MY IMPRESSIONS
What a strange-looking rifle! Picking it up reveals it to be a heavy gun with controls that differ from the standard AR-15 platform. There is the familiar pistol grip and safety selector switch, but all else is out of place. I had to read the manual to familiarize myself with operation of this rifle – always a good idea when encountering a new firearm.
Controls are ambidextrous. The cocking handle is located forward and below the Picatinny sight rail. It can be pulled left or right to charge the first round or empty the chamber. The ejection port is on the right side but can be reversed to the left side for left-handed operators.
The magazine well is in the rear behind the pistol grip, with a release tab to the rear of the well. The bolt holds open after the last round is fired, and it can be held open manually by pushing up on a tab inside of the magwell. The bolt can be released with the charging handle or by squeezing the magazine release tab behind the magwell. These many controls are thoughtfully arranged on the receiver in a compact manner. Once learned, I can load and fire the Hellion as quickly as any AR-15.
Related Review: Going 500rds with Springfield Armory's Hellion Bullpup
What is it like to hold a Hellion? The center of gravity is behind the grip, making it feel a bit tail-heavy, but once I bring it to bear, it aims naturally. It is easy to see and feel that it is shorter than my standard AR-15. The breech extends back behind the pistol grip, keeping the overall length compact despite the 20-inch barrel.
Features
This is the first bullpup I have reviewed that has an adjustable five-position stock. That is a valuable feature to me, as I like to adjust a rifle to fit my physical build and the clothing I’m wearing. This is important for accuracy.
A Picatinny rail runs the length of the upper receiver, ensuring that nearly any sight, red dot optic, or scope will fit. Springfield Armory has included its clever integrated flip-up sights. The rear sight has five positions adjustable for elevation and a windage adjustment knob, and the front sight is also adjustable for elevation.
Today, I am using my TruGlo high-rise red dot sight. With it, I can keep my head up where it belongs and see where I am aiming. The Hellion allows just about any sight or scope to be used. I like versatility in a rifle.
The trigger is two-stage and requires over 6 pounds of pressure. That sounds heavy, but it’s not so bad. Most of my effort is to overcome the first stage before the wall of the second stage is encountered. It is no worse than an M1A target rifle and can be learned easily.
The Hellion is made to accept a suppressor. Its gas system includes a two-position adjustable knob. The system is set to “N” for normal shooting but can quickly be changed to “S” for suppressed shooting when a can is installed. This is a great feature that allows easy acceptance of a can and helps prevent jams.
Specifications
- Overall Length: Adjustable from 32.25 to 33.75 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds, 6 ounces as tested
- Barrel: 20 inches, Melonite, 1:17 twist as tested, with bayonet lug
- Trigger: Two-stage; 6 pounds, 5 ounces
- Safety: Two-position flip-type switch
- Grip: BCM Gunfighter Mod 3
- Sights: Integrated flip-up, five-position aperture with windage adjustments
- Gas System: Two positions to accommodate suppressor
- Stock: Five-position adjustable
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M-LOK forearm and QD sling points included
SHOOTIN’ TIME
Area 51 is primed and ready to test the Hellion! My steel targets are set between 25 and 75 yards for some offhand shooting action. Ammo supplied to me is PMC bronze .223 Full Metal Jacket. The Hellion is marked to accept .556 NATO ammunition but also accepts .223 ammo.
The Hellion comes with a Magpul 30-round magazine but will accept other AR-15-type magazines. I love Magpul. These mags are reliable and sturdy. My two steel targets at 25 yards close range are easily hit and make a resounding clang, while the smaller “flapper” target swings from side to side.
The Hellion is a bit odd coming to my shoulder due to its rear weight balance point. When in position, it is easy to point and takes up little space when moving from point to point. See how easy it is to hit and explode those 2-liter root beer jugs! What fun this is. The high-velocity FMJ bullets rip through them. The jugs at longer range take a bit more effort, but with careful aim, the Hellion makes them eat lead.
Next, it is time to test those fixed Springfield Armory sights. They are made from steel and made to last, and they are spring-loaded to pop up when needed. The rear sight is amazing. It is designed to be a proprietary sight, not just a backup. Notice the five-position turning aperture windows labeled for distances from 0 to 500 meters.
With practice, I can make these sights perform. I have little trouble in hitting my close-range steel targets and even take out a root beer jug with a couple of shots. No jams or mechanical failures were encountered in this test.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- High quality, well-made
- Compact size
- Versatile
- Many sight options
- Integrated flip-up adjustable sights included
- Adjustable stock
- Suppressor adjustable gas system
- Various barrels available from 16 to 20 inches
- M-LOK slots and QD points included
- Accepts most AR-15-style magazines
Cons:
- Heavy
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Non-adjustable trigger
CONCLUSION
When I compare the 20-inch barreled Hellion to my AR-15 with its 20-inch barrel, I see a 4-inch difference in overall length with the Hellion. That makes the Hellion bullpup a great choice for a back-seat truck rifle. Although the controls differ in many ways, they are thoughtfully arranged and can be learned quickly.
Reliability was 100-percent in my test shooting, and accuracy was as good as any AR-15 platform with similar barrel and ammo. Save space; try something different! Pick up a Hellion.
