One such radically different approach is a proven design that packs full-size rifle performance into a CQB-sized carbine.
Its called a bullpup and Springfield uses it for the new Hellion 5.56 rifle.
A bullpup design moves the firearms action and magazine well behind the trigger group.
With an overall length of under 30”, the Hellion offers an impressive balance of compact dimensions and capable 5.56mm ballistics.
Often, the civilian rifles improve the basic design to improve usability and accuracy.
The new Springfield Armory Hellion has a similar, but more international origin story.
Those efforts resulted in the VHS-2 rifle.
The Hellion bullpup offers shooters a short and powerful 5.56mm bullpup that is fully ambidextrous. It is shown equipped with aNightforceNX8 1-8×24 F1 LPVO.
And it was from this solid foundation that the Springfield Hellion was born.
The Hellion sports a 16 barrel while having an overall length of only 28.25 to 29.75.
It weighs only 8 lbs.
Size is where a bullpup really shines.
For an AR to sport an overall length of 26, they must be equipped with a 10 barrel.
Arifle with a 10 barrel requires a federal tax stampin the United States and slows down the purchasing process.
The Hellion features a hammer-forged barrel and a two-position adjustable gas regulator.
Yet, you get the maneuverability of a CQB-style firearm.
As a bonus, the weapon retains the ballistics of a full-size carbine.
The Hellion operates on a reliable short-stroke gas piston design with a rotating bolt.
Unlike other bullpup-style rifles, the Hellion has an adjustable stock, AR-type pistol grip and is fully ambidextrous.
The system runs cool and clean.
Theejection port is user-adjustable for right- or left-hand ejection, without the need for tools or extra parts.
For left-hand ejection, orient the extractor on the left side at the 2 oclock position.
The forend of the Hellion hasM-Lok sectionsfor accessorizing the bullpup. You can also see the ambidextrous charging handle in this photo.
once you nail the bolt carrier reassembled, you then need to reconfigure the ejection port covers.
The Hellion features dual spring-loaded ejection port covers, and configuring them for operation is a simple process.
Retract the bullpups cheekpiece and rotate it to provide access to the port cover locking pin.
The adjustable length stock on the Hellion means shooters of all sizes will be able to get a proper fit for safe and accurate shooting.
Shooter-Friendly Features
Another design unique to the Hellion is a five-point adjustable buttstock.
Most bullpups are not user-adjustable for length of pull, so this further differentiates the Hellion from the pack.
A two-position gas regulator featuring normal and suppressed modes is also part of the design.
The author worked with trainer Rob Orgel to wring out the Hellion on the range.
The Hellion sights deploy with a press of a button and spring into position and then lock in place.
The rear peep sight has multiple apertures to scroll through depending on the distance at which you are shooting.
The magazine release on the Hellion is located right behind the magazine well.
Rob Orgel and the author put the new Springfield Hellion through its paces. With the factory sights, accuracy was good at varying ranges.
Shooting the Hellion was a lot of fun.
I am a fan of smaller weapon systems that can stay close to your body.
The recoil impulse seemed to be absorbed very easily, and muzzle rise was negligible.
The Hellion employs standard AR-pattern pistol grips and comes with a BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 grip. Note the ambi safety selector.
He booked a range with a saloon-key in building with doors and windows through which we could shoot.
The biggest adjustment for me was getting used to the longer trigger pull.
If the bullpup design has one slight setback, it can be their trigger take-up.
Be it home defense or law enforcement, the Hellion offers a broad array of top-shelf features with the ability to further customize it with off-the-shelf accessories.
But once I got in the rhythm, it was just another precision piece of machinery in my hands.
The optic is super clear, has a great reticle and is great for quick and accurate sight acquisition.
After a few tries, I was reloading the Hellion nearly as fast as my AR rifles.
Much like an MP5 handguard, the Hellion handguard detaches with a simple pin.
Itll feel new and fun, but still familiar.
Also, its a blast to shoot.
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HellionTMSeries
NightforceNX8 1-8x24 F1
American Defense MFGAD-RECON-SL Scope Mount
