| Heckler & Koch SL7 | |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Manufacturer: | Heckler & Koch |
| Production Date: | 1980s - 1991 |
| Variants: | H&K SL6, H&K 770 |
| Weight: | 8.36 pounds (3.6 kg) unloaded |
| Length: | 39.76 in (1010 mm) |
| Part Length: | 17.71 in (450 mm) |
| Cartridge: | .308 Winchester, 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action: | Roller-delayed blowback |
| Rate: | Semi-automatic |
| Feed: | 3 or 10-round single column, detachable box magazine |
| Sights: | Rotary 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The SL7 is no longer manufactured, having been replaced by the Heckler & Koch SLB 2000.
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 2.82NaN2 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]