Heckler & Koch SL7

Heckler & Koch SL7
Heckler-Koch SL7 rifle with 10-round magazine
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originGermany
Production history
ManufacturerHeckler & Koch
Produced1980s - 1991
VariantsH&K SL6, H&K 770
Specifications
Mass8.36 pounds (3.6 kg) unloaded
Length39.76 in (1010 mm)
Barrel length17.71 in (450 mm)
Cartridge.308 Winchester, 7.62×51mm NATO
ActionRoller-delayed blowback
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Feed system3 or 10-round single column, detachable box magazine
SightsRotary rear aperture drum, hooded foresight

The Heckler & Koch SL7 is a roller-delayed blowback operated sporting carbine made by Heckler & Koch. It was chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO caliber and designed and marketed throughout the world as a hunting/utility rifle.[1]

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.

The SL7 is no longer manufactured, having been replaced by the Heckler & Koch SLB 2000.

Variants

The HK 770, a hunting rifle 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester variant of the Heckler & Koch SL7, lacked the wooden handguard of the SL7 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 HK 940, a hunting rifle long action variant of the Heckler & Koch SL7, designed for using cartridges exceeding the 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 2.8 in (71.12 mm) overall length like the .30-06 Springfield or 7×64mm and lacked the wooden handguard of the SL7 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.[3]
The Heckler & Koch SL6 is similar in appearance to the Heckler & Koch SL7, but is chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO.[4]

References

  1. ^ Kokalis, Peter G. (June 1985). "SL6/7: Expanded Roles for HK's Compact Carbines". Soldier of Fortune magazine.
  2. ^ The HK770 Cal. 7.62mm × 51 (.308 Winchester)
  3. ^ The HK940 Cal. .30-06 Springfield
  4. ^ "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.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to HK SL7.