Well, since way more people own AR15 rifles... I'm not sure the SL8 crowd will be able to get a word in!
Is this a challenge, good sir?
No, definitely get an AR. The non restricted, clean running piston action of the SL8 combined with it's target heavy barrel, and a charging handle you can't pull with your teeth from the comfort of the shooting position makes it a terrible competition firearm. Add to that the horrible attempt at ambidextrous operation and the cheap nylon receiver (probably made from recycled pantihose) and the terrible free-floating hand-guard with well-integrated optional bi-pod shrouding the chrome-lined cold-hammer-forged 1-in-7 inch twist 500mm long barrel makes the SL8 the rifle you would only want your competitors to suffer operating with in a competition.
Seriously, if you've used an AR for at least an hour, go with the AR, because you will hate anything else and Eugene Stoner is your only true prophet.
If you're unfortunate enough to have never been exposed to the radiant joy that an AR in-hand can allegedly bring it's user, you'll never look back from the SL8*. Even after you've spent two weeks on the AR, you will return to the hideous petroleum-based excuse for a target rifle with a smile not different from the smile of a 16 year old now-non-virgin who doesn't know she's pregnant yet.
Dislaimer: I shoot the HK
Plastics Collection. Haven't found time to assemble the AR from the pile of parts, as I'm so busy caressing/shooting/cleaning (well, not so much cleaning, it's a really clean design) my HK. And because it's plastic, sleeping with it in a loving embrace is not a cold experience, as would be with an AR.
I've heard of people hunting with SL8's, but it is limited to the 5.56mm caliber, where as the XCR can be sized to a 7.62mm caliber projectile. Check you local (Ontario's regulations make it good for deer) hunting regulations.
Also, some people hate the 20N trigger, and feel it should be lighter, but there is little that can be done about the trigger, (except make it heavier like I did, 'cos I'm into masochism). It's two-stage-ish, it's very smooth, very clean break, but that's not like the AR where there are a myriad of triggers to pick and choose from.
Your budget of 3000$ should be enough to purchase the SL8 (~1800$ on the EE), and still have about a grand to pimp it to your linking. If you already have the optics, you could use that grand to make a convincing G36 analogue running from AR mags. Certainly will take more time to find all the parts than if you are building an AR.
If you have any questions about the SL8 please
read the FAQ, and if it's not answered or you have something very specific with many variables,
PM me. In my experience, with a heavy 40N trigger spring, 55gr PMC ammo at a distance of 100 meters, three shots from the SL8 were within a loonie (shot by some old guy at the local range who asked to try a few shots).
Best of all, find a target AR, ask it's owner to let you shoot it. Find an SL8 owner, and ask it's owner to shoot it. Bring your own ammo, and tell both of the owners that you want more than "a couple of shots", but that you want them to show you everything, good and bad about their rifle. Most people love attention to themselves or their 'equipment', so you'll most likely get a positive answer. Then make your own conclusions.
Oh, and many an AR can mount a bayonet (the default front sight post usually includes a bayo-lug), while almost no SL8 can. If you like manly things like bayonets for those up-close-and-in-your-face encounters with wildlife, that might be a factor in your decision. Admittedly, the AR is restricted and the only wildlife it would in theory be exposed to would be your pets if you have any and trust them not to drool all over your guns (but who can blame them for not keeping that lower mandible in the full upright and locked position around the contents of your safe?).
*For complete love of your HK, some modifications may be required, but this is no different from customizing an AR to create your perfect abomination.
