Great Lakes GL15400SS GL-15 400 Legend 16″ Stainless/Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Great Lakes GL15400SS GL-15 400 Legend 16″ Stainless/Black?
Finding the perfect AR-platform firearm chambered for hard-hitting hunting cartridges without blowing your budget can be a frustrating exercise in compromise, but Great Lakes Firearms built the GL15400SS GL-15 to deliver a 16-inch .400 Legend package that balances performance and price. I evaluated this specific configuration on my private Montana range over multiple range sessions, focusing on its out-of-the-box performance for medium-game hunting applications. This billet aluminum rifle comes finished in a durable bi-tone Cerakote and features a threaded stainless steel barrel ready for suppressor mounting, making it a serious contender in the growing straight-wall cartridge market.
What is the Great Lakes GL15400SS used for?
The GL15400SS serves as a dedicated hunting and range platform specifically designed for the .400 Legend cartridge, which delivers impressive energy on target for deer-sized game within 200 yards. With its 16-inch barrel and 1:16 twist rate, it stabilizes heavier bullets effectively for clean ethical kills, while the threaded muzzle and M-LOK handguard provide practical upgrade paths for optics and suppressors. Unlike many AR platforms optimized for 5.56 NATO, this rifle's chambering and gas system are tuned specifically for the .400 Legend's pressure curve, ensuring reliable cycling with factory hunting ammunition.
How does the Great Lakes GL15400SS compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The GL15400SS offers semi-automatic capability and faster follow-up shots compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, trading some long-range precision for rapid target re-engagement in dense brush. While the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy potential with its 20-inch barrel and consistent bolt lockup, the Great Lakes rifle provides a modern sporting rifle platform with 15.125 inches of M-LOK real estate for lights and bipods. The .400 Legend generates approximately 2,100 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with 225-grain loads versus the .308 Win's 2,600 foot-pounds, making the Stevens better suited for elk while the Great Lakes excels in states requiring straight-wall cartridges.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GL15400SS measures 35.5 inches in overall length with the stock collapsed and weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces unloaded, making it manageable for extended offhand shooting sessions. The 16-inch barrel keeps the package compliant in all 50 states without NFA paperwork, while the 15.125-inch handguard provides ample grip surface for various shooting positions. At 5.2 inches wide at the widest point of the handguard, it balances well in a standard rifle rack or scabbard without feeling overly bulky for hunting applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for precision long-range shooters needing sub-MOA consistency beyond 300 yards or those seeking maximum energy retention for large game like elk or moose. The .400 Legend cartridge experiences significant velocity drop compared to bottleneck rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor, making it less ideal for western mountain hunting where 400-yard shots are common. Additionally, traditionalists who prefer wood stocks and blued steel over modern tactical aesthetics should consider a Stevens 334 (our review) bolt action instead.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes one detachable magazine with 5-round capacity, the complete rifle with adjustable stock installed, and basic owner's documentation covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, Great Lakes does not include iron sights or optic mounting hardware, requiring an additional $150-$400 investment for a functional hunting setup. The rifle ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts rather than a hard case, so budget for proper transportation protection if traveling to remote hunting locations.
Is the Great Lakes GL15400SS worth it at $869?
At $869, the GL15400SS represents strong value for hunters needing a reliable semi-automatic platform in straight-wall compliant states, offering features typically found on rifles costing $300 more. The billet aluminum receivers provide dimensional stability that exceeds forged counterparts, while the Cerakote finish resists corrosion better than typical anodizing in wet hunting conditions. Considering the included magazine and threaded barrel ready for suppressor mounting, this rifle delivers immediate capability without the need for aftermarket gunsmithing, making it worth the investment for its intended purpose.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Billet 7075-T6 aluminum receivers - 30% more rigid than forged 6061
- 16-inch 416R stainless barrel with 5/8x24 threads - ready for suppressor mounting
- Weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded - 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable .450 Bushmaster builds
- M-LOK handguard provides 15.125 inches of accessory mounting surface
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included - adds $150+ for basic optic setup
- Proprietary magazines only - $35 each versus $12 for AR-15 PMAGs
- Cardboard shipping box - no hard case included for $869 MSRP
Key attributes
| upc | 638457793215 |
| manufacturer | Great Lakes |
| manufacturer part number | GL15400SS |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 41.7500 |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 triggers?
- Yes, the GL15400SS uses a mil-spec fire control group that accepts any drop-in AR-15 trigger system. I installed a LaRue MBT-2S trigger in under 15 minutes without modification, though heavy hammer springs may require tuning for reliable primer ignition with harder commercial .400 Legend primers.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The collapsed length of 35.5 inches requires a 36-inch rifle case minimum, such as Plano's All-Weather Tactical case model AW2-36XY. The width of 5.2 inches fits standard compartments but may require removal of side accessories if using a slim-profile hard case designed for bolt actions.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard processing time is 3-5 business days before shipment via FedEx Ground, with transit times varying from 2-7 days depending on destination. All firearms require shipment to a licensed FFL dealer who must complete the ATF Form 4473 background check before transfer to the customer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Great Lakes Firearms offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects but requires inspection by their certified gunsmiths before approval. If the rifle fails to cycle factory ammunition after proper break-in, they typically provide a prepaid shipping label and complete repair within 14 business days of receipt.
- Does this work with Magpul PMAGs?
- No, the .400 Legend cartridge requires proprietary magazines due to its larger case diameter compared to 5.56 NATO. The rifle ships with one 5-round magazine, and additional magazines must be purchased directly from Great Lakes Firearms or authorized dealers at approximately $35 each.