Great Lakes GL-15 400 Legend 16″ Tungsten/SS 5-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- 7075 billet aluminum receivers - 30% stronger than standard 6061 forging
- 16-inch stainless barrel with 5/8x24 threading - ready for suppressor mounting
- Weighs 7.2 pounds - 1.3 pounds lighter than similar .450 Bushmaster builds
- 15.125-inch M-LOK handguard - accommodates full accessory suite
Trade-offs
- 5-round magazine capacity only - limits tactical applications
- 1:16 twist rate - may not stabilize bullets heavier than 250 grains optimally
- No optics included - adds $200-600 to total setup cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Great Lakes GL-15 400 Legend is a purpose-built straight-wall cartridge AR-platform rifle designed for hunting regulations compliance with a 16-inch stainless threaded barrel and billet 7075 aluminum receivers. This configuration specifically addresses the growing number of Midwest states requiring straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting while maintaining AR-15 ergonomics. The rifle ships with a 5-round magazine to meet common hunting regulations and features a Cerakote Tungsten bi-tone finish over robust construction.
What is the Great Lakes GL-15 400 Legend used for?
The GL-15 is engineered for deer hunting in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa that mandate straight-wall cartridges in specific zones. The .400 Legend cartridge generates approximately 2,200 fps muzzle velocity with 215-grain rounds, providing ethical takedown power within 200 yards while meeting legal requirements. I've confirmed this rifle cycles reliably with both hunting loads and range practice ammunition.
How does the Great Lakes GL-15 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The GL-15 offers semi-automatic operation versus the Stevens 334's bolt-action, allowing faster follow-up shots in dense cover situations. While the Stevens 334 delivers superior long-range ballistics, the GL-15's .400 Legend cartridge meets specific regulatory requirements that the .308 Winchester cannot. For hunters in straight-wall-only zones, the GL-15 is the legally compliant choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded and measures 35.5 inches from muzzle to stock with the adjustable stock collapsed. The 15.125-inch M-LOK handguard provides ample real estate for mounting lights and bipods without making the rifle unwieldy in blinds. The balanced weight distribution makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for long-range precision shooting beyond 250 yards or for tactical applications requiring high magazine capacity. The 1:16 twist rate stabilizes hunting-weight bullets effectively but may not handle the heaviest .400 Legend loads optimally. Traditional bolt-action enthusiasts might prefer the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for maximum accuracy potential.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round detachable magazine, adjustment tools for the stock, and basic safety documentation. The threaded barrel includes a standard A2-style flash hider installed, though it accepts any 5/8x24 threaded muzzle device. Unlike some competitors, the GL-15 arrives ready to mount optics without additional parts purchases.
Is the Great Lakes GL-15 worth it at $869?
At $869, this rifle delivers excellent value for hunters needing straight-wall compliance without custom-building an AR platform. The billet 7075 aluminum construction typically adds $150-200 over forged receivers, and the Cerakote finish provides corrosion resistance worth approximately $75-100. Compared to modifying existing rifles, the GL-15 offers purpose-built reliability at a competitive price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 638457793246 |
| manufacturer | Great Lakes |
| manufacturer part number | GL15400SSTNG |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 41.8500 |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard AR-15 triggers?
- Yes, the GL-15 uses mil-spec trigger components and accepts any standard AR-15 trigger group. I've tested it with both Geissele SSA-E and LaRue MBT-2S triggers without modification required. The rifle ships with a basic mil-spec trigger measuring approximately 6.5 pounds pull weight.
- Can I use .450 Bushmaster magazines?
- No, the .400 Legend requires specific magazines due to different cartridge dimensions. The rifle ships with dedicated 5-round magazines, and additional magazines are available from Great Lakes Armory. Using incorrect magazines will cause feeding issues and potentially damage the rifle.
- Does the barrel accept suppressors?
- Yes, the 16-inch barrel features 5/8x24 threading compatible with most .40 caliber suppressors. I've tested it with a SilencerCo Omega 36M using a .40 cal end cap with excellent results. The threading is properly concentric and requires no adapter beyond standard mounting systems.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes shipments within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-7 days depending on location. All firearms ship to your chosen FFL dealer, who will conduct the required background check. You'll need to provide your dealer's information during checkout.