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What Do We Think of the Hellion in 2026?

Lab4Us

Lab4Us

Professional
So I’ve gone a lifetime without owning a rifle. I did carry an M16 many, many times between 1976 and 2004 😃, but have always been drawn to pistols as I never saw a potential need for a defensive rifle.

Things in society have appeared to change, or are changing quickly, and where I once thought I wouldn’t have to deal with it in my lifetime, I am seriously reconsidering my rifle position - in that it’s probably time to have one, become as skilled with it as I am with my handguns, and keep it at the ready. Obviously I’ll obtain a means to secure it before I purchase it.

With that preamble completed, I have been researching the Hellion. I like the fact I can get an SBR sized rifle without needing a stamp, making it something reasonable to move around my house, but then use as a longer range rifle should the need arise. I’m sure I could breeze through the stamp approval process, but really don’t feel like keeping up with the legalities of paperwork required to be maintained afterwards.

I also like the fact it’s not a “big scary black rifle” that will trigger many - I figure most won’t even have a clue what it is.

Does anyone have actual extended experience with the Hellion (likely 16” model)? I’ve read it takes a bit of time to master it, but as it would be my only rifle, I pretty much figure I’ll practice as much with it as I do all my handguns.

I’m also not opposed to other suggestions, though trying to stay away from the traditional AR-15 style. I was also looking at a Ruger Mini 14 Tactical if anyone has thoughts.

Only things besides preferably no AR-15 style are 1) Want to buy complete, not build, 2) Must accommodate a red dot optic (my eyes are still 67 YOA and I doubt rifle range will be easier to see than pistol range), 3) I am not opposed to spending reasonable money for quality, 4) prefer 5.56/.223 but would consider other options with reasons. Almost forgot NO SIG SAUERS.

Think that about covers it, any help appreciated, as always.
 
I love my Hellion. Crappy trigger (as have all bullpups), super high optic over bore that requires intentional zeroing, and attention to that when varying shots under/over zero-distance. Also you need to train with it if intending to use for defense....the levers and buttons differ from an AR-15. Ensure you trial ammunition....mine is finicky with ammo. Make sure yours cycles with the ammo you choose for defense.
 
Everyone that has one loves them, i don't own one but i can say get the Hellion over the mini 14. i have three mini's one is a AC 5.56 full auto. it's fun to shoot but they are not very accurate. the newer ones may be as mine are older models.
 
Honestly Id start with an AR15. Its something you are familiar with and parts/accessories are available everywhere, not so much for the Hellion. Bullpups have a unique learning curve and can be limiting when switching from side to side for cover and obstacles. ARs can be had much cheaper than the Hellion. If you want short, then opt for a "pistol" version with an 11 inch barrel.

As for "paperwork" for a short barrel, there really nothing to it and the $200 is over.

I would avoid the Mini 14, its unnecessarily expensive as are the mags, plus parts are scarcer than most other similar rifles. Plus the Mini 14 has questionable accuracy.

Theres really nothing better than the AR for an individual regardless of the price. Remember your arent just buying the rifle, youll need at least 6 (better 10+ mags), plus a sling and an optic. Dont cheap out on the optic if youre serious about wanting a rifle for serious purposes. Consider an ACOG or Aimpoint

The Hellion is an imported rifle from a single supplier, whereas ARs are made by 100s of sources. You can pick up a basic AR for under $500 while the Hellion is maybe 4 times as much. Spend that extra on an optic, ammo, and mags OR buy an AR rifle and a AR pistol and still have $$$ left over
 
PieterCoetzee said:
I would avoid the Mini 14, its unnecessarily expensive as are the mags, plus parts are scarcer than most other similar rifles. Plus the Mini 14 has questionable accuracy.
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0107782_ruger-mini-14-tactical-w-folding-stock-flash-hider-2x20rd-mags.jpeg
 
I personally wouldn't go with a basically imported proprietary rifle that's not well supported or owned in the U.S. market, especially if it's being sold by Springfield Arms. Spare parts will be hard to come by, and Springfield won't sell most. If it's ever discontinued in the future or banned from importation WHEN, not IF, the antigun party regains control, you might find yourself SOL or it being a huge PITA to replace worn or broken parts. That's not something I want for a primary go-to defensive firearm. I've been there, done that with several rifle platforms. My Veprs are banned; the CZ Bren was discontinued; the Beretta ARX100 was discontinued; you get my point...

