New for 2021: Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP

by
posted on February 24, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
springfield-armory-hellcat-rdp-pistol-2021-final.jpg
When Springfield Armory introduced its Hellcat pistol, it immediately took a lead spot in the micro-compact pistol market. The gun, with its 11-round flush-fit magazine capacity and 13-round extended magazine, offered capacity in a small package that made it perfect for personal defense. Now, Springfield is upping the capability of this capacious compact with its Hellcat Rapid Defense Package.

Like its sibling, the Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP is built with the same frame and slide dimensions as the original. However, this new design is loaded with a few extra enhancements that make it much easier to handle. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of a threaded muzzle, which ships with a pre-installed self-indexing compensator. The compensator is machined from anodized aluminum and fits onto the 1/2"-28 TPI threaded muzzle.

When the gun is fired, excess propellant gases are directed upward, which pushes the muzzle of the gun down to mitigate recoil. This ensures that you can keep your pistol on target and recover rapidly for that second follow-up shot. In addition, the compensator blends in with the lines of the Hellcat slide, so it'll fit into open-bottom holsters with ease.

One of the other highlights found on the Springfield Armory Hellcat RXP is the new Springfield Hex Wasp red-dot sight. The Wasp replaces the Shield optics that came on previous models of the Hellcat, and it provides a low-profile, sleek optic that matches the lines and design details found on the gun. The Wasp is built on a 6061-T6 aluminum frame and features a 65,000-hour battery life.

Despite the threaded muzzle, compensator and new red-dot sight, Springfield Armory wasn't finished with enhancements yet on this cutting-edge carry gun. The company also took the opportunity to upgrade the trigger, releasing its Gen 2 configuration on the RDP. The trigger features an all-new contour that provides a more comfortable interface surface between you and the gun. With this trigger, you can stay on the pistol all day and feel your way to fast follow-up shots to shorten up split times easily.

The Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP can also be had with a low-profile thumb safety for those who prefer an added level of security in their CCW pistol. Suggested retail pricing on the Hellcat RDP is $899. To see this new pistol in action on the range, watch Shooting Illustrated's First Shots review here. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.

Latest

Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1
Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

Shotshell Basics: Understanding Payloads, Pressures & Performance

A shotgun can be supremely versatile, depending on how it’s loaded. Understanding how shotshells work is difficult, but crucial.

Rock River Arms Celebrates 30 Years in Business

While the company's beginnings go back to 1994, the Rock River Arms story officially started in 1996, meaning that it is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026.

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.