Maneuvering through the complicated world of handgun optics can feel overwhelming. It feels like you need a doctorate in astrophysics just to turn on some of the new models 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. That’s where the Vortex Defender line comes in—a true breath of fresh air in an overly complicated market. They found the sweet spot: practical settings without going too far into unnecessary complexity.
The Vortex Defender series is built around a core design philosophy, offering something for everyone, regardless of their carry gun or preferred shooting style. The line includes three sizes of open-emitter optics (CCW, SL, XL) that function similarly, along with their recent addition of the Defender CCW and ST Solar Enclosed Red Dot Sights.
With each iteration, Vortex has focused on practical upgrades, particularly battery access and dot color, while keeping the intuitive functionality consistent across the entire family.
Let’s take a closer look at the entire Vortex Defender line. Here is a quick rundown of each optic in the Defender family.
Vortex Defender CCW
The Defender CCW was the first in this series, released in 2023, and is the most compact model, specifically designed for concealed carry pistols.
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 CCW Solar Enclosed optic
Vortex’s first enclosed emitter micro red dot for handguns was released in September of 2025. As its name suggests, this optic features a fully enclosed emitter design that protects internal components, building upon the original Defender CCW’s success for concealed carry and compact handguns.
A key new feature of this optic is its integrated solar panel, which works in tandem with the standard CR2032 battery to dramatically extend the optic’s runtime. The solar panel provides continuous power, helping to increase the estimated battery life from 32,000 hours to a remarkable 150,000 hours.
The optic also retains the popular motion-activation feature, automatically shutting off after 10 minutes of inactivity and turning back on instantly when motion is detected.
The Defender CCW Enclosed Solar uses the common Shield RMS footprint, making it compatible with the same handguns as the original model. It also introduces a new feature for the Defender line: multiple user-selectable reticle options. Shooters can choose between a 3 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both.
The CCW Solar keeps the “fast-rack” textured face of the original Defender, which allows for one-handed slide manipulation against a hard surface.
Defender CCW Solar Enclosed Red Dot Specs
- Dot Size: 3 MOA / 32 MOA Circle
- Dot Color: Bright Red
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Run Time with Solar: 150,000 hours
- Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
- Mounting Footprint: Shield RMS
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 is 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 uses 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 operating 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
Defender-SL Solar Enclosed Red Dot
The Vortex Defender-ST Enclosed Solar is a standard-sized, enclosed-emitter red dot sight designed for use on compact to full-size handguns. This optic uses the popular Delta Point Pro footprint and comes with a Glock MOS adapter plate.
Like its smaller counterpart, the Defender CCW, the Defender-ST is equipped with a solar charging panel that works in conjunction with its CR2032 battery. It will also run for up to 150,000 hours with the help of the solar feature. This model also has the same three reticles as the Defender CCW Enclosed red dot.
For those who like the added reliability of enclosed emitter optics, this is a perfect size for most full-size handguns. The functions and features are the same as the CCW Defender Enclosed red dot, so it’s easy to use both. For those who use both a compact concealed carry and a full-size handgun, having the same optic in different sizes is a perfect setup.
Vortex includes a variety of accessories with the optic, such as a Glock MOS adapter plate, a Picatinny rail mount, and a shim plate for zeroing at different distances. The optic’s side-loading battery design is convenient, allowing for battery changes without removing the sight from the firearm.
Defender-SL Solar Enclosed Red Dot Specs
- Dot Size: 3 MOA / 32 MOA Circle
- Dot Color: Bright Red
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Run Time with Solar: 150,000 hours
- Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
- Mounting Footprint: Delta Point Pro
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 it 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, consistent operating design on a handgun optic is a huge convenience, especially if you plan on running optics on more than one handgun.
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.
