Right before the ban, the price of the HK was astronomical. This was in part to the German mark's value in relation to the dollar. The rifles were going for over $1k retail and HK was pricing itself out of the market. Sales of the rifle and their then current handgun, the P7 and P7M13 really slowed down for H&K thanks to the mark's strength. Can you believe they were only about $350 around 78?
Today, we think differently and it's not uncommon to see folks fork over $1k for a preban Colt AR.
Destructo6 has it pretty well summed up on the bayonet. The earlier bayonet required the end-cap be removed and the adapted inserted. The latter was held in place by a screw and washer. The later bayonets also required the removal of the end-cap, but the bayonet fitted directly onto the cocking handle tube. It was also a meaner looking knife.
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