New for 2021: Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP

by
posted on February 24, 2021
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

U.S. Arms Co. M4 UTAW angled dynamic right-side view shown with broken blocks ammunition military netting background leupold riflescope attached to top rail
U.S. Arms Co. M4 UTAW angled dynamic right-side view shown with broken blocks ammunition military netting background leupold riflescope attached to top rail

Review: U.S. Arms Co. M4 UTAW

U.S. Arms Co.’s origins can be traced back to 2016 with research-and-development efforts for military contracts, and the company came to market in 2019 with its M-905 Talon muzzle brake as a result.

Colt Partners With Georgia To Promote Responsible Firearms Ownership

Colt's Manufacturing is fully funding Georgia’s “Give It a Shot” program, which offers hands-on firearms training with certified instructors.

Favorite Firearms: A Testament To Service

NRA member Denis Kaup's father's war trophy from 1944 is his most beloved gun. What's yours?

Flat-Out Slick: Hornady’s Drag Variability Reduction Technology

Bullets in flight are subject to nature’s forces. Through the decades, manufacturers have developed bullets to somewhat counteract the effects of wind, gravity and atmospheric drag with a streamlined shape incorporating a boattail and long ogive terminating in a sharp point.

The Armed Citizen® May 12, 2025

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

Aluminum: More Than Just "Aircraft Grade"

Aluminum has become the second most important metal in gunmaking after steel. An ever-increasing number of firearms, especially handguns and shotguns, utilize aluminum alloys for slides, frames, receivers and the like.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.