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

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Maryland Bans Glocks and the NRA Responds

Legislation recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore essentially bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market from being sold within the state.

The Armed Citizen® May 29, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.