Springfield Armory Hellion 20” Rifle

Published on March 1, 2025
Duration: 17:52

This video provides an in-depth review of the Springfield Armory Hellion 20-inch rifle, a commercial variant of the Croatian VHS. The presenter, with prior experience with the 16-inch version and the original VHS in Croatia, highlights the 20-inch model's advantages, including increased velocity and propellant burn. Key features discussed include its ambidextrous operation, adjustable stock and cheek weld, modular M-LOK handguard, and a short-stroke gas piston system with adjustable settings for normal and suppressed fire. The review also covers disassembly, reassembly, accuracy testing (1-inch group at 50 yards), and compares it favorably to other bullpup designs for its modularity and military pedigree.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Hellion 20-inch rifle features a short-stroke gas piston system for reliable operation and an ambidextrous design with an adjustable ejection port and safety. Its telescopic stock with adjustable cheek weld and M-LOK handguard enhance modularity and user comfort, while accuracy tests show 1-inch groups at 50 yards and consistent hits at longer ranges.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction & Previous Review
  2. 00:15Springfield Hellion Overview
  3. 01:37Hellion vs. VHS Naming
  4. 01:5016-inch vs. 20-inch Hellion
  5. 02:14Commercial vs. Military Differences
  6. 03:07Velocity & Barrel Length Benefits
  7. 03:48Stock and Cheek Weld Features
  8. 04:03Ambidextrous Ejection Port
  9. 04:28Ambidextrous Safety & Magazine Release
  10. 04:58Backup Sights
  11. 05:21Top Rail & Charging Handle
  12. 05:39M-LOK Slots & Sling Mounts
  13. 06:05Disassembly Process
  14. 06:54Operating System: Short Stroke Piston
  15. 07:15Gas System Adjustment Valve
  16. 07:18Ejection Port Adjustment
  17. 07:54Bolt Carrier Group Details
  18. 09:05Piston and Return Spring Reassembly
  19. 09:26Top Cover and Handguard Reassembly
  20. 09:59Stock Reassembly Trick
  21. 10:18Range Test Introduction
  22. 15:12Accuracy and Trigger Performance
  23. 15:52Steel Target Performance
  24. 16:0016-inch vs. 20-inch Comparison
  25. 16:41Price and Value
  26. 16:49Bullpup Comparison & Modularity
  27. 17:15Design Pedigree & Service History
  28. 17:45Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key advantages of the 20-inch barrel on the Springfield Armory Hellion compared to the 16-inch version?

The 20-inch barrel on the Springfield Armory Hellion offers increased projectile velocity, achieving around 3,045 feet per second, and burns more propellant. This results in better ballistic performance and less muzzle flash, making it a more practical choice for military service and longer-range engagements.

How is the Springfield Armory Hellion designed for ambidextrous operation?

The Springfield Armory Hellion is fully ambidextrous, featuring an adjustable ejection port cover that can be switched to either the left or right side. It also includes an ambidextrous safety selector and a magazine release located at the rear, ensuring ease of use for both left and right-handed shooters.

What type of operating system does the Springfield Armory Hellion use, and what are its benefits?

The Hellion utilizes a short-stroke gas piston operating system, similar to those found in the HK416 and G36. This system is known for its reliability and cleaner operation, as it vents gas away from the bolt carrier group, contributing to the rifle's ability to remain clean even after extensive firing.

What are the notable features of the Springfield Armory Hellion's stock and handguard?

The Hellion's stock is telescopic, offering five adjustable positions and an adjustable cheek weld for improved comfort and optic compatibility. Its handguard features M-LOK slots, providing a modern and versatile platform for attaching various accessories like lights, lasers, and grips.

How does the Springfield Armory Hellion perform in terms of accuracy and reliability?

The Springfield Armory Hellion demonstrated good accuracy, achieving 1-inch groups at 50 yards and 100% hits on steel targets at 100 and 200 yards. The rifle also proved reliable, with the bolt carrier group remaining exceptionally clean even after firing approximately 800 rounds.

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