I have to give credit, a lot of credit, to Springfield Armory on this one. I missed this one completely, and I have talked about how bringing the VHS-2 into the states would be a good idea. The VHS-2 Hellion arrived today, and dammit I want one. I blame Forgotten Weapons.
A modern 5.56 bullpup from the factory already supplying you the XD line?
Yes. Do it, Springfield!
They did.
After dropping a clever dad joke level hint that is worthy of acknowledgement in its own right, (VHS, get it? If you’re in your 20’s maybe not) they released the Hellion this morning.
Yes. It’s named the Hellion, in classic Springfield naming style.
No, I don’t care. I want it. It’s a VHS-2. VHS-2 Hellion… whatever. Cool bullpup for 2022.
Ian over at Forgotten Weapons has featured this rifle previously and his announcement, and TFB’s, are worth the clicks.
This marks and interesting return for Springfield into not only a powerhouse domestic manufacturer, but a high demand service rifle importer. They are going to be able to leverage deals that smaller companies cannot. Combination importer/manufacturer startups of niche shops simply cannot do that in volume.
I think the Hellion is going to create more buzz and positive momentum for Springfield Armory. More than their mono-lower SAINT could with its experiment in minutial engineering, anyway. That is the type of thing I expect from niche builders.
What do I mean? Springfield’s entry into AR’s was a strong move, their M1A line is mostly good looking nostalgia. The SAINT brought them competing in AR-15’s. The AR they brought to market was very, and I do mean very, well thought out given the standards at the time. A simple BCM adorned middy gas gun.
Bringing the VHS-2 Hellion in hits right along that same logic chain and in a couple of very solid market spots. New import. Never before available modern service rifle. Expanding the bullpup market.
There are Springfield Armory owners aplenty who are brand loyal to an almost astonishing degree and this is a rifle that can expand horizons. For the weird rifle aficionados (hello, it is I) this brings a coveted one to market here. It can show the efficacy of another bullpup in the US market which could encourage companies (looking at you, Lithgow) to bring more foreign rifles to the states and vary the offerings.
And this newer offering can motivate legacy bullpup makers like Steyr and IWI to take a hard look at refreshing their offerings too.
You win two internets Springfield.
