If you have an airsoft version of the HK SL8 rifle gathering dust somewhere in the attic, you better start dusting off now as it looks like it’s back in fashion. Heckler & Koch USA announce that they are bringing back the SL8 rifle to the U.S. market.

The SL8 is semi-auto civilian version of the G36 rifle that was introduced in 1998. There are 8 variants and depending on the variant, it fires the .223 Remington or 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. Magazine options are 10-, 20- or 30-round detachable magazines.  There is even a polymer box magazine. Along with the grey-import SL8-1, the SL8-6 was popular in the U.S. market but was discontinued in 2010. A DMR version in the form of the SL8-2 was designed for the German Bundeswehr but was not adopted.

For the reintroduction to the U.S. market, the SL8 is chambered with the .223 Remington.  Here is some more details at the product page:

Back by popular demand, the SL8 is an import-legal version of the G36 designed for precision shooting. It features a cold-hammer forged barrel with a recessed crown. The free-floating bull barrel is manufactured with the famous HK cannon grade steel. The G36/SL8 short-stroke gas piston, later featured in the HK416, ensures smooth, clean, reliable operation. The SL8 also features a short MIL-SPEC optics mount, match trigger, and an adjustable stock.

In airsoft, it was a favourite of some as their DMR especially during 2000s. The options are versions from Classic Army, Star Airsoft, Ares Airsoft, Both Elephant, and Jing Gong. With some of the classic and popular Heckler & Koch weapon designs, it is nice to see them coming to airsoft. Hopefully an updated version of the SL8 in AEG, gas blowback, or even HPA form will also be on the horizon.