Henk van de Goor's Bloggers@large

Today I picked up my TAC Force S.O.T. Crossdraw vest. It came in a ridiculous big box (see photos below). I have no clue why, because it could have fit in a big plastic bag easily. Anyway; I tried it on right away. It took me less than 5 minutes to adjust it fully to my chest size. I was hoping that the universal holster would fit my H&L P30L with the Viridian X5L tactical green laser/light combo attached to it, but unfortunately it doesn't. I guess I will just have to buy the holster that Viridian sells. Other than that it looks great and fits me fine. While I was at it, I also ordered two extra 15 round clips as well. They should arrive anytime soon. They will fit right into the 3 mag pouches on the left.

When I get some time I'll make a quick video on this vest for YouTube.

After seeing some good reviews on the TAC Force tactical crossdraw vest by YouTube guru Nutnfancy, I decided to get one myself. Just for fun - as I did with my Viridian X5L. So I looked online and chased down some Dutch websites that supposedly sell this stuff and I even visited a few Army dump stores. But I soon discovered that none had any tactical vests like this one in-store. Heck, some didn't even know what I was talking about. So, yet again, I had to order online. I decided not to buy directly from TAC Force as I found out you can get a better deal from other online stores. A simple search at Amazon landed me one for $83,- I got the black version as we don't have much desert here in Holland and black just seems more appropriate.

Here are some product highlights for the SOT TAC Force Crossdraw Vest:

The TAC Force Crossdraw Vests, or Special Operation TAC Vests, are manufactured with high quality ballistic materials treated with DuPont® Teflon® adding product durability and longevity. S.O.T. tactical vests are designed to perform under extreme situations. Crossdraw Vests are available in preset configurations to accommodate most operator requirements.

• Fits chest size up to 54”
• Right & left hand models available
• Zip front design with quick release buckles
• Padded shoulder with non-slip material
• Three pistol mag pouches
• Crossdraw pistol holster can accommodate most duty pistols
• Adjustable shoulder and side straps
• Two internal mesh zippered pockets
• Three AR rifle mag pouches
• Chest utility pouch
• Heavy duty drag handle
• Hook n Loop identification strip
• Can be worn over soft body armor
• Internal back pocket can be used for hydration system or ballistic plate
• Belt loops

I will have to buy myself a black 2" web belt that fits the vest separately, because they were sold out online. Other than that I might make some small adjustments to the vest zipper and buckles (as recommended by Nutnfancy). That and maybe two extra 9mm magazines and I'm ready to rock & roll.

After I receive my gear, I'll make some photos or even a video showing my tactical loadout to be used in a WROL situation (Dutch style).

After about 150 bullets of Magtech 124 grain FMJ 9mm I finally nailed it today and was able to zero in my HK P30L and my Viridian X5L laser perfectly. It took me more effort (and ammo) than I hoped, but that was due to the fact that the batteries that came with my laser bore sight ran out after less than 10 minutes of use. Finding the rights new batteries proved a hassle and it took me till last weekend to do so. So today I finally could go to the range again with that fixed.

Sure enough, with the the bore sight in my H&K, adjusting the laser was a breeze. The result: a crisp group at 15 meters (49 feet or 16,4 yards) within 7cm (2,7 inches). The tightest group of 5 is even within 4,5cm (1,7 inches). And believe me: I'm not the best shooter so I'm sure my H&K can even do better in the hands of a pro. But I am happy and impressed. In short: with the Viridian mounted and turned on, it really is "point & click" - or better said: "point and boom!" However, I am really going to try hard not to get used to it too much, as in a way using a laser messes up your shooting.

The reason for that is quite simple: when you learn to shoot, you learn to look at your (iron) sights and not the target. I know, for you non-shooters out there it may sound weird. But the trick is actually that you focus your eyes on the sights of the gun which means you won't see the target sharp - at all. If on the other hand you focus on the target, your sights get blurry and you will miss for sure. Now, with the laser on it, you focus on the dot (target). And quite frankly, that's way too easy. You only have to kinda point your gun at the target and squeeze the trigger and that's it.

Anyway: as I wrote before the Viridian is a cool toy. I would love to use it sometime shooting steel plates or bowling pins. Other than the fun factor - or as my hero Nutnfancy calls it: "the second type of cool" - it has no practical purpose whatsoever. It just boys and their toys ;-)

Ok folks. After returning from the USA I made some time to make these two 10 minute videos on my Viridian X5L universal green laser/tactical light combo sight. It's shows the unit itself, how to operate it and how to mount it on my Heckler & Koch P30L. Can't wait to take it to the range next week!

(To be continued)