A New Defender: Vortex Defender-ST

Vortex Optics is a premier company in the optics world. Their name is synonymous with quality, yet affordable optics backed by a company that cares. I won’t lie or mislead, but the people at Vortex are as rock-solid as it gets. And they really do care. That is what their business is built on. While usually an innovator, Vortex has taken its time in updating its reflex optic line. The Venom and Viper have been mainstays for many years, but they’ve fallen behind much of the competition. About a year and a half ago, Vortex unveiled the Defender-CCW. This was their first optic geared toward slim-line pistols such as the Glock 43X and 48 MOS, Sig P365, Springfield Hellcat, and others. The market demand for a small red dot forced Vortex’s hand a bit early. So, it is no surprise then, that Vortex is finally releasing a big brother to the Defender-CCW.

Defender-ST

The Defender-ST is a large-format micro red dot that’s designed for hard use. Whether competition, law enforcement, concealed carry, or home defense, the Defender-ST is a perfect fit for all, or at least that is what Vortex is marketing it toward. One of the most hotly debated topics when it comes to this style of optics is the optic footprint. Vortex has gone with the Leupold Deltapoint Pro. The DPP footprint is very robust and has become a widely accepted standard alongside the Trijicon RMR. A couple of firearms that accept it include the Stacatto P series and Sig Sauer P320s.

As for features, the optic comes in either a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot size—which is common. Battery life is 25,000 hours at a medium setting, which is respectable, but lower than many others (on that note, battery life is determined by keeping the optic on at setting 6 continuously without shutting off). In good news, the optic uses motion sensor technology, meaning the optic will turn off after 10 minutes of static use and then turn back on when the pistol is stirred. The Defender-ST has the same styling as the Defender-CCW and includes the same hard-coated aspherical lens for distortion-free sight pictures and truer colors. The same can be said of the texturized front that protrudes past the lens to protect it when used with single-hand slide manipulations.

A huge benefit of the Defender series of red dots is the inclusion of accessories to make the mounting process as seamless as possible. Primarily, this includes a series of screws that fit these pistols: Canik TP9SFX/TP9SC, Sig P320, CZ P10, FN-509, Smith & Wesson 2.0, HK VP9 OR, Kimber AEGIS/KHX, Glock MOS, Ruger 57, and the Springfield XDM5.25 OSP. Other guns can accommodate the Defender-ST, however, they might require the use of a plate. Furthermore, the optic includes a MOS mounting plate for Glocks. Recently, Glock only includes an RMR pattern plate with their MOS-configured pistols (excluding the 43X and 48). Instead of buying one, Vortex includes the appropriate one in the box. Otherwise, the optic comes with a custom tool, rubber cover, battery, lens cloth, and a Picatinny mount for applications other than pistols.

Final Thoughts

Vortex sums up the Defender-ST nicely, “From handguns to shotguns and everything in between, the Defender-ST™ red dot is as versatile as your shooting interests. Whether this optic is part of your everyday carry setup or mounted to your shotgun sneaking around the turkey woods, the Defender-ST™ large ultra-clear window is the perfect size for a smooth draw out of concealment and wide enough to quickly acquire the dot on that fast-moving tom. Loaded with ShockShield™ technology and motion activation for instant readiness and whatever challenge you can throw at it. If you’re looking for a durable and versatile red dot that fits all your shooting needs, look no further than the Defender-ST™.” This is all good and well, but the most attractive feature of the Defender-ST is its price, $329.99. This gives the average user an affordable carry optic that they can rely on. If it’s like its smaller brethren, the Defender-ST will be a knockout.