Post by triggs (FAH) on Jun 12, 2010 14:06:57 GMT -5
Classic Army CA8-2
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
Image from www.wikipedia.com all rights reserved
The Heckler & Koch SL8 is a civilian sporting rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch of Germany. The rifle fires the .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and feeds from a 10 round, clear, detachable proprietary magazine (although non-U.S. versions can accommodate 30-round magazines from the G36). To adapt the SL8 for the civilian market, the pistol grip and folding stock of the G36 have been replaced by a fixed stock with a thumbhole, and the receiver has been modified to prevent attachment of the G36 folding stock. In addition, to comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (as presently construed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms or ATF) SL8 rifles exported to the United States have been modified so that they will not accept staggered, high-capacity G36 magazines. U.S. SL8 rifles accept only a single-column, 10-round magazine. (taken from www.wikipedia.org )
Overview
Since I started in airsoft I’ve always been a fan of the Heckler and Koch (H&K) line of rifles. So when I decided to get my first quality rifle I, of course, started looking at H&K made rifles. At the time, everyone was getting the standard G36C (compact), I however, wanted something different. After much searching, window shopping, and general harassment at my local shop I decided upon the Classic Army (CA) CA8-2, better known as the H&K SL8.
I chose the rifle because it incorporated everything I was looking for in a rifle, from the thumbhole stock, to the potential as a sniper or counter-sniper rifle, and of course it’s unique factor. Rarely do I see any SL8’s on the field, much less one like mine.
Accessories
Like any company CA includes a few basic things with their rifles.
What’s a rifle without magazines? Well, not much of one. CA nicely included TWO magazines with their SL8. The other shoe to drop is that these are both low capacity magazines, holding a mere 20 rounds each.
Also like any rifle CA includes an unjamming rod. They also include a small and somewhat useless speed loader, definitely not field worthy.
Externals Review
Of all the companies to produce the G36 and its variants, two companies stand out in external quality. Classic Army and ARES (older models are known as STAR). The CA SL8 is no exception. From the stock to the barrel, the quality is as close to real as it gets. Both ARES and CA make their bodies from the same nylon-fiber reinforced polymer that H&K uses on the real G36 and SL8. The only difference that could easily be seen is the real trademarks found on the ARES versus the CA styled trademarks found on the CA.
The CA SL8 features an adjustable stock. Unlike the familiar stocks on AR rifles, the SL8 uses spacer plates that “extended or retract” the stock. This is accomplished by removing a two part bolt, pulling the stock out and adding or removing a spacer. CA includes four plastic spacers, as well as two metal ones. The larger of the metal plates includes a sling mount post allowing for a two or three point sling. The other metal plate is the same size as the plastic ones and is used for balancing the rifle out.
The cheekrest is solidly attached to the rifle with a pair of allen screws. Unfortunately it is non-adjustable. I found it to be perfect for me; however, other users may find this to be uncomfortable.
The rifle does not include H&K trademarks, instead CA substitutes their own to avoid copyright infringement. Personally I’m not a critic of realistic trades, but for those that are this could be a downside. Unlike most CA G36’s the CA SL8 sports a solid metal cocking lever assembly, certainly an improvement over the standard G36 that are prone to breaking.
The magwell, unlike the real SL8, is a standard G36 magwell and will fit any airsoft G36 magazine; full size or short, as well as low, mid, or high capacity magazine.
The handguard like the rest of the body is made of quality cast polymer, and while it does have some poor cast lines, the quality is excellent and will not split like some. This version includes a built-in bi-pod. While the bi-pod is sturdy and has withstood abuse, it’s use is limited as it is un-adjustable, and at least for me when prone, sits too high to be usable.
The barrel is a SL8 specific bull barrel, and is threaded 14mm counter clockwise (CCW). It attaches to the standard G36 gasblock assembly found in the rest of CA’s G36 line.
The scope is a 3.5x magnifying combination scope and carrying handle. Many people consider the eye relief to be horrible. Fortunately there are molded iron sights, but they are somewhat small and difficult to use.
The trademark thumbhole stock of the SL8 can be comfortable to some, but certainly not everyone. For people with small hands the access to the selector switch can be an issue when holding the rifle. The trigger also sits somewhat forward, so again, small hands may have issues. Generally those that wear medium sized gloves should be able to use the thumbhole without issue.
Internals Review
According to the box, this version comes with upgraded and reinforced parts!
Like any AEG the gearbox starts with a fuse. Like the G36C however, the fuse assembly is on an extension assembly and can easily be removed from the line.
The teardown is quite easy like any H&K rifle, the gearbox can be accessed faster than any AR. After slipping it out of the thumbhole section of the stock, you stare at a standard version 3 gearbox. Unfortunately it’s just that, a standard CA version 3 gearbox. The stock FPS is like that of any CA G36, and puts out around ~330FPS~. Newer versions from the factory are rumored to be consistently around 400FPS.
