VHS-2 Bullpup at the Range

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Yesterday we took a look at the inner workings of the VHS-2, and today we are going to put some rounds through it. I am trying out both a short-barreled VHS-K2 that was limited to 2-round burst (for French police trials) and a full-length VHS-F2 from French military trials.
Overall, I quite liked the VHS. The length of pull is a bit long (I kept the stock almost fully collapsed), but the in-line layout prevents it from wanting to climb in automatic and it is a very pleasant rifle to shoot. I like the aperture sights, and the long Picatinny rail makes any optic an easy option. I also like being able to set the rifle up for left-handed ejection, but still being able to shoot it right-handed if necessary (and vice-versa). The controls are completely ambidextrous and easy to use, the weight and balance are good, and the trigger is not bad. This is definitely one of my top few bullpups!
Contact:
Forgotten Weapons
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Tucson, AZ 85740

[@herknorth8691]

US Indoor Ranges: "No steel-cased .223 allowed." French Indoor Range: "You may shoot 40mm grenades."

[@plomo9]

my mom won't even let me throw a nerf football in the house

[@DogeMcLovin]

I hate fudd range rules!

[@juliusraben3526]

Why are those casings not allowed?

[@herknorth8691]

@@juliusraben3526 Steel cases typically have bimetal-jacketed bullets which are magnetic. Armor-piercing bullets (which damage the range) are also magnetic. Instead of determining what ammo is safe for the range and which isn't, most ranges take the lazy route and prohibit the shooting of any bullet that attracts a magnet.

[@jimmyleblanc5372]

@@herknorth8691 yeah I've run into this problem shooting 7.62 before. pretty much all steel cased 7.62x39 is copper-brushed steel jackets, and I did have one indoor range stop me from shooting it. Dumb rule, drove me to their competitor.

[@jakerubino3233]

“A little breeze of brass across the beard” - Please let that be the name of your next book! 😆

[@MRFlackAttack1]

Shorten that down to “A Breeze of Brass” and I think you have something. It has a ring to it that’s similar to Napoleon’s “A Whiff of Grapeshot”.

[@wilemelliott]

Whats funny is I get the same thing when I fire my X95 left handed

[@Joshua_N-A]

@@MRFlackAttack1 sounds like a perfect title for a book about cartridges from around the world, with history about them and all.

[@hoilst265]

If Roy Lanchester wrote gun books...wait, he just might.

[@Martin-xd4jl]

It'd be perfect for a book about the history of left handed and ambidextrous designs and adaptations for firearms.

[@283blood]

And it's lubricated with the tears of the British Army, who wish they had waited on this bullpup.

[@comradesam3382]

Also when they lost to Croatia in soccer few years ago

[@brilobox2]

more like wish US Ordnance wasn't staffed by assholes and did sensible things like adopt the fit for purpose .280 round, like the rest of the west was planning on doing, before its ancestors were cool 50+ years later. Maybe if the VHS had come out in 1985, might have been a bit difficult what with that whole curtain thing in the way.

[@johndaniels1197]

I promise the British army don't wish they had waited an extra 35 years to replace the FAL.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

@@comradesam3382 Beat them last time out though. Also the game is called football, the current rules are based on those introduced in 1863 by the newly formed Football Association, hence association football from which the word soccer is derived.

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

They wouldn't have kept using the SLR for another 35 years. Nobody in NATO really wanted the 7.62x51 except the Americans, and even they bailed on it just a decade later (after lumping everyone else with a round they didn't want). If they didn't go for the L85, (and didn't want either the FAMAS or AUG) then I think when the G36 came along a decade later, they would have gone with that (and been better off for it). It's just a shame they didn't host a proper trials competition and let Sterling enter, as they actually knew how to make guns, and a contract like this would have saved them from bankrupsy (at least for the time being).

[@awol354]

My only objection is that the magazine should be called "cassette".

[@olly2515]

naturally

[@Klaaism]

Need a pen to reload it.

[@jebojahoo]

haha

[@jebojahoo]

@@Klaaism lol

[@ementalerlynx4727]

"cassette" is outdated. I´d prefer mp3 or something like that.

[@barbarian92]

My brother trained alongside some Croatian troops, and he was rather disappointed when he didn't get to shoot the VHS. Can't blame him for feeling that way!

[@ivebeenfound1575]

@@Q-nt-Tf wtf

[@RedXlV]

Would be nice if HS would make a semi-auto version of the VHS for Springfield to sell in the US.

[@mobiusone6154]

@@RedXlV I'd buy one in a heartbeat, because Helghast rifle resemblance

[@RedXlV]

@@mobiusone6154 For me, the fact that it visually looks like a G36 had relations with a FAMAS is appealing. And I like the look of bullpups and the concept behind them. Though I don't own any, because I can't spare upward of 2 grand on a rifle and any bullpup cheaper than that is probably junk. (Well aside from the PS90, but in that case it's the ammo prices that'd be an issue. Plus the good stuff in 5.6x28 isn't sold to civilians, so it'd be purely a range toy.) Edit: Actually, to my surprise (I hadn't looked at them in years) the Tavors sell in the $1700 range. But something about them just looks ugly to me, even though I like bullpups in general. Oh well.

[@barbarian92]

@@RedXlV I'm a fan of the Steyr, because it's a classic bullpup. The VHS is wonderfully futuristic, so I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually hit the mainstream, so to speak.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

I was wondering why anyone'd want to bother with that buttstock, but then watching Ian shoulder the rifle "offhand" and adjust his face to be clear of the ejection it became pretty obvious why you may want to be able to quick adjust the length of pull.

[@MrLolx2u]

Longer stock tends to stabilize the gun better for many shooters and that's why even till now, some HK416 retain the collapsible buttstock function and why the M16A2 received an even longer buttstock than the A1 variant.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

@@MrLolx2u Such choices were probably a lot easier to make in the days before full plate rigs I guess.

[@MatoVuc]

It was mostly done so that the soldier could have the same length of pull with and without combat vest/armour/backpack strap.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

@@MatoVuc sure, but the VHS seems like it has a long length of pull to begin with, so the default I presume would be to have it as short as possible. It's not that I was wondering "why would you want it shorter?" but the opposite.

