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Basic info about the
Special Weapons Magwell Conversion

Top Notch Parts is selling a kit that will allow you to use US MADE AR15 magazines in your HK SL8-1.
They are also developing a Pistol Grip/Buttstock Conversion.
Even though I am not Top Notch Parts,
I do get a lot of questions relative to this subject when dealing with
my SL8-1 Re-Color Conversion.
For my review of the Special Weapons Mag Conversion
CLICK HERE!
Here is some basic info that will hopefully answer most of your questions.


What is required to accomplish this conversion is to:
replace enough parts of the rifle with US MADE components to comply with current laws
so that the weapon can be considered a DOMESTIC (US MADE) rifle rather than an IMPORTED rifle.

There is NO law restricting the magazine capacity of US MADE WEAPONS
There ARE laws restricting the capacity of NEWLY MANUFACTURED (Imported AND US MADE) MAGAZINES .
There ARE laws restricting the magazine capacity of NEWLY IMPORTED WEAPONS.


THIS is how you are able to assemble a G3 clone that uses Legal (pre-ban) Hi-Capacity G3 magazines today and be allowed to add a Pistol Grip/Buttstock rather than a thumbhole stock.

This is ALSO how a POST BAN Springfield Armory SAR-08 that was originally IMPORTED from GREECE is allowed to be made to use a Pistol Grip/Buttstock and ALSO use Legal (pre-ban) Hi-Cap G3 mags.

This is ALSO the reason you are allowed to build a POST BAN AR15 that uses LEGAL (pre-ban) Hi-Cap AR15 mags.

This is ALSO how the POST BAN AK receivers that were originally imported to accept only TEN round magazines can be adapted to accept Legal (pre-ban) HI CAP AK mags.



What components (relative to "Parts Rule") are replaced with US MADE parts ?
The Bolt (designed for a double stacked AR15 magazine,)
The Gas Piston (for IMPORTED parts rule)
The Magazine (for IMPORTED parts rule)
                      Mag Body
                      Mag Follower
                      Mag Floor Plate

What parts are "left" on the gun that contribute to the IMPORTED Parts Rule?
Parts Rule Actual Parts Used
(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings 
or stampings 
(2) Barrels 
(3) Barrel extensions 
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions) 
(5) Muzzle attachments 
(6) Bolts 
(7) Bolt carriers 
(8) Operating rods 
(9) Gas pistons 
(10) Trigger housings (will be replaced with next project) 
(11) Triggers 
(12) Hammers 
(13) Sears (unsure.. will assume "yes") 
(14) Disconnectors 
(15) Buttstocks 
(16) Pistol grips 
(17) Forearms, handguards 
(18) Magazine bodies 
(19) Followers 
(20) Floorplates 
(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings 
(2) Barrels 
(3) Bolt carriers 
(4) Trigger housings (will be replaced with next project) 
(5) Triggers 
(6) Hammers 
(7) Sears
(8) Operating rods
(9)Buttstock (insert) 
(10) Forearms, handguards 

Are any other modifications made to the gun?
The recessed (non-critical, no stress) area of the receiver is removed to allow clearance for the wider magazine.
This can be performed with a milling machine or Dremel tool.

Can I do this myself?
Yes.. it is a simple cut and instructions are included with the kit.

Do I HAVE to install this myself?
No.. Special Weapons will do the conversion for you.
Contact them for more info.

Does the "Bolt Hold Open" device still work?
Yes.. but about 1 in 10 cheap AR mags do not work the last
round hold open device due to the fact the mags
are out of print, however they still feed and function perfectly.

Can I use the original magazine after this conversion is made?
Yes, however there will be an "open" area where you made the relief cut mentioned above.
This will not affect the functionality of the weapon, and will only be an aesthetic issue.

Can I use G36 magazines?
NO! They will not function, and even if they did....
you would be in violation of  the IMPORTED parts rule.

Can I use Imported AR 15 magazines?
To do so would be in violation of  the IMPORTED parts rule.

Where can I buy one of these kits?
Call Top Notch.. they are the exclusive distributor.
480-633-1222
They DO accept Credit Cards

How much does this cost?
About $300.. contact Top Notch to be sure.
480-633-1222


If you have a question that is not answered here
or simply would like to know "more":

PLEASE address your query to:
info@specialweaponsllc.com
as this is their project.

I am not Top Notch Parts...
I simply can make your SL8-1 BLACK!

For my review of the Special Weapons Mag Conversion
CLICK HERE!

Other links that may prove useful to you are:
Top Notch Parts Website
HK54.com Message Boards
 | SL8-1 Conversion Project | FAQ | Review | SL8-1 FCG Breakdown | "Client" Pics | More Pics | USC Page | "Toy" Page |