Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter Mod Kit
If you are a California Gun enthusiast that is looking for an alternative to converting your AR-15 or AR-10 into a featureless rifle, you should consider the Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter Mod Kit. I have used many different maglock systems and the Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter is my favorite.
The system is available for both AR-15 and AR-10 platforms, and because it is one of the best solutions to California’s strict rifle laws, many manufacturers that still offer firearms to California are shipping AR style rifles equipped with the Hellfighter system.
What I like about the Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter
Clean and Clever Design
The Hellfighter kit cleverly replaces your takedown pin and bolt catch to allow a quick and controlled separation of your receivers to legally remove and reload magazines.
The implementation is well designed and even looks good which is something that cannot be said for other options out there. You will see some maglocks that use paracord to tether your upper to your lower or use some big lever that is easy to accidentally bump and separate your receivers.
Easy to Maintain Rifle With Mod Installed
The system is also designed such that you can easily remove the upper without a complicated removal process. Simply unscrew the threaded cap, then rotate the knob on the other side allowing you to pull the pin just like a normal takedown pin.
Easy to Install and Use
I installed the system in my Aero Precision AR 308 and I’m very happy with the results (see instructions below). I was able to install the system in roughly 8 to 10 minutes and quickly started operating my firearm.
I was pleased with how easy it is to use, and even though a maglock adds a step to the reloading process the Hellfighter system added maybe a second or less to my normal reloading time.
I also liked that the system is not overly obtrusive. Other systems out there stick out like a sore thumb, both in looks and functionality.
All this is done without any machining to your receiver and allows you to keep all the features you know and love on the AR platform, this includes the following:
- A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- A thumbhole stock
- A folding or telescoping stock
- A flash suppressor
- A forward pistol grip
It does not take long to become proficient at using the Hellfighter system quickly. Reloading the magazine can be done very fast once you use it a few times, see the video below from Juggernaut.
Operating with the Hellfighter
To use the system and reload a magazine, simply press the Hellfighter button which separates your upper and lower receivers but captures the two creating a small gap that breaks the rifle’s action.
At this point (and only this point) you can use the magazine release to remove and reload your magazine into your rifle.
Lastly, simply close the gap between your receivers which clicks into place and charge the rifle. That’s it.
Here is a demonstration of the operation from the manufacturer Juggernaut Tactical:
Hellfighter Mod Kit Installation
Installation of the Hellfighter is simple and does not require any machining to your receivers. You will need roughly 10 minutes and the following items for installation:
- Roll punch set to remove bolt catch roll pin
- Hammer (preferably soft faced)
- Allen wrench set
- Armorer’s wrench to loosen castle nut
- Locktite
Below is the instructional video on how to install the Hellfighter mod kit.
Hellfighter Criticism
I really only have a couple of criticisms with this system. The first is that the push button marginally crowds the safety selector making it a little more difficult to select fire from the safe position.
It takes a little getting used to however it is manageable and not irritating enough to be a real problem. The only other concern I have with the system is clearing jams which I will discuss in a little more detail. To be fair almost all maglock systems can be tricky when dealing with double feeds.
Clearing a Jam with the Hellfighter
Juggernaut Tactical has a video on how to clear a double feed jam which I posted below, however, I think I have found two simpler solutions.
Option 1 – Remove the pivot pin which allows you barely separate your receivers which in turn disables the maglock system. With the maglock disabled, you can remove the magazine and clear the jam like you would on a normal AR platform.
Option 2 – If you are using a 10 round magazine and not a 10/20 or 10/30 magazine that has the floorplate fixed, go ahead and remove the floorplate from the bottom of the magazine and remove the remaining ammunition. After any remaining ammunition has cleared the magazine and ejection port, rack the bolt several times clearing the chamber. At this point you can remove the magazine and reassemble it.
How to clear a jam from the manufacturer:
Why Use the Hellfighter or any Maglock for that Matter?
Many of California’s gun laws are silly to put it mildly, and if you are in the market to own an AR-15 style rifle be prepared to jump through a few hoops. At the time of this article, if you want to buy or build an AR style rifle it must be one of the following to be legal:
- Registered as an assault weapon (not an option for new rifles)
- Be featureless (see complete article on Featureless Rifles)
- Possess a fixed or locked magazine while your upper and lower receivers are attached
The Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter satisfies option 3 making your rifle California compliant.
Conclusion
Of all the maglock systems out there I think Juggernaut Tactical has the best solution available for California shooters who choose to not convert their rifles to featureless. The laws we have no doubt make things more complicated and irritating however it makes me happy when companies engineer clever solutions to silly laws.
Take a look at the Hellfighter Mod Kit available at Brownells for $59.99 and have a blast.
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