By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2022
A press release recently confirmed what firearms enthusiasts have been waiting for…
…The Springfield Armory Hellion is out!
Based on the Croatian VHS bullpup rifle, the collaboration between HS Produkt and Springfield brings another quality firearm to the states. If the name HS Produkt sounds familiar, it’s because they also produce the XD and Hellcat pistols for Springfield Armory.
For most of us firearms enthusiasts, the fascination with the bullpup style rifle started with one of the best Christmas films out there, Diehard! We all remember Karl with his Steyr AUG rifle. The AUG became standard issue of the Austrian Army (Bundesheer), and some federal police units in 1978. In 1979, the French FAMAS was introduced, and is now being replaced by the H&K 416. Next came the Israeli Tavor TAR-21 bullpup, which has been in service with the Israeli military since 2009. One of the advantages of the Hellion’s bullpup design is a more compact weapon that doesn’t sacrifice muzzle velocity, as it still has a 16” barrel.
The original VHS rifle was introduced in 2007 and upgraded in 2013. The VHS was created as a replacement for Soviet-supplied equipment when Croatia became independent. The VHS has seen combat with the Croatian military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now the semi-auto civilian version has finally arrived in the U.S.A!
Changes made for the U.S. market include compatibility with AR type grips and magazines. The Hellion comes standard with a BMC Gunfighter Mod 3 grip as well as an M-LOK slotted forend. Oh, and it’s only semi-automatic.
SPECIFICATIONS
Action Type: Short Stroke Piston, Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifle
Caliber: 5.56 X 45 NATO
Magazine capacity: 30 Rounds
Sights: Flip Up Adjustable Front & Rear with full length 13” Picatinny Rail for Optics Mounting.
Barrel Length: 16” Cold Hammer Forged, Melonite Finish, ½ x 28 Threads Per Inch
Overall Length: 28-30 inches Depending on stock position
Weight: 8 lbs
MSRP: $ 1,999
URL: www.springfield-armory.com
The barrel is threaded for suppressor use, and the rifle has a 2-position, adjustable gas system to adapt to conditions and ammo availability. The collapsible stock gives the shooter five positions for a length of pull range of 16.25 to 18.25 inches. An adjustable stock is a complaint many have made about bullpup rifles, but the Hellion has that covered.
For our left-handed friends out there, the Hellion has your back. Not only are all controls ambidextrous, but by rotating the bolt 120-degrees and pinning shut one of the ejection ports, ejection can be switched to the left or right side!
The Hellion is accurate, with 2” groups at 100-yards being the average. It’s a well-made, quality weapon, with a proven military pedigree that you’re going to want to take a look at.
That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s be careful out there.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms, First Aid, Active Shooter Response, and Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations in Florida. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].