[@MatoVuc]

@@Horizontalvertigo if i remember correctly, the length of pull on the first version VHS was longer, so much that some smaller female soldiers were simply not able to shoulder it properly. Most of the issue really comes down to how far forward the pistol grip is. I found it most comfortable on position 2 out of 5, but i like short stocks and getting tight in with the weapon. Others liked it extended all the way.

[@kravanamjesecu]

Since I am from Croatia once at the military range which is open two days in a week for hunters and their needs of sighting their rifles,I witnessed testing of rate of fire for this rifle,It was couple years ago when VSH2 was still in pre-production...I saw then two guys from HS Produkt shooting from ONE rifle over 20 mags in full auto fire mode straight,without stopping,only changing mags...after 20 mags they made a pause for maybe 5 minutes and then they continued to shoot full auto again,next 20 mags...I was told that they were testing if the rate of fire would go down from extended long term shooting (like in field use under combat situation)...it was awesome thing to look at,the rifle tooked abuse without any hickups...also the guys were very pleased with it,seeing from the smiles on their faces.

[@luiscrakson]

Di se nalazi to strelište da odem i ja?

[@lockingBlock]

@@luiscrakson Vjerojatno Vrapčanski potok...

[@nexusdu06]

Being French myself, I’m disappointed that the VHS didn’t win the trials.

[@Paveway-chan]

What DID win?

[@jaybs1962]

@@Paveway-chan hk416

[@thegreenguy8837]

@@Paveway-chan Heckler and Koch.

[@AP-qs2zf]

@@jakedill1304 I think I had a stroke reading your comment.

[@357Maxim]

Yes, and it's not like HK needs to money...

[@bburchellphotos]

5:44 That little "ooooo" noise Ian makes when he shows the riot grenade XD He was happy :D

[@Zipppyart]

And the little 'pop' sound it made when loading.

[@thitipongkasemwarit3560]

VHS-2 + Under Slung Shotgun + Helical Drum Magazine = Killzone Helghast StA-52 What's your favorite Helghast weapons(Stahl Arms/Visari Corporation)? My favorite: StA52 Assault Rifle StA14 Battle Rifle/DMR StA2 Battle/Grenade Pistol VC8 Shotgun Pistol VC32 Sniper Rifle StA3 LMG StA11 SMG VC39 Accelerator Rifle StA409 Keyzer Assault Rifle StA61 Vultur StA-X3 W.A.S.P. Launcher StA62 Minigun Top 5: StA3 LMG StA2 Battle/Grenade Pistol StA52 Assault Rifle/StA409 Keyzer Assault Rifle StA14 Battle Rifle/DMR StA-X3 W.A.S.P. Launcher Remember, ISA/Vektan scum!

[@goatman9998]

Your a man of culture i see

[@johndaltrocanto]

Interestingly enough it sounds like one too

[@RedWolf777SG]

For Helghan!

[@rustyshackleford9588]

What happen to the beta max-2?

[@Goreratten]

My VHS needs MORE ISA...

[@VSO_Gun_Channel]

That thing is pretty cool looking

[@yomanyo327]

Apparently, Croatia makes great guns and electric cars, interesting combo.

[@dawnkeyy]

Cue 5 year old me drawing cars with guns sticking out of them

[@vaclav_fejt]

And it's a great drowning destination for Czechs.

[@dawnkeyy]

@@vaclav_fejt Actually, Croatia is more famous in the Czech republic as the flip-flop mountaineering capital of the world.

[@vaclav_fejt]

@@dawnkeyy I had the Croat perception of us in mind.

[@dariozanze4929]

So next step... electric car with guns, and electric guns?

[@kingkonut]

croatian stuff - generally - isn't sub-par. They are a small country with a small manufacturing sector as a result, and so wisely have gone for quality as they can't compete on quantity

[@retiredrecon]

Laughing in XD.

[@sancota1]

Ian mostly has this impression of Croatian arms because the only other croatian guns he handled besides the stuff made by HS Produkt (HS-9/HS 2000 aka Springfield XD, H 11 aka Hellcat) were workshop produced SMGs that were made during the war in the 90s. Ofc they won't be of high quality. All of the small arms production of Yugoslavia was in Serbia, there weren't any serious small arms factories until HS Produkt in the early 2000s. Besides the tank factory (M-84 by Đuro Đaković) most of croatian industry during Yugoslavia was focused on food processing industry, shipyards, consumer and industrial goods.

[@_blento_2637]

@kingkonut - what a bs. Yes this gun company is small and about 25y in operations as gun manufacturer. The french new sbm gun decision was 100% political one. As a “payback” Croatia got to buy a squadron of used Dassault Raffale jets at crazy discounted rate. Also, Croatia offered France to license built this product but w/o ability to export it to any other country - apart from French troops/colonies across the globe. That was not appealing to French military and industry decision makers and they went with HK416. So far, there are 75-100k of those guns out in the world. The largest user has been Iraqi army who ditched their AKs in favor of VHS. As it comes to import to USA, the new regulations are that a certain % of any imported gun has to be made in USA. Unless this company starts production in USA, we will not see this gun coming any time soon here. The same rule does not apply to handguns. And yes, the same company makes XD & XDM

[@johnnemo4146]

The Croatian manufacturing industry is generally of high or very high quality. The ships they produce, for example, have the highest reputation, particularly the specialty ships.

[@codyleslie478]

Croatia has very high quality pharmaceuticals and they produce the Rimac which is one of the fastest and most advanced electric cars on earth. (They also just purchased a large portion of Bugatti)

[@mauwalker]

I’d buy this if they had a semiauto version importable!

[@austinpowers2033]

Same, but it would probably cost 2 grand or more

[@project86xero]

@@austinpowers2033 like a Tavor or an Aug... or any other quality made modern sporting rifle outside of an AR-15. Basically any rifle with any kind of military pedigre starts at around $1,800.

