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Heckler & Koch HK SL8

1998 MODERN

Heckler & Koch HK SL8 History

The HK SL8 (SL8-1) is nothing more than a HK G36 assault rifle in civilian attire, with semi-automatic fire. Both guns are Heckler & Koch products, the HK SL8 series was launched in 1998 and production continues to this day.

Regardless, the SL8 has a lot in common with its more powerful cousin, and is a popular sporting rifle around the world, with some owners converting the base sporting rifle to look like the extreme G36. The SL8 was originally developed for German reservists as a unit equivalent to the G36 used by the Bundeswehr.

Using the base model of the G36 Assault Rifle, Heckler & Koch modified the stock and grip with a fixed stock and integral grip for the civilian market. The carry handle and integrated optics are also removed from the civilian version, although the aftermarket can sell these as add-ons. Also, the commercial SL8 (available in the US, at least) was modified to not accept high-capacity magazines like the G36 assault rifle.

However, SL8 owners can change this limit, despite the risk of violating the 1968 Gun Control Act.

The heart of the SL8 is a fully loaded 8.6 lbs and comes with a 20.80 inch barrel. The barrel itself is heavier than the G36, providing better control and accuracy. A 10-round detachable polymer magazine from .233 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition feeds a semi-automatic system that uses a gas-operated, short-stroke piston and nose-rotating locking bolt for firing.

Iron Sights come standard and are adjustable via a MIL-STD-1913 removable rail system that can be fitted with a G36 sight system as an option.

The SL8 exists in other marketed (or coming soon) forms, including the silenced SL9SD, which fires subsonic 7.62mm ammunition, and the R8, which has a bolt-action mechanism for sports shooting.