Fortunately, the internals are upgraded and can easily withstand a spring upgrade without upgrades themselves. As advertised, the gearbox has a metal, not plastic cylinder head, as well as a reinforced full type-0 cylinder. The spring guide also comes with a bearing, as does the aluminum piston head, but that is as far as the “upgrades” go. The rest are standard CA G36 airnozzle, tappet plate, yellow piston, standard ratio gears, and a standard torque motor.
Also if you look at the body you will note the indications that the rifle has two modes of operation; Safe (S), and Fire (F). This is somewhat misleading as the rifle does indeed have full auto capabilities, as seen by the gearbox. Just simply click past the 2nd position and you will be in full-auto.
The barrel is also “upgraded”, most AEG barrels come in a wide 6.08mm bore to accommodate a variety of BB sizes. However, the SL8 comes with a 6.04mm for better accuracy. It is also significantly longer than a G36C (247mm) at 510mm for increased accuracy. While it is a tightbore, it is by no means a GOOD tightbore. The bore is nowhere as consistent as a top brand name like Prometheus, Systema, etc. The hopup is a standard CA G36 drum type, and the bucking is a standard CA somewhere between a soft type and hard type.
One minor thing I discovered while upgrading the rifle is that while this is a version 3 gearbox and most parts are version 3, the cylinder head is a standard version 2 and version 3 specific cylinder heads will not fit due to the way the gearbox is machined.
Performance
FPS: 330FPS ~ with .20 gram BB’s
Range: 120-150ft
The first time on the field can be a bit of a challenge with any rifle. Like any rifle, it can take a bit to fine-tune the hopup for maximum range. After tuning, with the proper weight BB, it has a decent range and can hit around 140-150ft. Still with a stock FPS of around 330, there leaves a lot of room for improvements.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
As seen the SL8 offers many “tacticool” options as far as external upgradability; from a Light Machine Gun (LMG), or Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), to a dedicated sniper rifle. The internals are completely version 2/3 upgradable, and the gearbox can easily handle high speed or high FPS upgrades.
Most places carry the CA8-2 for around $350 dollars. For the price it offers a great platform for a sniper or counter-sniper rifle. Overall I’m extremely happy with the quality and upgradeability of the rifle.
Externals Score: 9/10
The only reason I do not give it a solid 10 is due the troublesome eye relief of the scope, something also a problem found with the real steel. Also the bull barrel is a letdown as it does not allow for the easy mounting of custom barrel extensions.
Internals Score: 8/10
Had to knock a few points off here, simply for the low FPS as an out-of-the-box DMR.
Overall score: 9/10
Again for the price I’m extremely happy with the platform. It is a very unique rifle at an affordable price. My only real gripe is the lack of included battery, but this has never been something CA has done with their professional line of AEG’s.
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
Image from www.wikipedia.com all rights reserved
The Heckler & Koch SL8 is a civilian sporting rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch of Germany. The rifle fires the .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and feeds from a 10 round, clear, detachable proprietary magazine (although non-U.S. versions can accommodate 30-round magazines from the G36). To adapt the SL8 for the civilian market, the pistol grip and folding stock of the G36 have been replaced by a fixed stock with a thumbhole, and the receiver has been modified to prevent attachment of the G36 folding stock. In addition, to comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (as presently construed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms or ATF) SL8 rifles exported to the United States have been modified so that they will not accept staggered, high-capacity G36 magazines. U.S. SL8 rifles accept only a single-column, 10-round magazine. (taken from www.wikipedia.org )
Overview
Since I started in airsoft I’ve always been a fan of the Heckler and Koch (H&K) line of rifles. So when I decided to get my first quality rifle I, of course, started looking at H&K made rifles. At the time, everyone was getting the standard G36C (compact), I however, wanted something different. After much searching, window shopping, and general harassment at my local shop I decided upon the Classic Army (CA) CA8-2, better known as the H&K SL8.
I chose the rifle because it incorporated everything I was looking for in a rifle, from the thumbhole stock, to the potential as a sniper or counter-sniper rifle, and of course it’s unique factor. Rarely do I see any SL8’s on the field, much less one like mine.
Accessories
Like any company CA includes a few basic things with their rifles.
What’s a rifle without magazines? Well, not much of one. CA nicely included TWO magazines with their SL8. The other shoe to drop is that these are both low capacity magazines, holding a mere 20 rounds each.
Also like any rifle CA includes an unjamming rod. They also include a small and somewhat useless speed loader, definitely not field worthy.
Externals Review
Of all the companies to produce the G36 and its variants, two companies stand out in external quality. Classic Army and ARES (older models are known as STAR). The CA SL8 is no exception. From the stock to the barrel, the quality is as close to real as it gets. Both ARES and CA make their bodies from the same nylon-fiber reinforced polymer that H&K uses on the real G36 and SL8. The only difference that could easily be seen is the real trademarks found on the ARES versus the CA styled trademarks found on the CA.
The CA SL8 features an adjustable stock. Unlike the familiar stocks on AR rifles, the SL8 uses spacer plates that “extended or retract” the stock. This is accomplished by removing a two part bolt, pulling the stock out and adding or removing a spacer. CA includes four plastic spacers, as well as two metal ones. The larger of the metal plates includes a sling mount post allowing for a two or three point sling. The other metal plate is the same size as the plastic ones and is used for balancing the rifle out.
