Guns [First Look] Vortex Defender-XL Red Dot David Lane June 4, 2024 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Another red dot in the Defender line from Vortex! The XL is exactly what the name implies, bigger. With a 25.5mm x 23.3mm window, the Defender-XL is slightly smaller than some of the other big window options on the market like the Holosun 507Comp, but still significantly larger than standard-sized windows.The XL keeps the great features found in the CCW and ST versions like the aggressive front face, 25,000-hour battery life, clear glass, and loads of mounting screws included in every box. The XL even includes a Glock MOS plate!Downside? The Defender-XL has the same footprint as the ST, Delta Point Pro. While most others have standardized on the Trijicon RMR footprint, Vortex is trying to keep DPP alive.A nice to see upgrade from the first generation of the CCW size Defender is that the XL features a better emitter with a higher refresh rate making the dot smooth and crisp when firing and transitioning targets.Available in 5 MOA and 8 MOA, the XL is designed for fast shooting. One of the things we love about the Defender series is the fact that Vortex includes a huge range of mounting screws to make it easy to mount this to any platform. From Vortex:“Other red dots are made for competition. The Defender-XL™ is built to win. Target to target. Stage to stage. Designed for toughness, speed, and accuracy, it withstands unexpected drops and the rigors of dynamic shooting. The ultra-wide sight window enhances field of view for quicker target acquisition, faster follow-up shots, and greater flexibility in unconventional shooting positions—all positioning you to dominate every round.”SPECSMagnification: 1x Reticle: 5 and 8 MOA Dot Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA Parallax Setting: Parallax Free Max Windage Adjustment: 115 MOA Max Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA Dot Color: Bright Red Battery Runtime: 25,000 Hours Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint® Pro Mount Type: Picatinny Eye Relief: Unlimited Length: 2.03″ Weight: 1.93 oz.Explore RECOILweb:Chairman PowHow To: Ammo Storage 101PWS Raffle RamaLatest SilencerCo Summit Package: Boresight Solutions NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
