof reliability and I’ve heard for decades they’ve been one of the more smoother-shooting rifles out of the box. That they have an x-factor to them from top-tier engineering when it comes to shooting smooth for a military-issued rifle. Cool - yeah, I generally don’t shoot any of my ARs un-suppressed anymore. Cans are such a good natural barrel stabilizer. I’ve got a certain rifle + can combo I had out a few weeks ago and it was stupid easy to do double taps on steel. Stupid easy. Got off a few triple-taps too. Was actually laughing while I was shooting. I had so many rifles and cans out all over that I forget what exact combo I had going at that time. Wish I would’ve taken a picture or written it down. Good to hear the MCQ-2 helps with this too even with its small size. I will say 12.x oz is still fairly hefty for how tiny it is - that’s probably part of it too. I have a feeling I’ll be getting a CRS-3 too. Split the load, half the round count on each can etc. The "smooth shooting" reputation frankly came from the original 16" guns with the extended gas system that was a little longer than mid-length, and of course everyone was adding triple taps etc to their rifles. Those absolutely were a smoother shooting setup, as virtually nobody had a gas system like that at the time (if anyone), and the triple tap was just the icing on the cake. KAC guns nowadays are ported appropriately to run in adverse conditions- because they use good components, and appropriate buffers, they still shoot and feel very smooth, but there are other companies out there that make nice guns with slightly smaller ports that will shoot "smoother". |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Yeah, I'm used to my very smooth/soft-shooting lightweight rifles with adjustable gas, buffers, springs, Ti carriers etc. All tuned with intention and all very reliable. Almost race gun setups but dead-reliable. The gas gets adjusted while canless once and forgotten (other than routine cleaning and then returned to that same setting.) I guess I just wanted a Knights rifle with a hyper-focus on bomb-proof reliability and I've heard for decades they've been one of the more smoother-shooting rifles out of the box. That they have an x-factor to them from top-tier engineering when it comes to shooting smooth for a military-issued rifle. Cool - yeah, I generally don't shoot any of my ARs un-suppressed anymore. Cans are such a good natural barrel stabilizer. I've got a certain rifle + can combo I had out a few weeks ago and it was stupid easy to do double taps on steel. Stupid easy. Got off a few triple-taps too. Was actually laughing while I was shooting. I had so many rifles and cans out all over that I forget what exact combo I had going at that time. Wish I would've taken a picture or written it down. Good to hear the MCQ-2 helps with this too even with its small size. I will say 12.x oz is still fairly hefty for how tiny it is - that's probably part of it too. I have a feeling I'll be getting a CRS-3 too. Split the load, half the round count on each can etc. As far as keeping track of gun set ups, I just have a notepad in my files that I keep track of all that. Like this but for all my guns. Multicam main gun 1:7 twist Rail: KAC URX 3.1 Barrel: Geissele 11.5" (port .070) Gas block: Aero Precision Gas block II: Dimpled, red loctite, Vented set screw 0.048" Buffer: A5-H2 with Geissele H42 spring Ejection: unsuppressed 3:30 55gr reloads and 77gr TMK Sighted in: Velocity 77gr Sierra MK Sights: Aimpoint T2 Zero distance: 50 yards Suppressor: KAC CQB Trigger: Geissele SSA-EX *80 degrees out and locks open w/pmc bronze |
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Originally Posted By Marksman14: The "smooth shooting" reputation frankly came from the original 16" guns with the extended gas system that was a little longer than mid-length, and of course everyone was adding triple taps etc to their rifles. Those absolutely were a smoother shooting setup, as virtually nobody had a gas system like that at the time (if anyone), and the triple tap was just the icing on the cake. KAC guns nowadays are ported appropriately to run in adverse conditions- because they use good components, and appropriate buffers, they still shoot and feel very smooth, but there are other companies out there that make nice guns with slightly smaller ports that will shoot "smoother". Good stuff - thanks. Interesting the drift back towards, I guess, more reliability across all ammo types and maybe a bit more gas. While they’ve only ever been made to run military 556 pressures, I wonder if the “soft-shooting” (presumably less gas) era guns actually ended up causing issues in the field / combat with super-dirty guns or something. I wonder if we’d ever know, lol. I know in my own tuning I run the gun super dirty and dry with PMZ Bronze, preferably in the cold, find out which gas setting is the first to allow consistent function and then open gas 2 clicks further. Works every time and still results in a very soft-shooting rifle. |
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Good stuff - thanks. Interesting the drift back towards, I guess, more reliability across all ammo types and maybe a bit more gas. While they’ve only ever been made to run military 556 pressures, I wonder if the “soft-shooting” (presumably less gas) era guns actually ended up causing issues in the field / combat with super-dirty guns or something. I wonder if we’d ever know, lol. I know in my own tuning I run the gun super dirty and dry with PMZ Bronze, preferably in the cold, find out which gas setting is the first to allow consistent function and then open gas 2 clicks further. Works every time and still results in a very soft-shooting rifle. The reliability that we are building toward will never be seen by 99% of users, but it's very important to those 1% that do find themselves in those conditions. Think: shooting at an upward and downward angle of 89 degrees, at -20o F, barely lubricated, 2,000 rounds since the last cleaning, exposed to wind-driven dust and water, without full shoulder support. You have to get a lot of things right to do that at the reliably level required of the user. We aren't the only gun that will do this, but none of the ones that will function in such challenging environments and conditions will feel as soft as gun that is optimized for reduced recoil in much more forgiving environments. It's really easy to make a soft-shooting 5.56 AR for the US domestic hobbyist market, it's something else to meet the most challenging conditions on the planet and still be easy to shoot. |
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Originally Posted By Jack_L: The reliability that we are building toward will never be seen by 99% of users, but it's very important to those 1% that do find themselves in those conditions. Think: shooting at an upward and downward angle of 89 degrees, at -20o F, barely lubricated, 2,000 rounds since the last cleaning, exposed to wind-driven dust and water, without full shoulder support. You have to get a lot of things right to do that at the reliably level required of the user. We aren't the only gun that will do this, but none of the ones that will function in such challenging environments and conditions will feel as soft as gun that is optimized for reduced recoil in much more forgiving environments. It's really easy to make a soft-shooting 5.56 AR for the US domestic hobbyist market, it's something else to meet the most challenging conditions on the planet and still be easy to shoot. LIKE BUTTON! 
