The Springfield Armory Hellion 5.56 NATO 18″ Bullpup 30rd brings a proven military design to your local range. With an 18-inch barrel tucked behind the trigger, you get rifle-length ballistics in a package short enough to maneuver through doorways and brush. This semi-auto runs on 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem, comes with a 30-round mag, and is built for shooters who want compact handling without giving up velocity.
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Hellion |
| Material | Polymer stock with steel receiver components |
| Compatibility | 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington, standard AR-15 magazines |
| Finish | Black oxide barrel, textured polymer furniture |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 18-inch barrel in a bullpup layout — Why it matters: You get the velocity and accuracy of a full-length barrel while keeping the overall rifle about 10 inches shorter than a traditional AR-15. Easier to store, easier to carry in tight spaces.
- Fully ambidextrous controls — Why it matters: Left-handed shooters can reverse the ejection, swap the charging handle side, and use the same mag release and bolt hold as righties. No more brass-to-the-face or awkward reaches.
- Two-position adjustable gas block — Why it matters: Switch between standard and suppressed settings without changing parts. Run a can and keep the action from beating itself up, or dial it back for dirty ammo.
- Non-reciprocating charging handle — Why it matters: The handle stays put when you fire. No sharp metal slapping your hand or snagging on gear. Safer for new shooters and more comfortable for everyone.
- Mil-spec trigger pack compatibility — Why it matters: You can drop in a Geissele or Timney trigger to dial in pull weight and take-up. The Hellion accepts standard AR-15 fire control groups, so upgrades are easy.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the shooter who wants a compact home-defense or ranch gun that doesn’t lose reach. It fits new gun owners who want one rifle that does it all — range trips, classes, and property patrol. Experienced shooters will appreciate the ambi controls and the ability to swap triggers. Lefties finally get a factory bullpup that works out of the box without mods.
Pros / Cons
- Pro: Short overall length (about 28 inches) makes it easy to handle in tight spaces and store in a safe next to a shotgun.
- Pro: Factory ambidextrous design means no extra parts or gunsmithing for left-handed use.
- Pro: Adjustable gas block lets you shoot suppressed or unsuppressed with zero tuning hassle.
- Con: Bullpup trigger feel is different from a traditional AR — some users prefer a drop-in Geissele trigger to clean up the take-up and overtravel.
Comparison
| Feature | Springfield Hellion | Geissele Super Duty 16″ | LWRC IC-DI 16″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel length | 18″ | 16″ | 16.1″ |
| Overall length | 28.5″ | 33.5″ | 33.5″ |
| Weight (unloaded) | 8.0 lbs | 7.3 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Gas system | Adjustable (2-position) | Fixed (mid-length) | Fixed (mid-length) |
| Ambidextrous controls | Full (ejection, charge, bolt, mag release) | Partial (safety, bolt release) | Partial (safety, bolt release) |
| Price | $1,860 | $1,950 | $2,100 |
The Hellion gives you a full 18-inch barrel in a package shorter than most 16-inch ARs. You lose a couple pounds versus the Geissele and LWRC, but you gain ambi controls that work for every shooter without buying extra parts.
FAQ
Does the Springfield Armory Hellion accept standard AR-15 magazines?
Yes. It uses any standard AR-15/M16 pattern magazine. The 30-round Magpul PMAG it ships with works, but you can also run aluminum GI mags, Lancer, or Hexmag without issue.
Can a left-handed shooter use the Hellion without modifications?
Yes. The ejection port and charging handle are reversible, and the magazine release and bolt hold are ambidextrous from the factory. You can swap the ejection to the left side in about 10 minutes with a punch and a screwdriver.
How does the Hellion perform with a suppressor?
It runs well. The two-position gas block has a suppressed setting that reduces gas blowback and keeps the bolt speed in check. Most shooters find it cycles reliably with a 5.56 can and standard or heavy buffer.
What is the trigger pull weight on the Hellion?
Factory trigger pull is around 6.5 to 7.5 pounds with some take-up typical of bullpup designs. You can swap it for any mil-spec AR-15 trigger group — Geissele and Timney both make drop-in triggers that reduce pull to 3–4 pounds and clean up the feel.
Is the Hellion California compliant?
As of April 2026, Springfield Armory does not ship the Hellion with a California-compliant configuration. You would need to use a fixed magazine kit or a separate compliant model if available in your area. Check your local laws before ordering.
Ready to Buy?
Get the Springfield Armory Hellion 5.56 NATO 18″ Bullpup 30rd shipped to your door. We deliver to all 50 states.
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1–2 business days
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Browse more options in our Semi Auto Rifles section, check out Bullpup Rifles, or see what’s new in Springfield Armory.
Last updated: April 2026
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