New Springfield Armory Hellion Rifle Lengths

Springfield Armory has expanded its Hellion series to include options with enhanced ballistic performance with 18” and 20” barrel lengths. The new lengths for the Hellion rifles also boast unique features based on the original bullpup VHS-2 design.

These new lengths for the bullpup-style rifle offer a semi-automatic version of the fully ambidextrous rifle used by Croatian armed forces. After the original Hellion launched last year with a 16” barrel, Springfield decided to offer the longer versions while keeping the bullpup characteristics and offering better bullet velocity and performance.

Springfield Armory 18" Hellion rifle — Springfield Armory has expanded its offerings for the Hellion bullpup rifle. The 18″ length option seen above has the same look as the original 16″ option, but the added barrel length offers more bullet stability. [Photo credit: Springfield Armory]

“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.”

Features

Both chambered in 5.56×45 NATO, each Hellion bullpup features a Melonite barrel, with the 20” length offering a bayonet lug. According to Springfield, the 20”-barreled version has an overall configuration like the Croatian VHS-D2 marksman version and features a ribbed forward section for better cooling. Both rifles feature a two-position, adjustable short-stroke pistol gas system

The Hellion’s development for the American market added features unique to the Hellion from the original VHS-2 design. These include options for customizations and compatibility between popular accessories on the market. Things like the ability to feed ammunition from AR-pattern magazines, aftermarket AR-pattern pistol grips, and a forend that features MLOK slots.

Springfield Armory 20" Hellion bullpup — The second option available from Springfield Armory is a 20″-barrel length. This version offers a bayonet lug and is similar to the VHS-D2 marksman version used by Croatian forces. [Photo credit: Springfield Armory]

Like the original 16” Hellion rifle, these new versions have reversible ejection systems that don’t require any extra parts or tools for swapping. The rifles also have other ambidextrous controls like the safety, charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release. Other features that contribute to an overall pleasant shooting experience are the integrated flip-up iron sights that are adjustable for windage, a five-position collapsible buttstock with a cheek riser, and the Bravo Company USA BCMGUNFIGHTER Mod 3 pistol grip.

The Springfield Armory Hellion 18” and 20” rifles ship with one 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine and weigh right around 8.5 pounds unloaded. The 18” Hellion has an MSRP of $2,016 and the 20” Hellion has an MSRP of $2,031.