Springfield Hellion

Semi-Automatic Bullpup Rifle

United States | 2022

"The bullpup-configured Springfield Hellion incorporates several ambidextrous features to better support both right- and left-handed shooters."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 11/28/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from official Springfield Armory marketing materials.

The Springfield Hellion is a civilian market, bullpup-configured semi-automatic rifle born from the Croatian VHS-2 combat rifle by HS Produkt. It is chambered in the widely-accepted 5.56mm intermediate rifle cartridge and available in 16-, 18-, and 20-inch barrel lengths. The rifle is marketed to general shooters as well as those seeking a home defense solution that ends up feeling very different from the vast selection of AR types.

The bullpup arrangement allows for a more compact footprint while still retaining the benefits of a full-length barrel as the complete action and feed sit aft of the pistol grip. This makes the weapon more manageable in tight spaces while preserving downrange performance. Drawbacks of the approach include bringing the action and muzzle closer to the operator's face (which some mind find jarring) and there is an inherent danger of the support hand passing in front of the active muzzle.

At their core, bullpups handle differently when compared to traditionally-arranged AR and Kalashnikov-inspired rifle designs as their weight settles at the rear of the gun and the overall rifle feels a bit more "rigid" and heavier to some. Nevertheless, major militaries like those of Israel employ the proven bullpup approach where urban combat involving room-to-room sweeps is most likely going to be the call of the day.

The Hellion brings with it useful design features like a full-length, uninterrupted Picatinny rail over the receiver for the mounting of various optics and aimers for accuracy. Flip-up iron sights are also integrated fore and aft on the rail as a quick backup option. The rail also serves as a carrying handle. Under the rail assembly is the charging handle accessible from either side of the gun. The pistol grip sits under the receiver near the middle of the design with the trigger surrounded by a thick oblong ring. Firing controls (basic "Red-is-Dead, White-is-Right" approach) are within reach of the shooting hand and made ambidextrous by default. The bolt-release sits under the shoulder stock, aft of the magazine well, and - again, being accessible by either hand. AR-15 pattern magazines are inserted into the underside of the shoulder stock in typical bullpup fashion. The polymer forend (M-LOK compatible) is vented along its sides and the muzzle is capped by a slotted brake. Over and aft of the muzzle is a two-position gas adjustment block. The shoulder stock is adjustable by way of a spring-loaded five-position assembly. The ejection system is reversible to accommodate left-handed shooters through a tool-less conversion process.

Beyond the three variable-length models currently (2023) marketed by Springfield Armory, there also exists a "low capacity" Hellion rifle variant to satisfy state-level gun restrictions.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Springfield Hellion. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

406 mm
15.98 in
Barrel Length

Semi-Automatic; Gas-Operated
Action

5.56mm
Caliber(s)

10- or 30-round detachable box magazine.
Feed

Flip-Up Iron; Supported Rail Optics and Aimers.
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Springfield Hellion Semi-Automatic Bullpup Rifle family line.

Hellion - Base Series Name; available in 16-, 18-, and 20-inch barrel length; low-capacity model with 10-round magazine also marketed.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Springfield Hellion. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Springfield Armory - USA

[ United States ]

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Image from official Springfield Armory marketing materials.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

CIVILIAN MARKET

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Similar
Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the Springfield Hellion Semi-Automatic Bullpup Rifle.

HS Produkt VHS

Going Further...
The Springfield Hellion Semi-Automatic Bullpup Rifle appears in the following collections:

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