Head to head

Vortex Defender-CCW vs Holosun 507K X2

By Cole Harlan, EditorUpdated Nov 5, 2026How we verifyEditorial standards

Two micro red dots for concealed-carry pistols. The Vortex column is the Defender-CCW in its 3 MOA red version (SKU DFCCW-MRD3) as printed on Vortex’s product page; the Holosun column is the HS507K-X2 in red (HS507K-X2-RD) from Holosun’s page. Every figure below is copied from those pages, checked November 5, 2026. Where a maker prints nothing, the cell says so.

At a glance

Spec (maker label)	Vortex Defender-CCW (3 MOA)	Holosun HS507K-X2 (red)
Reticle	3 MOA Dot (Dot Size: 3 MOA; Dot Color: Bright Red)	2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
Selectable reticle	Not yet verified	Yes
Magnification	1x	1x
Eye relief	Unlimited	Unlimited Eye Relief: Yes
Window size	Not yet verified (page says “Large Viewing Window” and prints no numbers)	0.58″ × 0.77″
Size	Length: 1.59″; Deck Height: 6.9mm	Body Dimensions: 1.6″ × .98″ × .95″
Weight	0.95 oz.	1 oz
Battery	CR1632, top mount	CR1632, side tray
Battery life	Battery Run Time: 9,500 hrs.	50,000 hours
Brightness settings	8 Daylight Bright; the lowest 2 settings are night-vision compatible	10 Day & 2 NV
Adjustment	Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA; Travel Per Rotation: 30 MOA; Max Elevation Adjustment: 110 MOA; Max Windage Adjustment: 105 MOA	Adjustment Per Click: 1 MOA; W&E Travel Range: ±30 MOA
Parallax	Parallax Free	Parallax: No
Water resistance	“Waterproof” (page text: “Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions”). IP rating: Not yet verified	Submersion: IP67
Housing	Low-Glare Matte Black Anodized; Single-Piece Chassis	7075 T6 aluminum, anodized
Footprint (maker wording)	Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc	Direct Mount, K Footprint
Motion wake / lockout	Motion Activation with 10 Minute Auto-Shutoff; Button Lockout	Shake Awake: Yes; lockout mode: Yes
Source (checked Nov. 5, 2026)	vortexoptics.com Defender-CCW	holosun.com/products/hs507k-x2

Which models: Vortex’s page also lists a 6 MOA version (SKU DFCCW-MRD6), and we compare the 3 MOA red. Holosun’s 507K-X2 series lists a red MRS version (the one we read) and a green version on its own page. The makers measure differently: Vortex prints a length and a deck height, Holosun a three-part body size, so we show them as printed and do not subtract or convert. Battery run time and battery life are the makers’ own figures and may not use the same brightness setting. Both pages print a price; we list none.

Which to pick (on paper)

If your slide is cut for a specific footprint: check the names first. Vortex lists “Shield RMSc” and Holosun lists “Direct Mount, K Footprint.” Neither page says the optic fits the other’s cut. See the footprint chart.
If you want a selectable reticle: the 507K-X2. Holosun lists a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle that can be run together; the Defender-CCW page lists a single 3 MOA dot.
If you want a bigger dot: Vortex lists 3 MOA (and a 6 MOA version); Holosun lists a 2 MOA dot.
If water ratings matter: Holosun prints IP67. Vortex prints “Waterproof” as a feature and no IP rating, so we cannot compare them number for number.
If weight and battery life matter: Vortex lists 0.95 oz. and 9,500 hrs.; Holosun lists 1 oz and 50,000 hours.
If you swap batteries often: Vortex lists a top-mount battery and says it allows changes “without having to re-zero your optic.” Holosun lists a side-loading tray.

We have not range-tested these; facts above are from the makers’ pages.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Vortex Defender-CCW have an IP rating?

Not yet verified. Vortex's page lists the optic as Waterproof, Fogproof and Shockproof but prints no IP rating. Holosun lists IP67 for the HS507K-X2.

Which footprint does the Vortex Defender-CCW use?

Vortex's page lists a Mounting Footprint of Shield RMSc. Holosun lists the HS507K-X2 as Direct Mount, K Footprint.

Which battery do the Defender-CCW and 507K X2 use?

Both pages list a CR1632. Vortex lists a top-mount battery and 9,500 hrs. of run time; Holosun lists a side tray and 50,000 hours.

Vortex Defender-CCW vs Holosun 507K X2

At a glance

Which to pick (on paper)

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

At a glance

Which to pick (on paper)

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

The Gun Release Report