March 13th, 2020
6minute read
Theres a lot to love about Springfield Armory handguns.
One of the recurring questions I receive is does the Hellcat have a safety?
Depending on your perspective, the answer is both yes and no.
The micro-sized 9mm Hellcat offers shooters a reliable and powerful compact EDC pistol.
The Hellcat sports a variety of intrinsic safety mechanisms.
Perhaps an in-depth explanation is in order.
While many other Springfield Armory pistols sport a grip safety, the ultra-compact Hellcat does not.
Springfield Armory pistols such as the XD-M Elite Precision 5.25″ (left) feature a grip safety, while the Hellcat (right, shown with 13-round magazines installed) does not.
The lack of a grip safety, however, in no way means the Hellcat is unsafe.
It is simply that the guns redundant mechanical safeties are tucked away inside where you cant readily see them.
This modest blade serves the same purpose as did manual safeties on combat handguns of yesteryear.
A bladed safety on the face of the Hellcat’s trigger ensures it cannot be depressed until you place your finger against it.
Keep your finger clear of the trigger, and the gun is on safe.
This trigger safety is standard equipment on most but not quite all popular defensive pistols produced today.
Its effectiveness is well-established.
Despite holding up to 14 rounds of 9mm, the Hellcat is slim and trim enough for unobtrusive carry.
The real magic, however, takes place inside the gun.
A Heart for Safety
In my world firearms are fun, fellowship, security and vocation.
It behooves us to treat them with respect.
The Hellcat has you covered.
Disassemble the Hellcat and turn over the slide.
You will notice a shiny silver cylinder just to the rear of the breech face.
Textured pads are located above and forward of the trigger, giving you a location to place your finger when it is not on the trigger.
Now take a glance at the frame and note the sizable steel protrusion that sticks up on the right.
That protrusion I mentioned slides forward when you pull the trigger and disengages the firing pin safety automatically.
None of these critical operations requires any conscious thought.
The silver protrusion (above) sticking up from the frame moves a firing pin block (the silver cylinder just to the rear of the breechface in the slide) clear when you press the trigger.
But now theres more.
However, some of us are just a bit more comfortable with a manual switch.
Use it if you want, or leave it off and ignore it if you dont.
Combining compact dimensions and impressive firepower, the Hellcat is simultaneously safe and capable.
Its there if you need it, and I like the option.
I work closely around kids, and I prefer the manual safety myself.
I find that disengaging the safety as part of the draw process is both intuitive and fast.
Your Hellcat’s multiple safety mechanisms ensure it is safe for carry, yet ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Dont know the rules?
Check out ourarticle on the rules of gun safety.
Go to forum thread
HellcatSeries
Thenew Hellcat RDPhas an optional manual safety for anyone desiring another level of handgun security.