[@morgothastartes]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine Its more due to our politicians why its not sold. HS Produkt wanted to sell semi auto for out Croatian market but got blocked, at least thats what I have heard. p.s You are not doomed, die for God-Emperor for in his glory you are forgiven

[@atadbitnefarious1387]

Same thing about the G36. Contrary to popular belief. They dont sell a semi auto version not because HK hates us, but because of German export laws + US import laws.

[@tihomirrasperic]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine hardly, this is a specialized assault rifle for infantry and paratroopers, and as far as I know for now they have no need for a civilian version at all and the military version will not be able to obtain an import license for the United States unless it is purchased by the Army or the Marines

[@mattisvov]

"What could go wrong firing a rifle grenade indoors!" Then we hear the rubber grenade bounce in behind him. Well, that beautifully illustrates the point you where trying to make.

[@CardSharkOfficial]

Whoever in the french military lets you get access to these things deserves a "thank you" as well.

[@AlphaSierra375]

The VHS was a legacy in its right. So black and smooth, those little dials to retract the film was fun enough to sacrifice one for your children. This rifle is quite badass though! What a life you have my friend!

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

It's a cool design. It's like something you'd see in a near-future setting.

[@Fastwinstondoom]

One of the guns in the newer Deus Ex games looks alot like this one...

[@comradedogma4957]

Inb4 it's in BF2042

[@peppermillers8361]

It just looks like a modern bullpup to me. Older bullpups like the EM2 generally look more futuristic to me, but that's a matter of personal taste.

[@christianh4723]

@@comradedogma4957 It's already in plenty of games

[@NovaXP]

Looks like the FAMAS and the HK 416 had a baby

[@varanid9]

I like how Ian's sense of style hovers somewhere between "survivalist" and "GQ".

[@echodelta2172]

Only the finest wardrobe items he can order from varusteleka

[@gumbomudderx7503]

The long barrel one in full auto makes a sound like Robocop’s pistol. I probably have Robocop on VHS somewhere as well…

[@vaclav_fejt]

"Your move, creep."

[@floatingchimney]

I’d buy that for a dollar!

[@princessapplestrach6327]

You have VHS-2's sound on VHS?

[@paveantelic7876]

VHS heh...get it?

[@thegeforce6625]

very likely due to the indoor range, outside it wuld sound like any other 556 rifle.

[@donkee011]

I bet these also have a clock that is impossible to set correctly, but is left blinking for eternity.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

Ah, the vacuum fluorescent display. The pale green-ness of it. Often mistaken for the LED, but with a fundamentally different technology.

[@Varadiio]

@@AshleyPomeroy Technology Connections is leaking...

[@aaronorr5586]

Whatcho' talkin' 'bout? I've always reprogrammed the clock on the VCR when a power outage resets it... *shifty eyed glance*

[@LadyAnuB]

For those not inclined to RTFM 😛

[@eljefeamericano4308]

Also, your rate-of-fire gets really scratchy if you don't adjust your tracking.

[@TheNinjaDC]

Springfield Armory: " How can we get people to stop hating us?" Me: *Forwarding this video*

[@nobody-ye9rx]

Springfield doesn’t even make these, now if they imported them I would snap up one of those over one of there M1As any day

[@DoriansPortrait]

What do you guys have over Springfield?

[@TheNinjaDC]

@@nobody-ye9rx For reference, Springfield is the importer of HS pistol line (XD series). Aka, the only part of Springfield that is still relevant.

[@bloodlessvr2823]

@@TheNinjaDC Springfield Armory makes a decent AR but it’s mid tier at best, still a reliable gun just it’s as basic as AR’s get. But yeah XD/XDM is what is keeping them in buisness

[@TheNinjaDC]

@@bloodlessvr2823 That's my point. Their other products are not bad, just not relevant. They are average quality in a competitive field, and slightly overpriced. Except for the XD. Those are really good in price and quality. Their 10mm XDM is on my to buy list once this ammo shortage gets slightly less insane.

[@truvc]

That super quiet “fuck” right at the end

[@ghost101049]

I laughed. Wonder what that was about?

[@nunyabeeswax2575]

Yeah went straight to the comments to see who else picked up on that.

[@LinkHyrule03]

It looked and sounded to me like the rubber grenade was a squib or otherwise didn't work properly. You can see a lot of sparks coming out of the 40mm barrel, but you don't see any projectile go down range. I think that's what prompted his response.

[@njones420]

This is the worst thing that could happen, he is holy... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a56rhpKpebGgpKs

[@Dreska_]

​@@LinkHyrule03 you can see the grenade end up near the middle of the left wall

[@blackwolf7487]

I have only words of praise for this rifle. From the first day I bought it until now (about 2000 rounds fired) no problems. Comfortable, ergonomic and reliable, just perfect. The best choice I made.

[@wolflegion_]

Now I know where the original call of duty “bloop” sound comes from for grenade launchers. That 5:58 sound of sliding the grenade in is an exact match lol.

[@ketchman8299]

That sound comes from the M79 grenade launcher used in Vietnam. Google up that being shot, you will understand. Came before the m203.

[@WozWozEre]

UGL's are pretty much the only firearm ever that movies and games actually get sounding about right.

[@michaelblacktree]

When I was in the US Army, I used the M203. It made the "thoomp" sound. As a civilian, I bought a 37mm launcher and fired some (legal for civilians) rounds through it. It did not make the "thoomp" sound. Same barrel length, almost the same bore diameter. I think the civilian rounds use black powder for the propellant. That may be why they sound different.

[@AdamBorseti]

40mm grenades always tend to make that sound. "Thoomp!" lol lobbing a low pressure round the size of a can of soda. "Here! Have a Coke!"

[@borismuller86]

@@WozWozEre meanwhile… suppressors…

[@Calvin_Coolage]

Little known fact, this rifle was exported under the designation of StA-52 with a 50 round helical magazine, underbarrel shotgun, and integrated reflex to the Helghast.

[@mustafaiq1]

The VHS is actually used by the Iraqi ERD (Emergency Response Division) They adopted it when ISIS thing started going around after +2013 And you better bet that thing killed alot

[@dexm2010]

I'm guessing that the Iraqis like it?

