The idea behind a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is to have everything you need at a moment’s notice and leave whatever unsavory situation is occurring. Weapons are at the top of the list for many of us, mainly because we like firearms. Project Bug Out gave us an excuse to acquire a few more. Not that we need a reason to own more guns, but a project like this makes it easy to explain to the “Mrs.” when we show up with a new arsenal.

As the old saying goes, “One is none, two is one, three is better for me.”After some serious thought, we decided that six guns would suffice in our Jeep, for now, anyway. We were looking for three long guns and three sidearms and contacted Springfield Armory Inc. to get the party started.

Springfield Armory Inc. is an American firearms manufacturer based in Geneseo, Illinois, known for dependability and state-of-the-art designs. So, we contacted Mike Humphries, media relations manager for Springfield Armory, to get his thoughts on the project. “The Bug Out Jeep program is a fascinating project that Springfield Armory was thrilled to be a part of,” Humphries stated. “A vehicle like this, kitted out with an amazing selection of guns and gear, should be ready to handle any conceivable situation.” With Mike’s approval of the project, we asked him about firearm preferences for this scenario. “Regarding long guns, the Hellion bullpup, along with the M1A SOCOM 16, and the SAINT Victor in 5.56mm, should give you the means to deal with just about any situation you might face,” Mike explains.

Springfield Armory firearms are designed with performance and reliability in mind. They all chamber-capable rounds, and each has a proven record. From the Operator’s 1911 design with more than a century of proven service to the cutting-edge Hellion bullpup, these firearms will surely deliver when it counts. – Mike Humphries

Armed Escape: Project Bug Out Gets Springfield Armory Loadout

Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 Purpose Built Rifle

There’s one thing for sure: if a horde of zombies is approaching, you want a reliable weapon with as many rounds as possible. Springfield’s AR-15, known as the Saint Victor, is a logical choice. Anyone who knows the background of this firearm or has used one knows it’s an easy choice. These versatile platforms make for excellent truck guns, or in our case, a Jeep BOV gun.

The AR has been in production for several decades, leading to a wide availability of parts and accessories. This availability makes it easy for users to find replacement parts, upgrade components, or modify their rifles to suit their preferences. The AR-15 uses a reasonably small, high-velocity 5.56mm round, which results in relatively low recoil, making it more manageable for a wide range of shooters. Since the ammo for this weapon is compact, we can pack more rounds in the Jeep with no issues. 

The Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 takes the platform a little further and is a well-regarded and versatile rifle known for its high performance. Featuring a 16-inch barrel with a direct impingement gas system, it provides a balanced combination of maneuverability and accuracy, typically chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56mm (other calibers are available). The rifle includes a free-float handguard with M-Lok or Picatinny rail sections for accessory attachment, adjustable stocks and pistol grips for user customization, and backup iron sights or optics options. It is constructed with a durable, lightweight material and incorporates a muzzle device to reduce recoil.

Saint Victor AR-15 Main Features:

• Built to professional standards for unrivaled performance
• Features a free float M-Lok handguard
• Premium nickel boron coated single-stage flat trigger
• Melonite coated barrel
• Enhanced Melonite coated carrier group
• A pinned low profile gas block
• Comes outfitted with SA spring-loaded flip-up iron sights
• QD mounts built into the end plate and stock
• A newly designed muzzle brake eliminates barrel rise and softens recoil

Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup Rifle

While the AR-15 is known for its dependability, we wanted our second weapon to work well in tight spaces, which is why we chose the Hellion Bullpup. The Hellion is also chambered in 5.56mm rounds, allowing us to use the same ammo in two weapons. A bonus is the Saint Victor and the Hellion utilized the same magazines, meaning we can switch and swap the 30-round Magpul PMAGs from one gun to the other with no issues. 

The Hellion bullpup design means the firearm layout places the action and magazine behind the trigger, typically within or near the gun’s stock. This configuration allows for a shorter overall length of 28.25 inches without compromising the length of the 16-inch barrel. A bullpup design maximizes barrel length within a more compact and maneuverable firearm. The shorter size can be advantageous in maneuverability, making bullpup firearms well-suited for close-quarters situations, which is perfect for the backseat of a Jeep. While this firearm checks all the boxes for our build, we love the sinister look, too. It’s an added bonus. 

Hellion Bullpup Main Features:

• Based on the internationally proven VHS-2 bullpup platform
• Fully ambidextrous controls, including the safety, charging handle, magazine, and bolt releases
• Hammer-forged 16-inch barrel (also available in 18 and 20 inches)
• Features 1:7 rate of twist and a rugged Melonite coating
• Overall rifle length of 28.25 inches
• Two-position adjustable gas block with “S” suppressed and “N” normal modes
• Features an uninterrupted top Picatinny rail
• Integrated spring-loaded flip-up iron sights
• The polymer handguard of the Hellion features nine M-Lok slots for mounting accessories
• Spring-loaded, five-position adjustable buttstock.
• Designed to feed from AR-pattern magazines and comes with a 30-round Magpul PMAG

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Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16

For our third and final rifle, we knew we wanted something that could reach out to and touch someone or something in our situation. It needed to be a high-powered round readily available and on the shelves. So we opted for Springfield’s MIA Scout Squad rifle chambered in .308 caliber. 

