G36/SL8 Modding and Customization

[Millennium]

This one's for my fellow CGN HK lovers. I've recently gotten into the world of overpriced HK rifles and managed to come across both an SL8 and G36 platform. I know going down the SL8 route is usually for scratching that G36 itch, but I still have a soft spot for the Tommybuilt PSG-8 and XM8 kits. That being said, what are our options in Canada for both SL8 conversion kits and G36 parts? Is there anyone doing anything similar in-country? I know #####Armoury and IRG can get us stuff from the USA and deal with the red tape, but if anyone knows any other resources (e.x. Canadian companies that turn down SL8 barrels or sell G36/SL8 parts), please drop them here.

 

[Morc]

Alberta Tactical can turn down an SL8 barrel. I assume Dlask can too but I don't know for sure.

Easiest option is an SL8 with the Hera kit. Then either go with an ACR stock if you can find one or get a buffer tube to 1913 adapter and an approximate G36-like 1913 stock. Tactical Imports sells G36 mags and top rail with 3x optic.

As for doing a more perfect G36 clone build with Tommy Built stuff, I haven't done enough research on it.

 

[the radium king]

lots of info if you search (including a 16 page thread in the stickies). herron arms is in ontario and will cut and thread an sl8 barrel. not a lot of sl8 support otherwise; parts come from the states or easier is the EU as they have fewer export restrictions. although i was able to find hera and spuhr hk stuff in canada.

not a lot you can do about the trigger, but can import a tommybuilt flat trigger if so inclined. there is a change you can do to switch one of the spring legs to reduce pull.

a g36k handguard is an inexpensive upgrade (got mine from hkparts iirc; be prepared to wait over six months).

also info out there about how to cut and plastic weld an sl8 stock into a pistol grip arrangement if so inclined.

 

[Millennium]

lots of info if you search (including a 16 page thread in the stickies). herron arms is in ontario and will cut and thread an sl8 barrel. not a lot of sl8 support otherwise; parts come from the states or easier is the EU as they have fewer export restrictions. although i was able to find hera and spuhr hk stuff in canada.

not a lot you can do about the trigger, but can import a tommybuilt flat trigger if so inclined. there is a change you can do to switch one of the spring legs to reduce pull.

a g36k handguard is an inexpensive upgrade (got mine from hkparts iirc; be prepared to wait over six months).

also info out there about how to cut and plastic weld an sl8 stock into a pistol grip arrangement if so inclined.

Thanks for the info. I decided to reach out to Herron Arms, but it looks like they aren't receptive to email. Otherwise, I'm digging for a magwell adapter at the moment. I've heard Dlask and Marstar do some custom work as well, so I might reach out. I'll update in this thread.

 

[scianna54]

Thanks for the info. I decided to reach out to Herron Arms, but it looks like they aren't receptive to email. Otherwise, I'm digging for a magwell adapter at the moment. I've heard Dlask and Marstar do some custom work as well, so I might reach out. I'll update in this thread.

The only advantage you have with an AR magwell is to use 10 round AR magazines. You still have to mill the receiver tabs. If do that anyways, you can use standard G36 magazines. Plus, not all magazine wells feed properly. The SL8 magazine catch is very solid, I am not sure I would want to trade that for a possibly flimsy AR magwell. But if you really want to do that, I see at least once/month have them pop up on the EE or gp.

 

[the radium king]

the 'milling' of the receiver is a non-issue. five minutes with a file to slightly bevel a small plastic lip and done. otherwise, depends on need - if racing then 10 rounds is better than 5, and an AR-style mag catch is much faster and retains the manual of arms that most are used to. i don't think spuhr stuff is made anymore however, and i'm not familiar with the other products.

 

[scianna54]

the 'milling' of the receiver is a non-issue. five minutes with a file to slightly bevel a small plastic lip and done. otherwise, depends on need - if racing then 10 rounds is better than 5, and an AR-style mag catch is much faster and retains the manual of arms that most are used to. i don't think spuhr stuff is made anymore however, and i'm not familiar with the other products.

I hear you. There was a used Spuhr adapter for sale on the EE for below $200. I tried to buy it but it was just sold. I decided not to spend over $400 on something which should be $200. I sold my SL8 without going north with spending on upgrades. I liked it but not that much. I much rather have a 180 based rifle where I can slap everything on from cheap to expensive and don't have to worry about magazines or stock conversions and all that stuff. Heck even the bipod is expensive. Everything is proprietary.

 

[the radium king]

i usually buy cheap and modify. but there is also the 'buy once cry once' approach. with the sl8 you pay big $ and STILL have to modify it. and you don't even get the pleasure of being an HK snob because all the g36 guys look down on you. i like the 180 platform for alternate calibers because the AR barrel is an easy swap and my odd caliber rifles don't see the same duty cycle as the 223. for a 223 gun the military pedigree of the sl8 is pretty hard to beat in the canadian market.

 

[scianna54]

i usually buy cheap and modify. but there is also the 'buy once cry once' approach. with the sl8 you pay big $ and STILL have to modify it. and you don't even get the pleasure of being an HK snob because all the g36 guys look down on you. i like the 180 platform for alternate calibers because the AR barrel is an easy swap and my odd caliber rifles don't see the same duty cycle as the 223. for a 223 gun the military pedigree of the sl8 is pretty hard to beat in the canadian market.

Last week was a fully modded SL8 for sale on the EE, like the whole nine yards, even ACR stock and all HK upgrades (without the bipod and silly scope) and you know how much those are (ACR stock is $500 now). Even the original parts and like 12 magazines. For $2K. I should have bought it because I just sold my basic SL8 for that price. Not a good investment either.