[@GaryHamad]

Noice

[@scribejay]

@@dexm2010 Apparently, it does well against sand and is gaining a lot of popularity there and in Africa.

[@mustafaiq1]

@@dexm2010 Can't tell about the Iraqis, it's hard or even impossible to get your hands on one cuz it's only issued to the Ministry of Interior but it seems doing well with ERD

[@hivecasts]

@@scribejay you might wanna see the tests done on a predecessor, the original VHS from 2009. :P kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWWyiWaOlJiBg5Y

[@radamspse]

I really do think this is the perfect soldiers rifle, ambidexterious, adgustable length, great side loading grenade launcher, easy to add better sights, solid compoments etc etc

[@Wache3]

Not to mention that all adjustments can be made "on field" without need for gunsmith or special tools...

[@Mryodamiles]

Honestly, the length of pull is too long on this rifle. I wonder if you can remove the “stock” to make it shorter. When you wear body armor, it easily adds a few inches to your chest and shoulder.

[@Ben_Fett]

What a fantastic looking rifle. Love seeing how it handles too.

[@SpawnofHastur]

Croatia has a long history of being trendsetters in the realm of warfare - in the middle ages, they were constantly fighting the Ottoman Empire and actually doing quite well, which gave them a fearsome reputation. It doesn't surprise me that they're still up on their game.

[@tomislavb5760]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZrPh4unmcuZrZY

[@JordanFlayer]

Dont forget the cravat ;) Very trendy

[@SpawnofHastur]

@@JordanFlayer The whole reason the cravat went in style is that people wanted to have the badassitude of the Croats rub off on them - "I might not be fighting the Turks and winning, but at least I can wear a necktie like they do!".

[@Bjornieman]

@@JordanFlayer - holy fuck, now that I'm thinking, there is an etymological link between "Croat" and "cravat" that I didn't realize before!

[@saff3356]

we invented torpedo

[@eljefeamericano4308]

The sound of a grenade round being loaded into the breach is so great. Very cool rifle! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@bryanphillips6088]

Can we just appreciate the little 'boop' when loading the launcher at 5:57? And another 'boop-boop' at 6:27.

[@Praktical_]

I know we do this alot but idc,I let's just all take a minute to reflect on how much of a legend and awesome guy Ian is.

[@yuvalbeery2493]

3:40 now we know what the beard is for: brass sensor for bullpups

[@thesweetness_vigor5604]

Ian: pulls out grenade launcher Me: "France is pretty cool..."

[@fabiogalletti8616]

*happy Ian's francophile noises*

[@luisnunes2010]

Less cool when you get shot in the face with that rubber thing for exercising your right to protest.

[@antoinedescours2459]

@@luisnunes2010 no such thing as a "right to protest"

[@luisnunes2010]

@@antoinedescours2459 Islamogauchiste.

[@antoinedescours2459]

@@luisnunes2010 portugay

[@pint3166]

It's crazy how these evolved from video cassette tapes to automatic bullpup firearms

[@dioarya6275]

The VHS in the rifle stands for "Visenamjenska Hrvatska Strojnica" which means "Croatian Multipurpose Automatic Rifle" in Croatian

[@leeowen4989]

What's the worst that could happen? Bounces back and hits you in the wobbly bits?

[@Hamun002]

you joke but "riot grenades" tend to maim people I would have wanted a longer range or a face shield for that one.

[@51WCDodge]

Lots of Jokes about that in certain parts of UK. Have been known to render a person speechless , with tears in thier eyes.

[@Sepuku78]

The last muttered word of the video probably refers to such accident

[@MrPossumeyes]

@@Sepuku78 😁 I caught that and wondered too...

[@jasonarmstrong5750]

5:58 I love that “bloop” sound

[@pegzounet]

"Just a little breeze of brass across the beard" needs to be a t-shirt

[@ceverett68]

I've always thought this was a good looking and interesting rifle. glad you got your hands on one to review and shoot

[@vooyas.mp4]

I hope we get to see the VHS-2 in Battlefield 2042. Seems like a perfect gun to include in a near-furute military game!

[@elkapro6534]

it's already in Insurgency Sandstorm for a solid year.

[@mariano98ify]

@@elkapro6534 and Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Far Cry 5 and New Dawn...

[@Guhonter]

It might be furutile to expect more games to include it.^^

[@chokac1]

VHS-2 and a BF2042. As a Croat, I would be so proud if this gun is in the best FPS ever

[@mariano98ify]

@@chokac1 BF2042 best FPS ever? lmao.

[@vojtasTS29]

I wish this rifle would have won. The french would have something interesting again.

[@crypticPk]

That style is sick. I love it

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

4:56 Regarding the fire rate of F2 version I looked at the video frame by frame and it seems to be somewhere between 720 and 600 rounds per minute. The video is 60 fps and it took somewhere between 5 and 6 frames between each shot. At 6 frames that's 10 shots per second or 600 per minute. At 5 frames that's 12 shots per second or 720 per minute. Meanwhile the two round burst K2 version seems to cycle at about 900 rpm or just slightly slower.

[@foxtrotunit1269]

The VHS-2 is an *obsolete* weapon just like a *bolt-action* - surpassed by the CD/DVD and lately by BlueRay

[@nigbigger4019]

Funnily enough CD/DVD is starting to get obsolete in 2021 aswell

[@Captainkirk88410]

Very corny 🤓

[@joshuad4512]

@@Praktical_ it's a joke about old VHS tapes.

[@foxtrotunit1269]

@@Praktical_ My specific reason: My top comment is a joke:)

[@Val_Cla]

@@Praktical_ Its' a joke about VHS cassetes having been replaced by DVDs, the VHS rifle is not obsolete at all. It was just a joke :)

[@wooohooo103]

Ian gives me a very "Brotherhood of Nod" vibe in this video for some reason.... I wonder if he'd be cast as Kane's armourer in a rebooted Command and Conquer series....

[@Jarumo76]

One vision ! One purpose !

