{"id":1008,"date":"2023-04-23T15:59:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-23T15:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1008"},"modified":"2023-04-23T15:59:32","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T15:59:32","slug":"vortex-defender-ccw-torture-test-how-tough-is-the-red-dot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1008","title":{"rendered":"Vortex Defender-CCW Torture Test: How Tough Is the Red Dot?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/819943284?h=db38cc6bf7&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/michael-mills\/\">Michael Mills<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">I<\/span>t seems that not long ago, red dots were only seen mounted on rifles. These days, you cannot go to a range without seeing an array of red dots atop pistol slides. As part of this change, we have had companies like Springfield Armory ensure we have plenty of optics-ready pistols milled and ready to accept your favorite dot.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-41937\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/torture-test-of-the-vortex-defender-ccw-optic.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/torture-test-of-the-vortex-defender-ccw-optic-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/torture-test-of-the-vortex-defender-ccw-optic-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/torture-test-of-the-vortex-defender-ccw-optic-768x513.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/torture-test-of-the-vortex-defender-ccw-optic-600x401.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author put the Vortex Defender CCW through its paces during this torture\u00a0test.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Today, we are going to look at one of the biggest names in the optics world, Vortex, and consider their new offering: the Defender-CCW. I know it has been a few years since big V gave us a pistol optic, but they are here now and have plenty of options built into this little optic to fit a wide range of needs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41938\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite.jpg\" alt=\"vortex defender ccw on the springfield xdm elite\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-on-the-springfield-xdm-elite-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Vortex red dot sight performed well when mounted to a full size gun \u2014 in this case, the Springfield Armory <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>\u00a0Elite.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As part of this review, I was fortunate enough to get two of these new Defender-CCW red dots and mount them right up on my <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/ayoob-springfield-hellcat-pro-review\/\">Hellcat Pro 9mm<\/a> and my <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wringing-out-the-xd-m-elite-tactical-osp\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Tactical OSP 9mm<\/a>. Yes, I put one of them on the big boy <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> threaded barrel model, a pistol I affectionately call \u201cBig Monster\u201d due to its size and performance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41939\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close.jpg\" alt=\"defender hellcat pro up close\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-up-close-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Vortex Defender CCW was also tested on a compact pistol. As with it had on the larger gun, the optic performed excellently on the Hellcat\u00a0Pro.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The sight was a breeze to mount up, and since it features a Shield RMSc\/SMSc footprint, it mounted directly to the slide of the Hellcat Pro. Nice. Also, in addition the red dot comes with a Picatinny rail mount so it can fit easily on a rail or as an off-set optic on your rifle. For mounting to the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite, you can use the Delta Point\/Shield plate available from Springfield.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large flush\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41940\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-1600x1236.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-800x618.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-400x309.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-768x593.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-1536x1186.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-600x463.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic.jpg.webp 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1236\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-1600x1236.jpg\" alt=\"votex defender ccw optic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-1600x1236.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-800x618.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-400x309.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-1536x1186.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic-600x463.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/votex-defender-ccw-optic.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vortex designed the Defender-CCW red dot sight with easy-to-operate\u00a0controls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The mounting process is super simple, and all the screws you could need are included, along with an additional sealing plate that will give a bit of extra elevation adjustment.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brutal Standards<\/h2>\n<p>The Vortex Defender-CCW was built to be tough with its new shock-absorbing polymer insert. After the initial zero and first few hundred rounds of flawless performance with both optics, it was time to check the durability.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41941\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-768x513.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-600x401.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights.jpg\" alt=\"testing the vortex defender ccw red dot sights\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sights-600x401.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As evidenced in this photo, the author pulled no punches when putting the optics through their\u00a0paces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I tested this by doing plenty of drop tests on the steel bed of my pick-up truck and onto hard-packed granite from approximately 6\u2019 high. Besides some pretty good scratching and scarring from the hard drops, both optics functioned perfectly and held zero.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large flush\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41942\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-1600x1149.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-800x575.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-400x287.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-768x552.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-1536x1103.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-600x431.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls.jpg.webp 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-1600x1149.jpg\" alt=\"vortex defender ccw red dot controls\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-1600x1149.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-800x575.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-400x287.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-768x552.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-1536x1103.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls-600x431.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-controls.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vortex uses tough 7075 aluminum as the foundation for its newest red dot optic. This housing should be rugged enough for nearly\u00a0anything.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Defender was also built with an aggressive texture on the front of the 7075 aluminum housing, which is purpose-built to rack the slide off the optic. Needless to say, I gave this a try as well, and it took more of a beating during my testing than I would ever expect to give it in real life \u2014 even with hard-duty use.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>After all the dropping and racking off the optic, I began running another few magazines through the Hellcat Pro and <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite to verify the zero was maintained, the glass was still intact and that all other functions were still working correctly.