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Kavod Custom KVD-15 Alef Full Review (pigtails included)

Kavod Custom KVD-15 Alef Full Review (pigtails included) - TheArmsGuide.com

March 4, 2014 by Kevin 9 Comments

A while back, I introduced the Kavod Custom KVD-15 Alef, but now I want to tell you all about her.

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

Filed Under: Rifles Tagged With: .223, 2 stage, 5.56, a2, accurate, ambi, AR accessories, AR parts, AR-15, autopopper, bcg, bcm, bravo company, charging handle, fixed, flash hider, grip, Hogue, Kavod, Kavod Custom, KVD-15, Magpul, MOE, nib, nickle boron, popper, Range, reliable, rifle, safety, selector, shooting, steel, stock, target, Timney, trigger, trigger pull, Vidalia Police supply

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About the Author

Avatar for Kevin

Kevin Kevin is an avid hunter and military history enthusiast. He participates in WWII reenactments every year and boasts a large antique firearms collection. The Winchester 1873 and Colt M1911 are two of his favorites. Kevin enjoys researching the best products on the market to keep The Arms Guide reader up to date and informed.

See All Kevin Articles

Comments

  1. Avatar for KevinJunkfoodZombie says

    March 7, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Street price is likely closer to $1,100…I’d say that’s a damn good price for an AR with those componenets. 🙂
    I am Pipi Longstocking. If you say it fast it’s funny.
    Pipi Pipi Longstocking how I Love my funny name! 😀

    Reply
  2. Avatar for KevinMuskrat says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Nice set up, especially if the parts will float like that!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for KevinEricKmiecik says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    Really awesome rifle. The price is pretty good, considering the quality and the accessories. Great review, the quality of the edition and the effects of your videos are really top notch. And, love your bracelets. The last 40s were absolutely cute and funny. Love the pigtails.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for KevinFateofDestinee says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    JunkfoodZombie  I think it’s a well-priced weapons system ^_^ It’s a well performing system, too. ;]

    Reply
  5. Avatar for KevinFateofDestinee says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    Muskrat  heheheh Glad you enjoyed that.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KevinFateofDestinee says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    EricKmiecik  Thanks, much, Eric! 😀

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KevinJunkfoodZombie says

    March 7, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    Agreed. And my fat thumbs added an extra e in “components”…. Ooops. :0

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Kevinpeter3101 says

    March 8, 2014 at 1:11 am

    very cool vid, your personality is really coming through on these vids now.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Kevinguruiaint says

    March 11, 2014 at 1:18 am

    NOOOO, don’t use your firing pin to push the extractor pin out, use your retaining pin! LOL, sorry, 4 years of cleaning an Air Force issued M4 will do that to you. Great review, I’m really glad to see companies embracing the “new” AR configuration for less than 1800+ bucks. I would even say it actually is a budget AR as most people end up putting all those accessories on an $800 AR and end up spending $1500+ (don’t forget gunsmith labor charges for the less mechanically inclined) and end up with half of an AR rifle kit sitting in the parts bin, never to be used again. Good review too (and nice pigtails).

    Reply

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