[@MosoKaiser]

@@Jarumo76 Peace through power!

[@hansmeyer7225]

True

[@wooohooo103]

PEACE THROUGH POWER!

[@MidnightSvn]

I'm pretty sure Ian would be cast AS kane.

[@brazzy1467]

I just put my civilian version on order yesterday through my FFL dealer. Can't wait to get it.

[@bademusoctavianjuvenal2702]

VHS - Višenamjenska Hrvatska Strojnica (Multipurpose Croatian Assault Gun)

[@soviet31]

Fun fact Polish Arrowhead rifle also was in French military trials. Maybe they had one in stock.

[@linglee8688]

Just looked this rifle up. It looks like an AR and a scar had a kid lol

[@abadon0700]

Bro, the polish rifle is a complete failure. The plastic magwell brakes and the gas block flies off so the troops who where testing it had to use ziptie to keep it in place. Its basically a copy of the ACR but they managed to fuck up a decade old design. I'm polish and had high hopes for it.

[@abadon0700]

@Cornpop it does for sure. They had plans to introduce a bullpup version that looks similar to a airsoft UAR rifle.

[@boguslav9502]

@@abadon0700 that was the m1 during tests, half the faikures to do with the gas regulator co ing off had to do with troop incompetence. Literally all the problems have been fi ed and nothing in that rifle is even similar to the acr. Only its external are similar to the acr. Ive been following the project for some time. The gun is in iteration m3 where the problems are largely fixed. Your approach, your wording even, is typical for the shame indoctrination most of us poles have. Oikofobia is the formal word.

[@soviet31]

@@boguslav9502 A0 during Moszner test or even pre-production model. This rifle look similar to ACR but inside is modified AR-18. Msbs version are marked with a letter A not M.

[@matthewconnor4939]

Now that we have a VHS rifle we need a video on the Beta max rifle.

[@MajorZeroCELL]

What about the U-Matic Rifle

[@MajorZeroCELL]

@@saintsinningsword Sounds like a Ratchet & Clank gun :D

[@LeaveItToBeaner]

Fuck that we need a bluray rifle

[@LeaveItToBeaner]

@@saintsinningsword

[@NoGufff]

Imagine trying to sell an assault rifle called 'Beta max' in the 21st century.

[@matbannerson]

My reaction to Ian fiddling with the grenade launcher is like when Dodgson was showing the Barbasol can to Nedry.

[@brianhall4182]

I always appreciate Ian's calm, informative demeanor. Other gun-related KZbinrs can get very over-the-top and frankly irritating but Forgotten Weapons is definitely more my sort of channel. He manages to keep things entertaining while giving a deep look into the history and mechanics of firearms. I really enjoy watching his stuff in spite of not even being a gun owner myself.

[@riu.1180]

I was waiting for this all night. I want to get me one now.

[@courtney9731]

No civilian versions :(

[@RedXlV]

No civilian version exists so far.

[@effluvium]

@@courtney9731 rumors say they might be releasing a version for the civilian market by the end of this year. ;)

[@Ulexcool]

I wish all my old VHS turned into this kind of VHS.

[@scudzuki]

I'm generally impressed with the design elements, other than the comb that snaps off (I can imagine that coming off unexpectedly in the field if the shooter handles the rifle wrong) and the non-captured takedown pins (for obvious reasons). The fact that the ejection side can be switched without replacing parts and conceivably in the field is a very clever design aspect IMHO. Definitely interested in seeing how this rifle fares over time.

[@ODSTrookieful]

That damn rifle looks like a weapon that you would typically find in Halo

[@Jebotito]

You misspelled Killzone

[@AntiZer0]

Nah he spelled Halo right

[@Jebotito]

@@AntiZer0 the VHS looks nothing like a halo rifle. The Desert Tech MDRx does though. This gun looks like the helghast main rifle, look it up

[@ODSTrookieful]

@@Jebotito Actually ye, the weapon looks like a STA-52

[@pjm204]

"I think a lot of people will hear Croatia and just assume it's subpar." A lot of people don't even know where Croatia is on the map so their opinions are pretty unsubstantiated.

[@codyleslie478]

As someone who grew up in Croatia I agree.. Croatians are very efficient and produce high quality goods.

[@TurbulentEitri]

That or they think that the small size of Croatia means their quality is somehow lesser because of it.

[@jakovhrga5619]

We own Bugatti nao

[@asteroidrules]

Sadly a lot of people just automatically assume the worst of countries they've never heard of. It's a shame since Croatian stuff tends to be pretty good.

[@Alphonselle]

the assumption about subpar quality may come from the HS2000/springfield XD pistol, and that's that.

[@abigailmcdowell4248]

Every time I see the handling of other military bullpups, I'm reminded of how much of a pain the L85-A2 is to use

[@humanbass]

Well, the G3 has awful handling being conventional.

[@grumpydwarf7191]

I honestly never had an issue with the weapon. I used the first SA80 which was a bit naff, and 10yrs after leaving I went to Iraq as a reservist and used the SA80 A2 and didn't have a problem with that version either.

[@SergeantSarge]

Spent a brief period of time with the A2 (only range/exercise use) - apart from being a heavy bugger it was decent enough!

[@LadZeroUltra]

why couldnt you brits just be normal and adopt the m16

[@grumpydwarf7191]

@@LadZeroUltra Because that's just not cricket, we were forced to accept 5.56. There was no way we were going to accept someone else's weapon too. It has to be late, over budget, and obsolete when we eventually get it. Or rushed into service as a work in progress.

[@prdubi]

One of the ultra rare moments watching Mr. MacCollum shooting properly right handed.

[@Dr_Cannibalism]

"There is one more thing I wanna try" "Lmao, I hope it's the grenade launcher. How funny would that be to fire that in an indoor range?" "So, I have a grenade launcher handguard here" "HA! Awesome"

[@Jack72607]

Gun Jesus fires an Hellghast sta-52 assault rifle captured on Vekta

[@LadZeroUltra]

never played killzone but reading that name its gotta be a gun from killzone right?

