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Review Summary
2025-07-17T20:00:00
I have always been a Vortex fan. I have scopes, binoculars and now the Defender ST Red Dot. I mounted this on a Sig P320 X5 Legion. The fit is perfect. It even work with my loaded chamber indicator. The dot is clear and I like that I can adjust the brightness. Great quality and great support! MD
Michael D.
2025-07-09T20:00:00
I lost the rubber cover. My fault. I called to buy a replacement. The person said no charge. Two day later I got the cover and a Vortex baseball hat. No shipping charge, nothing. Comcast and ATT should take lessons from this company on customer service.
Jack H.
2025-06-25T20:00:00
The crew at Vortex never fail to be rock solid! Ryan Muckenhirn helped me out picking out the right dot and the right size for my situation (ST 6moa) a few months ago and I've been loving it! Got it on my EDC (G23) and have been doing a ton of dryfire and a couple pistol shoots with it. I thought I had an issue once so I reached out to Ryan and he set me straight. . . I was to stubborn to actually read the instructions but he still helped me out going above and beyond what he needed to do. I cannot recommend this Defender line and the people at Vortex enough! Thank you everyone for great products and outstanding support!
Ryan W.
2025-06-10T20:00:00
I purchased this optic for a 2011 style pistol (as its not the Staccat-ucci). Honestly I was debating any number of the Trijicon offerins, as well as looking at Aimpoint and other high-end manufacturers. But in doing so I decided to dig deeper into trusted reviews from gun-tubers and other people who I trust in the industry. I then happened to come across the Sage Dynamics video and review. I've trusted his reviews with my other Trijicons and he's never let me, or really anyone who follows him down with the honesty and true torture testing he does with the devices. I didn't even get all the way through his review when he makes a statement like "it just does what it's supposed to do. " Now, I like to have gucci gear, like we all do. And it's hard to beat the Trijicon sticker that comes with every purchase. But I took the chance and ordered this red dot. I got it back and ran through my agencies qualification course and other drills that day with it. SD was absolutely correct, this thing is not the fanciest, nor does it have the 11223484874574 lens coatings we've come to expect from other manufacturers, but for a gun that's not going to see duty work, and is going to be a range and winter carry piece this is exactly what I was hoping for. Vortex knocked it out of the park in this case!
DAN R.
2025-05-29T20:00:00
I have a number of other Vortex products from spotting scope to red dot and this is on par in terms of the high quality I expected - plus the best warranty out there. Install on G19 and it's the perfect size for the application. The glass is clear and dot is bright. I like the controls better than Viper/Venom - and way better than the DPP controls that it shares a footprint with. Shake awake and battery on the top are good design improvements as well.
Matthew K.
2025-05-26T20:00:00
Value
Jose G.
2025-05-22T20:00:00
I have this optic riding on top of my LPVO and the site is great, it's held zero for a few thousand rounds. It's great to have the brightness settings available for NVG's as well. My only complaint (which is no longer valid) is that it wasn't available as a green dot when I bought it. Overall I have 6-7 vortex optics and they all perform great, at a great price point!
Joshua S.
2025-05-15T20:00:00
It is a good optic with a good size window. For comparison, the height is the same as a DPP just a little narrow. However, this doesn't take away at all. Rugged design and very easy to install.
Mark P.
2025-05-12T20:00:00
Great in-between option from the Vortex CCW and Vortex XL. The 6 MOA allows for easy red dot acquisition when used for full size duty pistols or while saddled ontop of an LPVO.
Fernando R.
2025-05-02T20:00:00
I love this Defender St on my Glock 45
Jimmy Y.
2025-04-30T20:00:00
Solid optic, nice size window, easy acquisition
Justin D.
2025-04-28T20:00:00
On my EDC: comfortable to carry. fast target acquisition. ideal light intensity adjustment button size n placement. still holding zero through 3000+ rds and at least 200 slide resets pushing the optic against hard surfaces. On my AR15: same performance as a 45-degree offset sight; great versatility!