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Just got this https://i.ibb.co/0pX3nj29/NF-NX6.jpg For this (conjugal visit today) https://i.ibb.co/PZJwPhfC/KS3.jpg Also decided to order the CRS-3 today, too. Still waiting on the MCQ-2 to get here. Should be good to go soon. That KS3 is definitely a beefcake - pretty solid / hefty. I have a first gen CRS and it looks great. I placed a CRS-3 on mine when I was at the shop but I cant justify the extra expense when I have a decent can already.  Daniel |
Sheep, Sheepdog or Wolf? What are you?
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I finally got to zeroing in the day optic and other enablers on my KS3/CRS3. I use LE556T4. Today was extremely humid and 85f in the shade. I was definitely not shooting my best, and produced a lot of 3moa or so groups until I finally gave in and got my actual front end rest and rear bag out. Then I saw what the gun and ammo could really do. I noticed also the suppressor tagging the bare sandbag up front. Definitely got a better outcome using the actual turret style front rest, as you can see below. Of note, no POI shift with or without the CRS3. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Video: Nice work! Excellent setup, I’m also using the blue force gear u loop, great lightweight way to connect the sling. I prefer it strongly. Attached File |
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KS3 loving the LE556T4. This was a clean (Patched with Boretech Eliminator), cold bore. CBS/First round labeled. 100 yards. Rounds 137-146 total on the gun. Attached File Attached File Attached File Barrel is very good with LE556T4 regarding velocity/consistency, and is breaking in nicely. 159 rounds on gun so far as of this photo(I came down 0.1mil from the above group, and again verified zero of MFAL, P2, and the AMG, making sure all tracked and was on target.) |
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Originally Posted By JohnDough: KS3 loving the LE556T4. This was a clean (Patched with Boretech Eliminator), cold bore. CBS/First round labeled. 100 yards. Rounds 137-146 total on the gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/LE556T4_jpg-3794534.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/Vel_jpg-3794566.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/gasport159rd_jpg-3794567.JPG Barrel is very good with LE556T4 regarding velocity/consistency, and is breaking in nicely. 159 rounds on gun so far as of this photo(I came down 0.1mil from the above group, and again verified zero of MFAL, P2, and the AMG, making sure all tracked and was on target.) NICE |
Gold Jacket, Green Jacket Who Gives a Shit!
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Originally Posted By JohnDough: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/1000016355_jpg-3791517.JPG How do you like the AMG on the KS3? I have one on my KS1 but currently have a 3x mag and T2 on the KS3. I’ve really thought about putting another AMG on the KS3. Nice set up! ETA: Welcome to the club! 
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“The beauty about the second amendment is it won’t be needed until they try to take it.” -Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By ErikTaylor: How do you like the AMG on the KS3? I have one on my KS1 but currently have a 3x mag and T2 on the KS3. I’ve really thought about putting another AMG on the KS3. Nice set up! ETA: Welcome to the club! Ive tried t2/g33,unity4x,g45, and keep coming back to LPVO/P2 stacks. The 10oz savings is nice, but you just give up too much. Gun control/cheek weld, wind holds, etched reticle, perfect nv beight piggyback, it's just too good to give up for 10oz |
Gold Jacket, Green Jacket Who Gives a Shit!
Joined:
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Posts:
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EE: 100% (665)
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Originally Posted By JohnDough: Ive tried t2/g33,unity4x,g45, and keep coming back to LPVO/P2 stacks. The 10oz savings is nice, but you just give up too much. Gun control/cheek weld, wind holds, etched reticle, perfect nv beight piggyback, it's just too good to give up for 10oz That's sort of what I'm leaning towards as well. I've tried just about everything and shooting the KS1 I feel like has a great optic set up that really can do anything, and do it well. |
“The beauty about the second amendment is it won’t be needed until they try to take it.” -Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By Brahmzy: I have to spin off the factory FH to put a suppressor mount on - anybody have luck with the boiling hot water 20min submersion method to loosen the rockset? Any tips I should know there? Just a few seconds with torch is far easier and efficient vs the whole submersion thing, Originally Posted By Brahmzy: Are these things really that much smoother shooting? Sadly no. If you bought on that premise you’ll be disappointed. |
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Originally Posted By JohnDough: KS3 loving the LE556T4. This was a clean (Patched with Boretech Eliminator), cold bore. CBS/First round labeled. 100 yards. Rounds 137-146 total on the gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/LE556T4_jpg-3794534.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/Vel_jpg-3794566.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/453733/gasport159rd_jpg-3794567.JPG Barrel is very good with LE556T4 regarding velocity/consistency, and is breaking in nicely. 159 rounds on gun so far as of this photo(I came down 0.1mil from the above group, and again verified zero of MFAL, P2, and the AMG, making sure all tracked and was on target.) Am I reading this right? Port erosion pictured is at 150 rds?! 
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FINALLY joining the KAC club - KS-3 & KS-1 (Page 1 of 3)
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