[@AshleyPomeroy]

@@LadZeroUltra It is - the game was full of bullpups that looked like a cross between the FAMAS, Kel-Tec RDB, the various AK-74 bullpup conversions and, yes, the VHS.

[@wilemelliott]

just need the helical high capacity drum...oh, wait, thats where the fire control pack is...

[@kennethleo4471]

Fun fact, the original game used engineers to make the concept art for the game. Its why a lot of the vehicles and buildings have fully designs Interiors

[@Bjornieman]

@@kennethleo4471 - I'd believe that if the concept art for the guns wasn't just bits and pieces of actual firearm photos cobbled together in Photoshop. Now saying that, I regret that I didn't buy a MG42 replica when they were available cheaply to make that Helghast MG.

[@thalesofmiletus6162]

Didn’t the VHS have a novel cooling ability based on the op rod sucking air in and out?

[@deathpyre42]

Huh, I wonder if they'll use that on a lmg.

[@StormBringare]

They say nothing of that on their website. hs-produkt.hr/military-law-enforcement-program/vhs-2/

[@ootdega]

I'm...pretty sure that's exclusively a Lewis gun thing.

[@JordanFlayer]

that was part of the early prototype design

[@StormBringare]

@@ootdega Doesn't mean anyone else can't do similar things.

[@RedXlV]

2:18 I'm guessing that the reason for the length of pull being so long to begin with and having the option to make it even longer is that it's Croatian. On average the tallest people in the world are Croatians.

[@Boredoutofmywits]

Duch people are taller. There is some huge Croats, but the length of pull is due to the mecanism's dimensions. The VHS lenght of pull is iike trhee inches longer than an AR-15 with an A1stock. You've to be Toni Kukoč to need to extend the stock at all.

[@niksarass]

As a Frenchman I would have preferred this one over the HK. But you know, political decisions. Peugeot buying Opel and Dassault leading the SCAF program are probably the real reason why hk416 was chosen over this.

[@jimmyrustler8983]

This rifle would make a lot more sense than the 416, with it having somewhat similar design characteristics as the FAMAS, and all...

[@filip-pi9hy]

@@jimmyrustler8983 and hs designed magazine well for famas mags

[@scratchy996]

HK is majority owned by a French investor.

[@katherinespezia4609]

Interoperability with Germany was probably a huge factor. The HK416 was probably guaranteed to win on that factor alone.

[@niksarass]

@@katherinespezia4609 There is 0 interoperability with Germany. They are against the French project of European defence, they are against sending the military anywhere, not even to defend Greece. They have their own interests and don't care about France in the least.

[@Orangefan77]

The best thing about VHS rifles is that they are thoroughly beta tested at the factory.

[@peterbenson2185]

So Beta-Max testing ??? lol.

[@revejmal]

Full on bro! 🤣

[@Ttran778]

I'm tracking.

[@marcusborderlands6177]

Lmao. Also love your vids dude.

[@andersbendsen5931]

You got me! I guffawed. Cheers👍🏾

[@jonathanwaswrong3917]

The sound of inserting the grenade is extremely satisfying...

[@Dieselkraftwerk]

Just thought the same

[@PrototypeSpaceMonkey]

My god, it even bloops when you load it!

[@daveurda8511]

I swear this is the starship troopers rifle. Such a cool gun, also lots of amazing engineering coming out of the former Yugoslavia

[@eriksteenkamp5043]

you know Ian is having fun when he starts making funny noises, we do need a boop the mag release meme though

[@AsbestosMuffins]

I still can't believe you can get this company's grenade launcher, remove the launcher part and just pin it to the front of this thing

[@LeeThule]

Ian's having so much fun he didn't mention what the trigger pull is like.

[@sjoormen1]

That.

[@MrEinstain]

I'm gonna have to guess "pretty good for a bullpup". Bump this, we need answers!

[@MrTabascoPit]

I work in HS Produkt for 18 years and been part of the team who raise this gun from protutype to one of the best AR in the world!

[@joepeters8746]

I made Rimac Nevera on my own ;P

[@robertbauer3419]

@@joepeters8746 And I'm a 43 year-old unemployed Croatian man who still lives with his mom and who hasn't done shit since college. Fuck the American Dream - this is the dream life!!!😄😄😅

[@joepeters8746]

@@robertbauer3419 So you are quiet out standing. Most don't even finish college, say how Croatia is a shitty country and move out to Germany where they live with five other people in a room. And when they visit their home town they gloat how they are rich and Germany is great. Meanwhile people with a college degree and a job live better in Croatia than in Germany

[@robertbauer3419]

@@joepeters8746 Hahaha. You got it man. I love seeing all those Croatian guys who pick mushrooms, clean jizz at the Hamburg peep shows, or work some other shitty jobs in Germany for a minimum wage (or less) come home for their 2 week vacation in a rented Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series pretending they are all "bling bling" gangsta' rich and how they "made it" in Germany. 😅😅

[@user-ot5dl4bt8f]

The VHS rifle isn't widely recognized yet, but I find this gun very cool. I think it is a practical bullpup rifle along with the F2000. The stretchable stock may reduce the impact on the brain. The perfect shooting of left-handed Ian proves the practicality of this gun.

[@user-ot5dl4bt8f]

The French army should have adopted VHS-2. It has similarities to FAMAS in appearance and should have saved the training effort. HK416 is vulnerable to mud. It is overrated.

[@chieftain8638]

What you mean about the brain

[@user-ot5dl4bt8f]

@@chieftain8638 Bullpup has a large impact on the brain because the engine part is close to the head.

[@chieftain8638]

@@user-ot5dl4bt8f lol

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Such a neat looking gun. It's so cool they let you fire the grenade launcher. That is set up is slick.

[@Joshua_Finbarr]

Ah yes the FAMAS in steroids predenting to be G36 but in bulpup.

[@biddinge8898]

It's Just a g36 bullpup

[@yuvalbeery2493]

A bullpup G36 is the exact description

[@cmndr_superglue]

I think the famas has a higher fire rate.

