Great Lakes Firearms AR-15 .223 Wylde 16" Black Cherry 30-Round

The Great Lakes Firearms AR-15 in .223 Wylde is a versatile platform rifle built to handle both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition without compromise. At 16 inches, the barrel strikes a practical balance between velocity and maneuverability—short enough for responsive handling in tight quarters, long enough to ring steel at distance. The 1:8 twist rate and heavy barrel design support the full spectrum of modern .223 loads, from light target rounds to heavier hunting and tactical ammunition.

Built on a 7075 aluminum upper and lower receiver, this rifle comes with a full-length Picatinny rail handguard that gives you unlimited mounting options for optics, lights, lasers, or other accessories. The carbine-length gas system and M4 feed ramps keep things reliable and field-proven. You get a single 30-round magazine in the box, a mil-spec polymer grip, and a muzzle brake designed for easy installation—no Loctite needed. At 6.8 pounds unloaded, it's light enough for a day in the field without feeling like a toy. The mil-spec trigger breaks at 5.5–6 pounds, familiar and predictable for shooters who've trained on standard AR controls.

The Black Cherry Cerakote finish is more than just good looks—it's a durable, corrosion-resistant coating that handles hard use and rough conditions. Whether you're zeroing at the range, hunting medium game, or setting up for precision shooting, this is a no-frills, competent AR-15 that does the job without unnecessary complexity or inflated marketing.

Key Features

• Chambers .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO interchangeably
• 16-inch heavy barrel with 1:8 twist for accurate shot placement and velocity
• Full Picatinny rail handguard (15.25 inches) for mounting optics and accessories
• 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers for durability and weight management
• Carbine-length gas system with black oxide gas block for reliable cycling
• M4 feed ramps for smooth magazine feeding
• Durable Black Cherry Cerakote finish
• Mil-spec polymer grip and trigger (5.5–6 lb pull)
• Includes one 30-round magazine and threaded muzzle brake (1/2 x 28)
• Lightweight at 6.8 pounds

Specifications

Brand	Great Lakes Firearms
Action	Semi-Automatic
Caliber	.223 Wylde (shoots .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO)
Barrel Length	16 inches
Barrel Profile	Heavy Barrel (HBAR), 1:8 twist
Barrel Material	416R Stainless Steel or 4150 CRMOV Nitride
Muzzle Threading	1/2 x 28
Upper Receiver	7075 Aluminum
Lower Receiver	7075 Aluminum
Handguard	15.25-inch aluminum 6061, full Picatinny rail
Gas System	Carbine-length, 0.750 gas block (black oxide)
Feed Ramps	M4
Grip	Mil-spec polymer
Trigger	Mil-spec, 5.5–6 lb pull
Magazine Capacity	30 rounds
Magazines Included	1
Muzzle Brake	Included
Sights	None
Finish	Black Cherry Cerakote
Overall Length	33.25 inches
Weight (unloaded)	6.8 lbs
Ambidextrous Safety	No

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot both .223 and 5.56 NATO in this rifle?

Yes. The .223 Wylde chamber is specifically designed to safely fire both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition without modification or concern. You're not limited to one cartridge type.

What's included in the box?

The rifle comes with one 30-round magazine and a threaded muzzle brake (1/2 x 28 thread). Sights are not included, so you'll need to mount an optic or add iron sights separately.

Is this rifle good for hunting?

The .223 Wylde, 16-inch heavy barrel, and straightforward mil-spec setup make this a capable platform for hunting small to medium game at reasonable ranges. The Picatinny rail lets you mount your preferred optic, and the carbine-length gas system keeps the rifle balanced and handy in the field.

Can I add a scope or other accessories?

Yes. The full-length Picatinny rail handguard (15.25 inches) provides plenty of real estate for mounting optics, lights, lasers, or other tactical accessories. The receiver itself is also Picatinny-compatible for upper-mounted optics.