Robinson M96 or HK SL8

K

Kenneth L. Walters

New member
I've got my selection to a 223 down to one of these. I've seen both. I realize that the HK has a magazine limitation. My question is this. Does anyone have experience with both and if so which did you prefer and why?
 
Both are very reliable rifles. The M96 had a trigger problem, but it has been fixed and it is flawless now. By knowing the facts about the HK, no high capacity magazines, think that you answered your own question.

Robert
 
The SL8 is overpriced, and ugly as can be (and I say this being an old H&K-lover from way back), while the Robinson M96 is overpriced and svelte, as well as modular.
My vote is for the M96, which uses any mags that will fit the AR15.
I've shot the M96, and it's easy to shoot and accurate. I hope to get one soon. Like you, I'd considered the SL8 at one point, but decided that I just wasn't sufficiently interested in a rifle with so many "compromise" features (funny light gray color, thumbhole stock, proprietary 10-round magazines, etc.), and decided to look elsewhere for a .223. Best of luck.
 
As good as the HK SL8 is - the M96 is just as good or better. The M96 also has the bonus of using standard USGI mags that you can buy by the crate full.
 
Echoes all the way! HK's motto should be changed to "Many Compromises". I'd already own a USC if they would accept USP45 mags.

M96 is the best .223 variant currently available. Case ejection and piston gas-operated locking system based on Kalashnikov, adjustable gas pressure regulator based on FAL, stainless receiver and the forementioned modularity and mags. If that doesn't push it over the top, it can be top fed, or even BELT FED...
 
I love HK's but I really think they were smoking crack with these last few rifle offerings.
Have heard good things about the M96 and would do that long before the new HK's.
 
The SL8 takes some getting used to for some people, no doubt about it. I bought one about a month ago and couldn't be happier. It kinda grows on you. The more you shoot it, the more you come to like it.

The SL8 mounts naturally for me and the thumbhole stock fits my hand perfectly. Many people think the SL8 is ugly, but I like it, unique indeed.

I bought it mostly for target shooting. I love the trigger, very smooth and crisp at about 3.5 lbs. I've thus far managed MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Once I install some top notch optics and figure out which ammo is best I bet it'll shoot as well, if not better, than the "best" .223s out there.

Only 10 rounds? So what. It was packaged and designed as a target rifle. If the SHTF and I need a combat rifle I'll drop one of the BGs and take his.

You get what you pay for almost every time, and I'll take German engineering and quality any day.


Sincerely,

AHM
 
pojim said: "Echoes all the way! HK's motto should be changed to "Many Compromises". I'd already own a USC if they would accept USP45 mags."

The decision to restrict the USC and SL8 to single stack mags and not to allow them to use readily available preban mags was not HK's to make: the ATF wouldn't allow them to import the guns any other way.

Still, back to the original question, of those two guns I would get the M96. It's overpriced and a bit heavy, but it is the more practical of the two.
 
I chose a Busmaster XM15. The M96 was just too heavy and the magazine capacity really put me out on the SL8 (the 93 was just too expensive!)

However, of your choices, I'd pick the HK for target shooting, and the Stoner for a "ranch gun" (ie. shooting coyotes and general plinking.)

Very nice choices; there's no wrong answer.

J. Wise

PS. Regarding the comment about the USC and the USP45 mags: is that for 2 extra rounds or for ease of use in switching from one to the other? If the ATF wasn't involved, I'd like to see them come out w/ a 20 or 30 round double stacked mag that would interchange in the USPs! That would be awesome!
HK didn't compromise integrity, just magazine capacity. Our fault, not their's. Blame our politicians for compromizing.
 
Found a new but unbeautiful AK-47 style gun. Not a work of art but it functions perfectly. Cost about $350. Considering it cost about $1000 less than a Robinson it is starting to look better.
 
If funds are limited, the SAR1 AK clones really are a great deal. Ammo and mags are cheap too. Not nearly as versatile or accurate as an AR or an M96, but a good bargain.
 
George,

I have always valued your opinions. Please contact me offline; I would like to know what you were referring to about my choice of rifle.

Thanks for your help-

J. Wise

jerrellwise@yahoo.com
 
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