Red dots are a great addition to any handgun, and having one increases the effectiveness of accuracy and usability. It also makes a handgun more fun to shoot. I remember the days when red dots were large and cumbersome. Today, they have gotten much smaller and incorporate many more features.
Vortex Defender CCW
I have been testing the Vortex Defender CCW recently and have put it through the test. This red dot was built for the modern everyday carry pistol and is extremely small, making it easy to add to your pistol without sacrificing the ability for concealment. At 0.95 oz and only 1.6” long, you hardly notice it is there until you raise the pistol to aim. You are reminded of the red dot when you look down the pistol.
There are also two other Defender models available for larger frame pistols (ST) and AR rifles (XL) as well to fit the needs that you may be looking for. These three red dots have been given the 2024 “Red Dot of the Year” award by Guns & Ammo, so you are in for a treat.
Installing and Adjusting
Mounting and sighting in the red dot was a breeze, and with 110 MOA elevation and 105 MOA windage adjustments, you have plenty of adjustability. I noticed that if the red dot is turned up too high, it tends to “bleed over” and obscure the target, so finding a brightness that works for the time of day is always a constant adjustment. I have found that a middle-of-the-road setting seems to work for me most of the time. Fine-tuning and adjusting the red dot was pretty easy to get it sighted at the range. Target acquisition was fast as the 6-MOA red dot was easy to find and helped you pick up your sweet spot with little effort to make the shots.
Two Dot Sizes
The Defender CCW comes with various hardware and mounting options for multiple pistols. You can choose what’s best for you with a one-power magnification and a choice of 3 or 6 MOA red dots. The 3 MOA provides a more precise aiming point for more controlled scenarios, while the 6 MOA allows for quicker engagement, which can be more beneficial in self-defense situations.
Field Use
The window size is 20 mm wide and 16 mm high giving you plenty of room of view but not too much to make it harder to find the red dot. The red dot activates with motion and will automatically shut off after 10 minutes to help save the battery. With ten total brightness settings, eight for daylight and two for night vision, it is easy to find one that works for your eyes.
These red dots are a must-have for small, compact concealed carry or any pistol. They are sleek, easy to use, reliable and accurate. The Defender CCW MSRP is $349.99, the Defender ST MSRP is $469.99, and the Defender XL MSRP is $599.99. It’s not a bad price point for what you are getting.
Comment or ask Jared questions here.
*Vortex is a Rokslide advertiser
