GL4 Pro Laser Versions: V2, V3, V4 Compared | Defense Distributors

If you've shopped for the GL4 Pro Laser recently, you've probably noticed the unit has been through a few revisions. The Defense Distributors x RovyVon collaboration started with V1 back in the early run, and we're now shipping V4, with V2 and V3 still in the wild on guns and in safes across the country. This guide breaks down exactly what changed between versions, what stayed the same, and which one belongs on your rifle or pistol.

Looking for the quick visual? Scroll up to the infographic. Every spec and version difference below is summarized there.

What is the GL4 Pro Defense Distributors Edition?

The GL4 Pro is a compact, rail mounted laser and illuminator unit built in collaboration between Defense Distributors and RovyVon. It's one of the few units on the market under $400 that offers all four major outputs in a single housing: a visible green laser, an IR laser, an IR illuminator, and (on Standard and XL configurations) a 400 lumen white light. It runs on a single CR123A battery, weighs 5.7 oz, and carries an IPX8 waterproof rating.

The Defense Distributors Edition differs from the standard RovyVon GL4 Pro in four meaningful ways:

• Reinforced adjusters. The windage and elevation hardware has been hardened so it doesn't drift under recoil or strip out during zero.
• Improved laser output. Spec sheets get tightened to the upper end of the published range, not the lower.
• Correct 12 o'clock markings. The control labels are oriented for top mounted setups, so what you read matches what the unit actually does when it's bolted to your rail.
• Final QC in the U.S. Every unit goes through one more inspection on this side of the ocean before it ships to your door.

None of that changes between versions. Every GL4 Pro Defense Distributors Edition (V2, V3, or V4) gets the same QC standards and the same internal upgrades over the off the shelf RovyVon unit. What does change between versions is the mechanical refinement: the lever tab, the mode selector, the recoil lug, the bezel.

GL4 Pro version history at a glance

Four versions have shipped since the line launched. V1 is fully discontinued and no longer available. If you have one, it still works fine and we still support it, but you won't find it for sale anywhere new. V2 through V4 are the current production versions, and each one carries forward every fix from the prior version.

V1, original release (discontinued)

The original Defense Distributors Edition. This was the first run that brought the reinforced adjusters, corrected markings, and U.S. QC pass to the GL4 Pro platform. V1 is no longer manufactured or sold. Every unit shipping today is V2 or later.

V2, rail lock revision

The first major mechanical update. V2 introduced a redesigned tab on the QD lever that significantly improves lockup on non milspec rails. If you've ever mounted a laser to a rail that was a hair out of spec and watched it wobble under recoil, this is the version that solved that problem. The lever tab is also what enables the GL4 Pro QD Lever Lock accessory. V1 units won't accept it, but every V2 and later will.

V3, controls and recoil lug refresh

V3 was a bigger jump. Three changes:

• Extended mode selector. The rotary mode dial got longer so you can switch outputs (off, visible illum, vis laser, vis laser + illum, IR laser, IR laser + illum, IR illum) without breaking your firing grip.
• Enhanced rear switch. The tactile feedback on the pressure pad and rear toggle was redesigned. You feel the click instead of guessing whether you triggered momentary or constant.
• Movable 3 position recoil lug. This is the one that matters for handgun shooters. The recoil lug on the bottom of the unit can now be repositioned along three locations, which means the GL4 Pro fits cleanly in front of a wider range of pistol trigger guards. Compact and sub compact handgun setups that previously didn't have a great mounting position now do.

V4, latest refinements (current production)

V4 is what's shipping today. It builds on V3 with three usability tweaks:

• Arrow on the extended mode selector. Printed indicator on top of the dial so you can confirm what mode you're in without lifting the rifle to read the side label.
• Ridges along the light bezel. The white light bezel now has knurled grip texture, so unscrewing it for battery changes or maintenance is faster and you don't fight a slick aluminum cylinder.
• 4th recoil lug position. V3's three position lug becomes a four position lug in V4, giving you one more fitment option for handgun trigger guards that fell between V3's three slots.

What's the same across every current GL4 Pro

Internals and core specifications don't change between V2, V3, and V4. If you buy a GL4 Pro today, regardless of which version is in the box, you're getting:

• Weight: 161.6 g / 5.7 oz
• Dimensions: 74 x 44.8 x 35.2 mm
• White light output: 400 lumens (Standard and XL configurations)
• IR illuminator: 35 mW flood
• Visible laser: < 5 mW green
• IR laser: < 0.7 mW
• Waterproof rating: IPX8
• Battery: 1x CR123A (also compatible with rechargeable 16340 lithium ion)
• Mount: Tool free quick detach lever for 1913 Picatinny
• Warranty: 2 year replacement

This matters because the question of "which version" is really a question about mechanical preference, not capability. Every GL4 Pro shipping today puts the same photons downrange.

