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

The Armed Citizen Podcast Savani F
The Armed Citizen Podcast Savani F

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Honoring America’s 250th and Those Who Defend It

Winchester Ammunition and Bass Pro Shops logos were both featured on the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 race in May.

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.