[@RailgunCyclops]

how many spelling mistakes can you make in one sentence

[@jenkinsonian]

@@biddinge8898 It may look a bit G36ish but underneath it it isn't. The charging handle is not directly part of the bolt for example. Underneath the black plastic it is more an AUG than G36

[@dracofirestarter2370]

Nice gun i use to be in Croatian army 20 years ago and all we had where M70AB2's and FN-FAL's this is like a space shuttle compared to that ;)

[@MoneyCarlos12]

Best bullpup on the market! crafted by war tested top gunsmith country.

[@transamination]

Basically looks like somebody finally did bullpup configuration properly.

[@AzureRoseMarshal]

*SA80 looking away in the corner*

[@ScottKenny1978]

Still a bit long in length of pull, but that's tolerable.

[@LinkHyrule03]

Have you not seen the MDRx? The MDR has come a long way since it had problems years ago. In 2020, they redesigned the rifle and started the MDRx designation, and it has a solid reputation for reliability and quality. Combined with the Mantis handguard bipod, you get an integrated Atlas-quality carbon fiber bipod into the most lefty-friendly bullpup on the market. Superior accuracy, ambi everything, a marvelous and amazing trigger, a lot of calibers, great ergonomics, reliable, great customer service (which HS wouldn't be able to match), and it's very suppressor friendly, what with the 6-position gas valve, while the VHS only has one usable position (one position for all gas and one position for zero gas). You should watch InRangeTV's series on the MDR. Karl, who hates bullpup, really has become fond of the MDR and sees it as hands-down the best and most viable bullpup on the market.

[@RedXlV]

@@LinkHyrule03 So they've got that forward ejector perfected?

[@LinkHyrule03]

​@@RedXlV Yes. The forward ejection system works wonderfully now. But even for users who don't trust the system, there's also the side-eject-only model. The SE model completely redesigns the ejection system, changing it from a scissor ejector mechanism and an ejection chute to an open port (for much greater visibility into the chamber and increased ease of clearing malfunctions) and an AR-type traditional ejector. The normal forward ejection system uses a pretty complicated scissor mechanism (which had a few problems), the forward chute (which had a lot of problems), and the cartridge-holding pawl (which had a ton of problems associated with it). The SE model completely changes how the gun ejects, instead opting for an incredibly simple AR-type ejector with an open port that gets sealed by the bolt when the gun is in battery, but is wide open when the action is open, to make everything easier. If you don't trust the forward ejection, which is understandable given the past failures, then go for the MDRxSE model. Even the side-eject model is quickly swappable between left-side and right-side ejection. And it still won't hit you if you swap shoulders in the field. And because they ditched the scissor and pawl mechanism, the gun needs far less gas, so it has softer recoil and suppresses better. The only things you really lose by going to the side-eject-only model are: 1) You lose that baller party trick of ejecting the last empty casing manually by hitting the bolt release. 2) You lose a large number of the caliber conversions that are on the market, as all of them are made for the forward eject model. As of now, the side-eject-only model is only in 5.56. But for those two losses, you gain a bunch of advantages: 1) The SE model is half a pound lighter, by ditching the heavy ejection panels 2) The SE model is allegedly even more accurate, due to the different bolt design. 3) The SE model makes it easier to clear malfunctions. 4) The SE model is hypothetically more reliable, based on the simplification of the design, even though the forward ejection system works now. 5) The SE model doesn't need to be overgassed like the foward eject model needs to be. Because it needs far less gas, it recoils softer, has less muzzle rise, is more suppressor friendly, and just works better.

[@Sman7290]

And it comes with interchangeable hand guards. Smooth, vertical forward grip, 40mm grenade launcher, chain saw...

[@ggroube]

Would the French have fitted a sword-style bayonet to it had it won their military trials, though?

[@ThGy]

@@ggroube longsword lug definitely

[@reynard61]

If I were the Ordnance person for, say, a small-to-medium-ish sized military, I'd be *very* interested in purchasing these. I'd issue the basic model with the 16" barrel (chambered for 5.56 NATO) to my regular infantry, one 16" with the grenade launcher per squad to a specialist-trained grenadier, and I would probably have the 19" barrel model re-chambered for 7.62 NATO and fitted with a bipod to issue as a SAW.

[@sebastienbily2331]

Happy to have you in country, sorry for the weather though.

[@matthayward7889]

Awesome! Been looking forward to this. I’ll never be as cool as Ian blowing smoke through a grenade launcher barrel 😂

[@LadZeroUltra]

just move to texas bro

[@nl800]

Grettings from Croatia! 🇭🇷♥️🇺🇸

[@slavisasavic8457]

Imate zaista dobru pušku!

[@nl800]

@@slavisasavic8457 🇭🇷♥️🇷🇸

[@nl800]

@@slavisasavic8457🔴⚪🔵 ♥️ 🔴🔵⚪/ 🇭🇷🤝🇷🇸!! Pozdrav iz Hrvatske za Srbiju!

[@Zorglub1966]

Salut!

[@theREALdingusMD]

Ian won’t admit it but Croatia won the bullpup awards. Congrats friends!

[@anomaly2652]

Beautiful rifle, the Croatians know how to make a rifle that's for certain.

[@SparkRattle]

I'd definitely buy one if I could but I'll settle for a scale model. The aesthetics alone has caught my heart and imagination.

[@thibaudduhamel2581]

France should have adopted this rifle over the generic looking HK416, just to keep the typical french bullpup look.

[@Immafraid]

They weren't looking for aesthetics-besides, they were probably given an insanely good deal by H&K.

[@K98postman]

Maybe they kept few for familiarization

[@RedXlV]

@@Immafraid But for ease of transition this would've had a serious advantage. The French Army has been using exclusively bullpups for decades. Anybody who's trained on the FAMAS would probably find the VHS-2 very similar to handle. (Though a shorter length of pull might've been appreciated, since the average Frenchman isn't as tall as the average Croatian.) But you're right that H&K probably gave them an excellent deal.

[@Djoy5891]

@@RedXlV training is there for the transition, no need to ease it according to military users. The HK performs better than the rest, was already battle-tested and was 2nd in US SF competition, with France and Germany combining their defense industries for a long time now, so no suprise about choosing 416 over VHS-2.