Configurations: Standard, IRH, and XL

Separate from version (V2/V3/V4), the GL4 Pro ships in three head configurations. All three are available on the current V4:

Standard

The all in one. White light, green laser, IR laser, and IR illuminator in one housing. This is the default pick for most shooters because it covers every use case without forcing a tradeoff. If you only buy one, buy this.

IRH (IR only Head)

Drops the white light to extend and tighten the IR illuminator throw. Built for night vision equipped shooters who don't need a white light on the same unit (because they're running it on a dedicated weapon mounted light) and want more IR reach. The IR illuminator on the IRH head is tighter and longer than the Standard.

XL

Upgraded laser optics for longer effective distance, while retaining the white light. The XL is the pick for shooters working at extended ranges or who want every photon the chassis can put out. Same form factor as Standard, more capability at distance.

Which GL4 Pro version should you buy?

Short answer: if you're buying new from Defense Distributors today, you're buying V4. We don't stock back versions. Every unit on the shelf is the current production. Choose your configuration (Standard, IRH, or XL) based on your role, and the version handles itself.

If you're buying used or evaluating a unit you already own, here's the practical breakdown:

• You have V1: It still works. We don't sell upgrade paths between versions because the changes are mechanical, not electronic. If your QD lever is loose on a non milspec rail or you want pistol trigger guard fitment, those are reasons to look at V4.
• You have V2: Solid unit. The QD lever upgrade is doing real work for you. If you're rifle only and your rail is in spec, you have no functional reason to upgrade.
• You have V3: You already have the big mechanical wins (extended selector, recoil lug, rear switch). V4's changes are quality of life. Nice to have, not necessary.
• You have V4: You have the current production. Enjoy it.

GL4 Pro vs. PEQ 15 and other compact IR lasers

This question comes up a lot. The GL4 Pro is not a PEQ 15 clone. It's a different platform with a different philosophy. The PEQ 15 is a milspec workhorse with the size, weight, and price tag to match. The GL4 Pro is smaller (5.7 oz vs. ~8 oz), lighter, integrates white light in the same housing, and costs a fraction. The tradeoff is that the GL4 Pro is not milspec and isn't built to survive the same abuse profile.

For most civilian and many duty applications (home defense, recreational night vision shooting, predator hunting, training) the GL4 Pro hits the right balance. For full spec mil/LE use where the unit needs to survive parachute drops and decade long deployments, a PEQ 15 or similar is still the right tool.

Mounting the GL4 Pro on rifles vs. handguns

The QD lever mount on every GL4 Pro version is built for 1913 Picatinny rails. On a rifle, this is a non issue. Most modern handguards are Picatinny or M LOK with Picatinny sections, and the unit clamps on in seconds.

On handguns, the recoil lug is what determines fitment. Most pistols with a frame rail (Glock, Sig P320, H&K VP9, S&W M&P, and so on) have a trigger guard that sits at a specific distance from the front of the rail. The GL4 Pro's recoil lug needs to drop into the space immediately forward of the trigger guard to prevent the unit from walking back under recoil. V3 introduced three positions for that lug; V4 adds a fourth. The more positions, the more handguns the unit fits cleanly. If you're running a sub compact or a less common frame, V4's fourth position can be the difference between a snug fit and a unit that needs a shim.

Frequently asked questions

Is the GL4 Pro V4 backward compatible with V3 accessories?

Yes. The QD Lever Lock and other accessories built for V2 and V3 fit V4 without modification.

Can I upgrade my V1 to V4?

No. The version differences are housing level mechanical changes, not swappable parts. If you want V4's features, you buy a new V4 unit.

Does the GL4 Pro work with night vision?

Yes. The IR laser and IR illuminator are tuned for NVG use. The Standard configuration gives you a usable flood for close to medium engagements; the IRH and XL extend the effective IR range.

What battery does it run?

One CR123A primary cell, included. Rechargeable 16340 lithium ion cells also work if you prefer rechargeable.

Is it legal to own a green laser on a firearm?

Class IIIA < 5 mW visible lasers are legal for civilian ownership and use on firearms in every U.S. state. Local rules about firearm mounted lights and lasers vary, particularly for hunting applications. Check your state's regulations.

What's the warranty?

Two year replacement warranty from Defense Distributors on every Defense Distributors Edition unit. Defects in materials or workmanship are covered; abuse and intentional damage are not.

Where do I buy the current GL4 Pro?

The current V4 production is available now at defensedistributors.com in Standard, IRH, and XL configurations, in black and FDE.

Final thoughts

The GL4 Pro is the compact all in one IR laser the market has wanted for years. Small enough for a duty pistol, capable enough for a night vision equipped rifle, and priced where you can actually justify buying it. The Defense Distributors Edition adds the QC pass and corrected markings that turn it from "interesting accessory" to "ready to mount." V4 is the most refined version we've shipped. Every mechanical lesson from V1, V2, and V3 is baked into the housing you'll get when you order today.

If you've been waiting for the right version to pull the trigger, this is it. Shop the GL4 Pro on Defense Distributors.