What are the thoughts on HK SL8?

You could remove the boltcatch and just have the bolt slam down on the empty chamber but but IMO this gun WAS designed to work with the bolt staying open after last shot and for $2100.00 it SHOULD do that. I also like this feature and would not remove it for that reason, especially when I have a $150.00 Chinese SKS that will hold the bolt open after last shot WITHOUT any cracking issues.:rolleyes: I did inquire about the improved boltcatch to resolve the cracking issue but was told that it was meant for the SL8-1 version and will not fit the SL8-4 or 5, so there is no fix for this problem. My first receiver lasted about 900 rounds before it cracked and my second one cracked after about 80 rounds. Other than this one major fly in the ointment the SL8 still is a good gun, just something to think about for anyone thinking about buying one.:(
 
Sad fact of life: I have more fun shooting my Yugoslavian SKSs, specifically my 59/66, than I do shooting any of the umpteen (half a dozen in reality :p) big $ ARs I've had and built... :confused: But now I'm switched onto the M96, THAT will be the next big thing for me... ;) (IF THE LIBS DON'T GET THEIR WAY!!! If you haven't acted yet, go to the actions forum and help, please!)
 
Hunter7 said:
I did inquire about the improved boltcatch to resolve the cracking issue but was told that it was meant for the SL8-1 version and will not fit the SL8-4 or 5, so there is no fix for this problem.
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You were told incorrectly. Every bolt catch ever made fits any of the SL8's. There is no difference in the trigger assembly housings. Out of interest, who told you this?
 
crap, how's that for an answer. I have a ton of experience with various ones, and have yet to try one I like. Too heavy, ####ty ergo's, and while accurate, no more than a similarly priced AR. aftermarket sucks, as most of the parts available seem to be designed for airsoft replicas.
oh and the thumbhole stock is horrid.
 
acrashb said:
You were told incorrectly. Every bolt catch ever made fits any of the SL8's. There is no difference in the trigger assembly housings. Out of interest, who told you this?
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The dealer that sold me my SL8 inquired to HK about the new boltcatch when he ordered the new replacement receiver and that's what they told him.:confused: I have not personaly inspected an SL8-1 to see if the boltcatch area is any different due to the narrow single stack mag compared to the SL8-4. Do you know for a fact that it would work? If so I don't know why they would say that, you would think they would try to cure the problem rather than keep replacing cracked receivers.:confused:
 
Ask around on www.hkpro.com boards - search also. There are plenty of pictures of bolt catches on American guns, and some pictures of the upgraded catch - they all look like they would fit my gun. No, I don't know for a fact that it would fit, as I would only say that if I'd observed with my own eyes - the way to find out is to compare part numbers on the bolt catch from an SL8-1 manual and an SL8-4 manual. "214 879" is the part number in my SL-4 manual.
 
so do the new Sl8's have this new catch?

Cause Im thinkin g of maybe getting a Hk, i really dont want to have to be replacing the reciver. has anyone else on this board have the same problem?
 
Very pleased with mine.

Shoots quite well, the BHO cracking issue is an annoyance that I haven't had happen yet, and will deal with it as it does occur.

Very pleased with the accuracy of it, but my fore-end is a bit loose, so I'm going to try and figure out how to tighten that up a bit.

NS
 
Very limited experience with it. I've fired off a few mags, which is really nothing much. I was still rather impressed though.

It was accurate enough to make me even look like a half decent shot. :D

I was thinking of eventually sometime down the road getting one, or an AR180B...
 
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accuracy was really good...but had problems with the ergonomics. Thought it had overall decent balance...but the thumbhole stock seemed a bad fit. Also frankly it seemed like to much money for what you get, and this is from a hardcore HK fan. Im glad I shot one a few times..but wouldnt put my money that way. It seemed very slab sided as well...the one I shot had the bad bolt issue as well. With optics the one I shot was 3k plus. For that kind of money I would go a different route.
 
HKSL8.gif



Ya, black would be better...but still a pretty cool looking gun.
 
SL8-1 Single Stack magazine and 7 lug bolt for US Consumption, Gray body.

SL8-4/5 Double Stack G-36 type magazine, black body, full 8 lugs on bolt, Black body.

Not sure what the -2 or -3 are.

NS
 
acrashb said:
I think the -4 comes with 'iron' sights, the -5 comes with the short rail for optics. Or the other way around.
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I think it's the other way around. My -4 came with the short rail, I was looking at the -5 the other day, it had the long rail with sights.
 
BHO issues still a concern?

Hey guys .. i was looking at the SL-8 as well. I read a bit and heard a bit regarding cracks in the housing at the receiver caused by the BHO mechanism .. Has this been an issue for any of you owners? Is the problem (if there is one) resolved on current production runs?

:D
 
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