New Product Highlight: Vortex Defender-ST
Vortex adds to its Defender red dot lineup, introducing the Vortex Defender-ST -- a new, standard-size red dot.
Retired LEO. SWAT Commander. POST/NLEFIA/USCCA Instructor. Former FFL. Gun Writer 10+ years
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Vortex has expanded the Defender family by adding a new standard-size red dot, called the Defender-ST.
This optic is slightly larger than the Defender-CCW, which debuted in March of 2023. Vortex sees this red dot filling the roll for larger pistols and shotguns as well.
In the electronics department, the Defender-ST utilizes a motion activation and a 10-minute auto-off to save battery life. In addition, it features a choice of either 3-MOA or 6-MOA dots and is listed as running 25,000 hours on a top-loaded CR2032 battery.
Vortex Defender-ST Specs & Features
Specs
- Dot Size: 3 MOA, 6 MOA
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Life: 25,000 hours
- Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro
- Length: 1.83"
- Weight: 1.48 oz (with battery)
Features
- Hard-coated aspherical lens
- Motion activated
- Ruggedized
- 10 minute auto-shutoff
The optic utilizes a 7075 aluminum body with a polymer insert to make it durable. It also features a large windowed, hard-coated, aspherical lens, which provides a clear sight picture. This lens is further protected by texturing on the outside, which also aids shooters in racking the slide.
The optic comes with a rubber cover and Picatinny mount.
Additionally, it uses the DeltaPoint Pro footprint and also includes a comprehensive set of pre-packaged bolts for mounting the optic to a wide variety of firearms, removing a lot of guesswork.
The Defender-ST is available in stores now with an MSRP of $469 though retail prices are around $329.