Handgun mounted optics have come a long way. Once solely seen in the realm of high-end open class competition, technology improvements have made the pistol red dot almost ubiquitous. Ruggedized and miniaturized, the red dot optic is now just as at home on a pistol slide as it is on a carbine, submachine gun, or shotgun. Vortex has enhanced their micro red dot line even further with the Defender XL. It is an ultralight mini optic available in a 5 or 8 MOA dot with a convenient top loading battery to prevent zero loss during battery changes. Enhanced for competition and long gun use, the housing provides a wide field of view in the extra large window. In addition to the scratch resistant coating, the optic is shockproof to handle recoil and impacts. The Defender XL features a 7075 housing with Fast-Rack textured front face.
Other enhancements in the Defender XL include motion activation with a 10 minute auto shut off to conserve battery, night vision compatibility, and a ShockShield polymer insert in the body to help absorb impacts. The Defender XL has the same footprint as the Leupold Delta Point Pro and includes mounting screws to fit on many popular handguns. A Glock MOS plate is also included.