Free Shipping & Free Returns*

FREE SHIPPING on Over 250,000 Products

Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to the contiguous 48 states, DC, and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

Enjoy our FREE RETURNS

We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item within 30 days of receipt, and we'll cover the cost of return shipping. Learn more about our Return Policy.

Shopping Cart
Government Export Restriction Government Export Restriction
Questions & Answers
Do I need to use a adapter plate for my G43x mos or can I mount it directly to the slide Expert Answer

The Defender ST would not be compatible with the 43X MOS. The correct model optic would be the Defender CCW, which will mount directly to your slide without the need for an adapter plate. It can be found by using the link below:
https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-defender-ccw-1x-moa-red-dot-sight.html

by Ethan, Gear Expert, August 28, 2025
Would this work for my PSA 5.7 rock ? Or what should I get for it ? Manufacturer Answer

With the correct adapter plate, yes!

by Vortex, Manufacturer, August 20, 2025
Customer Reviews
Helpful Positive Review it's okay i guess by panzos, Verified Owner, March 6, 2024
Well it's okay I guess it works this the product itself is nothing wrong with it it's not defective it works well I put it on my gun for a week I tried it this is just a personal preference I don't like it I don't like it because I don't like the way...
Read More...
8/108 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review Vortex Defender-ST by SkyBuster, Verified Owner, December 20, 2024
Installation on Springfield Armory 9mm Echelon very easy. Elevation and windage adjustments require a small screwdriver. Large field of view but red dot is very low in the view when co-witnessed to standard iron sights. Would be centered in field of ...
Read More...
4/5 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review Vortex Is the New King of Micro/Mini Red Dots. by tieurshoeonthe5thofjune, November 28, 2024
Long story somewhat short, I have tried many, many red dots in the past couple of years. Trying the Likes of Swamp Fox, Vortex (Viper/Venom), SIG, , Trijicon, and Holosun. From my personal experience as well as vast amounts of research on how well ea...
Read More...
4/5 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review Perfect Fit by Kevin Bisson, Verified Owner, May 12, 2025
Was looking for a direct mount dot to fit my Sig P226 Xfive STAS and it's is perfect. Dot is crisp. The red dot feels very durable and handles the recoil with zero issue. Comes wither all the screws you can think of and the 1913 mount which is amazin...
Read More...
2/2 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review Exactly what I need by Chucky Chuck, Verified Owner, March 4, 2025
This is an excellent red dot this was everything I needed fits perfect and also has every screw. You may ever need nice large window and a real clean and crisp dot vortex really stepped it up with these
3/3 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review Vortex sight by X, Verified Owner, January 22, 2025
Nice field of view and adjustability. Mounted on a browning buckmark.
1/1 found this helpful
Read All 68 Reviews
15% Off
12% off
11% OFF, Ammo Included
On Sale

Save 15% with Coupon on Select Vortex Products!

VORTEX15Click to Copy Coupon Code
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter coupon code for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers.
In Stock
4 Models Available

Show with deals only:

Coupon Available
On Sale
Color
All
Reticle
All
Search
Click to select this item for your bundle offer!

Buy Together and Save

As low as $396.44
You Save Up to 46%
Receive $9.56 OP Bucks

Product Info for Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

The Do-It-All Micro Red Dot. Handguns. Shotguns. Offset on a carbine. Whether running drills at the range or holding the line during rigorous duty use, the Defender-ST is ready when and wherever you are. Rugged and reliable? Its a given. Large sight window? Absolutely. Motion-activation and a dot with adjustable brightness deliver superior target acquisition, adaptability in all lighting conditions, and faster follow-up shots. Experience what shooters mean when they discuss the ideal, all-round red dot. With the Defender-ST, you're not just range-ready, but armored for the toughness and adaptability your world demands.image

Specifications for Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Reflex Red Dot Sight:

Manufacturer: Vortex
Magnification: 1 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm
Illumination Type: LED
Illumination Color: Red
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Type: MOA
Emitter Type: Open
Battery Type: Lithium Metal, CR2032
Fogproof: Yes
Length: 2.03 in
Lens Finish: Fully Multi-Coated
Quantity: 1
Red Dot Sights-Footprint: Deltapoint Pro

Features of Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

  • Large hard coated aspherical lens, motion activation with 10 minute auto-shutoff
  • Shockshield Polymer Insert
  • Deltapoint Pro Footprint
  • Fast-Rack Texturing
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Armortek
  • Waterproof
  • Shockproof

Package Contents:

  • Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Reflex Red Dot Sight
  • Picatinny Mount
  • Custom Tool
  • Most Common Mounting Screw Sets
  • Lens Cloth
  • CR2032 Battery
  • Rubber Cover
  • Glock MOS Plate

Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Reflex Red Dot Sight Orderable Models

List of Orderable Models

Vortex Optics OPMOD Defender-ST 1x Reflex Micro Red Dot, 6 MOA Dot, Tan, 843829145855 , MPN: DFST-MRD6-OP-KIT2023 , UPC: 4292050 , Code: VX-RD-VOR0116-DFST-MRD6-OP-KIT2023
Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA Red Dot Sight, Black, 1.8in, 1.48oz, DFST-MRD3 , MPN: DFST-MRD3 , UPC: 843829133296 , Code: VX-RD-VOR0116-DFST-MRD3
Vortex Defender-ST 1x23mm Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight, 3 MOA, Tan, DFST-MRD3-T , MPN: DFST-MRD3-T , UPC: 843829145831 , Code: VX-RD-VOR0116-DFST-MRD3-T
Vortex Defender-ST 6 MOA Red Dot Sight, Black, 1.8in, 1.48oz, DFST-MRD6 , MPN: DFST-MRD6 , UPC: 843829133302 , Code: VX-RD-VOR0116-DFST-MRD6
Compare (0)