Heckler & Koch H&K SL8-1 .223 20.5″ Semi-Auto Rifle, Gray G36 Clone

SOLD FOR: $1908

WOA#: WY230803JL001

Make: H&K

Model:  SL8-1

Serial Number: 48-004705

Year of Manufacture:  1999 KK Date Code

Caliber: .223 Rem

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “WARNING REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL Heckler & Koch Inc. Sterling VA HK SL8-1 Kal. .223 Rem. Heckler & Koch Gmbh Made in Germany” and “S” and “F” around the safety selector. Marked “48-004705” above the thumbhole pistol grip. The right side of the buttstock is marked “HK” in red lettering. The right side on a metal inlay is marked with an Eagle over N proof, KK, and Ulm Antler Proof. The barrel is marked “II1F”.

Barrel Length: 20.5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post sight.  The rear sight is an adjustable dual aperture sight.  The top has a picatinny rail for optic options.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is gray polymer with a thumbhole buttstock and a synthetic cheek rest and rubber buttpad. The charging handle is ambidextrous and flips to either the left or right side for operation. The LOP measures 13.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two 10rd .223 magazine marked “HK SL8 Kal. .223 Rem.”

Type of Finish:  Gray

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear from previous responsible use and storage. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Total of two magazines.

Our Assessment:  The H&K SL8-1 rifle is an import-legal version of the G36 designed for precision shooting. It has a cold-hammer forged barrel with a recessed crown and a free-floating bull barrel made with HK cannon grade steel. It uses the G36/SL8 short-stroke gas piston, which is also featured in the HK416, for smooth and reliable operation. Other features include a short MIL-SPEC optics mount, match trigger, and an adjustable stock.

The G36 rifle was developed by H&K in the 1990s to replace the G3 rifle in service with the German military. It is a modular assault rifle system that can be configured for a variety of roles, including a carbine, standard rifle, or light support weapon. The G36 uses a short-stroke gas piston system and has a polymer receiver and stock. It has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement organizations around the world.

In response to demand from civilian shooters, H&K created the SL8-1 as an import-legal version of the G36 for the US market. The SL8-1 shares many design features with the G36, including the short-stroke gas piston system and the use of high-quality materials in construction. However, the SL8-1 is designed for precision shooting rather than military use and features a number of modifications to make it more suitable for this role. These include the cold-hammer forged barrel with a recessed crown, the free-floating bull barrel, the short MIL-SPEC optics mount, and the match trigger. The adjustable stock allows the shooter to customize the rifle for their individual needs.

Overall, the H&K SL8-1 rifle is an import-legal version of the G36 designed for precision shooting. It incorporates many of the design features of the G36, including the short-stroke gas piston system and high-quality materials, while also featuring modifications to make it more suitable for civilian use.