HK SL6
Heckler & Koch GmbH · Rifle · Discontinued · 1983
Also known as: Heckler & Koch SL6, SL-6
Overview
The HK SL6 is a semi-automatic sporting rifle chambered in .223 Remington, produced by Heckler & Koch in the early-to-mid 1980s. Built on the company's roller-delayed blowback action with a fluted chamber and polygonal-rifled barrel derived from its military designs, it featured wooden furniture, drum-type diopter sights graduated to 400 metres, and a detachable box magazine. Developed alongside the 7.62x51mm SL7, it was marketed for sport shooting and reservist training but saw limited production and is now a collector's item.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 950 m/s (3117 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 269 mm (10.59") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .223 Remington · primary — also known as .223 Rem, 223 Remington, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fluted Chamber, Polygonal Rifling, Diopter Sights, Detachable Box Magazine, Wooden Furniture
Production
Production years: 1983-1986
Limited production; unpopular due to high price and restrictive German firearms regulations, making surviving examples collector's items.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch
Discontinued: 1986
Notes
Descended from the HK 660/770 civilian hunting rifle platform but fitted with military-style furniture and a shorter barrel. In Germany the rifle shipped with flush-fitting 3- or 4-round magazines due to local regulations; export models such as those sold in the United States used 10-round magazines.
Background
The SL6 and its 7.62mm sibling the SL7 were conceived partly as paramilitary weapons for training reservists and potentially arming police, carrying over G3-derived features like roller-delayed blowback and drum diopter sights into a civilian sporting package.