Heckler & Koch SL8

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HK SL8
Production information
Country of origin	Germany
Manufacturer(s)	Heckler & Koch
Production began	1998
Production ended	2010(SL8-6)
Technical specifications
Weapon type	Semi-Auto Rifle
Caliber	.223 Remington 5.56x45mm NATO
Action	Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary locking bolt
Length	38.58 in. (980mm)
Barrel length	20.08 in. (510mm)
Weight	8.60 pounds (3.9 kg) with magazine
Feed system	SL8, SL8-4, SL8-5: 10-round flush-fit dual-column magazine, 30-round G36 magazine with slight modification SL8-1, SL8-6: 10-round single-column magazine, 20-round aftermarket single-column magazine

The Heckler & Koch SL8 is a sporting rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It is the civilian version of the Heckler & Koch G36.

History

The SL8 was originally developed for the German Bundeswehr, to provide a weapon for training reservists similar to the G36 and able to be provided to reserve organizations not able to provide military-grade armaments.

Design details

The rifle uses the same system that the G36, however, it is semi-auto only and has suffered minor modifications. The stock and grip have been changed to a fixed stock that resembles the one uses in the standard Heckler & Koch SR9, the receiver is also modified so it cannot be changed to a folding stock. Europeans and Canadian models can use double-stack G36 magazines, however, American models can only use 10 round single stack magazines. This can be modified by replacing the magazine well and the single-lug.

Variants

• SL8: Standard version for Europe.
• SL8-1: Single stack variant with long rail. Imported to the US.
• SL8-2: Military variant equipped with a 3.5x scope. Never enter in production nor adopted.
• SL8-4: SL8 with short rail and G36 handguard
• SL8-5: SL8-4 with long rail.
• SL8-6: SL8-1 with short rail and vented forearm. Discontinued in 2010.
• SL8-10: SL8-4 chambered in .222 Remington, specially designed for Spain.

Derivates

SL9SD

A version chambered in 7.62x37mm HK (based on the .300 Whisper), it used standard G36 magazines and was pre-equipped with a suppressor and bipod. It had an overall weight of 4.9 kg.

Heckler & Koch R8

The R8 was essentially an SL8-5 without a gas block, designed to be a bolt action straight-pull rifle, and able to use 5 or 10 round magazines. This was made to appeal to the gun restrictions in Australia. However, it was reclassified as a category D in Victoria due to the gun being able to be modified to full-auto and because it "resembles a military-style firearm".