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How good is the HK SL8? Worth purchasing?

18K views 42 replies 24 participants last post by  quadilious  
#1 ·
I have had HKs since I could own a firearm. I enjoy shooting my HK 91 and 93 and swear that they are better than any AR Platform but without all the refinements (in my opinion). I was in a local gun store over the weekend and an SL8 caught my attention. I handled it and it was comfortable for me. The thumb hole stock was no big deal. I really never was interested in one, even when they had come in the late 1990s as I viewed it as a polymer gun that was neutered to fit the Clinton Crime Bill of 1994. Something is drawing my attention to it now. I did a search on the site with some good information, but to those that have one, is to worth it? I know they are reliable, as is anything HK manufactures, I just want to get some information on it and see what people think of them. Thanks.
 
#7 ·
A lot of SL8s get converted to a G36 clones and in the eyes of many, that’s the main worth of the gun. Personally, I found the thumb hole stock uncomfortable, but if you’re OK with it and don’t mind a heavy barreled 10-round capacity limited gun that uses proprietary mags, then it’s OK. If you want to convert to a G36, be prepared to spend more money and time trying to find the necessary parts. Even more if you want to comply with 922r and get the required number of US parts.
 
#29 ·
Ha! That's awesome.

The one's we used to sell, were all hacked on to be restored to their closest,
original G36 configuration variants. I think I've come across 2 customers that were actually attracted
to the actual neutered, "space gun features"(all detractors to me personally) of the SL8.
 
#15 ·
I say ignore the hate the SL8 often gets. Buying one for a G36 conversion is a no brainer. I would personally buy one to leave As-Is, assuming I had the extra coin, especially if I could somehow convert the mag well to a double stack, which I "think" is possible.
 
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#18 ·
Turn back now! :rofl: I purchased one about a month ago and it opened a worm hole on me! I went on a parts buying spree. Actually got lucky on finding some of the parts. The hunt is definitely the fun part! I think i’m finally ready to get this thing to Mr. Bostic for his magic on the magwell. Loading these single stack mags is literally the worst mag loading experience ever.
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#19 ·
If you like the looks of it, and have are tired of more practical and traditional long guns, you will love the SL8-1. It's quirky, and far from perfect, but there really is nothing else like it. It turns a lot of heads. The trigger is a little heavy, but breaks very clean. It's a very soft shooter. It lends itself to a nice relaxing shooting session sitting down with a bipod. My one complaint is the sight rail on mine wasn't screwed in very tight with one screw so it was causing accuracy problems, so you might want to check to make sure everything is tight before you take it out. Extra magazines have been impossible to find too.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I resisted buying one back when the gray ones first came out. I just didn’t care for it. Fast forward to the last year and the new ones are out …I just had to have one. It is a very accurate rifle and as stated above it likes the heavy bullets. Shoots great, smooth operation, the stock takes some getting used to but it’s not horrible. Don’t really care to have optics that far above the boreline but it’s actually very comfortable to get behind and shoot. Glad I got one now and I have no intention of converting it.
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#30 ·
Traded in my Springfield M1a loaded with scope and bipod for the HK sl8 new in the box at my local FFL store. Yes the store made a great deal for themself and turned around and sold it for a great profit. I'm an old man and the the Springfield was just beating the heck out of me, and I just wanted to add another HK to my collection, and it was the only HK rifle that I could afford without going into the $3000,00 price range for a MR 556 A1. ( ok,. I could have gone for it but my accountant aka "wife" would have a hissey) The Sl8 has a weired look from other 5.56 mm rifles and yes it is a nuderted G36 rifle .Would I go for the conversion? NO, I just love the look of the rifle as it is, and I'm on the look out for the early gray version. Have taken out to range and been very happy with accuacry so far, been limited to max 300 yards and I need to work up my reloads with heaver bullets should thighten up my groups, always that one flyer . The sl8 love it, hate it. It's still a fun loving rifle.

USP9, USP 40 USP45 Limited Tan version, USP40 Expert w/jet funnel, USP 45 Elite., P30, VP9sk, VP9l or, MP5-22, pistol ,MPsd -22 rifle , SL8, and SP5.
 
#36 ·
Good on Bostic for coming up with a creative solution. I'm working on a drop-in 2-stage trigger for the SL8/G36/UMP, so this looks like an alternative to my solution, though at $710, my solution will be a lot less expensive. His will also get you four 922(R) parts, my trigger will only get you 3, as I re-use the factory trigger bow.
 
#37 ·
I am seriously considering the PSG8 lower to get rid of BS butthole stock on my SL8–5. I see where they’re marked out of stock on his website. I’m assuming he makes these to order and doesn’t build them ahead of time and stock them for sale because he is so busy. Would probably need a whole battalion of workers to do the lower builds to keep up with having them in stock at all times ready for sale.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Regarding the SL8, it depends a little on what you are going to use it for. In terms of appearance, the model undoubtedly has a rather unique design. Some love it and others hate it. I remember when the model arrived I thought it looked really strange. After shooting a whole bunch of these over the years it has grown a lot in my eyes though. As you mention, it is incredibly reliable. But its greatest strength is probably the accuracy at longer distances and the ability to chew all kinds of ammunition and deliver great grouping. If it feels comfortable in your hands when shooting, then it is a no brainer.
Good luck!
 
#43 ·
The SL-8 is my first rifle and I love it. I bought the bolt head necessary for a double stack mag a while back and am currently shopping for the g36 magwell. Thought about a full conversion, but the longer you hold onto the unmodified rifle, the more you like it. If I can get my hands on a 36 bipod that would probably complete my current setup, sans different top rails.