Vortex Defender CCW Red Dot Torture Test... Did it survive?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We greatly appreciate the honest review, my friend! Thank you for taking the time to do this and we will be sure to pass your feedback along to our team 👊

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you for checking out our review, it means a lot!

[@Kyle.Hoskins.Official]

This video was the deciding factor in my purchase of this optic. Just thought I’d share.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

@@Kyle.Hoskins.Official That's great to hear! Thank you very much for checking out our video and don't forget to subscribe to our channel.

[@joenasiatka7878]

Great Video!! I was wondering how durable this was...now I know! 🙂

[@anthonysilva4410]

You guys need to provide a better battery. Mine lasted about 1 week shy of 4 months. And the 14 hour sleep thing doesn't really work for me with my job and schedule so I doubt it ever goes to sleep. Other than that I'm happy woth the optic.

[@tomle2116]

Vortex has fixed the shake awake feature recently. It turns off itself after 10min so the battery life now is excellent. Kudos to Vortex. They actually listen to consumers.

[@Juice421fs]

Can this be updated on sights or available on newer models?

[@tomle2116]

@@Juice421fs I believe it’s the new pack. If you have issue, you can send it back to them.

[@vladyakubets]

I’m glad Vortex made a rolling update regarding the refresh rate and auto-shutoff (now 10 minutes). Makes this optic just amazing

[@francojaramillo7736]

How do you know if you have an updated version? Just bought one about an hour ago lol

[@Rhino5.7]

@@francojaramillo7736same 😂

[@SSAKRAZY]

@@francojaramillo7736 the back of the box specifies the auto shut off time. If it’s 10 min listed then you have the latest and greatest.

[@GranTigerGaming]

@@francojaramillo7736 Guessing yall figured it out but it says all over the box/instructions that it is the 10 minute version, which also has the better refresh rate.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you for posting that info for everone!

[@fredpc41]

The torture test really convinced me of buying one. For the price , you can’t get better. I like it and I will give it a try.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You will not be disappointed in this optic.

[@Gemneye6]

$192

[@chrisscholer2025]

Seriously one of the most honest review I've seen in a very long time! Keep the videos coming you guys are doing great! Love D5, my go to gun shop/range.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you very much Chris!

[@stenjohnson6149]

I have defenders on two pistols. Love them! BTW... ONLY run Vortex optics!

[@Omaba_Baba]

He didnt show any of the shots. Honest? It was all positive...

[@jumbles67]

I had a vortex venom on my carry pistol. Accidentally dropped it on a concrete floor causing a diagonal crack on the lens. The optic still worked but this was obviously an issue. Vortex sent me a pre paid shipping label and turn around was 6 days. No cost on my end. I know Vortex isn’t every consumers cup of tea but their warranty and customer service is top notch. I appreciate this test, particularly the drop test because I’ve been there 😅 I think I’ll have to snag one of these now

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Vortex has great customer service and glad to hear you experienced the same. The defender is a great choice to upgrade to for your carry pistol. Thank you for watching!

[@melvinhowell5469]

Grrrreaaaatttt review video! I am so glad I just bought the Defender for my Glock! Thank you! Also, subscribed and liked!

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You will like to optic for sure.

[@frostisall]

Great video as always. Loving this

[@shuntao3475]

Great Video, for my first time on your channel. Defender - 6 MOA Red Dot on a shield Plus, purchased last April 2023 still on original battery. HE507COMP - 2 MOA Green Dot on a M&P Full. Clarity and refresh I do not really see much of a different. Jury is still out of I like the straight 6 dot or the 2 DOT + MOA xx better. Not going to complain about the battery life, its fine. I wanted to test this first Battery, once done I will going to an Annual Swap. If you battery goes out, that's on the shooter. Every morning, every should do and over all check on the Fire Arm before walking out of the house.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you for viewing! I do agree that you should be actively checking your battery and have a replacement schedule set for all optics.

[@frmtheden]

when my EPS Carry had humid or moisture trapped inside the two glass and immediately returned at Scheels and picked up Vortex Defender CCW and love it.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Sorry you had that issue with the EPS, but congrats on the Defender!

[@kyleritchie50]

I just ordered one. Haven't had an issue with vortex optics yet.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Agreed, Vortex has never let us down also. Enjoy the optic.

[@yepyep1013]

Excellent test vid! I have made my decision on what red dot I’m getting for my daily carry! 👍🏻

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed the video. Let us know how you like your Defender CCW.

[@danrusso]

Great job! I think I’m gonna pick this puppy up!!

[@d5rangesmarengo]

You will not regret it! Thanks for watching.

