AR-15 / H&K SL8 Advice

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Ditchdoctor

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Im looking at purchasing an SL8-4 or an AR-15 and Im hoping you guys can help me decide between the two beyond the restricted/nonrestricted issue. I have fired an AR-15 and liked the feel it had. It had a few aftermarket goodies (free floating barrel, adjustable stock, nightforce scope etc) and felt quite comfortable to shoot. I went to a local gun store today to look at a SL8-4 and it was very comfortable to hold and seemed to "fit" me well. I intend to use the rifle I buy for shooting up to 500m and will be putting on a nice optic regardless of which one I go with. When I look at the price of a new AR-15 and consider the cost of adding the mods it isnt too far out of line with a new SL8 which is ready to go minus the optic as far as I can tell.

I havent fired an SL8 so I dont know how they are outside of what people tell me.

My question then is what are the pros and cons with purchasing one over the other? In addition if there is anyone out there with experience using the SL8 can you please share some insights with me as to what you think its strong and weak points are.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.
 
I don't have an AR, but I do have an SL8. Costomizing options are becoming more available, but is still pricey. The only con I can think of is the heavy barrel, but that should not be a problem when shooting from the bench. I think is shoots well and it does "fit" me nicely. For me the non-restricted did play a large part in my choice.
 
I have both and think that the AR is probably the way to go. The HK is likely to be more accurate and is non-restricted. However, it is expensive, accesories are limited and expensive and they have not got the ergonomics quite right.

The AR is cheaper, far more accessories (e.g. you can easily swap uppers and go from a long barrel target rig to a short barreled carbine).
 
Also, the SL8 has a magwell conversion so you can use LAR-15 10 round mags. You can get HK or aftermarket picatinny raisl or a complete RAS so you can mount pretty much an accessory to it. The SL8 uses a piston system which keeps the reciever cleaner.
 
Ditchdoctor,

If you don't care about the non restricted aspect then get the AR. Free float barrel, rails and get either a CTR stock or Sopmod for it. An eotech on top and you'll have a very good time.

The SL8 rifles are actually fairly nice, but only once you change up the major weakness of the rifle. The stock. I personally like thumhole stocks, but the one on the SL8 doesn't fit me that well. The thumhole feels weird on it.

I have seen an SL8 that was fitted with a HERA stock adapter and an AR stock. I think it was a Sopmod but I'm not sure. That stock looked right and fit the SL8 really well. So once you spend another $680 for the adapter and $200 to $300 for the stock, you'll have a hell of a nice rifle. The only problem is you're now $300 to $400 more than a Swiss Arms rifle. So your just over $2k rifle has climbed past 3K. Add the HK bipod and you can factor in another $300 or so dollars. Now you still need the AR-15 Stanag mag adapter kit, a metal rail to replace the polymer one for optics mounting......

Do you see where this is going? Like I said you will end up with one hell of a rifle, but at a cost. The only advantage is the fact that it's non restricted, accurate and an HK. Plus when it's done up it looks cool. Converting an SL8 to a G36 clone is also very expensive.

If you absolutely have to have an HK or you enjoy modding up your rifles, then maybe it will be right for you. In terms of price/performance and fun right out of the box. Well the AR-15 is very hard to beat. For under $2K you can have a rifle that will handle better than the stock HK, and look great. Plus if you want to change stuff later, there's lots of options.

The two disadvantages of the AR-15.
1) Restricted
2) Direct impengement (Pretty much every other semi auto black rifle is a piston system including the SL8).

If you're going to go the HK route, check out the Swiss Arms PE-90. Although the initial price is higher, you get most of the options included that you would have to add with the SL8 which brings the SL8 price past that of the PE-90. Also the Tavor is $3K if you're interested in non restricted CQB rifles. While not really in the same league as the above, the Norinco Type 97 is yet again another option.

I'm not really trying to steer you away from the HK. I just think there are a lot of options and considerations that someone should be aware of before taking the leap onto the HK wagon :D. If you check it all out and still go with the HK then you'll no doubt be happy.

Lots to think about.
Anyways let us know what you decide, and why.
Good luck.
 
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