Originally introduced to the US market in 1998, the SL8 is a version of the G36 but was discontinued tied in 2010. This latest version is all Black in color with a Red H&K logo on the stock. It features a cold-hammer forged barrel with a recessed crown. The free-floating bull barrel is manufactured with HK cannon grade steel. The G36/SL8 short-stroke gas piston, also featured in the HK416, ensures smooth, clean, reliable operation. The SL8 also features a short MIL-SPEC optics mount, match trigger, and an adjustable stock.
hard pass. crap stock, needs to be threaded, i bet over priced.. now lets talk about that mag.
Not often do I open SSD in the morning and read something that makes me go, what? This did. I’m not sure what to make of it.
Okay I know it’s HK, but I’m genuinely puzzled. They know the AWB sunset in 2004 right? Surely people would prefer to buy a G36.
Yeah, especially when the HK243 (semi-auto civilian version of G36) is sold in Europe.
I’m pretty sure the features have to do with imports of what is considered “assault weapons” they are still subject to feature sets which dictate what can and cannot be imported. If they want to make an entire system in Germany and import them it would be subject to provisions that only allow a certain set of features be present. Hence why when HK made the MR556 they could not import HK416 parts, but had to make them in the states.
Make a pistol, like the SP-5 (I mean the HK253, not that neutered SL8).
Side note, still love your site Strike-Hold. Actually how I discovered SSD about 12 years ago. Keep up the good work.
In Europe is the critical term the Gun Control act of 1968. It dictates that imported have to have a set limit on stocks, magazines and a few other bits. Basically if HK wants to import G36 it ends up as SL8. After that the aftermarket kicks in and custom shops retrofit to G36 clones. The only way to get HK243 in the US market otherwise would be to build a factory here.
They probably didn’t want to go through the process of getting a new rifle approved by the ATF when they can just put this out.
… who asked for this?
Literally, no one. It was an abysmal seller back in the awb days, can’t imagine it will do much better now.
A US made 416 for under 3k? Sure, I’d buy that.
A US made 433? Sure, I’d buy that
A US made MP7 pistol? Sure, I’d buy that
A US made G36 clone? Sure I’d buy that
The neutered AWB compliant G36 clone with a single stack mag and a thumbhole stock that takes more than $2k to convert to something worthwhile?
Nah.
Revitalization of old/classic models can’t help but make me think of Colt. I’d be MUCH more interested in a more affordable 416 that isn’t crazily over-gassed or even a DI version. Not to go on too far of a tangent but does HK know their commercial competition in Sig’s 516 piston rifles, Caracal or POF; all of which don’t have insane hight over bore.
I would rather see them bring back the HK93, modified to accept STANAG and PMAGS. But maybe that’s just me. 😉
It’s not just you.
They did that, it was called the HK41, it didn’t make it to the US market as a semi-auto version though
Every rifle is for not for everyone. Believe it or not citizens in some states are still under unconstitutional restrictions which makes this a good out of the box option. I’m glad HK has at least considered the broader market.
54 dollar mags? compliant AR’s are a better option not to mention M1A.
… in VERY few cases is the M1A a better option. This isn’t one.
with common mags.. parts… the amount of M1A’s in circulation. i would disagree.
Last M1A I handled was a Match Grade, new-in-box, although manufactured about 20 years ago. Magazines will not properly insert/remove. Googled the problem, and found a lengthy treatise by a retired NM armorer on this apparently common issue. In my opinion, if it doesn’t come combat ready out of the box, without requiring the services of a gunsmith, it’s a boat-anchor POS!
again, compliant ars are a way better option than this HK blob of turd. my M1a’s are S#!^ hot. the guys i shoot with have made it known.. plenty of mags and parts out there. so yes, i think you are misled. good luck and see you down the road.
Hey lets bring back a product that never sold well even back during the the a-salt ban
“Hey H&K, the 90’s called, they want their SL8/G36 back…”
Had original one as part of a trade, was a piece of shit and was glad to get rid of it a year later.
Maybe Tommy built clones will come down in price now.
Just in case HK is reading this, I applaud the effort at giving folks what the might have wanted still from back in the day. What we would really love to have is an MP7 in .22 that can be adapted to a pistol brace and accept suppressors. You couldn’t deliver enough of something as fun as that. I’m sure many want a real MP7 but I don’t think they want to feed it. The .22 would be my #1 choice.
id want one in 5.7×28.
any centerfire cartridge would likely be better than any rimfire cartridge
I suspect most of HK upper management would prefer to slice their wrists, than offer anything chambered in 5.7×28. Why step down from the superior 4.6×30?
.17 WSM pleez
My guess is people will buy this to have a new base rifle to mod into G36 clones. Tommybuilt kits were hard to get due to the low volume of SL8s out there.
HK USA’s own face book page linked to Tommy Built in a recent post. Clearly they want to offer for that demand.
HK continues to demonstrate their expansive knowledge of the American civilian gun market