The M1A SOCOM 16 inherits the robustness and dependability of the M14-inspired design but transforms it into a more compact and maneuverable firearm. With a reduced 16.25-inch barrel complemented by an efficient muzzle brake and an advanced forward-mounted scope mount, the Scout Squad ensures potent firepower in a conveniently portable platform, allowing for quick readiness whenever necessary.

M1A SOCOM 16 Main Features:

• Comes standard with the Springfield Armory industry-leading 2-stage National Match tuned 5-lb. match trigger
• Features a 16.25-inch six-groove carbon steel barrel
• Integrated National Match front sight with a 0.062-inch blade
• Rugged rear sight that is easily adjustable for both windage and elevation without tools
• A Proprietary muzzle brake helps tame 7.62x51mm recoil without adding undue bulk or length
• Retained maneuverability

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Selecting Sidearms With Springfield Armory

With our rifles selected, we turned our attention to the pistols. Again, we went back and forth on what firearms to choose. Much like the rifles, it came down to caliber and dependability. We again talked to Mike about selecting the sidearm of choice. “Along the same lines of the long guns, the Hellcat Pro 9mm, 4.25-inch Prodigy, and .45 Operator 1911 will provide users with an effective and capable defense.”

Springfield Armory 1911 Operator

Regarding form and function, the 1911 ACP is at the top of the list. The United States Army formally adopted this legendary firearm on March 29, 1911. This sidearm has only improved with time as other companies have picked up and improved the design. Springfield is one of those manufacturers and offers several 1911 models. 

Boasting the essential features sought after by dedicated marksmen, the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator enhances over a century of service to present a state-of-the-art, tactical-grade pistol. Notable attributes such as Tactical Rack rear/tritium front sights, G10 grips, ambidextrous safety, two magazines with bumper pads, forward cocking serrations, and additional elements come together to establish the Springfield Armory Operator 1911 as an indispensable tool for self-defense.

1911 Operator Main Features:

• Features a forged frame and slide
• Forged stainless steel match-grade barrel for durability and ruggedness
• Features an integrated Picatinny accessory rail on the dustcover
• Tactical-grade  no-slip G10 grips from VZ Grips
• Comes standard with an ambidextrous safety
• A Tactical Rack rear sight pairs with a high-visibility tritium front sight
• Features generous slide serrations on both front and rear
• A low-key black Cerakote finish ensures long-life protection from corrosion.
• Employs a skeletonized hammer for exceptional ergonomics
• Comes with 2 magazines equipped with bumper pads

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Handgun

If one 1911 is good, two is better. While the Operator stays within its true form, the 1911 DS Prodigy offers unique features for this new double-stack platform. Springfield upgraded this firearm with modern technology. 

Springfield Armory’s Prodigy elevates the trusted 1911 with a double-stack capacity and high-performance features. Designed around a double-stack magazine, the Prodigy offers a polymer grip module on a forged steel frame. This optics-ready pistol boasts an ambidextrous safety and Picatinny rail, blending classic 1911 traits with modern high capacity for exceptional performance.

Chambered in 9mm, the Prodigy is anchored by an expertly crafted double-stack magazine, slim for a comfortable grip yet holding 17 rounds. Additionally, it includes a 20-round extended magazine and offers an optional 26-round capacity, making it perfect for an apocalypse. 

1911 DS Prodigy Pistol Main Features:

• The polymer grip module mounts to a forged steel frame offering capacities of 17+1 and 20+1
• Optics-ready slide milled with AOS (Agency Optic System) plates designed exclusively for the 1911 DS.
• Precise single-action trigger
• Extended ambidextrous frame-mounted safety
• A green fiber optic front sight pairs with a u-notch rear sight for easy sight alignment
• Features a Picatinny rail on the dustcover of its frame
• A corrosion resistance black Cerakote finish on its metal parts
• Employs a skeletonized hammer for exceptional ergonomics
• Features generous slide serrations both front and rear
• Low-profile 17-round magazine and extended 20-rounder double-stack magazines are both included standard

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Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Compact Pistol

Finally, we were down to our last firearm. We wanted a sidearm that could be concealed if needed because we’re all about the element of surprise. The Hellcat Pro fits the bill and fits inside a waistband. Merging the capabilities of a larger handgun with outstanding concealability and ample capacity, the Hellcat Pro stands out as a compact 9mm pistol that provides a 15+1 round capacity within a very compact design. If you want to increase its capacity, the Hellcat Pro includes a novel 17-round extended magazine, allowing shooters to carry in their preferred setup. The Hellcat is also optics-ready and offers a versatile accessory rail and a hammer-forged barrel.

With all six firearms in hand, it was time to figure out how to store the weapons in a Jeep and still be able to access them at a moment’s notice. And with the compact Jeep JLU Wrangler compartment, this would prove more challenging than we thought, or would it? Fortunately, Adapt-a-panel and Gunmount.com will soon come to our rescue. 

Hellcat Pro Compact Pistol Main Features:

• Compact pistol chambered in 9mm that offers 15+1 capacity
• High visibility tritium & luminescent front sight paired with a Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight
• Optics-ready slide milled with the Springfield Micro footprint
• Versatile Picatinny rail on the dustcover portion of the frame
• Hammer-forged 3.7-inch barrel for strength and durability
• Features front and top slide serrations for positive purchase
• Easily reversible magazine release for ambidextrous usage
• Slide and barrel are coated in a rugged Melonite
• Comes with a flush-fitting 15-round magazine and an extended 17-round magazine.

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