One of the most innovative products available from Vltor is the
Versatile Interface Structure (VIS) upper receiver assembly. The
VIS went through over 12 years of concept, development and testing,
before being made available.
The VIS is a polylithic upper receiver assembly that ties the
normally individual receiver and handguard into an aggregate single
part. This combination overcomes many problems that are associated
with the traditional "two piece" design, most notably being greatly
improved structural strength and repeatable accuracy; while
affording the user the benefits of a free-floating barrel and rock
solid railed fore end.
The VIS features four properly dimensioned Mil-Std-1913
Picatinny rails: The top rail is one continuous rail from the back
of the receiver section, to the front of the VIS; the two side
rails extend from the front portion of the receiver section, to the
front of the VIS; and the bottom rail is attached to a removable
lower section of the handguard portion. This removable lower
section allows for the attachment of the M-203 grenade launcher, as
well as assists in cleaning and maintenance.
The manufacturing process of the VIS is unique...starting with
what is essentially a traditional separate upper receiver and
handguard, these parts are partially machined then permanently
joined using an exclusive welding process - this composite unit is
then stress relieved, final machined and heat treated. This
innovative process allows the VIS to accept any standard AR barrel!
The only thing that is changed is the barrel nut used with the VIS,
the required barrel nut and wrench is included with each VIS
kit.
Another Vltor exclusive is the modular shell deflector and bolt
assist assembly. The VIS gives the operator the opportunity to
choose between a shell deflector/bolt assist combo or a shell
deflector only.
While the VIS is not the first one piece upper receiver for the
AR-15/M16 family, it is the first design that retains the use of
standard barrels, as well as a removable bottom rail section that
allows the mounting of the M-203 grenade launcher and all SOPMOD
components.
Due to popular demand, Vltor also offers the unique receiver
section of the VIS as a standalone Modular Upper Receiver (MUR).
The MUR is a direct replacement for the MilSpec AR-15/M16 upper
receiver that offers exact dimensions and tolerances, improved
strength and unique modular design.
MODELS:
VIS-1-SK: Carbine, 7 inch Rail, Shell Deflector Only
VIS-2-SK: Mid-Length, 9 inch Rail, Shell Deflector Only
VIS-2A-SK: Extended Mid-Length, 10 inch Rail, Shell
Deflector Only
VIS-3-SK: Rifle Length, 12 inch Rail, Shell Deflector
Only
VIS-1-AK: Carbine Length, 7 inch Rail, Bolt Assist and Shell
Deflector
VIS-2-AK: Mid-Length, 9 inch Rail, Bolt Assist and Shell
Deflector
VIS-2A-AK: Extended Mid-Length, 10 inch Rail, Bolt Assist
and Shell Deflector
VIS-3-AK: Rifle Length, 12 inch Rail, Bolt Assist and Shell
Deflector
Each kit contains the following:
Qty. 1 Upper VIS assembly (includes dust cover door assembly,
installed).
Qty. 1 Lower VIS Handguard assembly.
Qty. 1 VIS barrel nut.
Qty. 1 Shell deflector only (SK) or Bolt assist & Shell
deflector assembly (installed)(AK)
Qty. 1 VIS barrel nut wrench.
Qty. 1 M203 Indexing Bracket and mounting screws
Specifications:
Design: Polylithic upper receiver and handguard
assembly.
Construction: Composite assembly made from aircraft grade
aluminum. Hardened to T6 specifications. Type III MilSpec hard coat
anodized.
Compatibility: Compatible with all MilSpec lower receivers,
bolt and carrier assemblies, charging handles, rail mounted
sights/optics and standard AR15/M16 barrels.
Weight (nominal): With lower handguard and forward assist
unit.
- VIS-1 (carbine) - 21.5oz
- VIS-2 (midlength) - 25.0oz
- VIS-2A (ext midlength) - 26.0oz
- VIS-3 (rifle) - 29.0oz
Length: Relative length of handguard section
- VIS-1 - standard carbine (7 inch)
- VIS-2 - standard midlength (9 inch)
- VIS -2A - extended midlength (10 inch)
- VIS-3 - standard rifle (12 inch)
Length Overall:
- VIS-1 - 14.5 inches
- VIS-2 - 16.5 inches
- VIS-2A - 17.5 inches
- VIS-3 - 19.875 inches
Color: Black anodized finish.
Options: Available with combination shell deflector and
forward assist assembly, or with shell deflector only.
Special Features:
Full length, continuous upper rail.
Handguard length rails on each side.
Removable lower handguard w/rail.
Uses standard AR15/M16 barrels.
Accepts the M203 Grenade Launcher.
Notes:
Requires special barrel nut (provided).
Must use a "low profile" gas block for mounting inside of the rail
section.
VIS-2A extends over gas block.