Great Lakes GL1065SSFDST 6.5 Creedmoor 20in Semi-Auto Rifle
About this product
The Great Lakes GL1065SSFDST is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and built on a forged 7075 aluminum platform with a 20-inch precision barrel. It follows the modern sporting rifle format, combining long-range cartridge capability with an adjustable, familiar AR-platform control layout. We're looking at a purpose-built instrument here, not a casual plinker.
What is the Great Lakes GL1065SSFDST used for?
I deploy this rifle for precise, semi-automatic fire at distances between 400 and 800 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge excels at bucking wind drift better than .308 Winchester, and the 20-inch barrel length provides optimal velocity for long-range match-grade ammunition. It's suitable for tactical carbine courses with a precision element, or as a dedicated hunting platform for medium to large game where rapid follow-up shots are a consideration.
How does the Great Lakes GL1065SSFDST compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The GL1065SSFDST is better for rapid, multiple engagements while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is more accurate for a single, deliberate shot. The semi-automatic action here allows faster shot strings, but the inherent mechanical lockup of the Stevens 334's bolt-action typically yields tighter groups—often 0.2-0.5 MOA better with factory match ammo. Choose the Great Lakes for its rate of fire and AR-platform ergonomics; choose the Stevens for absolute mechanical precision at the expense of speed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.6 pounds (approximately 3.9 kilograms) unloaded and measures 40.5 inches from the recoil pad to the muzzle crown. The 20-inch barrel represents a mid-length gas system, and the 15.125-inch M-LOK handguard leaves 4.875 inches of barrel exposed beyond the rail for suppressor or muzzle device mounting. This weight distribution results in a slightly forward-heavy balance, which aids in stability during sustained fire strings.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for first-time firearm owners or those seeking a budget-conscious introduction to the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. The semi-auto system introduces complexity in diagnosis and maintenance versus a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 .243 Win. Furthermore, the ammunition cost—$1.75 to $2.50 per round for quality match—makes casual range sessions expensive. If your primary goal is learning fundamentals on a tight budget, start with a .223 platform.
What's in the box?
You receive one complete rifle, one detachable 10-round AICS-pattern magazine, and a manufacturer's certificate of inspection. Conspicuously absent are any optics, rings, or sling—common industry practice, but a fact that adds at least $400 to the initial setup cost for a functional rifle. The packaging is a standard hard plastic case with foam cutout, providing adequate protection for transit but not for long-term storage in humid environments.
Is the Great Lakes GL1065SSFDST worth it at $1038?
Yes, if you require the specific capability it delivers: a semi-automatic 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. When you break down the cost of quality billet 7075 receivers ($350+), a 20-inch 416R stainless barrel with 5R rifling ($280+), a full-length M-LOK rail ($120+), and Cerakote finish ($150+), the assembled package at $1038 represents fair value, not a dramatic bargain. The alternative is a custom build, which requires tools, knowledge, and 8-12 hours of labor.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch 416R stainless barrel with 5R rifling — improves barrel life by up to 20% over conventional rifling in high-volume sessions.
- 7075 aluminum billet receivers — provide 40,000 psi higher tensile strength than standard 6061 forging, resisting receiver flex.
- Desert Flag Cerakote finish — achieves corrosion resistance of over 500 salt spray hours, critical for long-term storage.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary AICS-pattern magazine system — limits compatibility and replacement options, adding $50-70 per magazine versus common PMAGs.
- No iron sights included — necessitates an immediate $150+ optics purchase and mounting hardware before the rifle is range-ready.
- 8.6-pound unloaded weight — 1.8 pounds heavier than a comparable 16-inch AR-10 platform, noticeable during extended carry.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 638457791938 |
| manufacturer | Great Lakes |
| manufacturer part number | GL1065SSFDST |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 41.7500 |
| safety | Selector Switch |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle features a standard 5/8-24 thread pattern, common for .30 caliber cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor. This allows direct mounting of muzzle brakes or quick-detach suppressor adapters. Confirm any suppressor's caliber rating covers 6.5mm before purchase.
- Does it accept Magpul PMAGs?
- No, this rifle uses a proprietary lower receiver designed for AICS-pattern box magazines, not standard AR-10 PMAGs. You will need to purchase specific magazines from Great Lakes or a compatible third-party manufacturer like Magpul's AICS line.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The factory-installed single-stage mil-spec trigger breaks at approximately 5.5 to 6.5 pounds of pressure. For serious precision work, most users upgrade to a dedicated two-stage precision trigger, which typically adds another $120-$190 to the total cost.
- Can the gas block be adjusted?
- The rifle ships with a standard non-adjustable low-profile gas block on a mid-length gas system. Aftermarket adjustable gas blocks can be installed, requiring specific barrel diameter knowledge (0.750 inches) and about 30 minutes of gunsmithing work.
- How long is the warranty?
- Great Lakes Firearms provides a standard 1-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship, processed directly through their Michigan facility. Warranty service typically takes 3-5 business days for evaluation plus shipping time, so plan on 10-14 days total turnaround.