The cheekrest is solidly attached to the rifle with a pair of allen screws. Unfortunately it is non-adjustable. I found it to be perfect for me; however, other users may find this to be uncomfortable.
The rifle does not include H&K trademarks, instead CA substitutes their own to avoid copyright infringement. Personally I’m not a critic of realistic trades, but for those that are this could be a downside. Unlike most CA G36’s the CA SL8 sports a solid metal cocking lever assembly, certainly an improvement over the standard G36 that are prone to breaking.
The magwell, unlike the real SL8, is a standard G36 magwell and will fit any airsoft G36 magazine; full size or short, as well as low, mid, or high capacity magazine.
The handguard like the rest of the body is made of quality cast polymer, and while it does have some poor cast lines, the quality is excellent and will not split like some. This version includes a built-in bi-pod. While the bi-pod is sturdy and has withstood abuse, it’s use is limited as it is un-adjustable, and at least for me when prone, sits too high to be usable.
The barrel is a SL8 specific bull barrel, and is threaded 14mm counter clockwise (CCW). It attaches to the standard G36 gasblock assembly found in the rest of CA’s G36 line.
The scope is a 3.5x magnifying combination scope and carrying handle. Many people consider the eye relief to be horrible. Fortunately there are molded iron sights, but they are somewhat small and difficult to use.
The trademark thumbhole stock of the SL8 can be comfortable to some, but certainly not everyone. For people with small hands the access to the selector switch can be an issue when holding the rifle. The trigger also sits somewhat forward, so again, small hands may have issues. Generally those that wear medium sized gloves should be able to use the thumbhole without issue.
Internals Review
According to the box, this version comes with upgraded and reinforced parts!
Like any AEG the gearbox starts with a fuse. Like the G36C however, the fuse assembly is on an extension assembly and can easily be removed from the line.
The teardown is quite easy like any H&K rifle, the gearbox can be accessed faster than any AR. After slipping it out of the thumbhole section of the stock, you stare at a standard version 3 gearbox. Unfortunately it’s just that, a standard CA version 3 gearbox. The stock FPS is like that of any CA G36, and puts out around ~330FPS~. Newer versions from the factory are rumored to be consistently around 400FPS.
Fortunately, the internals are upgraded and can easily withstand a spring upgrade without upgrades themselves. As advertised, the gearbox has a metal, not plastic cylinder head, as well as a reinforced full type-0 cylinder. The spring guide also comes with a bearing, as does the aluminum piston head, but that is as far as the “upgrades” go. The rest are standard CA G36 airnozzle, tappet plate, yellow piston, standard ratio gears, and a standard torque motor.
Also if you look at the body you will note the indications that the rifle has two modes of operation; Safe (S), and Fire (F). This is somewhat misleading as the rifle does indeed have full auto capabilities, as seen by the gearbox. Just simply click past the 2nd position and you will be in full-auto.
The barrel is also “upgraded”, most AEG barrels come in a wide 6.08mm bore to accommodate a variety of BB sizes. However, the SL8 comes with a 6.04mm for better accuracy. It is also significantly longer than a G36C (247mm) at 510mm for increased accuracy. While it is a tightbore, it is by no means a GOOD tightbore. The bore is nowhere as consistent as a top brand name like Prometheus, Systema, etc. The hopup is a standard CA G36 drum type, and the bucking is a standard CA somewhere between a soft type and hard type.
One minor thing I discovered while upgrading the rifle is that while this is a version 3 gearbox and most parts are version 3, the cylinder head is a standard version 2 and version 3 specific cylinder heads will not fit due to the way the gearbox is machined.
Performance
FPS: 330FPS ~ with .20 gram BB’s
Range: 120-150ft
The first time on the field can be a bit of a challenge with any rifle. Like any rifle, it can take a bit to fine-tune the hopup for maximum range. After tuning, with the proper weight BB, it has a decent range and can hit around 140-150ft. Still with a stock FPS of around 330, there leaves a lot of room for improvements.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
As seen the SL8 offers many “tacticool” options as far as external upgradability; from a Light Machine Gun (LMG), or Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), to a dedicated sniper rifle. The internals are completely version 2/3 upgradable, and the gearbox can easily handle high speed or high FPS upgrades.
Most places carry the CA8-2 for around $350 dollars. For the price it offers a great platform for a sniper or counter-sniper rifle. Overall I’m extremely happy with the quality and upgradeability of the rifle.
Externals Score: 9/10
The only reason I do not give it a solid 10 is due the troublesome eye relief of the scope, something also a problem found with the real steel. Also the bull barrel is a letdown as it does not allow for the easy mounting of custom barrel extensions.
Internals Score: 8/10
Had to knock a few points off here, simply for the low FPS as an out-of-the-box DMR.
Overall score: 9/10
Again for the price I’m extremely happy with the platform. It is a very unique rifle at an affordable price. My only real gripe is the lack of included battery, but this has never been something CA has done with their professional line of AEG’s.
