It feels like you need a doctorate in astrophysics just to turn on some of the new optics these days. Between the multiple buttons and secret handshake combinations, the “fun” of shooting can quickly turn into frustration. And we know what happens when some of us get frustrated… things tend to get broken.
Sometimes, simplicity and reliability are better than endless features. To be honest, I like seeing products with lots of “features” but I can’t say I actually use them very often.
When it comes to handgun optics like the Vortex Defender line of open emitter optics, I feel like they have some practical settings, but they didn’t go too far.
Centered around a core design, Vortex makes three sizes of open emitter that basically function the same. The smallest of the three works great on compact guns, and the middle one works on a wide range of full-size handguns. The largest is great for competition shooting or anyone who just wants a larger window than your average optic.
With each iteration, Vortex has focused on practical upgrades, particularly focusing on the battery access and dot color. But the intuitive functionality is consistent across the board.
Let’s take a closer look at the Vortex Defender series, a breath of fresh air in the sometimes overly complicated world of handgun optics.
Even though there are three basic optics in this lineup, the combination of dot color and dot size provide way more than three choices. Here is a quick rundown of the open emitter Defender line of optics from Vortex.
Vortex Defender CCW
Released in early 2023, the Vortex Defender CCW was the first to be released in this series. It is designed for concealed carry pistols and is the most compact one of the group.
It uses the Shield RMS-c footprint, which is a popular footprint for compact pistols. For a while now, I have used the CCW Defender on my Masada S 9mm handgun. It’s the one I’ve owned the longest and have tested the most of the three on this list.
The Defender CCW is powered by a CR1632 battery, and the battery compartment is located on the top of the optic. This allows for battery changes without needing to remove the sight from your slide. It is available in a 3 or 6MOA, red or green dot. Just select your preference when ordering. It has multiple brightness settings to choose from, including 2 night vision settings.
Operating it is simple, which is a perk in my book. Press either the up or down button to turn the optic on. Holding the down arrow for a few seconds will turn it off. Pressing and holding the up arrow locks or unlocks the brightness settings.
The Defender CCW automatically enters a standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, another feature I always look for on dot sights.
One of the things that stood out with the Defender CCW when they released it was the aggressive texture they put on the front of the optic. This was to help your hand find a solid point to press against when racking the slide on the gun. Some of the smaller guns can be harder to rack compared to larger ones because there’s not much room on the slide to grip.
Vortex Defender-CCW Specs
- Footprint: Shield RMS/RMS-c
- Dot Size: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Location: Top
- Brightness Settings: 8 daylight / 2 night vision
- Auto Shut-Off: 10 minutes
- Weight: 0.95 oz
Vortex Defender ST
The Vortex Defender-ST was the second handgun optic to be released and is what I would call a “standard” size optic. For those wanting an optic on a mid to full-size handgun, this is the one you want.
It’s slightly larger than the CCW, which means it has a larger window and battery. The Defender ST uses the DeltaPoint Pro footprint, which is not quite as popular as the RMR, but still a common footprint. A lot of handgun manufacturers will include adaptor plates with the gun.
When ordering the Defender ST, you can choose between a 3 MOA green or 3 MOA red dot, depending on your preference.
Because the optic is larger, Vortex used a CR2032 battery in the Defender ST that loads from the top with a screw-down cap. Like the CCW, it has an auto-off feature after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Operating the Defender ST is the same as the Defender CCW, and like I said in the beginning, this is a perk for me.
Vortex carried the heavy texture on the front to the ST as well, so you can use it as a platform to rack the slide on your handgun. I mounted the ST to my Ruger RXM, which ended up being a great combo.
The red dot version of the Defender ST was released in early 2024, with the green dot option following later that same year.
Vortex Defender-ST Specs
- Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro
- Dot Size: 3 MOA Red or Green Dot
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Location: Top Loading
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight / 2 night vision
- Auto Shut-Off: 10 Minutes
- Weight: 1.0 oz
Vortex Defender-XL
The Vortex Defender XL is the newest and largest optic in the Defender series of open emitter optics. Its larger window is perfect for faster target acquisition. Like the ST, the Defender XL uses the DPP (DeltaPoint Pro) footprint. It will work on any full-size handgun, but may feel a little bulky if you put it on a mid-size pistol.
A lot of competition shooters choose optics with larger windows, but they are great for a lot of other purposes, like hunting and self-defense.
There are multiple options to choose from when ordering the new Defender XL. These include a 2, 5, or 8 MOA for the red dot, and a 3 MOA green dot.
The Defender XL is powered by a CR2032 battery, but on this one, Vortex improved the battery lid. Instead of using a screwdriver or a sight tool to unscrew the battery cap, this one has a hinge. To open it, simply press down on the silver post on the right side of the battery door. You will hear a “click” and the door will open. To close it, press down on the door and then press in on the button that is located beside the silver post.
This optic has the same texture on the front and operates the same as the first two, so it’s easy to go from one setup to another.
Vortex released the Defender XL to the public in early 2025.
Vortex Defender XL Specs
- Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro
- Dot Size: 2, 5, 8 MOA or 6 MOA Green Dot
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Location: Top
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight
- Auto Shut-Off: 10 minutes
- Weight: 1.6 oz
Affordable, high-quality, and lifetime guaranteed
Having a simple operating design on a handgun optic is nice. But if you plan on having an optic on more than one handgun, it’s a huge convenience. Vortex makes some great products, and I’ve been using them for years without any issues.
One of their biggest features is their lifetime VIP warranty. If you buy a Vortex product, they guarantee it for life. It doesn’t matter if you are the original owner, lost the receipt, or whose fault it was. Call them up and they will take care of it.
And speaking of calling a large optics company, this one will answer the phone without making you wait for hours on hold or being transferred around.
I’ve been to visit the guys and gals at Vortex several times now, and they really do put all their focus on making the customer happy. So, if you need a new optic for your handgun, one of these will work.
Select the size, the dot color, and make sure your holster is compatible with the size of the optic. After that, you will be a happy camper.
