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VORTEX Defender-ST 6 MOA Micro Red Dot with DeltaPoint Pro Footprint, DFST-MRD6
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$299.99
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SKU: DFST-MRD6-843829133302
Overview
Built for handguns, shotguns, and offset carbine setups, this micro red dot is aimed at shooters who want a versatile optic for range work and demanding duty use. The 6 MOA red dot, motion activation, and adjustable brightness are designed to support quick target acquisition and easier follow-up shots across changing light conditions. A large sight window, parallax-free optical system, and unlimited eye relief help keep the sight picture straightforward when speed matters. It also includes a textured face for racking off surfaces, along with waterproof and shockproof construction for added confidence in hard-use environments.
Why Hunters Choose the Vortex
Large Sight
Window supports quick target acquisition
Motion Activation
Helps the optic wake when
Adjustable Brightness
Adds flexibility across changing light
6 Moa
Red dot offers a simple
Parallax-free Optical
System and unlimited eye relief
Key Features
- 6 MOA red dot reticle for fast target acquisition
- Motion activation with adjustable brightness settings
- Large sight window for easier sight picture
- DeltaPoint Pro footprint compatibility
- Parallax-free optical system with unlimited eye relief
- Waterproof and shockproof 7075 aluminum construction
Best Used For
- Handgun shooters wanting a compact red dot for range drills and duty-style use
- Shotgun users needing a sight for fast target acquisition and close-range work
- Carbine owners mounting an offset optic for versatile, multi-platform setups
- Hunters who prefer motion-activated optics with adjustable brightness in changing light
- Users prioritizing a large sight window and simple, all-round red dot handling
Specifications
| 10 Minute Auto Shutoff | Yes |
|---|---|
| Adjustment Graduation | 1 MOA |
| Battery Run Time Setting 6 | 25,000 Hours |
| Battery Type | CR2032 |
| Delta Point Pro Footprint | Yes |
| Dot Color | Red |
| Dot Size | 6 MOA |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited |
| Fast Rack | Textured Face for Racking Handgun off any Surface |
| Length | 1.83" |
| Lens Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated Lenses |
| Magnification Range | 1x |
| Material | 7075 Aluminum |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 115 MOA |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 145 MOA |
| Model | Defender-ST 6 MOA Micro Red Dot |
| Motion Activation | Yes |
| Optical System | Aspherical |
| Parallax Setting | Parallax Free |
| Reticle | 6 MOA Red Dot |
| Shock Shield | Polymer Insert Absorbs Everyday Impacts |
| Shockproof | Yes |
| Travel Per Rotation | 25 MOA |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Weight | 1.48 oz. |
Pros
- Large sight window supports quick target acquisition across handgun, shotgun, and offset carbine setups.
- Motion activation helps the optic wake when needed for faster readiness.
- Adjustable brightness adds flexibility across changing light conditions.
- 6 MOA red dot offers a simple aiming reference for fast shooting.
- Parallax-free optical system and unlimited eye relief support flexible mounting and use.
- Waterproof, shockproof construction with 7075 aluminum housing adds ruggedness.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The 6 MOA dot is geared toward fast target acquisition, but it offers less precision than a smaller dot for fine aiming at distance.
- Its DeltaPoint Pro footprint means fitment depends on compatible slides or mounts, so it is not a universal direct fit for every handgun or optic-ready setup.
- Motion activation and auto-shutoff help manage battery use, but they also add an electronic layer that some users may prefer to keep simple.
- The compact 1.48 oz. profile is easy to integrate, but the small form factor may feel less substantial than larger-duty optics to some shooters.
Suggested Comparisons
- Micro red dot sight
- Pistol optic
- Shotgun optic
- Offset carbine optic
Suggested Accessories
- Red dot mounting plate
- Spare CR2032 battery
- Lens cleaning kit
- Protective optic cover
Frequently Asked Questions
What footprint does the Defender-ST use for mounting?
The product title lists a DeltaPoint Pro footprint.
Is the Defender-ST suitable for more than just handguns?
Yes. The description says it is intended for handguns, shotguns, and offset use on a carbine.
What dot size and color does this optic use?
It uses a 6 MOA red dot.
Does it have motion activation and auto shutoff?
Yes. The listed features include motion activation and a 10 minute auto-shutoff.
What battery does it use, and how long is the runtime listed?
It uses a CR2032 battery, and the listed runtime is 25,000 hours at setting 6.