The more options, the more competition and the more innovation all of which benefit the consumer.
Making My Choice
Personally, Ive been carrying a Hellcat for about two years now.
I am a sucker for all things in this color.
The new Hellcat Pro FDE is the latest addition to the incredibly popular line ofself-defense handguns.
It was actually more comfortable than my original Hellcat in a holster without a wing.
My only question:
Does the Hellcat Pro come in FDE?
The Hellcat Pro now comes in FDE.
Built for performance, the new Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE is a machine that handles duties fast and close but can stillreach out beyond 100 yards if needed.
Well, Im pleased to report Springfield didnt leave us FDE fanatics hanging.
Weve now got an FDE color variant of the Hellcat Pro!
The Hellcat Pro in FDE has all the same features youve come to love in the original Pro.
By adding the new Desert FDE model, Springfield Armory expanded the appeal of these defensive pistols.
All these features in a compact 15+1 round pistol make for an excellent choice for CCW.
Starting with the heart of the gun, the hammer forged barrel is designed for a lot of shooting.
The hammer forging process ensures the barrel has unmatched strength and durability over the lifetime of the pistol.
Designed for concealed carry, the Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE is the perfect defensive firearm for many circumstances.
You wont be able to shoot enough rounds through this barrel to degrade it.
These ensure a positive purchase in any condition regardless of where you grip the slide.
How about how the pistol interfaces with your hand?
The author found the Tulster Oath holster worked extremely well with his Hellcat Pro Desert FDE 9mm pistol.
The texture is quite ingenious, really.
Ergonomics on the Hellcat Pro FDE are quite well thought out.
Instead of lining up three dots, you simply settle the front dot into the cradle.
The author tested the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE on the range. The results? It’s just as accurate and reliable as the original.
It allows for quick sight acquisition in all types of environments thanks to the bright green front sight.
The FDE-finished Hellcat Pro is equipped with Springfields OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration.
This allows you to easily attach a micro red dot such as theShield SMScto your Hellcat Pro.
Both the frame and slide of the new pistol have an FDE finish. The trigger, magazine release and other controls have a matte black finish.
This is a must-have option in my opinion for a pistol that is your daily carry.
For sighting systems, one is none and two is one in my book.
This is a simple but effective feature that I really appreciate having on my CCW pistol.
As with the original pistol, the Springfield Hellcat Pro Desert FDE sports exceptional ergonomics designed for shooting.
If youve shot micro compacts before you know how snappy they can be.
Shorter barrels and grips are great for concealability, but they are certainly more difficult to control while firing.
While I was always impressed with the shootability of the micro compact Hellcat 9mm, physics always intrude.
The Adaptive Grip Texture helps to lock the pistol into your hand. This helps you control muzzle rise and recoil even with sweaty palms.
Combining a small, light pistol with a powerful chambering will have an effect on its controllability.
Thats one of the things I like the most about the Hellcat Pro.
The extra slide and barrel length also help cut down on muzzle flip.
Springfield Armory equips the Hellcat Pro FDE with one of the best front sights developed for the defensive market.
This keeps you on target for quick follow-up shots.
Regarding the trigger on the Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE, it is great.
With a pull in the 6-7 lb.
The U-Notch rear sight mates perfectly with the front sight to give the shooter a fast and accurate sight picture.
range, this is just where I want it for a pistol I carry.
The take-up is smooth, the wall is easily discernable and the break requires minimal travel.
Resetting the trigger is quick.
Springfield Armory designed the Hellcat Pro FDE with an integral stand-off device. This helps to ensure reliable functioning at contact distances.
The Desert FDE Hellcat Pro ships with two stainless steel, flush-fit, 15-round magazines.
Its always nice to have a spare mag within reach.
Now with the FDE option, you could carry in style as well!
Bringing it all together, Springfield Armory’s combination of ergonomics, sights and reliability make it a great gun to get out on the range.
You know Ill be.
Go to forum thread
HellcatPro OSPTM
TulsterOATH IWB Holster for Hellcat Pro
For defensive use, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE has no peer.
Be it an afternoon of shooting or saving yourself from a violent attack, the Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE is an excellent tool.
