I own one of these, that tool does everything on the optic if you position it correctly, the tip of the tool is used for the battery door, the opposite end is to tighten the 1913 adapter and the "key" sides are to adjust elevation/windage!
You should have mentioned that this has had a rolling update that gave it a faster refresh rate, 10 min auto shutdown, and longer battery life. Basically, it has all the new features the new Defender ST has in the smaller Defender ccw footprint.
@@snowfort77Why does that make you hate vortex? They listened to customer feedback and updated their product.. there is nothing wrong with the gen 1 btw I still run mine on my g48
@@snowfort77I also bought one when they first came out last year but just sent mine to vortex and asked to get the new model. They sent me the shipping label and swapped it out for a new one, no questions asked. I will be a vortex customer for life.
What about the refresh rate? If you move the optic it appears super spotty, almost like a strobe. At least that was my experience. I returned the first one I had thinking it was defective, then the second one I got did the same.
Yeah, gotta hear / see about the refresh rate, because that’s a recognized issue with at least some Vortex red dots. It’s the main thing that makes me lean toward Holosun instead.
@@FMDad-dm5qo This is great feedback, and we heard our customers loud and clear. On the most current versions of the CCW, the refresh rate has been updated to a nearly constant on.
Due to customer feedback, Vortex updated the defender in March or April to increase the hz of the dot. They also updated the shake to wake time to 10 minutes.
at 8:30 you mention the 14 hours shut off - which is a massive turn off for most buyers - Vortex responded by changing the time to 10 minutes. they called it "a rolling change" - meaning the suckers before were beta testing, and those NOW buying (check the box) the new ones got lucky. I hope that Vortex does right and issues RMA's for the ones that were sold previously. I love mine sitting a top a Hellcat.
I wasn't sent a RMA but when I contacted them about 3 batteries in less than 1 year they did send a shipping label and within a week I had a brand new updated optic back on my firearm. Vortex has a great warranty and customer service. At least in my opinion anyway
Zero distance is a matter of personal preference, and how much offset you want/need when shooting closer then the distance you zeroed at. I used to zero at 10 yards, then I watched a video on why a 15 yard zero is better (and honestly I can't remember what video it was, or what the details were about why it was better) I do know I like the way my EDC shoots better with that 15yd zero. Think that the further out you zero the more fine tuned the adjustments are, and at 15 your close enough that the offset isn't terrible at bad breath distance, and its still close at longer (25yds) too.
I think the whole 14 hour thing is so you can have the red dot on during your day and it automatically shuts off by the time you’re putting it away at the end of the day
But you don't want it on for 14 hours straight. With my schedule it never shut off. I went through 3 batteries in less than 1 month. Vortex exchanged free of charge for the updated version
This was my experience. Some of the Amazon products are good enough to get you familiar with functions and dot accusations to determine if that's the direction thar you want to go. I bought an AT3 tactical red dot for $150 and then found the exact same thing from Feyatchi? On Amazon for $50. So I contacted AT3 tactical and they said yes they are the same but we inspect every one, change to a different battery manufacturer and change out some of the hardware. So some of the Amazon stuff is OK entry-level stuff then again some of it isn't.
@tomahawkm4687 no don't buy the Amazon crap, or the AT3 tactical crap. If your gonna get i to reddots you need to get some durable reliable and proven. Vortex Deffender or Holosun 407 series is the cheapest you can go and get a reliable product. If you can't or don't want to spend the money for one of those stick with Iron sights.
I guess they now have a 10 minute asleep version out. A reputable company made a sub $250 micro red dot with a top loading battery? I knew that mysterious door in My new house was a portal to another dimension...
@@CalebSavant which has the DPP footprint, another hard pass. If Vortex would just just run the RMR footprint, they would get everyone that wants to save 100 bucks and have their great warranty.
@Patrick-is4ym RMSC is the new standard footprint for CC pistols, they made the right call on the deffender CCW, its not like they pull a holosun. Holosun K series uses a modified RMSC footprint, so you still need a plate, or you need to file off the recoil lugs. I do agree though on the full size that they should have used an RMR footprint, as that is the most common on full size pistols.
Well, I think the RMR footprint is just dumb, because it was Trijicon wanting to be proprietary. They could have used the pre-existing Docter footprint for their sight.
I own one of these, that tool does everything on the optic if you position it correctly, the tip of the tool is used for the battery door, the opposite end is to tighten the 1913 adapter and the "key" sides are to adjust elevation/windage!
Always happy to see a new Brownells video with our boy Caleb. Keep it up.
Did you just call the instructions destructions? I thought I was the only one who said that...10,000 cool points for you!
You should have mentioned that this has had a rolling update that gave it a faster refresh rate, 10 min auto shutdown, and longer battery life. Basically, it has all the new features the new Defender ST has in the smaller Defender ccw footprint.
God damnit i just bought one last summer! Can I trade it in to Vortex? Makes me hate Vortex. What a scam!
@snowfort77 I guess it could get "broken" and then you could send it back for warranty and they could replace it. Their warranty is excellent.
@@snowfort77Why does that make you hate vortex? They listened to customer feedback and updated their product.. there is nothing wrong with the gen 1 btw I still run mine on my g48
@@snowfort77I also bought one when they first came out last year but just sent mine to vortex and asked to get the new model. They sent me the shipping label and swapped it out for a new one, no questions asked. I will be a vortex customer for life.
@@snowfort77Damn it! I just bought a mustang last year and they just came out with an improved one. Makes me hate Ford. What a scam!
Have been very satisfied with all the Vortex optics I own. First place I look for new optics.
