First Look: Vortex Defender XL 2 MOA Sight

A more-precise dot for when accuracy is especially important.

by
posted on April 19, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Vortex Defender XL 2 MOA Sight

Last summer Vortex Optics launched its latest big window competition-focused red-dot sight, the Vortex Defender XL. The Vortex Defender XL is an open emitter red-dot sight that is intended to compete against popular competition style red-dot sights like the Trijicon SRO, Holosun 507 Comp, Mecanik M03 and others. The original Vortex Defender XL was available with a 5 MOA or an 8 MOA red-dot reticle, as many action pistol competitive shooters prefer the slightly wider red dots for that type of shooting. This year, Vortex Optics is releasing another version of this popular big-window Vortex red-dot sight that includes a 2 MOA red-dot reticle to suit shooters that prefer a smaller and more-precise red-dot. The specific Vortex Defender XL lineup now includes three total options: this new 2 MOA unit, a 5 MOA unit and the 8 MOA unit.

Vortex Defender XL 2 MOA Red-Dot Features:

  • Large viewing window that provides fast target acquisition and a large field of view.
  • Distortion-free aspherical lens to improve sight picture quality and truer colors.
  • Shockshield polymer insert around external optic housing to protect against hard use and daily abuse.
  • Motion activation with a 10-minute automatic shutoff feature that activates with motion while a 10-minute automatic shutoff saves battery life.
  • Uses the popular Leupold DeltaPoint Pro optics mounting footprint

Vortex Defender XL 2 MOA Red-Dot Sight Specifications:

  • Reticle Color: Red
  • Reticle Size: 2 MOA
  • Optics Mounting Footprint Pattern: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
  • Magnification: 1X
  • Angular Units: MOA
  • Click Values: 1 MOA
  • Elevation Adjustment Range: 120 MOA
  • Windage Adjustment Range: 115 MOA
  • Battery Life: 25,000 hours
  • Battery Type: CR 2032
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Weight: 1.93 ounces
  • Length: 2.03 inches
  • Brightness Settings: 10 different levels
  • Housing Material: Lightweight ruggedized aluminum

The new Vortex Defender XL 2 MOA red-dot sight has an MSRP of $599. To learn more about this optic or other products from Vortex, visit vortexoptics.com.

Latest

Nextorch TA70
Nextorch TA70

First Look: Nextorch TA70 Flashlight

A pocket-sized wedge flashlight packed with features.

First Look: Spandau RL Bolt-Action Rifle

A classic American rifle gets reborn.

Round-Up: AR-15 Charging Handles

Add a little convenience and performance to your AR-15-style rifle.

Gear and Guts

You need them both.

First Look: Staccato HD C3.6 Pistol

A compact, single-action pistol that uses Glock-pattern magazines.

First Look: New Model 2020 Heatseeker Models From Springfield Armory

New barrel-length choices for Springfield’s premier bolt-action rifle.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.