I would not choose either of the two options you suggested, honestly, especially with the price Ruger is currently asking for their Ruger Mini 14s. I don't realistically foresee any situation that would require you to take a several-hundred-yard shot to begin with outside of hunting, and I wouldn't choose a .223/5.56 rifle for that purpose. With a red dot and aging eyes, that's going to be difficult enough as it is.

Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need or require a sniper or target rifle for defensive purposes. Most modern sporting/assault rifles will allow you to get multiple rounds on a man-sized target at defensive distances. If you insist on something for long distance, get a bolt rifle with a scope.
 
I have to admit, using an AR-15 pistol (short-barrel) with a brace makes more sense than the Hellion for the OP post. The Hellion looks amazing, shoots great, but parts availability? I still can't remove the trigger-pack from mine (Hellion) and I worry about cleanliness.
 
PieterCoetzee said:
Honestly Id start with an AR15. Its something you are familiar with and parts/accessories are available everywhere, not so much for the Hellion. Bullpups have a unique learning curve and can be limiting when switching from side to side for cover and obstacles. ARs can be had much cheaper than the Hellion. If you want short, then opt for a "pistol" version with an 11 inch barrel.

As for "paperwork" for a short barrel, there really nothing to it and the $200 is over.

I would avoid the Mini 14, its unnecessarily expensive as are the mags, plus parts are scarcer than most other similar rifles. Plus the Mini 14 has questionable accuracy.

Theres really nothing better than the AR for an individual regardless of the price. Remember your arent just buying the rifle, youll need at least 6 (better 10+ mags), plus a sling and an optic. Dont cheap out on the optic if youre serious about wanting a rifle for serious purposes. Consider an ACOG or Aimpoint

The Hellion is an imported rifle from a single supplier, whereas ARs are made by 100s of sources. You can pick up a basic AR for under $500 while the Hellion is maybe 4 times as much. Spend that extra on an optic, ammo, and mags OR buy an AR rifle and a AR pistol and still have $$$ left over
Click to expand...
I own a lot of sporting/assault and battle rifle. I own several SBRs as well. Several PTR G3 variants and CETME parts kit builts in multiple calibers and configuration, several imported AKs from various countries in different calibers, CZ Bren, Beretta ARX100, Kel Tec RDB, plan on picking up a FAL, and several AR15 builds. I'm sure I have forgotten something that will come back to me later....

I used to be anti AR15 in the past and wasn't interested in them primarily because they were so common and everyone owned one. Now, it's my go to rifle. It's not my favorite or best looking, but it's what just makes the most logical sense for a defensive rifle in America. It also does everything most other options can do and more. If one takes their emotions out of the equation and looks at things from a logical and practical point of view, the AR is the best option hands down. For range toy, collection, and pride of ownership purposes, it's something else, but for utilitarian defensive purposes, it's the AR.
 
Lab4Us said:
I also like the fact it’s not a “big scary black rifle” that will trigger many - I figure most won’t even have a clue what it is.
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The Hellion is a "scary black rifle." It has all the same physical features of assault rifles" that people want to ban. It semiauto, has a telescoping stock, uses an AR15 pistol grip, uses AR-15/M16-pattern mags, has a threaded barrel, and fires the same exact round the AR15 fires. It's the very definition of a "scary black rifle." It will be banned by name or features just like any other assault rifle. If you're worried about not scaring or offending anti-gunners, go with the traditional Ruger 14 with a wooden stock.

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