<\/p>\n<p>Well, it turns out Vortex wasn\u2019t joking when they said it was a duty-ready design. There was no shift in zero, failure of the LED or any other mechanical or electronic failures. Obviously, this is a confidence builder in this optic to see firsthand the abuse it can take while still giving peak performance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All the Options You Want<\/h2>\n<p>The Vortex Defender-CCW has the options and specs we all look for in a modern red dot. The housing is 7075 aluminum for durability. The large hard-coated aspherical lens gives a distortion-free view with extremely bright and clear dot clarity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41943\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex-.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--600x338.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex-.jpg\" alt=\"evaluating the vortex\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex-.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/evaluating-the-vortex--600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Defender CCW red dot is motion activated and automatically shuts off at 14 hours. It has 3 MOA and 6\u00a0MOA dot\u00a0options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You also get motion activation and auto shut off. The timer is set at 14 hours for auto shut off, and as soon as you pick it up the dot will activate to the last brightness setting you had it on. It is offered with 6 and 3 MOA dot options, and you have eight daylight levels of adjustment and two night vision compatible settings should you have a set of night vision tubes hanging out in your kit closet.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41944\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat.jpg\" alt=\"defender hellcat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There was no shift in zero, failure of the LED or any other mechanical or electronic failures throughout the testing of this\u00a0optic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you train or work in austere conditions, it is also waterproof and corrosion-resistant, and the hard-anodized low-glare coating will last for years. And just in case something should go wrong, that lifetime warranty Vortex is known for covers this optic like all others.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large flush\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41945\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-1600x1112.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-800x556.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-400x278.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-768x534.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-1536x1068.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-600x417.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw.jpg.webp 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1112\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-1600x1112.jpg\" alt=\"forward edge of the defender ccw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-1600x1112.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-800x556.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-400x278.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-1536x1068.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw-600x417.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/forward-edge-of-the-defender-ccw.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Defender was designed with an aggressive texture on the front of the housing, which is purpose-built to rack the slide by the\u00a0optic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Whether you are adjusting brightness on the fly or zeroing the Defender-CCW for the first time, everything is right where you want it. Vortex includes a tool that makes adjustments and battery changes easy. And speaking of the battery, it\u2019s a single 1632 size that is top mounted and will give approximately 9,000 hours at setting 5. The battery life could go up or down depending on your amount of use and what your brightness setting is. The windage and elevation are 1 MOA adjustments, with a clean tactile response as you make your adjustments.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Performance\/Small Package<\/h2>\n<p>Even though the Defender-CCW was designed for concealed carry, it\u2019s equally as at home on a full-sized pistol. It has an extremely large window for an optic in its class, yet still conceals and fits nicely on smaller pistols like the Hellcat or Hellcat Pro.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41946\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat.jpg\" alt=\"testing the vortex defender red dot on the springfield hellcat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/testing-the-vortex-defender-red-dot-on-the-springfield-hellcat-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author tested the optic by doing multiple drop tests on the steel bed of his pick-up truck and onto hard-packed granite from approximately 6\u2019\u00a0high.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Looking through the glass you have very minimal color variation, and the dot clarity on both my 3 MOA versions tested was very nice. Having an astigmatism, dot clarity is a must for me. On max brightness, even in the Arizona sun, the dot is blazing bright.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41947\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended.jpg\" alt=\"defender hellcat pro extended\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/defender-hellcat-pro-extended-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">After the testing, the optic showed wear, but it was still running perfectly. This beat-up optic remains the author\u2019s optic on his Hellcat\u00a0Pro.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The rubberized brightness adjustment buttons on the left and right protrude from the main body slightly, but are recessed slightly into the aluminum housing outline around them to avoid accidental changes in its brightness condition.<\/p>\n<p>Whether I was using my Hellcat or the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite, transitions from target to target were easy and the dot was right where I needed it to be when I pressed the shot.<\/p>\n<p>So, to answer the final question that I know all of you are asking, would I carry it? I will answer that question this way. The Defender-CCW still sits on my Hellcat Pro in its beaten and scratched-up state, and this is my EDC pistol. Does that answer your question?<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/14841\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-two\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/defender-ccw+reticle-3~MOA~Defender~Dot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 68%;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/product-vortex-defender-ccw.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/product-vortex-defender-ccw.jpg\" alt=\"Vortex Defender-CCW Red Dot\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Vortex <span>Defender-CCW Red Dot<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-hellcat \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/hellcat-series-handguns\/hellcat-pro-handguns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 92%;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/HCP9379BOSP.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/HCP9379BOSP.png\" alt=\"Hellcat\u00ae Pro Series\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Hellcat\u00ae <span>Pro Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/xd-series-handguns\/xd-m-elite-handguns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/XDME9459BHC.png\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Elite Series\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Elite Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.streamlight.com\/en\/products\/detail\/tlr-1-hl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 90%; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: -1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/product-streamlight-tlr-1-hl.jpg\" alt=\"Streamlight TLR-1 HL\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Streamlight <span>TLR-1 HL<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/vortex-defender-ccw-review\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Michael Mills It seems that not long ago, red dots were only seen mounted on rifles. These days, you cannot go to a range without seeing an array of red dots atop pistol slides. As part of this change, we have had companies like Springfield Armory ensure we have plenty of optics-ready pistols milled [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}