Some time ago I reviewed the KPOS G2 for Down Range Daily. To me, it was a fun, well made and impressive way to turn a Glock into a modern tactical carbine. I’ve handled some carbine conversion kits and found the KPOS G2 to be my favorite overall. In 2018, FAB Defense decided to tweak the KPOS design and showed us the KPOS Scout. The Scout was an exciting development and showed FAB Defense wanted to modernize the KPOS design and make it a little more appealing to a western audience. My friends at ZFI-Inc were kind enough to send me one to compare with my KPOS G2. So let’s take a look at the two and dissect some differences
What the KPOS Scout and G2 Have in Common
Both of these systems are compatible with the Glock series of medium frame pistols like the 17, 19, 22, 23, etc. They turn your handgun into a rifle, which could be an SBR. An SBR is a short barreled rifle that’s a heavily regulated title 2 firearm.
The good news is both systems are compatible with Glocks using the IGB 16 inch rifle barrel. The presence of a 16-inch barrel turns the entire system into a standard, non-NFA, rifle. This makes life a little more hassle-free for anyone looking to turn their Glock into a rifle.
Both systems feature full-length scope rails, side Picatinny rails, and folding stocks.
Material Difference
The material difference is the first and most obvious difference. The KPOS G2 is made almost entirely from 6061 T6 billed hard anodized aluminum. It is comparable to a standard submachine gun and gives it a hefty, but manageable weight.
The KPOS Scout is made from a hybrid of polymer and aluminum. The upper portion of the Scout is made from a 6061 T6 hard anodized aluminum, and the lower section and stock are made from polymer. The aluminum upper ensures it can withstand the heat from long sessions of fire, and use with ported Glocks.
Dimensional Differences
The use of polymer in the Scout’s design cuts about 10 ounces of weight from the entire system. This is a substantial little weight saving. That’s almost half the weight of the Glock 17 I’m installing into both systems. The Scout weighs 25.39 ounces, and the G2 weighs 25.80 ounces.
The Scout is also slightly shorter with a length of 21.3 inches with the stock deployed. The G2 has a length of 23.2 inches with the stock deployed. The G2 is half an inch thinner, and a little less than an inch shorter when it comes to overall height.
The two differences in overall length and weight are the most important to note. The Scout is lightweight, and therefore easier to carry. If you go the NFA route and register your Glock as an SBR you then have a shorter, more comfortable to carry package. That 2 or so inches make it easier to squeeze the gun into a bag for discrete carry.
Modularity Differences
Another difference of note is the fact the KPOS Scout features shorter rails than the KPOS G2. This isn’t likely to be a big deal since it has enough rail space to accommodate the majority of pistol sized accessories.
The G2 also has a removable stock that allows you to add different stocks from FAB Defense, or even a Pathfinder tube and pistol brace. The Scout lacks the modularity to swap stocks.
Use Differences
One thing I love on the Scout that I noted is lacking from the KPOS G2 is an extended charging handle. The G2 features a standard size AR 15 charging handle, and the Scout uses an ambidextrous extended charging handle. It is much easier to reach and rack than the G2’s. The Scout also has an excellent QD sling point for easy use and install.
I will say installing the Glock when it’s equipped with the IGB barrel is easier with the G2. It just slides right in, and there is plenty of room due to the rear latching plate. With the Scout, you have the remove the Glock slide with the barrel, install that and then reinstall the grip.
Using a SIRT Glock look alike it is easier to install a standard Glock into the KPOS Scout. Both systems are intuitive, but the Scout’s one button assembly design you can do it very quickly versus the KPOS G2’s hinging back and front system.
On the range, both systems perform admirably. The wide ejection port ensures brass flies well away from the system and doesn’t jam anything up.
Price Differences
Price is a significant factor for a lot of people when choosing one of these kits. The Scout is about half the price of the G2. The G2’s all metal body undoubtedly contributes to a good bit of that price difference. The KPOS Scout goes for around 300 bucks, and the KPOS G2 retails for about 600.
Both systems very well made, and this isn’t something I’d call overpriced when quality is factored in. It’s not for everyone but rarely is anything. Both systems perform admirably, and the Scout is a bit more functional for the everyday civilian. The KPOS G2 is a little more rigid and would better in the hands of armed security and LEOs. Regardless of which way you go, make sure you check out our friends at ZFI for these kits, and the tons of accessories, optics, and slings they offer for these systems.