Heckler & Koch SL6
The Heckler & Koch SL6 is a roller-delayed blowback operated sporting carbine made by Heckler & Koch. It was chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. The design was originally based on the Heckler & Koch 630 hunting rifle and is essentially a shorter-barreled version of that rifle. It was marketed throughout the world as a hunting/utility rifle.[1]
Heckler & Koch SL6 | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
Place of origin | Germany |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Produced | 1980s-1991 |
Variants | SL6A2, SL7 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 7.92 pounds (3.6 kg) unloaded |
Length | 39.76 in. (1010mm) |
Barrel length | 17.71 in. (450mm) |
Cartridge | .223 Remington, 5.56×45mm NATO |
Action | Roller-delayed blowback |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic or Select-fire (Semi, 2-round Burst) (SL6A2) |
Feed system | 3, 4, or 10-round single column, detachable box magazine |
Sights | Rotary rear aperture drum, hooded foresight |
Unlike the roller-delayed blowback military Heckler & Koch rifles the cocking handle is situated far more rearward and on the right side and features a camming system to help overcome the initial friction exerted by the "bolt head locking lever" anti-bounce mechanism that prevents the bolt from bouncing off the barrel's breech surface.
Replacement
The Heckler & Koch SL6 is no longer manufactured, having been replaced by the Heckler & Koch SLB 2000.
Variants
The Heckler & Koch SL6A2 variant is essentially the same rifle; however, the SL6A2 includes a flash hider and offers a two-round burst selector.
The HK 630, a 5.56×45mm NATO/.223 Remington hunting rifle variant of the Heckler & Koch SL6, lacked the wooden handguard of the SL6 and was equipped with a longer barrel with integral flash hider/compensator slots at the end of the barrel, open rear leaf sights, and sporting-style buttstock.[2]
The Heckler & Koch SL7 is variant chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.[3]
References
- Kokalis, Peter G. (June 1985). "SL6/7: Expanded Roles for HK's Compact Carbines". Soldier of Fortune magazine.
- The HK630 Cal. 5.56mm × 45
- "Modern Firearms - civilian guns for self-defense, training and hunting - Heckler-Koch HK SL-6 SL-7 rifle". Archived from the original on 2008-11-12. Retrieved 2008-11-20.