Springfield Armory Hellion 5.56 NATO 20in Bullpup Rifle 10rd

About this product

The Springfield Armory Hellion 5.56 NATO 20in Bullpup Rifle 10rd is a semi-automatic, state-compliant bullpup design that places a full 20-inch barrel into a platform with an overall length of just 30.75 inches. It is built on the imported VHS-2 platform from Croatia's HS Produkt, adapted by Springfield Armory for the U.S. commercial and restricted-state markets. The core engineering intent is to deliver the ballistic performance of a traditional rifle-length barrel within the compact handling envelope of a modern bullpup, without infringing on state-level magazine capacity or assault weapon feature bans.

What is the Springfield Armory Hellion used for?

The Hellion is engineered for lawful possession and use where standard AR-platform rifles are prohibited or restricted by state feature or magazine laws, or for shooters prioritizing compact transport and storage. Its 20-inch barrel generates approximately 150-200 feet per second more muzzle velocity than a common 16-inch carbine, extending effective range and terminal performance with 5.56 ammunition. The bullpup layout makes it ideal for vehicle transport, tactical training in confined spaces, and as a durable, all-weather patrol or ranch rifle, though its primary advantage is compliance with regulations like those in California, New York, or Connecticut.

How does the Springfield Armory Hellion compare to the IWI Tavor X95?

The Springfield Hellion offers superior out-of-the-box ergonomics for left-handed shooters and a notably longer, free-floated 20-inch barrel than the IWI Tavor X95's 16.5-inch model, providing better long-range ballistics. While the Tavor X95 has a more established aftermarket and arguably faster, more intuitive manual of arms due to its AR-style controls, the Hellion's fully ambidextrous, reversible ejection system works without tools in under 60 seconds, a clear win for adaptability. For pure mechanical accuracy potential from a bullpup, the Hellion's 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel gives it the edge, but the X95 remains better for those prioritizing magazine compatibility and faster reloads under stress.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Hellion weighs 8.73 pounds unloaded and measures 30.75 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel. The rifle's length of pull is adjustable between 14.5 and 15.5 inches via included spacers, and the handguard features 21.5 inches of continuous M-LOK attachment surface divided across twelve slots. For comparison, a traditional AR-15 with a 20-inch barrel like the Colt M16A4 clone would measure approximately 39.5 inches overall—nearly 9 inches longer—though it typically weighs about 1.5 pounds less due to the Hellion's more complex internal chassis and dual recoil spring system.

Who is this NOT for?

This specific 10-round configuration is not for shooters in unrestricted states who simply want a cheap or familiar AR-15 platform, or for competitors in dynamic sports like 3-Gun where magazine changes on a bullpup are inherently slower. The fixed, featureless grip wrap and non-adjustable cheek riser make it a poor choice for those wanting a highly personalized ergonomic fit, and the proprietary magazine release—while ambidextrous—requires a specific technique that disadvantages users trained exclusively on AR or AK patterns. If your primary use case is a precise, lightweight bolt-action for hunting, this is the wrong tool.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 10-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3, a reversible ejection port cover for left or right-hand ejection, two polymer exterior magazine pouches, a soft carrying case, a user manual, and three stock spacers for length-of-pull adjustment. Notably, it does not include a cleaning kit, a bore snake, or any optics—the integrated flip-up sights are zeroed at 100 yards from the factory, but you will need to supply your own sighting tools and a 1/2-inch wrench for the castle nut if you plan to disassemble the buttstock assembly.

Is the Springfield Armory Hellion worth it at $1875.99?

At this price point, the Hellion is worth it specifically for shooters in restricted jurisdictions who need a compliant, full-power rifle that doesn't sacrifice barrel length for compactness, or for those valuing its unique, tool-less ambidextrous design over more established bullpups. You are paying a premium for Springfield's stateside warranty support and the sophisticated engineering of a modern military-grade bullpup adapted for the civilian market, not for cheapest-possible parts. If your budget is under $1500 and you don't need a 20-inch barrel, a featureless AR-15 build or a used shotgun for close-range utility would be a more economical choice.