Fenix GL23R: How to Mount, Use, Zero & TroubleshootUpdated 15 days ago

How to mount, operate, zero, charge, and troubleshoot the Fenix GL23R. Key specs: 1,200 lumens, 240 m beam, 520 nm green laser, USB-C rechargeable 18350, IP66. For the full mode-by-mode output and runtime table, the downloadable reference manual, and current price, see the Fenix GL23R product page.

Warning

The LED light with green laser is a high-intensity lighting device capable of causing eye damage to the user or others. Avoid shining the light directly into anyone's eyes.
This light will accumulate a significant amount of heat while operating, resulting in a high temperature of the light shell. Pay close attention to avoid burns.
Do not shine an object at close range, to avoid burning the object or causing danger due to high temperature.
The LED of this light is not replaceable; so the whole light will need to be replaced when the LED reaches the end of its lifespan.

Important Warnings

FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS WHEN HANDLING A FIREARM OR THE GL23R CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, OR DEATH.

Before attaching, inspecting, or servicing a firearm-mounted GL23R:

Engage the safety of the firearm if applicable.
Remove the magazine from the firearm if applicable.
Open the action and inspect the chamber to be sure it is empty.

Mounting

Please make sure your firearm rail is a Picatinny rail or Glock rail and choose the appropriate rail plate (the Glock rail plate is installed by default); you can change the rail plate to make the tactical light more suitable for your firearm.

The GL23R is designed for precise aiming; it requires a basic tool or simply a coin to be attached to or detached from the side of the weapon or accessory rail.
Loosen the rail clamp bolt.
Place the fixed portion of the rail clamp against the accessory rail and align the rail key with the appropriate cross groove in the accessory rail.
Tighten the rail clamp bolt and make sure it is securely attached to the firearm. Again, a coin should be helpful to obtain sufficient tightness.

Operating Instructions

The tail switches can be operated with both hands. Rotate the toggle switch at the bottom to select the designated mode.

On/Off: Rotate the bottom toggle switch from OFF to any mode and push the tail switches up or down to turn on the tactical light. Reset the tail switches to turn off the tactical light.

Output Selection: With the tail switches pressed down, rotate the bottom toggle switch to cycle through OFF ↔ White Light ↔ White Light + Green Laser ↔ Green Laser.

Laser Sight Zeroing:

The windage adjustment is at the left side of the light. Use the included Allen wrench clockwise or counter-clockwise to move the laser point.
The elevation adjustment is located at the bottom of the light; use the included Allen wrench clockwise or counter-clockwise to move the laser point.
When making large adjustments there may be an interaction that causes the laser to move diagonally or bind. It may become necessary to rotate the opposing adjustment screw counterclockwise to allow the laser cartridge to move to the desired position.

*Laser parameters: CLASS 3R laser product, laser wavelength 510–530nm, laser optical power output ≤5mW.

Tail Switches Replacement: Three groups of spare switches are included. Use the included Allen wrench to remove the T4 screw on the tail switch, then replace the tail switch and screw the T4 screw back on. Users can choose to install two switches of different lengths based on their usage habits.

Battery Specifications and Replacement

Fenix ARB-L18-1100 (18350, 3.6V): Recommended
Other types of 18350 (3.6V): Usable

Warning: 18350 Li-ion batteries are powerful cells designed for commercial applications and must be treated with caution and handled with care. Only using quality batteries with circuit protection will reduce the potential for combustion or explosion. Cell damage or short-circuiting caused by using this type of battery is considered user-induced damage and is not covered by any Fenix warranty or liability.

To replace: unscrew the light head and insert the battery with the anode side (+) towards the light head, then screw the light head back on.

Charging

With the light switched off, open the anti-dust cover to reveal the charging port, then connect the USB Type-C end of the charging cable to the tactical light.
The indicator will display red while charging, and will turn to green when fully charged.
Once charging is completed, be sure to unplug the charging cable and close the anti-dust cover.

Note: The light cannot be operated while charging. Recharge the battery promptly to ensure its normal life. The normal charging time of the tactical light is approximately 2 hours from depleted to fully charged. Recharge a stored light every four months to maintain the optimum performance of the battery.

Battery Level Indication

Turn the toggle switch to the OFF state, then push the tail switches up or down. The indicator will display the current battery level for 3 seconds.

Green light on: 100%–85%
Green light flashes: 85%–50%
Red light on: 50%–25%
Red light flashes: 25%–1%

Intelligent Overheat Protection

The light will accumulate a lot of heat when used at high output levels for extended periods. When the light reaches a temperature of 60°C/140°F or above, the light will automatically step down a few lumens to reduce the temperature. When the temperature drops below 55°C/131°F, the light automatically recalls the previously used output level.

Low-Voltage Warning

When the voltage level drops below the preset level, the light is programmed to downshift to a lower brightness level until 50 lumens is reached. When this happens at 50 lumens, the battery level indicator blinks to remind you to recharge or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting

Light won't turn on: Check the bottom toggle switch isn't set to OFF, and that the light isn't plugged in (it can't be operated while charging). Then recharge the battery and check it is inserted with the positive (+) end toward the light head.
Flickers, shines intermittently, or fails to illuminate: Replace or recharge the battery, then clean the threads, PCB contact, and other contacts with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Higher output won't come on with a non-Fenix battery: An unmatched 18350 battery may not supply enough current for full output. Use the Fenix ARB-L18-1100.
Brightness drops after extended use: This is normal. The light steps down at 60°C/140°F and recalls the previous output once it cools below 55°C/131°F. It also downshifts to 50 lumens when the battery runs low.
Laser moves diagonally or binds while zeroing: Back the opposing adjustment screw out (counterclockwise) to free the laser cartridge, then continue adjusting.
Lens is coated after shooting: Rub the lens with fine steel wool or Froglube CLP.

If the above methods don't work, please contact Fenix Store support through live chat (the chat button on any page of fenix-store.com) or at [email protected].

Usage and Maintenance

Disassembling the sealed parts can cause damage to the light and will void the warranty.
Fenix recommends using an excellent quality battery.
If the light will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery, or the light could be damaged by electrolyte leakage or battery explosion.
Since gun maintenance requires the use of organic solvents, organic solvents contaminating key components of the light or laser module may cause malfunctions, and the light will not receive normal warranty service.
Remove the battery to prevent accidental activation.
Long-term use can result in O-ring wear. To maintain a proper water seal, replace the ring with an approved spare.

What's Included

Fenix GL23R green laser tactical light, ARB-L18-1100 rechargeable battery, USB Type-C charging cable, Picatinny rail plate, spare O-ring, 4x spare switches, Allen wrench, user manual, warranty card.

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