The included tool is a battery cap tool on the opposite end from the torx bit.
That's what I thought... but it didn't come close to fitting.
Great breakdown of what comes in the box. Also liking the shirt, looking sharp Caleb!
Your explanation was detail, perfect. Thank You.
I just might be buying it so glad your doing this video
they have Outstanding! Love mine
What about the refresh rate? If you move the optic it appears super spotty, almost like a strobe. At least that was my experience. I returned the first one I had thinking it was defective, then the second one I got did the same.
Supposedly that's only an issue on the 3moa one but its fine on the 6 moa one. Which version did you have?
Yeah, gotta hear / see about the refresh rate, because that’s a recognized issue with at least some Vortex red dots. It’s the main thing that makes me lean toward Holosun instead.
@@FMDad-dm5qo This is great feedback, and we heard our customers loud and clear. On the most current versions of the CCW, the refresh rate has been updated to a nearly constant on.
Due to customer feedback, Vortex updated the defender in March or April to increase the hz of the dot. They also updated the shake to wake time to 10 minutes.
at 8:30 you mention the 14 hours shut off - which is a massive turn off for most buyers - Vortex responded by changing the time to 10 minutes. they called it "a rolling change" - meaning the suckers before were beta testing, and those NOW buying (check the box) the new ones got lucky. I hope that Vortex does right and issues RMA's for the ones that were sold previously. I love mine sitting a top a Hellcat.
I wasn't sent a RMA but when I contacted them about 3 batteries in less than 1 year they did send a shipping label and within a week I had a brand new updated optic back on my firearm. Vortex has a great warranty and customer service. At least in my opinion anyway
@@anthonysilva4410that’s basically a RMA 😂
I take it that you're not supposed to Loctite the battery door. But I'm concerned if it gets loose, can fly off and get lost during firing.
If it's ccw how many yards are you setting this and why. Wouldn't 10yrds be sufficient?
Zero distance is a matter of personal preference, and how much offset you want/need when shooting closer then the distance you zeroed at.
I used to zero at 10 yards, then I watched a video on why a 15 yard zero is better (and honestly I can't remember what video it was, or what the details were about why it was better)
I do know I like the way my EDC shoots better with that 15yd zero.
Think that the further out you zero the more fine tuned the adjustments are, and at 15 your close enough that the offset isn't terrible at bad breath distance, and its still close at longer (25yds) too.
So if your gun has a stock Glock MOS slide, you need a plate?
No it comes with glock screws direct mount
So it will fit right to a hellcat then
Yes
I think the whole 14 hour thing is so you can have the red dot on during your day and it automatically shuts off by the time you’re putting it away at the end of the day
But you don't want it on for 14 hours straight. With my schedule it never shut off. I went through 3 batteries in less than 1 month. Vortex exchanged free of charge for the updated version
@@anthonysilva4410 yeah totally. As long as the motion sense works well that’s what I want. I’m not a cop on a 12 hour shift
Why the hell did they not make it fit people who have guns cut for the viper now we’re stuck with that stupid optic forever
Is the Amazon stuff for $100 worth starting with?
This was my experience. Some of the Amazon products are good enough to get you familiar with functions and dot accusations to determine if that's the direction thar you want to go. I bought an AT3 tactical red dot for $150 and then found the exact same thing from Feyatchi? On Amazon for $50. So I contacted AT3 tactical and they said yes they are the same but we inspect every one, change to a different battery manufacturer and change out some of the hardware. So some of the Amazon stuff is OK entry-level stuff then again some of it isn't.
@rebelscumspeedshop8677 thank you. I don't feel as bad with the direction I'm going
@tomahawkm4687 no don't buy the Amazon crap, or the AT3 tactical crap. If your gonna get i to reddots you need to get some durable reliable and proven.
Vortex Deffender or Holosun 407 series is the cheapest you can go and get a reliable product.
If you can't or don't want to spend the money for one of those stick with Iron sights.
I run one of these on a Henry Homesteader carbine. It's perfect.
Walk, Don't Run
The auto shut off time is way too long before it shuts off. Practically defeats the purpose of the feature.
It has been updated to 10 min auto shutoff on the newest units coming off the production line, he should have mentioned all of the updated features.
The 14hr time to shutdown is way too long. That pretty much designates this as an optic you keep in your nightstand.
He has it wrong. The 3moa is 10 min shut off.
@@Labradorslobber it was originally 14 hours. The 10 minute is the rolling update model. which means he has the older model
I guess they now have a 10 minute asleep version out. A reputable company made a sub $250 micro red dot with a top loading battery? I knew that mysterious door in My new house was a portal to another dimension...
9,500 battery life and 14 hour sleep mode are pathetic.
Not anymore. They changed the emitter and sleep mode function to 10 mins.
@@lstx3839 whats the new battery life with these changes
Why did they make it with the Shield RMS/RMSc footprint? Hard pass
For thinner frame guns, they make another version for full width slides as well.
@@CalebSavant which has the DPP footprint, another hard pass. If Vortex would just just run the RMR footprint, they would get everyone that wants to save 100 bucks and have their great warranty.
@Patrick-is4ym RMSC is the new standard footprint for CC pistols, they made the right call on the deffender CCW, its not like they pull a holosun. Holosun K series uses a modified RMSC footprint, so you still need a plate, or you need to file off the recoil lugs.
I do agree though on the full size that they should have used an RMR footprint, as that is the most common on full size pistols.
Well, I think the RMR footprint is just dumb, because it was Trijicon wanting to be proprietary. They could have used the pre-existing Docter footprint for their sight.
Defender ST is a better version