SL-8 / SL-9

Heckler & Koch developed the SL8, or Selbstladegewehr 1998, as a semi-automatic version of the G36 service rifle. Produced in Germany starting in 1998, the design serves as a marksman rifle for civilian and sporting markets. Manufacturing originally ceased in 2010, though Heckler & Koch resumed production of the platform in 2021.

The rifle utilizes a gas-operated action with a short-stroke piston and a lug-type rotating bolt. To meet civilian legal requirements, the design replaces the G36 pistol grip and folding stock with a fixed thumbhole stock and modifies the receiver to prevent folding stock attachment. Internal components include a lightened trigger pull and a heavy barrel. Sighting systems consist of adjustable iron sights and detachable MIL-STD-1913 rails, while ergonomics are addressed through an adjustable cheekpiece and buttplate. Export models for certain markets are configured with a modified receiver and bolt head to limit compatibility to single-stack magazines.

German Army Reservists utilize the platform in a service capacity. Numerous variants exist to comply with regional regulations and specialized roles. The SL8-2 was developed as a designated marksman rifle for the German Bundeswehr, though it was not adopted. For regions prohibiting military cartridges, the SL8-10 was chambered in a specialized caliber. The SL9SD is a suppressed iteration designed for subsonic ammunition. For markets with stringent restrictions, the R8 variant features a straight-pull bolt action, which the Victoria Police in Australia later reclassified for restricted use.