[TechBrute]

Anyone own one of the HK SL8-1 rifles? What do you think of it?

[ShaiVong]

http://remtek.com/arms/hk/civ/sl8/sl8-1.jpg


^ Never used one myself, but one of those has been sitting on the rack at one of the local gunshops for about a year now.. I guess their not very popular!

[ShaiVong]

The SL8 is basically well-executed considering the guidelines foisted upon HK by current, obtuse U.S. regulations. Ironically, HK resolved the stock, barrel, trigger mechanism and magazine issues in ways that improved the system's target capabilities, while they fumbled on the fixed sight design - an aspect over which they had complete discretion. This is of little concern though, as the rifle is probably better off with a scope anyway. When testing one specimen that was outfitted with a Leupold Mk IV M3, I found that I could hit 1-inch squares at 100 yards on demand which implies that the SL8 will perform as designed.

The SL8 carries a suggested retail price of $1,599 - an arguable bargain when you compare its features and functionality to those of other grey sporters like Steyr's overrated Scout rifle. It incorporates HK's most current materials and design technology and is every bit as rugged and reliable as its military counterpart. Still, there is one conceptual problem surrounding the SL8 that should not be overlooked: other entities are using your tax dollars to equip themselves with the real deal while simultaneously dictating to you that the SL8 is all that you can own - for now.

From REMTEK.COM

have i heard somebody mention converting this to a PSG? Or was that the real-deal G3?

[Gary H]

I've had one since they came out. It has been reliable and is certainly sub-MOA. Many folks modify them to the extreme. I suspect that many have put more money into this firearm after purchase than at purchase. I'm not crazy about the thumbhole stock, but like the variable LOP. I've got a Springfield Scope mounted on mine. Not the best optics, but has .223 bullet drop reticle and bubble cant indicator.

[TechBrute]

have i heard somebody mention converting this to a PSG? Or was that the real-deal G3? The G3 and the HK 91 have the HK modular trigger groups. I recently sold an HK91 with a PSG trigger group on it. The standard triggers leave a lot to be desired.

[Chipperman]

I have one and like it. It's very accurate, and IMO, has a nicer trigger and recoil than AR's.

The biggest reason that most people don't like them is b/c they are "TOO PC"

You have to give credit to HK for even trying to make a sporting rifle with the laws nowadays. They can be modified heavily, and can even take AR mags with mods. I have not touched mine, except for putting a Simmons 3-12 x40 scope on it. I have an AR for a "tactical .223". The SL8 for me is a target rifle. I'm not trying to turn it into something it isn't.

They are being discontinued, so don't wait too long if you think you want one.

[Schuey2002]

I've got one and I'm very, very fond of it. I have had mine for a little over 10 months and have not been disappointed with it. It shoots extremely well, has never jammed and has chewed through over 1000 rounds of various types of .223 without nary a hiccup. It has also been a very accurate rifle right out of the (cardboard, :rolleyes: ) box and is tremendously fun to shoot as well.

There are alot of people out there that po-po it because of its of looks, the 10 round (factory) mag capacity and that funky lookin' thumbhole stock. But, you know, none of that really bothered me because I knew that sooner of later I would transform it, giving it that uber-cool G36 look. :D

Here's what my gun will look like very soon. All I have left to do to it is to have HKPRO member,LarryG36, turn the barrel down to G36 specs on his lathe,as well as have him shorten the barrel. Also, I'm going to have him install one of Phil Covington's fake (G36K) flash hiders..
http://www.vhmiautomation.com/images/stock3sm.jpg

[vertigo7]

The first time I saw an SL8-1, frankly I hated it. It looked hideous on the rack sitting next to an AR or synthetic-stocked bolt gun. Then I found Alpinetek's HK SL8 Conversion Project (http://alpinetek.netfirms.com/guns/SL8/). I definitely wouldn't mind owning the HK G36K clone (edit: see the pic by Schuey2002 above) that the SL8-1 has been morphed into.

[Kobun]

The SL-8 is nice enough, but DO NOT get the factory optics!!!

The accuracy problems with those sold in Norway has all had to do with the optics.
Once we placed other optics on them, we got groups that were 4 to 8 times smaller!

They might look cool, or be functional on a battlefield, but if you want the gun to shoot at full potential, pick some other form of glass for it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=43854

[Diesle]

The SL8 carries a suggested retail price of $1,599 - an arguable bargain when you compare its features and functionality to those of other grey sporters like Steyr's overrated Scout rifle.


Aww come on now. The Scout is a hell of a rifle.... Certainly overrated if you paid the full retail for it. But, now that the hype is dying and the price is falling like crazy, its a lot of rifle for the price. You can get them from CDNN for $1100 - $1600...

The SL8 screams compromise (to U.S. Gov.) all over it. Its overly blatant. To me it will always carry that stigma and makes it undesireable to own.

Diesle

[Handy]

For the price, you're getting a funny featured plastic rifle which is known to develop cracks.

If you want to spend $1000 or so (or less) on a .223, you have the Robinson M96, the various AR15s, the new AR180b, or you could look for one of the excellent old HK SL6 rifles. All of the above are accurate, tough, full featured military type rifles.

It is not surprising that HK is shelving the SL8. Maybe it relates to the US HK plant rumors.

I think it's money poorly spent, even if it does shoot well.

[Jspy]

I shot mine yesterday! Owned it for a couple of years and its still stock, except for bi-pod. I originally had a Leupold on it, but had issues with the long rail, and probably needed to add some height to the mount. I still keep thinking one of these days I might go for the "evil" look, but not sure about sticking any more $$ into it. Mine hasn't developed the crack as of yet. I've yet to see another one at the range.

[Arcli9ht]

I've had mine for about a year now. I've been in love with it since the day I got it and it still does it for me.
Don't get it if all you want is a combat rifle (unless you are going to spend the money to mod it up to a SW36).
It is a very nice target rifle, the trigger is crisp. Mine has been 100% reliable from day one, which is a lot more than I can say about any AR I have ever met. :neener:
Cleanup takes 1/10th the time of an AR (Fouling is not directed into the reciever, it goes out halfway down the barrel away from you). However, the SL8 only has 10 round capacity unless you get the Special Weapons mod.
Regardless, it is a very nice target rifle, but dont expect it to be a battle rifle out of the box.

My Stock SL8 (http://www.phido.org/guns/mysl8/index.htm)

/Arcli9ht

[FAL_Freak]

Got one. Love it. It looks kinda dumb sitting in the rack with gray thumbhole and strange sight rail on it. I dyed mine black and put the Dual Optic HK carry handle thing on it. I was going for a G36 clone and I'm fairly happy with it, just need the SW (or other) pistol grip and the AR15 mag mod. The rifle itself is nice. As previously stated it's easy to clean, is accurate, and the trigger isn't too shabby. The G36 accessories do seem near imposible to come by though. In theory an HK dealer should be able to order them in though.