Tadas B.
2025-04-24T20:00:00
I mounted my Defender-ST red dot on my Ruger Mini-14 using a Samson Hannibal Rail. If you are looking for the perfect red dot for your Mini-14 or Mini 30 you can't go wrong with the Defender-ST. When I buy another Defender-ST it will definitely be the green dot version. Here is my youtube review on the Defender-ST and Ruger combo: https://youtu***/ygLX3EvjmoA
mixup98
2025-04-23T20:00:00
Shot nearly 1K rounds so far: zero hasn't moved, screws remain tight and zeroed without moving a dial.
Mark W.
2025-04-23T20:00:00
I installed this sight on my Glock20. After having laser sighted the firearm, I took it to the range. Dead on with the first shot. Easy installation and adjustment of elevation and windage.
Fabian G.
2025-04-17T20:00:00
Big window makes for better target acquisition.
Joshua W.
2025-04-10T20:00:00
This Red Dot is amazing. This was installed on a Canik Rival and it runs flawlessly. Lifetime warranty and great customer support.
Nick D.
2025-04-06T20:00:00
Solid red dot with a clear picture. Easy to install and had all the pieces included.
Will H.
2025-04-04T20:00:00
mounted easy and has lots of screws for different optics, I'll update my review after some rounds down range.
Jaime T.
2025-03-31T20:00:00
The Defender ST is a great addition to my Glock 17. The large window makes it extremely easy/fast to acquire a sight picture and engage.
Justin L.
2025-03-26T20:00:00
I have Vortex red dots mounted on a Glock 36 and an AR15 for duty use, and I needed a couple of parts that were beat up from use. I contacted Vortex Nation and due to the age of my Venom, they no longer carry what I needed. WELL, they sent me a NEW Defender ST6 to mount on my duty weapon at NO charge. Additionally, I received a call from them asking about the adapter plate on my Glock and they indicated that I needed a different adapter. WELL, they included the new plate too. There is no service like Vortex Nation service. Thank you Kathy, Rylan, and the entire Vortex Team. You folks are amazing!
Daniel D.
2025-03-17T20:00:00
The Vortex Optics - Defender-ST? 3 MOA Red Dot is an exceptional optic that delivers reliability, precision, and durability. The crisp 3 MOA dot offers fast target acquisition and excellent accuracy, making it ideal for both close-quarters and mid-range shooting. Built like a tank, the rugged construction ensures it can handle recoil and harsh conditions. The adjustable brightness settings provide clear visibility in various lighting environments, while the long battery life keeps it running when you need it most. Whether for competition, duty, or everyday carry, the Defender-ST? is a top-tier red dot that exceeds expectations. Highly recommended!
Timothy H.
2025-03-15T20:00:00
Installed on my Henry . 357 lever action, using the phoenix weaponry mount. Fits perfect. Easy to zero. Seems rugged and could take some abuse.
David E.
2025-02-28T19:00:00
Yesterday, I just purchased a new Vortex Defender ST to replace the Venom on my Glock G45. A high-quality red dot and with everything you receive in the box, including a Glock MOS plate, enough mounting screws for most popular pistols, custom tool and lens cloth, it is the best deal out there! I sighted it in this morning with no problems. So far, I like it a lot and would expect no less as I have liked every Vortex product I have owned over the years. Did I mention that no one beats the Vortex Lifetime VIP Warranty? That is another important reason why I have been a repeat customer.
LLC
2025-02-28T19:00:00
Amazing quality and product for the price point! Currently running it on top of my vortex Viper 1x6
Travis E.
2025-02-28T19:00:00
I really like this red dot on my Glock 34. I've shot a few pistol competitions so far with it and I couldn't be happier.
Scott B.
