Is Springfield Hellion legal in California?
What is the Springfield Hellion?
The Springfield Hellion is a civilian version of the Croatian VHS-2 bullpup rifle. Compact yet powerful, it chambers the popular 5.56 NATO round and places the action behind the trigger, giving it a shorter overall length without sacrificing barrel size. Known for its futuristic design and smooth shooting experience, it appeals to enthusiasts who want something different from standard AR-platform rifles.
In some reviews, you’ll see it referred to as the springfield hellion 5.56mm. Many gun owners praise its ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and reliability in various conditions.
California Gun Law Basics
California has some of the strictest firearm regulations in the U.S. These laws limit not only who can own a firearm but also what types can be sold or possessed in the state. Key restrictions include:
Bans on certain features defined under the state’s “assault weapon” category.
Mandatory background checks for all firearm sales.
Waiting periods for purchase.
Magazine capacity limits (generally 10 rounds).
Assault Weapon Definition
In California, a firearm can be classified as an assault weapon based on its features, not just its model. For semi-automatic centerfire rifles, the state considers it an assault weapon if it has:
A pistol grip or thumbhole stock.
A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock.
A flash suppressor or grenade/flare launcher.
A forward pistol grip.
A detachable magazine without a fixed mag device.
If a firearm meets these criteria, it is generally banned unless it was registered during an allowed period.
Hellion’s Main Features
Some highlights of the Springfield Hellion include:
Bullpup configuration for compact handling.
Ambidextrous charging handle and controls.
Adjustable gas system.
Standard 16-inch barrel.
Flip-up iron sights integrated into the Picatinny rail.
Fans in online springfield hellion review posts often point out its balance and relatively manageable springfield hellion weight. Its springfield hellion trigger is praised for being crisp for a bullpup, though it’s still different from AR-style triggers.
Also read: Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns
Why It May Be Restricted
The Springfield Hellion in its standard form may not be California-compliant because:
It accepts detachable magazines.
It has a pistol-style grip.
It may feature a flash hider depending on configuration.
These traits could place it in the “assault weapon” category. That means the unmodified rifle would likely not pass California’s feature test.
Legal Modification Options
To make the springfield hellion california legal, owners or dealers might:
Install a fixed magazine device requiring disassembly of the action to remove the mag.
Use a featureless grip to remove “pistol grip” classification.
Replace flash hiders with a non-flash muzzle brake.
While there are springfield hellion accessories to help with compliance, any modification should be done in consultation with a licensed California FFL familiar with state laws.
Registration Rules
If the Hellion were configured as an assault weapon in California, it could only be legally possessed if it had been registered during a past registration window. Currently, there is no open registration period for new assault weapons in the state. This means compliance must be achieved before the firearm enters California.
Penalties for Violations
Possessing an unregistered or non-compliant assault weapon in California can result in:
Confiscation of the firearm.
Heavy fines.
Potential felony charges.
Loss of firearm rights.
These penalties underscore the importance of ensuring compliance before purchase or importation.
Legal Alternatives
If you can’t find a compliant Hellion, you might consider:
Featureless AR-15 style rifles.
Other bullpup rifles sold in California-compliant configurations.
Lever-action or pump-action rifles that don’t fall under assault weapon rules.
Researching springfield hellion ca legal forums and California gun shops can also reveal new compliant builds.
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Hellion is a fascinating rifle, but in California, ownership is not straightforward. Without modification, it likely runs afoul of the state’s assault weapon laws. However, with proper compliance measures—such as fixed magazine devices and removal of banned features—it may be possible to legally own one.
Before buying, always verify with a knowledgeable California firearms dealer and check the latest regulations. And for those asking how much is a springfield hellion, prices can vary, but you may need to factor in extra costs for compliance parts.
FAQs
Q1: Can I buy a Springfield Hellion in California without modifications?
No, not in its standard form—it would need compliance modifications first.
Q2: Do I need to register a compliant Hellion?
If it is not classified as an assault weapon after modifications, registration as such is not required.
Q3: Are there California-legal bullpup rifles?
Yes, some bullpups are sold in CA-compliant versions with fixed magazines or featureless grips.
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