New Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 – Hellkitten CCW

Published on October 14, 2025
Duration: 11:29

This review of the new Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 (Hellkitten) highlights its exceptionally soft shooting characteristics, even with defensive ammunition. The reviewer details the process of mounting a Streamlight TLR-7 Sub light, including necessary modifications to the rail key. The firearm is praised for its manageable recoil, making it a comfortable option for everyday carry.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Hellcat .380, or 'Hellkitten,' is a lightweight (1 lb unloaded) micro-compact pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It offers exceptionally soft recoil, making it comfortable for everyday carry. The firearm demonstrated reliability with various FMJ and hollow-point ammunition types during testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: New Springfield Hellcat .380
  2. 00:56First Shots & Initial Impressions
  3. 01:19Recoil & Slide Lockback Test
  4. 01:59Origin and Comparison to Original Hellcat
  5. 02:13Weight and Dimensions
  6. 02:23Reviewer's Interest in Modern .380s
  7. 03:00Soft Shooting Performance
  8. 03:38Ammunition Testing: FMJs and Hollow Points
  9. 04:00Testing SNB XRG 77gr Hollow Points
  10. 04:26Testing PMC Bronze 95gr FMJs
  11. 04:31Testing Maxtec 95gr FMJs
  12. 04:42Testing Fio 95gr Range Dynamics FMJs
  13. 05:09Testing Winchester Hollow Points
  14. 05:40Overall Shooting Experience & Fun Factor
  15. 05:44.380 ACP Ammunition Cost
  16. 05:51Width and Stippling Texture
  17. 06:01Magazine Release Design
  18. 06:15Trigger Feel and Pull
  19. 06:43Sights: U-Notch Rear, Fiber Optic Front
  20. 06:55Optic Cut: Shield RMSC Style
  21. 07:10Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Installation & Modification
  22. 08:38TLR-7 Sub Performance with Hellcat
  23. 09:21Overall Performance & Recoil Management
  24. 09:52Magazine Capacities (11 & 13 Rounds)
  25. 10:22Grip and Blocky Design Comfort
  26. 10:48Designed for EDC
  27. 11:02Round Count and Ammunition Types Tested
  28. 11:10MSRP and Expected Street Price
  29. 11:25Conclusion & Thank You

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Springfield Armory Hellcat .380?

The Springfield Armory Hellcat .380, also known as the 'Hellkitten,' is a micro-compact pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It's praised for its exceptionally soft shooting, lightweight design (1 lb unloaded), and reliable performance with various ammunition types, making it suitable for concealed carry.

How does the Springfield Hellcat .380 handle recoil?

The Hellcat .380 is noted for its very soft recoil, with the reviewer comparing it favorably to larger firearms. This manageable recoil, even with defensive ammunition, contributes to its comfort and shootability for everyday carry purposes.

What is the optic cut on the Springfield Hellcat .380?

The Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 features a Shield RMSC style optic cut. This allows for the direct mounting of micro red dot sights that are compatible with the RMSC footprint, enhancing its capability for modern concealed carry.

Can you mount accessories like lights on the Springfield Hellcat .380?

Yes, the Hellcat .380 has an accessory rail. Mounting lights like the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub may require modification of the rail key to ensure a proper fit due to the rail's specific dimensions, as demonstrated in the review.

What ammunition was tested in the Springfield Hellcat .380 review?

The review tested several types of ammunition, including PMC Bronze 95gr FMJ, Maxtec 95gr FMJ, Fio Range Dynamics 95gr FMJ, SNB XRG 77gr Hollow Point, and Winchester Hollow Points, all of which were reliably fired.

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