Great Lakes GL1065SSBLK 6.5 Creedmoor 20in AR-10 Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless 20-inch barrel maintains 1.5 MOA accuracy for approximately 3,000 rounds with proper maintenance
- 7075-T6 billet receivers are 18% stronger by tensile strength than typical forged 6061-T6 lowers
- 15-inch M-LOK handguard provides 13.5 inches of uninterrupted accessory rail space
Trade-offs
- Weighs 9.1 lbs unloaded — 2.3 lbs heavier than a comparable .308 bolt-action like the Stevens 334
- No optic, mount, or case included — adds minimum $400 to initial cost for a functional system
- Factory muzzle brake is permanently adhered with Rocksett, requiring heat and tools for removal
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Great Lakes GL1065SSBLK AR-10 Rifle? It's a semi-automatic, direct-impingement precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, built with 7075-T6 billet aluminum receivers and a 20-inch stainless steel barrel. This configuration prioritizes barrel life and velocity retention for long-range work over the lightweight handling typical of hunting AR-10s. The platform accepts SR-25 pattern magazines and includes a direct-thread muzzle device, placing it firmly in the modern sporting rifle category rather than a traditional bolt-action setup.
What is the Great Lakes GL1065SSBLK used for?
You use this rifle for deliberate, supported mid-to-long-range target engagement and tactical field matches, not for rapid off-hand shooting. The 20-inch barrel paired with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge produces velocities around 2,700 fps with 140-grain match ammunition, making it effective for consistent hits on steel at 800+ yards. Its 9.1-pound unloaded weight and overall length of 38.5 inches demand a bipod or shooting bag; think of it as a gas-operated marksman's rifle, not a patrol carbine.
How does the GL1065SSBLK compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?
The GL1065SSBLK offers semi-automatic capability for faster follow-up shots, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides inherently greater mechanical accuracy from its bolt-action design. For pure precision from a bench, the bolt-action Stevens will typically produce tighter groups, often sub-MOA with quality ammunition. However, the Great Lakes rifle allows a shooter to engage multiple targets or make rapid corrections without breaking position, a critical advantage in practical shooting disciplines.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.1 pounds without optic or magazine and measures 38.5 inches from the butt plate to the muzzle threads. With a 20-inch barrel and a standard rifle-length gas system, it balances around the front takedown pin, feeling muzzle-heavy without a bipod attached. The 15-inch M-LOK handguard provides 13.5 inches of uninterrupted rail space for bipod mounts and accessories, a full 3 inches longer than many entry-level AR-10 handguards.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a rifle for new shooters, budget-conscious plinkers, or anyone seeking a lightweight hunting rifle for mountainous terrain. The ammunition cost—approximately $1.75 per round for factory match-grade 6.5 Creedmoor—makes high-volume training prohibitively expensive compared to .223/5.56 platforms. Furthermore, its weight and length make it cumbersome for vehicle-based or close-quarters scenarios where a compact rifle like a compact shotgun would be more practical.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 10-round SR-25 pattern magazine, a sling swivel stud installed on the handguard, and a basic operator's manual. Great Lakes does not include a hard case, cleaning kit, or optic mounts, which adds roughly $150-$300 to your initial setup cost. The factory-installed muzzle brake is torqued to 25 ft-lbs and secured with Rocksett, requiring heat to remove for suppressor attachment.
Is the Great Lakes GL1065SSBLK worth it at $968?
Yes, at $968 it represents strong value for a billet-receiver AR-10 with a stainless barrel, undercutting competitors like the Smith & Wesson M&P10 by nearly $300. However, you must budget another $400-$600 for a capable magnified optic, mount, and bipod to realize the rifle's precision potential. If your total system budget is under $1,500, you may be better served by a complete bolt-action package; if you can invest $2,000+, this rifle becomes a solid foundation.
Key attributes
| upc | 638457791891 |
| manufacturer | Great Lakes |
| manufacturer part number | GL1065SSBLK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.7500 |
| safety | Selector Switch |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| thread pattern | 5/8"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Magpul PMAGs?
- It accepts SR-25 pattern magazines. The Magpul PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 and 25 LR/SR GEN M3 are fully compatible and recommended for reliability. The included 10-round magazine is a basic metal design; plan to spend $25-$35 each for quality aftermarket mags.
- Does the muzzle brake come off for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle allows direct suppressor attachment. The factory brake is secured with Rocksett adhesive. You'll need a vise, proper wrench, and to apply heat (approx. 400°F for 2-3 minutes) to break the seal without damaging the barrel threads.
- What optics mount does it use?
- The upper receiver has a flat-top Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913). You'll need a separate cantilever mount for most scopes. I recommend a one-piece mount from American Defense or LaRue, offering 20 MOA of built-in elevation for long-range use.
- How long is the shipping time?
- For an in-stock item shipped to an FFL, processing takes 1-2 business days. Ground shipping typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must provide your chosen FFL dealer's information and a copy of their license before the rifle ships.