December 19th, 2022
9minute read
It was love at first sight.
Well, actually, it might have been love at first touch.
The barrel is a hair under 34 longer.
The author decided to have his EDC Hellcat Pro fitted out with a Powder River Precision PRP Trigger Kit. Pistol shown with Shield RMSc red dot and BlackPoint Tactical DualPoint 2.0 holster. Image: Jake Miller / Springfield Armory
But, these are still pretty minor dimensional differences, right?
Yes, on paper the changes are minimal.
Needless to say, I was hooked.
While the Hellcat Pro comes with a great trigger, the author wanted to see what the PRP Trigger Kit had to offer this excellent EDC pistol. Image: Jake Miller / Springfield Armory
I put in an order immediately and waited patiently for my personal gun.
Even when something is perfect, I want it more perfect.
Or, sometimes I just like it a bit customized to make it even more mine.
The left-handed author selected the southpaw BlackPoint Tactical DualPoint 2.0 IWB holster for carry of the Hellcat Pro with the PRP Trigger. Image: Jake Miller / Springfield Armory
Enhancing the Hellcat Pro Trigger
When it comes down to it, Im a modern traditionalist.
Or, a traditional modernist.
Or, just a guy who likes nice guns, no matter the jot down.
The PRP kit comes with a trigger, sear, disconnector, striker safety, two different sear springs, a disconnector spring and a striker safety spring.
However, it must work.
Form truly must follow function.
So, how would I tinker with the Hellcat Pro?
While the PRP Trigger Kit is designed to be easy to install with basic tools, the author enlisted the help of Jeremy Sides, a Custom/Repair Tech with Springfield Armory.
Is there anything wrong with the Hellcat Pros stock trigger?
But, remember that tinkerers instinct I mentioned?
It was on their website that I discovered the PRP Trigger Kit for the Hellcat.
Jeremy Sides is shown here testing the pull weight of the new trigger, with it breaking consistently around 4.5 lbs.
My technical background is in manufacturing technology with an emphasis in aviation.
Im a commercial fixed wing, helicopter and glider pilot.
I got started working on firearms because of my fascination with the mechanicals involved in quality firearms.
The author tested the pistol with his chosen carry ammo, Hornady’s Critical Defense 115-gr. FTX 9mm. Image: Jake Miller / Springfield Armory
Early on in my pistolsmithing career, I was fortunate to meet some legendary pistolsmiths, he continued.
The result was my wife, Michelle, and I deciding to found Powder River Precision in 2007.
We offer it for both the Hellcat and the Hellcat Pro.
The two models have some subtle differences, such as the surfaces that the trigger safety engages.
And, I was curious what the PRP Trigger Kit could bring to the table.
We accomplished this with our sear, striker safety and disconnector.
These parts are designed to Batchelors exacting standards, and complement the inherent quality of the Hellcat.
Both the sear and disconnector are made of 440C stainless steel, heat treated to 53-56 RC for durability.
The striker safety is machined from 416 stainless steel, and also properly heat treated.
Lets talk about the trigger in the kit, Daniel said to me.
He went on to explain that the trigger is called the HTS, which stands for Hybrid Trigger Shoe.
The HTS was designed to offer the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, I settled upon the Hellcat Pro version with the black trigger and the red safety lever.
The PRP Trigger Kit overall is pretty easy to install, he said to me.
Daniel knows what hes doing, and it shows in this kit.
Which do you want?, he asked me.
We measured the pull on a trigger pull gauge, and it broke consistently around 4.5 lbs.
He didnt have to tell me twice, as I was itching to try out the new trigger.
I carried two spare mags in my pocket, protected within Ammo Armor polymer cases.
If you have not used these, they are a low-profile means for carrying back-up mags.
The Pro is clearly a shooter.
I was able to, offhand, shoot groups in the .75 to 1 range.
Benched, I have no doubt this CCW pistol could produce 1.5 or better groups at 25 yards.
My groups were quite good, and the feel of the pull was excellent.
The pulls were smooth, and the breaks crisp.
That, combined with the hybrid flat/curved shape, made for a very appealing arrangement.
The results at the range also speak for themselves.
This is now my primary carry system, and I could not be happier.
Sounds like a winner to me!
FTX Critical Defense
Ammo ArmorHellcat Pro Magazine Protector
