Springfield Hellion: The VHS-2 Bullpup Comes to the US

Published on January 14, 2022
Duration: 22:33

This guide details the field stripping process for the Springfield Armory Hellion, the US import version of the HS Produkt VHS-2 bullpup rifle. It covers the tool-less disassembly into major components, including the bolt carrier group, recoil spring, and trigger pack. The process is presented with a strong emphasis on safety, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum, a recognized firearms expert.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Hellion is the US commercial variant of the Croatian HS Produkt VHS-2 bullpup rifle. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, its bullpup design offers superior compactness for maneuverability. It features a reliable short-stroke gas piston system, fully ambidextrous controls, and an easily convertible ejection system, making it a mature and versatile firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Springfield Hellion
  2. 01:15Development History and HS Produkt
  3. 04:30Military Adoption and Trials
  4. 06:26Bullpup Advantages and Dimensions
  5. 07:03Ambidextrous Controls and Ergonomics
  6. 09:20Trigger, Grip, and Handguard
  7. 11:17Field Stripping and Internal Components
  8. 14:26Gas System and Bolt Carrier Group
  9. 16:15Ambidextrous Ejection System
  10. 19:05Conclusion and Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Springfield Armory Hellion?

The Springfield Armory Hellion is the semi-automatic, commercial import version of the Croatian HS Produkt VHS-2 bullpup rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It features a short-stroke gas piston system and fully ambidextrous controls, making it a versatile platform for various users.

What are the key advantages of the Hellion's bullpup design?

The bullpup configuration allows the Hellion to have a significantly shorter overall length compared to traditional rifles like the AR-15, even with a 16-inch barrel. This enhances maneuverability in confined spaces while maintaining full ballistic performance.

How is the Hellion designed for ambidextrous use?

The Hellion boasts fully ambidextrous controls, including a G36-style charging handle, selector switch, and a unique bolt release. Crucially, its ejection system can be easily switched from right to left-hand ejection without tools, allowing comfortable firing from either shoulder.

What is the development history of the Springfield Hellion?

The Hellion is based on the HS Produkt VHS-2, which evolved from the earlier VHS-1. Development began after the Croatian Civil War, with HS Produkt refining the design for modularity and ergonomics, leading to its adoption by Croatian and Iraqi military forces.

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