Springfield Hellion vs IWI X95 Tavor

Bullpup overview and test setup

The video compares two 5.56 bullpup rifles: the IWI X95 Tavor, a long-established Israeli design, and the Springfield Armory Hellion, the U.S. commercial version of the VHS platform. Both rifles are configured as similarly as possible for a direct comparison. The only changes from factory configuration are the muzzle devices and optics. Each rifle uses a three-prong SureFire QD muzzle device so they can be run with a SureFire RC2 silencer to evaluate which is the better suppressor host. Both rifles retain their integrated flip-up iron sights and are equipped with the same red dot optic, the SIG Romeo 8T, differing only in color. The focus is on how these bullpups handle, how their controls work, and how they perform when suppressed, rather than on deep technical breakdowns of each model.

IWI X95 Tavor controls and ergonomics

The IWI X95 Tavor is presented as a classic bullpup with controls that will feel familiar to AR-15 users. It has ambidextrous magazine releases in the traditional AR-style location on both sides of the receiver, and a safety lever positioned similarly to an AR, though the safety itself is only on the left side. The bolt release is located at the rear of the rifle. Locking the bolt to the rear requires a somewhat awkward manipulation, but on an empty magazine it locks back automatically. The large bolt release paddle provides a generous surface area, allowing a shooter to insert a fresh magazine and use the thumb to send the bolt forward in one smooth motion. The rifle ejects to the right by default, but with modifications the ejection side can be changed. Ambidextrous use and how ejection behaves when shooting from the non-dominant side are points of interest in the comparison.

Tavor trigger, rails, and sling options

The Tavor’s top features a full-length Picatinny rail that runs along the receiver, providing space for optics and accessories. The rifle includes integrated flip-up iron sights that sit flush when not in use. Under the side rail covers are additional Picatinny sections, and there is notable aftermarket support for extended rails and M-LOK conversions, though these require some modification. Quick-detach sling points are built into the rifle. The trigger is typical of many bullpups: there is noticeable take-up, followed by increasing resistance before the break, and a relatively long reset with substantial travel. It is functional but not especially crisp, aligning with the general reputation of bullpup triggers. Overall, the Tavor offers a mature ecosystem for accessories and sling setups, with controls that many shooters will find intuitive.

Springfield Hellion gas system and ambidextrous design

The Springfield Armory Hellion is introduced with emphasis on its adjustable gas system, located at the front of the rifle. The gas adjustment is described as difficult to manipulate, but it is a notable advantage over the Tavor, which requires modification to adjust gas for suppressor use. This makes the Hellion a strong candidate as a suppressor host, especially when paired with the SureFire RC2 silencer used in the test. Like the Tavor, the Hellion has integrated, flush iron sights along the top. Its raised Picatinny rail contributes to a truly ambidextrous layout. The charging handle resembles that of an HK G36 and can be used from either side, flipping left or right to run the action without needing to be permanently swapped. This neutral, central charging system supports left- and right-handed operation without reconfiguration, reinforcing the Hellion’s ambidextrous character.

Hellion grip, safety, and magazine handling

Moving rearward on the Hellion, the grip is a standard AR-style interface, allowing the use of common AR-15 pistol grips. This contrasts with the Tavor’s more enclosed, sword-hilt-like grip and trigger guard. The Hellion’s more conventional grip and trigger guard are presented as a comfort and customization advantage. The safety is ambidextrous but differs from the familiar AR lever. It requires deliberate effort to move between safe and fire, making its activation very intentional and noticeable. From a firing position, the shooter’s thumb can still reach and operate it, but it is less effortless than an AR-style selector. The magazine well is less forgiving than the Tavor’s, with little flare and minimal margin for error when inserting magazines. This demands more precise alignment, which could matter under stress or in fast reloads, and is flagged as a point to evaluate during drills.

Magazine release placement and gear considerations

The Hellion’s magazine release is a single, subtle button located behind the magazine well rather than in the forward AR-style position used on the Tavor. This placement allows the shooter to press the release and retain the magazine with the support hand if desired, which can be useful when retention is important. In contrast, the Tavor’s ambidextrous, AR-like mag release enables very fast reloads: the shooter can drop the empty magazine with the trigger finger while simultaneously reaching for a fresh magazine. The Hellion’s design is praised for reducing the chance of accidental magazine drops when worn close to the body with gear such as a plate carrier. The raised material around the release and its rearward location make unintended activation less likely, even though the button has a relatively large surface area. The tradeoff is speed versus security, with the Tavor favoring rapid changes and the Hellion favoring protection against gear interference.

Bolt controls and accessory mounting on the Hellion

At the rear of the Hellion, the bolt release is positioned similarly to the Tavor’s, but its function differs. On the Hellion, it primarily serves as a bolt release rather than a combined catch and release. To lock the bolt to the rear without an empty magazine, the shooter must manually retract the charging handle and then reach into the magazine well to push up on the internal bolt catch, mimicking the presence of an empty mag. This is less convenient than the Tavor’s ability to use the external control as both catch and release. Sending the bolt forward on the Hellion involves inserting a fresh magazine and pressing the rear control, though the ergonomics may require more wrist rotation compared to the Tavor. Up front, the Hellion’s handguard uses thick polymer with M-LOK slots instead of exposed Picatinny. The actual usefulness and durability of these M-LOK positions, given the material and thickness, remain to be explored with accessories in future setups.