{"id":198533,"date":"2024-02-15T11:33:29","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T17:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=198533"},"modified":"2024-02-19T11:22:27","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T17:22:27","slug":"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2258.jpg 1377w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Introducing the latest innovation from Vortex Optics \u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/red-dots-defender-st+reticle-3~MOA~Defender~Dot\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\">Defender-ST\u2122<\/a> red dot pistol sight. I&#8217;ve had the privilege of testing this cutting-edge optic for about a month before its official release, allowing me to provide you with an insightful review right from the launch. The Defender-ST comes packed with features, including motion activation, a DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and a more expansive window compared to its Defender-CCW counterpart. Tailored for versatility, it&#8217;s suitable for activities ranging from turkey hunting and serving as an offset on a carbine to competitive pistol shooting. In response to user feedback on the original CCW model, the Defender-ST boasts a faster refresh rate, eliminating the pulse effect during quick target transitions and providing a competitive edge for shooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vortex-defender-st-specifications\">Vortex Defender-ST Specifications:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dot Size: 3 MOA, 6 MOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery Type: CR2032<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery Life: 25,000 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eye Relief: Unlimited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Magnification: 1x<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Footprint: DeltaPoint\u00ae Pro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travel per Rotation: 25 MOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total Elevation Adjustment: 115 MOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total Windage Adjustment: 145 MOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parallax Setting: Parallax Free<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Length: 1.83\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weight (with battery): 1.48 oz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-out-of-the-box\">Out of the Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Straight out of the factory, the Defender-ST arrives well-equipped with practically everything you might require. Vortex provides a Picatinny mount, CR2032 battery, Glock MOS adapter plate, lens cloth, custom tool, and a protective cover. What&#8217;s more, a variety of fasteners are included to enable the mounting of this red dot on almost all optic-cut pistols available in the market. Vortex&#8217;s thoughtful inclusion of extra fasteners is admirable, and they&#8217;ve made it easy by labeling each bag with the fastener type and compatible pistols. This simplifies the identification of the set corresponding to whatever pistol you may be using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-see-more-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-review\">SEE MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/new-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\">Vortex Defender \u2013 CCW\u2122 Red Dot Review<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1995.jpg 1525w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All included contents for the Vortex Defender-ST<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-housing\">Housing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Defender-ST incorporates Vortex&#8217;s Fast-Rack\u2122 textured face, designed to facilitate effortless slide-racking on any surface. This texturing effectively prevents the optic from slipping off smooth surfaces when pressure is applied. While the preferred method is to rack the slide conventionally with your offhand, having an optic that can endure some rough handling and assist in one-handed manipulations is incredibly useful. The glass window is slightly recessed from the housing, helping safeguard it from harm. However, the top of the glass is only recessed by 0.025&#8243; and the bottom is recessed by 0.075&#8243;. Comparatively, the Trijicon RMR has 0.130&#8243; of clearance at the top of the glass and 0.105&#8243; at the bottom. While I have yet to have an issue with this, I would avoid slamming the optic against objects to rack the slide when at all possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259.jpg 1210w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Textured front face coined Fast-Rack by Vortex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the top of the housing, Vortex has integrated a ShockShield\u2122 polymer insert designed to absorb impacts that the optic might encounter. This serves the dual purpose of not only enhancing durability but also redistributing weight toward the bottom, reducing the torque the slide experiences during firing. Despite the Defender-ST&#8217;s weight of just 1.48 ounces, optimizing the center of gravity contributes to the overall reliability and recoil impulse of the mounted weapon system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-battery\">Battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Powered by a CR2032 battery, the Defender-ST boasts an impressive advertised runtime of approximately 25,000 hours. This estimate is based on the dot being set to the 6th level out of 12 brightness settings. To further extend battery life, the factory default includes an auto-shutoff feature set to 10 minutes. While this feature can be disabled, when activated, the Defender-ST employs motion activation to promptly reactivate the dot upon any movement. For users with the red dot installed on a duty or concealed carry pistol, it remains consistently on due to regular movement. However, placing it in a safe or on a nightstand allows for power conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2257.jpg 1422w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top loaded battery compartment means users can change batteries without affecting the optics zero<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding to its features, the Defender-ST incorporates a button lockout function designed to prevent unintentional adjustments while carrying. Accidental brightness setting adjustments may not be a common issue while concealed carrying. However, it has been a source of complaint for some users. The lockout mode can be activated by pressing and holding the up button for 3 seconds. The dot will blink off for half a second and then remain on, indicating that the brightness settings are locked and cannot be altered. To deactivate lockout mode and adjust brightness settings again, a simple 3-second press of the up button does the trick. This results in the dot blinking off twice in 1 second, confirming that lockout mode has been disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buttons\">Buttons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Defender-ST places brightness adjustment controls on both the left and right sides of the housing. The up arrow increases brightness, while the down arrow decreases it. Vortex has crafted a raised lip on the housing, aligning with the button tops to prevent unintentional changes. The adjustments provide tactile and audible feedback. With a total of 12 brightness settings, including 10 for daylight conditions and 2 for use with night vision. This red dot is definitely daylight-bright and gets brighter than the Trijicon RMR when on its highest setting. On the other end of the spectrum, the night vision settings work great as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/photo-output-6.heic\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198538\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Left view is of the pistol focused through night vision, the right is with a target focus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-turrets-nbsp\">Turrets&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For zero adjustments on this optic, Vortex employs an elevation turret located on the top of the housing and a windage turret positioned on the right side. Adjusting for the bullet&#8217;s point of impact is a simple twist of these turrets. If the initial impact is high and to the right, dial the adjustments down and to the left accordingly. Each click on the turrets corresponds to a 1 MOA movement in the bullet&#8217;s point of impact. This means it will take 10 clicks at 10 yards to move the POI one inch. These adjustments represent an improvement over previous Vortex red dots, offering both audible and tactile feedback. While there&#8217;s a slight play between adjustments, there is a distinct click with each adjustment. The clicks provide an audible and tactile indication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1315\" height=\"876\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited.jpg 1315w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2256-edited-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1315px) 100vw, 1315px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Windage adjustment on the right side, and elevation adjustment on the top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-glass\">Glass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The window for the Defender-ST is noticeably larger than that of the Defender-CCW. It utilizes the DeltaPoint Pro footprint, which gives the body a larger overall size as well. The large hard coated aspherical lens offers a &#8220;distortion-free sight picture.