Many major metropolitan police departments and sheriffs offices now either issue or allow pistol-mounted optics.
The U.S. military has pistols ready for optics.
With the explosion in demand for pistol-mounted optics, Vortex released the new Defender-XL.
In this Vortex Defender-XL review, the author tested the red dot sight on theSpringfield Echelon 9mmsemi-automatic pistol. Chambered for the 9mm, the Echelon is an excellent firearm.
The model line-up from Vortex includes the smallestDefender-CCW, theduty-size Defender-ST, and now the Defender-XL.
All now have upgraded functionality and battery life based on inline changes Vortex made in response to consumer requests.
The Vortex Defender-XL, specifically, has a generous window size of 25.5mm width x 23.3mm height.
Vortex Defender-XL tested by the author had a 5 MOA reticle and a large window. It can also be had with an 8 MOA dot. Image: Vortex
The parallax-free glass design gives a great clear view with no noticeable distortion when in use on the range.
The body is constructed of tough 7075 aluminum, and it is both water- and fogproof.
A ShockShield system of polymer inserts help absorb the impacts of recoil and protect the mechanism of the optic.
Installing the Vortex Defender-XL was relatively easy. The straightforward process was made even easier with the Echelon’s special mounting system.
One of the coolest features is the pop-up battery tray.
This design makes battery changes very easy and fast.
You simply loosen the set screw and push the battery tray button.
The Variable Interface System on the Springfield Echelon is designed for maximum compatibility in red dot sight mounting patterns.
Once the lid pops up and open, you see that it is magnetic.
This ensures it’s possible for you to easily get the battery in and out.
Mounting Up
Mounting the Vortex Defender XL is very simple, especially on the Springfield Echelon.
The Vortex Defender-XL is a micro red dot sight that is designed to be rugged and accurate. It is resistant to damage from drops and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Image: Vortex
The result is a system that can direct-mount more than 30 popular red dot optics.
Yup, I said ready to wait.
Remember, you want to give that thread locker time to cure, so double-check you follow the instructions.
Does the Vortex Defender-XL match the duty-ready nature of the Springfield Armory Echelon? This is what the author set out to discover.
once you nail, its time for a zero.
The dot was very bold and concise.
As someone who has an astigmatism, not all dots look the same to my eye.
Vortex built the Defender-XL with a tough 7075 aluminum body. On the front of the body is aggressive texturing for racking the slide. The battery can be accessed and changed without removing the optic.
Oftentimes, I see what looks like a bug splatter more than a dot.
In case some of you were wondering, this Echelon pistol does have some custom work to it.
The barrel and slide porting was done by Floyds Custom Shop.
The Vortex Defender-XL is motion activated with an automatic shut-off feature to preserve the battery life.
So was the magwell and magazine base plates.
Floyds Custom Shop is well known for precise machine work and performance driven modifications.
One of the biggest qualities I look for when running a pistol at speed is the LEDs strength.
By this, I mean does the LED appear to blink or phase when moving rapidly.
Think about seeing super high-speed camera footage where it looks like the lights are blinking.
But, if you cheap out on the LED in an optic, it becomes pretty apparent very quickly.
Some standout features are the clarity of the dot and the glass.
The magnetic pop-up battery tray is a really cool feature.
The polymer shock insert has proven to be very durable when conducting drop tests on other models.
Also, the window size is just really nice when going from one target to another.
We do have to address holsters and other gear anytime we make a change.
I would re-adjust, do some more drills, and then the dot would be on low again.
It just so happens that the area of contact was right on the brightness adjustment on the Defender.
The good news is there were no issue with the optic, functionally or quality-wise.
But, the Defender XL model is really meant for competition use.
The overall size, window size and size of the dot is directly designed for competition.
It can also cross easily over into outside-the-waistband carry pistol.
Go to forum thread
VortexDefender-XL
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