Springfield Armory has recently expanded on their 5.56mm chambered Hellion Bullpup rifle with 18 inch and 20 inch variants.
Springfield Armor states “Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of two new variants of the Hellion™, offering enhanced ballistic performance with 18” and 20” barrel length options and unique features true to the original VHS-2 design.
Based on the internationally proven bullpup employed by the Croatian armed forces in demanding environments ranging from Iraq to Africa and beyond, the Springfield Armory Hellion offers American shooters a semi-automatic version of this highly capable and fully ambidextrous firearm.
While the original Hellion launched early last year featured a short 16” barrel designed to offer the most compact package possible, the newly released variants feature extended 18” and 20” barrels.
The result is a 5.56mm that still offers the compact handling characteristics of a bullpup, but with enhanced velocity and downrange performance.
In addition, the 20”-barreled version of the Hellion features an overall configuration similar to that of the Croatian VHS-D2, a designated marksman version of the VHS.
The 20” Hellion is outfitted with a distinctive ribbed forward section of barrel for enhanced cooling as well as an integrated bayonet lug.
As part of the Hellion’s development, Springfield Armory adapted the original VHS-2 design for the American market.
This includes its ability to feed from AR-pattern magazines, the use of replaceable AR-pattern pistol grips, M-Lok® slots in the handguard and the addition of six QD mounts.
The result is a design with international roots, yet addressed to the specific needs of American shooters.
All Hellions feature a reversible ejection system that requires no additional parts or tools. Complementing this system is a set of fully ambidextrous controls, including the safety, charging handle, magazine and bolt release.
A five-position collapsible buttstock, two-position adjustable gas system and integrated flip-up iron sights further add to the design’s adaptability.
“The Hellion built upon the solid foundation of the VHS-2, adapting it to the needs of American shooters,” says Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing. “With these two new longer-barreled variants in 18” and 20”, shooters have the option of increased downrange performance as well as features true to the original design.”
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