The Springfield Armory Hellion 5.56 NATO 20in Bullpup Rifle 10rd gives you a full-length 20-inch barrel in a compact, maneuverable package. This bullpup design keeps the action behind the trigger, so you get rifle-length ballistics without the long overall length. It ships with a 10-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3, a soft case, and two exterior magazine pouches — everything you need to hit the range or the field right away.
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
|---|---|
| Model | Hellion |
| Material | Polymer stock, steel barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Finish | Black anodized aluminum receiver, black polymer furniture |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20-inch barrel in a bullpup layout — Why it matters: You keep the velocity and accuracy of a long barrel while the rifle stays short enough for tight spaces like vehicles or brush.
- Ambidextrous controls — Why it matters: Left-handed or right-handed, you can run the safety, magazine release, and bolt release without switching hands or breaking your grip.
- Reversible ejection system — Why it matters: You can swap the ejection port to the left side in minutes, so lefties don’t eat brass to the face, and righties keep a clean ejection pattern.
- Non-reciprocating ambidextrous charging handle — Why it matters: You charge from either side without the handle moving during firing, which means no snagging on gear and no risk of the handle hitting your face.
- Includes 10-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3, soft case, and two magazine pouches — Why it matters: You get a reliable, combat-proven magazine and a carry-ready setup right out of the box, saving you time and extra cost.
Who It’s For
This rifle fits shooters who want a compact, easy-to-handle platform without giving up rifle-caliber performance. It’s great for home defense, truck guns, or anyone who needs a short overall length for storage or transport but still wants the reach of a 20-inch barrel. New gun owners will appreciate the simple, intuitive controls and the included soft case for safe storage.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Extremely compact for a 20-inch barrel — overall length is just over 30 inches, so it handles like a short-barreled rifle without the NFA paperwork.
- Pro: Fully ambidextrous from the factory — no need to buy aftermarket parts for left-handed use.
- Con: The trigger pull weight is a bit heavier than a traditional AR-15 trigger, around 7-8 lbs, which is common for bullpup designs. A trigger upgrade can help if you prefer a lighter pull.
- Con: The bullpup design means the magazine is behind the grip, so reloads take a little practice compared to an AR-15. It’s not a dealbreaker, but plan on some dry-fire drills.
Comparison
| Feature | Springfield Armory Hellion | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Bullpup, gas piston | Traditional AR-15, direct impingement | Traditional AR-15, direct impingement |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Overall Length | 30.3 inches | 32-34 inches (varies by stock) | 32-34 inches (varies by stock) |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs | 6.5 lbs (approx) | 6.8 lbs (approx) |
| Ambidextrous | Full (controls + ejection) | Partial (safety, mag release) | Partial (safety, charging handle) |
| Price | $1,875.20 | $2,200+ | $1,800+ |
FAQ
What magazines does the Springfield Armory Hellion use?
It takes standard AR-15/M16 pattern magazines. The rifle ships with a 10-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3, but you can use any reliable AR mag, including 20- or 30-rounders where legal.
Is the Hellion reliable with all 5.56 NATO ammunition?
Yes, the gas piston system is designed to handle a wide range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads, from standard M193 to heavier match ammo. Per Springfield Armory specs, it cycles reliably with most factory ammunition.
Can I mount optics on the Hellion?
Absolutely. The top rail is a full-length Picatinny rail, so you can mount any scope, red dot, or holographic sight. The rail also has backup iron sight slots if you prefer.
How do I clean the Hellion?
Field stripping is straightforward: remove the rear takedown pin, lift the upper receiver, and pull the bolt carrier group. Clean and lubricate the piston and bolt per the manual. It’s similar to cleaning an AR-15, just in a bullpup layout.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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