2025-02-27T19:00:00
Received this optic 5 days ago. After 200 rounds on a Springfield Prodigy 9mm the glass cracked in the lower right corner. Called customer support and they are working with me to get a replacement. Love the sight and zeroed with no issues. The sight picture and clarity was perfect up until the glass cracking. Hopefully I got a defective optic and the replacement will last more than 200 rounds.
Mike
2025-02-15T19:00:00
I bought this optic to use as a 45° offset on my competition rifle and it is perfect. I have an astigmatism so most dots don't look crystal clear to me but this one is clearly different. As long as you don't turn the brightness up too high this dot is perfectly round with no starburst at all.
Joey B.
2025-02-15T19:00:00
- easy to pick up the dot from the draw- optic sits high off mount - no issue in heavy rain/drop/impact - can be used for tactical and comp shooting -2500 9mm 115g and 500 147g no issue holding zero
Mitchell M.
2025-02-06T19:00:00
I bought this to go on my sidearm. It came with the pictanny rail mounted to it and it also came with an Allen wrench. So when I tried to remove the Picatinny mount it was almost impossible to remove the first one, but the second one has so much locktite and was torqued so tight that the screw head Stripped out now I'm stuck with a expensive POS. I don't recommend buying anything from them. I asked to have a return label sent to me so I return it and go buy a different red dot
Luke R.
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Browse our FAQ
Black
3 MOA
Bright Red
12 Settings (10 Daylight, 2 NV)
Unlimited
1x
1 MOA
25 MOA
115 MOA
145 MOA
Parallax Free
DeltaPoint Pro
CR2032
25,000 hrs
Required, included
Lithium
CR2032
1
0.90 x 0.78" (23 x 20mm)
1.2 x 1.2 x 1.8" (3.04 x 3.04 x 4.57cm)
With Battery: 1.48 oz (41.95g)
843829133296
Great optic
By Peter K.
Bravo to you vortex my hat is off to you for creating once again an outstanding product you listen to the customers and you brought a tough very dependable very durable very pleasing awesome Red Dot optic for handguns or shotguns or anything else you want to place it on bravo to you you guys did a wonderful job I definitely recommended it's an awesome product I got mine yesterday and I've been testing it all day I just love it love looking through it it looks awesome on my sig Sauer p229 legi...
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Good revolver red dot.
By Nick S.
Placed on a S&W 629 44mag revolver. Red dot has held up well through several hundred rounds. Maintains zero and handles the abuse of hog woods.
While the Vortex Optics Defender-ST Micro Red Dot Sight, 3 MOA Dot Reticle, Black is designed for versatility across various firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and carbines, it truly excels in delivering precision and reliability under any conditions. Whether you're running drills at the range or engaged in demanding duty use, this red dot sight is engineered to meet your needs with its rugged construction and dependable performance.
The Defender-ST boasts a large sight window, ensuring superior target acquisition and adaptability in diverse lighting conditions. Its motion-activated technology, combined with adjustable brightness settings, provides faster follow-up shots and seamless transitions between environments. The auto-shutoff feature, which activates after 10 minutes of inactivity, conserves battery life and is easily engaged or disengaged by holding the "Up" and "Down" buttons for three seconds. This feature ensures the red dot is ready when you are, automatically powering on with motion activation.
For added convenience, the Defender-ST includes a button lockout mode to prevent accidental adjustments. This is activated by holding the "Up" button for three seconds, ensuring your settings remain intact during use. With 12 brightness settings 10 for daylight and two for night vision you can customize the dot's visibility to suit any scenario.
Powered by a CR2032 battery, the Defender-ST offers an impressive battery life, with an average run time of 25,000 hours at setting six when the auto-shutoff is disabled. This ensures long-lasting performance without frequent battery changes. The sight also features adjustable Elevation and Windage Turrets, marked in Minute of Angle (MOA), allowing for precise adjustments with audible and tactile clicks. Each click moves the point of impact by 1 MOA, providing the accuracy and control you demand.
Experience the Defender-ST's unmatched toughness and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for shooters seeking a reliable, all-around red dot sight.