&#8221; While the Defender-ST is lightyears better than a Trijicon RMR, it does have the slightest amount of refraction noticeable when moving the optic from side to side. In addition to this, the glass offers much truer colors with only a very faint blue tint. To help show how it compares to other optics on the market I made the image below. Pay no attention to the size of the optic as some were closer in the picture than others, the clarity is what I am aiming to show.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1997.jpg 1768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Comparison of glass clarity, optic size not to scale as some were closer to the camera than others<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-testing\">Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing I wanted to test with the Defender-ST is how well the dot shifted despite where the user had the dot placed in the window. Some red dots can have a large POI shift (a foot or so at 20 yards) when the dot is zeroed when shot at the bottom of the window but then used at the top. However, the Defender-ST proved to track great. I set it up in a tripod aiming at an intersection point in my window, and took pictures from different angles. Each picture shows the dot still aiming at the same point which is a great accomplishment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1999.jpg 1768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The dot remains on the same spot, no matter where the picture was taken from<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another solid update is the quicker refresh rate. Vortex received criticism on their previous red dots for using a red dot that had a visible refresh rate. When looking through it when stationary this was hard to tell, but when looking at it when waving the red dot from side to side you could see it pulsing. This is no longer the case with the Defender-ST. The dot always appears solid and crisp. Cheers to Vortex for listening to what the consumers were demanding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-durability\">Durability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While I have only had this red dot for a little over a month, I have been able to put around 550 rounds downrange with it mounted to 9mm pistols. I never had any sort of issue come up throughout my testing. The Vortex Defender-ST held zero and ran flawlessly even after a few table racks where I was testing out the Fast-Rack\u2122 front face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The clear glass helped with target focus, and the large window allowed for a cleaner field of view. I was even able to use it on a 45-degree offset mount on an AR and was able to shoot a 12&#8243; steel target at 300 yards. With the crisp 3-MOA dot I had, I was also able to shoot it out to 150 yards when mounted on a pistol. I posted a short video to my Instagram page below, using the Defender-ST mounted to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stealtharms.net\/p\/platypus\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\">Stealth Arms Platypus<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C3X9mwnLk37\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C3X9mwnLk37\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C3X9mwnLk37\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by That_gun_guy_ (@that_gun_guy_)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the aforementioned shooting experiences, I had the opportunity to participate in a pistol course at the <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/vortex-edge\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\">Vortex Edge<\/a> shooting facility this past December. During this course, all participants, including myself, used the yet-to-be-released Defender-ST with the Vortex MOS plate mounted to Glocks. Collectively, we fired over 2,000 rounds through these pistols without encountering any issues with the Defender-ST. As a testament to its competition-grade window, I successfully completed three Bill Drills \u2013 drawing and firing six rounds at a silhouette on the buzzer, from distances of 7, 15, and 25 yards. The total time for these three drills was 9.8 seconds, earning an 8.36 hit factor. Personally, I was quite happy with this score, and I believe that the Defender-ST provided me with a competitive advantage over the RMR I am used to and which I have mounted to my personal carry gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2002.jpg 1595w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We ran many different types of drills at the Vortex Edge training facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summary\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I think the new <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/red-dots-defender-st+reticle-3~MOA~Defender~Dot\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\">Vortex Defender-ST<\/a> is proving to be a solid option for everything from EDC to competition shooting. This red dot has an MSRP of $469.99 and should have a street price of around $330. It also comes with a Picatinny mount right from the factory. The red dot utilizes the common DeltaPoint Pro footprint and features a large clear window contained in a rugged housing. Add in a top-loading battery, tactile adjustments, a unique front Fast-Rack\u2122 front face, and good durability, this is a solid-performing optic at a competitive price.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-defender-st-new-red-dot-review\" title=\"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Defender-ST comes packed with features, including motion activation, a DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and a large window.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":198896,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,109,3381,879,1],"tags":[102,3689,1092,509,3965],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-198533","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"category-gear-reviews","9":"category-mitchell-graf","10":"category-gear-optics-sights-red-dots","11":"category-uncategorized","12":"tag-feature-articles","13":"tag-headline","14":"tag-red-dot","15":"tag-vortex","16":"tag-vortex-defender-st"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-02-15T17:33:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-02-19T17:22:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2259.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1210\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"807\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mitchell Graf\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mitchell Graf\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"20 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As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State\u2019s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics. When he\u2019s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he\u2019s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same. Experience:\u2013 Mechanical Engineer \u2013 Full-time professional in the Aerospace\\\/Defense industry.\u2013 Competitive Shooter &amp; Instructor \u2013 Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State\u2019s Practical Shooting Team.\u2013 Night Vision &amp; Thermal Hunter \u2013 Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.\u2013 Part-Time Farmer \u2013 Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/that_gun_guy_\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@that_gun_guy_8687\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/mitchell-graf\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Vortex Defender-ST\u2122: New Red Dot Review!","description":"The Defender-ST comes packed with features, including motion activation, a DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and a large 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