[@bavarianpotato]

@@Djoy5891 also everyone and their grandma is switching to the 416. Germany will adopt it (KSK already uses it), and many SF units already do. It's not the biggest thing in the world, but especially in regards to germany it seems like a big advantage considering all the joint operations

[@marcantoinelab12321]

In this episode: Ian finally has enough of these covenant bastards

[@saint-cetacean]

Was gonna say, every bullpup with a top rail gets the "hehehehe BR go brrtbrrtbrrt" treatment, but this one really looks the part. Now we just gotta bribe HS Produkt to make one in 9.5x40mm 😉

[@ZeljkoSerdar]

Based on the internationally proven VHS-2 bullpup, which has been employed by the Croatian armed forces in demanding environments ranging from Iraq to Africa and beyond, the Springfield Armory Hellion offers American shooters a semi-automatic 5.56mm version of this highly capable firearm.

[@aleksandarstix3097]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dstro899]

Okay everyone start spam calling Springfield and demand that they expand their importation agreement on the XD to include these rifles as well. I need one yesterday.

[@MythicMagus]

I really like how this gun sounds for some reason.

[@Roxfox]

The sound is mostly a product of the environment and the microphone, but it is a really cool sound.

[@Seth90]

man, that thing looks so H&K it's uncanny :D

[@MatoVuc]

It is essentially an unsanctioned lovechild of a G-36, FAMAS, AUG and AK. Started out more FAMAS-ish with the first model and gradually became more HK-ish.

[@PrototypeSpaceMonkey]

The red fire selector markings really makes it hard to argue it's just a coincidence.

[@RedXlV]

When a FAMAS and a G36 love each other very much...

[@AP-qs2zf]

@@PrototypeSpaceMonkey looks can be deceiving. look inside.

[@JackedRado71]

“Most people will hear Croatia and think it’s sub-par” Springfield die hards: 👀

[@Jebotito]

People don't realize how good Croatian products can be. Handguns, rifles, alcohol, food, women. It's all top notch

[@deterrencedispensed4780]

@@Jebotito Isn't Crotia considered a Slavic Country? Could be wrong.

[@mattt8070]

@@deterrencedispensed4780 yes it is. You imply that anything Slavic is just simply bad haha

[@Jebotito]

@@deterrencedispensed4780 it's Slavic. It's also a Balkan country and the most western orientated country from the Balkans too..

[@dariozanze4929]

@@deterrencedispensed4780 Technically yes but... we are really between the worlds.

[@Afrohare]

This was both revealing and entertaining! Such a nifty little rifle - thanks, Ian!

[@duje44]

If they decide to import it to US via Springfield, it could be fun to call it Springfield Beta. Greetings form Croatia

[@Pupil0fGod]

Springfield does like to snag good models from Eastern Europe. unfortunately it would be considered an "unsporting firearm" and not available for import. Definitely a compelling looking package.

[@duje44]

@@Pupil0fGod I dont think the pistols were snag, it was a mutual benefit, HS was unknown and needed a big brand to place it on market, and Springfield found that pistols were of solid quality and they could make profit. Springfield also had their own ideas that got implemented into later models like XDM and Hellcat

[@LinkHyrule03]

@@duje44 Springfield wisely got rid of the flawed grip safety mechanism.

[@Pupil0fGod]

@@duje44 I think "snag" was lost in translation. I meant they liked the pistols and saw themselves as a good middleman for their sale in the US. so basically I 100% agree with you.

[@duje44]

@@Pupil0fGod No worries man, it was I who got confused, was thinking snag = steal

[@Larry13]

Ian, how would you say this compares to the FAMAS it was hoping to replace? Would this have been a substantial upgrade? Also does anyone import these for civilians in the US?

[@LadZeroUltra]

knowing euro military trial guns i dont think we'll be seeing any substantial amount of these in the us for quite some time, as cool as they are im sure if you asked the croats about civillian sale theyd probably say something along the lines of "why would a military rifle be sold to civillians"

[@andrewmoore7022]

@@LadZeroUltra HS already tried to sell semi-auto versions on the Croatian civilian Market.

[@MatoVuc]

@@LadZeroUltra no, we'd say that our politicians are worthless cowards who won't allow it.

[@LadZeroUltra]

@@MatoVuc i didnt mean the croatian people obviously, i mean your government.

[@MatoVuc]

@@LadZeroUltra oh, in that case the answer would be: "Where's my bribe and what do my masters in Bruxelles say?"

[@northerncricket5199]

The little Plonk when the rifle grenade slides in is a very very good sound.

[@Bomb0095]

Wat an amazing opportunity you’ve gotten. To test a trials rifle like that. I guess when the Croatians made up the Springfield Xd they also have the capability to make good rifles as well Regards from Norway 🇳🇴

[@diligentone-six2688]

France should've adopted this Modernized version of the FAMAS.

[@alexguymon7117]

Nah. The Hk416 is far more modular and flexible of a system to work with. Also the company tried to bully the French into a deal where they would be allowed to indigenously produce the rifle but weren't allowed to export it or anything and at a ridiculous licensing fee. Not saying the VHS 2 is a bad rifle, I'd argue it's one of the better bullpups out there, but the 416 just makes more sense.

[@nikicamalezic5388]

@@alexguymon7117 "more modular and flexible" in what area ? HS product did not bully anyone nor they were in position to do that. They gave almost a same proposal as H&K and tried to be competitive. VHS2 is not one of the "better" bullpups, but probably the one of the best bullpups at the moment and maybe one of the the best rifles at general. That proves the second place on the competition and harsh Iraqi conditions. The decision for 416 was political and/or logistical decision since both are in pair with quality.

[@RodrigoRodriguezowl]

dam that indoor range looks really nice

[@Aldhardt]

Honestly one of my favorite rifles. Looks slick and fires well. Has nice caliber as well. It's also bullpup which is my perfered style

[@STRAKAZulu]

As a fan of the XD series, and of Croatian background, I’d love to get my hands on one.