Vortex Defender-ST Review: Built for Real-World Use

Vortex, an employee-owned company based in Wisconsin, has built a dedicated following in the shooting community. Their VIP warranty is the best in the industry, complemented by excellent customer service. I own several of their products and have no complaints about their quality or ability to withstand hard use in the field. Recently, I was looking to add an optic to my P320 X-ten. After shopping around, I decided on the Defender-ST. One of Vortex's newer offerings is optimized for the rigors of duty or EDC at a very cost-effective MSRP.

TL;DR: The Vortex Defender-ST handled 700 rounds, freezing temps, and drop tests without losing zero—proving it's a solid EDC or duty optic under pressure.

Watch the Video Review!

Specifications and Contents of the Box

The Defender-ST utilizes the Delta Point Pro footprint, offering unlimited eye relief. It uses a CR2032 battery that loads from the top. Runtime on setting 6 is 25,000 hours with a 10-minute auto-shutoff and shake awake. Magnification is 1x. The weight with battery is 1.5 oz, measuring 1.8″ in length and 1.2″ in height. The dot is adjustable in 1 MOA increments with a max elevation of 115 MOA and 145 MOA for windage. The Defender-ST is parallax-free and water and shockproof.

This Vortex optic comes packaged in a cardboard box with the following items:

1. A Picatinny mount.
2. Custom tool for installing the battery and tightening screws.
3. Rubber protective cover and a lens cloth.
4. 1 CR2032 battery.
5. Multiple packages of screws that are labeled for popular weapon systems.
6. For Glock shooters, it comes with a DPP MOS plate.
7. Well-written and easy-to-understand manual.

The Defender is available in either red or green dot. The dot has 10 daytime settings and 2 for night vision.

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My Field Testing

I started by submerging the defender in a bucket of water and leaving it for a few days. It passed with no water getting in. I then put the optic in a bowl of water and froze it. The optic shook awake, and it showed no damage from the ice or cold. I also did a drop test multiple times with no damage. It was left in my truck during a couple of sub-zero nights with no drop in performance.

Using the supplied screws, I mounted it to my 10mm X-ten. I liked the low-glare matte black color and the fast rack knurling on the front of the Defender. The window is large and provides a good field of view. The dot was easy to pick up with my aging eyes. The NV settings were clear through an ancient PVS-14.

Range Testing

After zeroing, I racked the slide off my truck tailgate using the optic, and there was no loss of zero. I used various loadings of 10mm during testing, ranging from mild factory loads to some Buffalo bore. I also acquired some handloads at the extreme end of the scale. The Defender held its zero with the hot stuff for a total of 700 rounds so far. I did have one screw come loose, which was my fault.

The Dot

The dot was easy to pick up while transitioning between targets. The 3 MOA dot was crisp for my eyes in all lighting conditions. The dot gave me excellent groups if I did my part. During winter, I had no issues with fogging when I went outside to snowshoe.

Optic Operation

For concealed carry, the optic didn't cause any discomfort, and I didn't experience any problems with my body hitting the buttons or changing settings. The optic does have a button lock feature that works for readers concerned with that. If the battery dies, the optic features a notch that can be used as a rear sight in conjunction with the front sight. There is no need for suppressor height sights unless readers prefer them.

Purchase Options

• Currently on Sale — Optics Planet!
• Fast Delivery — Amazon

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was impressed with the Vortex Defender ST. Like other products from Vortex, the Defender exceeded my expectations and took all the abuse I could dish out. I foresee this optic passing the test of time. I'll update SOF readers if I manage to break it. Vortex offers the best warranty in the industry, backed by their no-questions-asked policy. I have used it once, and customer service was top-notch. MSRP is $449 from Vortex—they can be found for way less on the street, so shop around.

I am happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this optic to friends and family. Would I trust my life to the Defender-ST? Yes, I have complete confidence in this optic and would have no qualms about taking it into a dangerous situation. My only gripe is it is made by commies in China. It is what it is, and for the price point, I can't complain too much.

Thanks for reading. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out or lend a listening ear. It could save a life. You're not alone!

Additional Resources

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