[@Swampytheroot]

I assume USCCA comped you for a new slide to keep that one 'as-is' for future such abuse. Nice review. I have a few of their larger pistol optics and scopes. Good stuff from Vortex!

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Vortex optics are also on a few of my personal firearms as well. Glad to see that this optic stood up to the abuse also.

[@Favrefan297]

Change battery either june/december on a 6 month rotation or your birthday. Hold the down button to manually turn off when not carrying. 365+ day battery life rating is plenty. Whats impressive about this is its durability and how flat it mounts, allowing a clear view of your irons. Plus, top mounting battery is awesome .

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I agree, you should have a battery replacement schedule. I personally use New Years day. We also are very impressed with this optic.

[@Maurice3774]

I heard bad reviews knew they was wrong cause I had got one day one and it's awesome snobby love one brand and think theirs the best

[@Labradorslobber]

I wanted to like mine but the shake to wake wasn’t consistent and the short battery life was a bummer.

[@Labradorslobber]

No snobiness. Just facts.

[@SPK-kg8ml]

Yup, I’m sold, I’ll be getting that one

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Nice! It's a great choice.

[@regpeeler5509]

Great review sir!

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you very much.

[@iamvictorperez1482]

Nicely done Just got one of these

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you very much! You won't be disappointed with the optic.

[@anthonyrudolph3160]

Is that for a full size hand gun I recently purchased a Springfield Echelon and been trying to find a good optic and I think this might be the one thanks for the torture test tho I couldn't imagine beating the hell out of my Walther pdp or any of my guns like that lol

[@d5rangesmarengo]

It sits a bit between a micro red dot and a standard red dot. It would work for your Echelon and according to Springfield it will mount directly to the slide with no additional mounting plates needed. Go for it!

[@jefferymorgan8135]

I have the glock 40 10mm moa that im going to use for deer hunting and woods protection! Your thoughts on this setup with Defender and 10mm ?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

This would be a good set up knowing how rugged that this optic is, and how well it would stand up to the elements. It would also have no issues with the recoil of the 10mm. Give it a try and let us know what you think of it.

[@MrDpboggs]

I picked one up 2 weeks ago on sale for 180 with shipping

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thats a steal!

[@edbigtruck]

Looks like a pretty decent optic for a compact.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

It is!

[@terryluu1713]

Little late to the party but I just discovered this Vortex Defender and I have piqued my interest. I’ve been wanting to purchase the 407c, is this still the Vortex the better choice still?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Better late than never. The Defender is a great optic, but so is the 407c. I run both of these optics on different guns and love them both. I will say where the Vortex shines is in the front texturing, how the lens is set further back to keep it out of harms way, and that Vortex warranty. That said you really cant go wrong with either of them.

[@valqueenofValhalla]

I have this optic on a custom Glock. And love it

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thats great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@nokachi3339]

I'm concerned with the quality of the dot, but I do genuinely want one

[@teflon57]

You can turn the sight off if you hold the down button to turn the brightness

[@kyleandersen5631]

I just got one from sportsman's wherhouse it did not have a rubber cover

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Vortex has awesome customer service. I would reach out to them and see if they can send you one.

[@Labradorslobber]

Ooh sound like you got one that was returned.

[@Mars21681]

I think battery life is a non issue, just replace 'em. I'd rather change it more often and have a higher refresh rate, then have something advertising 50k hours of batt and have an *abysmal* refresh rate. I'd like to hear his thoughts of comparison of this optic and the romeo-Xc

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I am looking to get my hands on the Romeo X and Xc soon and will do a comparison coming in the future.

[@matthewshelton9573]

Mine has been running strong for 10 months on the same battery so far. The 9500 hours they claim is well over a year, which is the interval i replace all my optic batteries anyway. No complaints from me!

[@jpnw6577]

Anyone know which brightness setting the battery life is rated at? Genuinely curious as I like mine mid to high brightness.

[@Lemur_Charlie]

Is the shit refer rate worth dealing with?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

The only time we experienced the "skipping" due to refresh rate was when we tried to make it happen. Quick transitions across large distances. Never did we experience it in training with the optic.

[@Three60Crusader]

Did you have trouble zeroing 15 yards or less? I used the Shim with my shield plus and I cannot turn it any lower and is to high.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I had no issue with the Sig 365XL that I mounted the Vortex to. I do have a Shield Plus and will try and mount the optic to that firearm in the next few days and get back to you.

[@Three60Crusader]

@@d5rangesmarengook cool I really appreciate that! I’ll be looking forward to it!

[@nearrlegend6741]

​@@Three60CrusaderTake the shim out bro. I had to do the same with my Canik MC9

[@Three60Crusader]

@@nearrlegend6741 I originally mounted it without the shim which it was worse without. The shim helped but it’s still high on my shield.

