HK XM-8: What Was it and Why? (With Larry Vickers)

So for all intents and purposes, the XM-8 was a G36 futuristicalized (word?). If you ever import G36 semi-autos (past those pesky German export laws) or somehow convince RCMP that HK243 should not be prohibited when G36 semi-autos in the country are non-restricted, you will have a lot of orders from dealers around Canada :D

Also interesting was that all the modular stuff started off the XM-8 program according to that video. That was the genesis of the idea.
 
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That's awesome. It was an experimental rifle developed for replacement for the M16/M4. It was canceled after years of R&D with the loss financially falling on HK of course to help them on the way to bankruptcy (see also G11, same thing happened). At best you can have Tommy convert an SL8 to an XM8 but the cost and red tape to have that done for you in the US will be epic.

Moe
 
That's awesome. It was an experimental rifle developed for replacement for the M16/M4. It was canceled after years of R&D with the loss financially falling on HK of course to help them on the way to bankruptcy (see also G11, same thing happened). At best you can have Tommy convert an SL8 to an XM8 but the cost and red tape to have that done for you in the US will be epic.

Moe

Watch the post above in the not to distant future.
 
That's awesome. It was an experimental rifle developed for replacement for the M16/M4. It was canceled after years of R&D with the loss financially falling on HK of course to help them on the way to bankruptcy (see also G11, same thing happened). At best you can have Tommy convert an SL8 to an XM8 but the cost and red tape to have that done for you in the US will be epic.

Moe

So when you think the ETA is?
 
Eta? Laugh2

Try... never. A wholesaler posts a link to a youtube video about a historical rifle, and everyone immediately flips into "dream the dream" mode.

That's Canada for you. The government/RCMP is moving fairly quickly to block/eliminate/prohibit all "military style" semi-auto rifles, and rather than do anything about it, we are all still dreaming the dream of our next black rifle fantasy.
 

Hmm... do I want a fish or a boat?

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Eta? Laugh2

Try... never. A wholesaler posts a link to a youtube video about a historical rifle, and everyone immediately flips into "dream the dream" mode.

That's Canada for you. The government/RCMP is moving fairly quickly to block/eliminate/prohibit all "military style" semi-auto rifles, and rather than do anything about it, we are all still dreaming the dream of our next black rifle fantasy.

^ this!
 
Eta? Laugh2

Try... never. A wholesaler posts a link to a youtube video about a historical rifle, and everyone immediately flips into "dream the dream" mode.

That's Canada for you. The government/RCMP is moving fairly quickly to block/eliminate/prohibit all "military style" semi-auto rifles, and rather than do anything about it, we are all still dreaming the dream of our next black rifle fantasy.

Yay Canadians. Lol
 
Why? In essence it's an SL8 in a body kit with an over priced red dot and flip up sights. None of the developments talked about in that video will exist in a conversion (trunion heating issues, modularity upgrades). It just strikes me like it's a lot of cash to dress up an already excellent rifle with more plastic to make it more bulky for no gain whatsoever.

This is all the musings of a guy that owns an SL8 and loved it, but never had the slightest urge to convert it to a G36 stock because I don't love HK that hard. I also don't understand Mk18 clone builders either so take that into consideration. Your mileage may vary.
 
Despite the weird look, the XM8 is surprisingly comfortable and natural to present and manipulate. I had no interest in the gun until I got to handle the one in the Gray Room. I only wish I could have had a chance to shoot it.
 
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