Springfield Armory Hellion/Croatian VHS

Published on July 23, 2022
Duration: 24:46

This video provides a comprehensive review and disassembly guide for the Springfield Armory Hellion, also known as the Croatian VHS. The instructor, with extensive experience with the original VHS overseas, details its history, features, and performance. The review highlights its ambidextrous design, STANAG magazine compatibility, and adjustable gas system. The disassembly process is thoroughly demonstrated, emphasizing its modularity and ease of cleaning, with a focus on the short-stroke gas piston system and the ability to switch ejection ports.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Hellion, a US version of the Croatian VHS rifle, is a bullpup firearm featuring a short-stroke gas piston system and STANAG magazine compatibility. It boasts a fully ambidextrous design with switchable ejection ports, an adjustable gas system, and a 16-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:7 twist rate, making it a versatile combat-grade weapon.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction to the Springfield Armory Hellion
  2. 00:57Springfield Armory's Role in Bringing VHS to the US
  3. 01:13History of the VHS Rifle in Croatia
  4. 02:18VHS-D Military Rifle Specifications
  5. 02:45Hellion vs. Original VHS Differences
  6. 03:43Springfield Armory & HS Product Relationship
  7. 04:34US Import Modifications: Sights, Grip, Handguard
  8. 04:56Ambidextrous Features of the Hellion
  9. 05:19Adjustable Gas System and Threaded Barrel
  10. 06:06Hellion Specifications: Caliber, Barrel, Twist Rate
  11. 06:15Original vs. US Flash Suppressor
  12. 06:43Folding Iron Sights Operation
  13. 07:04Adjustable Stock and Cheek Wall
  14. 07:25Overall Length and MSRP
  15. 07:43Disassembly of the Hellion Rifle
  16. 08:06Charging Handle and Bolt Catch Operation
  17. 08:20Magazine Release and Loading Procedure
  18. 08:34Critique of Magazine Release Mechanism
  19. 08:51Magazine Compatibility Testing
  20. 09:34Pin Removal for Disassembly
  21. 10:03Switching Ejection Port Side
  22. 10:50Removing Magazine Well and Handguard
  23. 11:14Removing Top Cover and Exposing Gas System
  24. 11:27Short Stroke Gas Piston System Details
  25. 11:51Adjustable Gas Valve Operation
  26. 12:11Extensive Use of Polymer and Safety Lever Critique
  27. 12:47Reassembly: Piston and Operating Rod
  28. 13:02Bolt Carrier Group Reassembly and Ejection Side Setup
  29. 14:49Fixing Ejection to Right-Handed
  30. 15:08Reinstalling Top Cover and Charging Handle
  31. 15:29Reinstalling Stock Assembly
  32. 15:32Reinstalling Handguard and Magazine Well
  33. 15:48Magazine Well Adapters Discussion
  34. 16:11Inserting Bolt Carrier Group and Recoil Spring Alignment
  35. 16:38Function Check After Reassembly
  36. 22:34Post-3000 Round Reliability Test
  37. 22:51Suppressed and Unsuppressed Firing Performance
  38. 23:03Ammunition Types Used in Testing
  39. 23:23Best Group Achieved During Testing
  40. 23:36Overall Assessment of the Hellion Rifle
  41. 24:05Upcoming Comparison: Hellion vs. Tavor vs. Steyr AUG
  42. 24:23Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Springfield Armory Hellion's origin story?

The Springfield Armory Hellion is the US market version of the Croatian VHS rifle, developed by HS Produkt. It originated from designs created after the breakup of Yugoslavia and was adopted by the Croatian Army before being brought to the US by Springfield Armory.

What are the key ambidextrous features of the Springfield Hellion?

The Hellion is designed for ambidextrous operation, featuring an ambidextrous charging handle, an ambidextrous bolt release located on the bottom, and an ambidextrous ejection system that allows the user to switch the ejection port from the right to the left side.

How does the Springfield Hellion's magazine system differ from the original VHS?

While the original Croatian VHS service rifle was designed to use G36 magazines, the US-imported Springfield Armory Hellion utilizes standard STANAG AR-15/M16 magazines, increasing its compatibility with common firearm accessories.

What is the operating system of the Springfield Hellion?

The Springfield Armory Hellion operates using a short-stroke gas piston system. This system is known for its reliability and is similar in appearance to the piston system found on the HK416.

What are the barrel specifications for the Springfield Hellion?

The Springfield Hellion features a 16-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:7 inch twist rate. This configuration is designed to effectively stabilize NATO ammunition, including heavier rounds up to 77-80 grains.

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