[@nearrlegend6741]

@@Three60Crusader dang, too bad. I was hoping it would be an easy fix for you.

[@DMV_WayneKerr]

FYI none of the screws worked for the Kimber R7 Mako

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Thank you for the heads up, there is always bound to be a few that have odd screws.

[@Artburg]

Shooting into the wall of the range??

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Yes, our walls are battle walls. So they are meant for direct engagement, allows us to train and shoot in a full 180* environment. Good catch!

[@Artburg]

@@d5rangesmarengo What are they made of?? Thickness?

[@mishaellennon7793]

True precision barrel?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Yes it is. Its a great barrel and has been flawless.

[@RocksNRuts4]

2nd time today i heard red offset, is that because u will most likely have a scope on?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Correct, you could use this in combination with a scope on your rifle system. Running a red dot offset would give you the ability for faster target acquisition at closer distances with both eyes open, staying target focused, while maintaining a scope for farther distances.

[@michaelramirez344]

Not keeping that optic on the gun? Send it my way! I’d definitely throw that vary optic on my gun!

[@teapot2_1]

I'm amazed the Sig didn't go off in the drop test

[@wintersoldier4335]

Actually yeah for real after the new videos of the COs and cops almost getting shot and with SIG out right lying trying to say a TQ was a hood of a holster or etc wth? Vortex no SIG no... no ty

[@FNGPREPPER]

What is best optic for hot weather truck gun?

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I can really only speak to the 2 pistol optics that ive personally left in a really hot vehicle for long periods at a time. The Holosun 507k and the Vortex Defender have zero issues in the heat. However i may do a test on extreme temps with optics coming in the future.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

For rifle optics that ive peronally had in a vehicle for long periods in the heat/freezing have been the Holosun 510, Eotech Vudu, and Vortex Amg uh-1 gen 2. All of them have had no issue with heat/freezing temps.

[@Pays2Win]

This is a vortex commercial 😂. Solid review though.

[@ucanon2662]

Always get an enclosed emitter.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I do love an enclosed emitter, but there is also still a place for open emitters, depending on what you are looking for.

[@ucanon2662]

@@d5rangesmarengo if you have an enclosed emitter it's much easier to clean, and stops any debris from negatively impacting your red dot and significantly easier to see the red dot. I tried Holosun 507K and 507c and noticed how easily the open emitter got debris inside and negatively impacted the red dot but when I tried out the EPS and 509T, how much easier it was to clean and also see and acquire the red dot.

[@rkpagano]

1 downside to enclosed emitter is if the seal breaks you will not get condensation out. Either is great as long as you understand your environment.

[@tonyzhu403]

The sound of the pistol dropping: Disqualified.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Hahaha... I didnt like that sound myself!

[@KY-np6ow]

Show the paper target when checking zero so that the viewer can better trust the review.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

We will do that in the future for our audience. Thanks

[@Omaba_Baba]

Would have been nice if you showed everyone (without cuts) each shot to prove zero. We arent there, we can not see if you are lying about zero shift.

[@CBRN-Fan-Boy]

Bumped mine against a door frame while carrying groceries and the dot was lost forever. I called and worked with customer service to get a return label and they were great but damn, this never should have happened. I’m going to get a trijicon RMRcc, I can trust that more than this POS.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

I would guess that its just crap luck. We have seen super high-end and expensive optics come in from the factory not working. Mass production and electronics will have a bad one once and a while. Glad to hear that they made it good on their end. Thanks for watching

[@moses84hickory]

Next time show the shot placement. So that your viewers can see if it held zero

[@d5rangesmarengo]

It was something we overlooked and on all future videos the camera will show shot placement for the viewers. Thank you for watching!

[@L17AR15]

Sorry bet you hafta shoe said gun falling in bucket not just of you dropping it the internet will not believe

[@d5rangesmarengo]

We agree with you. That is why all of our videos from this one forward have shown all of the confirmation shots, we didnt realize our mistake until after we dropped this video and had a few comments about it. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@indysrebel5181]

Onlyy thing i am not a fan of is the 14hr shut off...

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Agree, its the 1 thing I hope they change in a revision

[@se7erinnovations984]

Height.'T' not waist heighth! There is no th at the end. Width and height! Weight and height! T T T.

[@d5rangesmarengo]

Sorry about that. I read a lot from the time period of the creation of the Constitution and our founding fathers, where that word was still used and prevalent. If it worked for George Washington and Benjamin Franklin it still works for me.

[@jamesvatter5729]

This pains me to watch! 😂😂😂

[@Redneckdoortech]

That was probably one of the most cringey videos I’ve ever seen

[@DogsLife...]

Negative Ghostrider. Video is great 👍😃