Springfield HELLCAT FDE

The Springfield Hellcat is a sub compact 9mm with a capacity that I am more used to seeing in larger compact models. I've got one at The Buffalo Range to take for a spin and discuss.
Video recorded at The Buffalo Rifle and Pistol Range.
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Thanks to Greg Wilson and his daughter Megan for providing the banjo music. - • Buffalo Chimes
Disclaimer: My videos are for entertainment purposes only, imitation or the use of any instruction shown in this video is done at your own risk. Buffalo's Outdoors/BMCTrip or any other party involved in the making of this video will not be held liable for any injury to yourself (or others) or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in this video or any of my videos. I am now accepting friend requests on my personal FB page as well- / jwcfordtruck

[@BillB23]

Regarding the trigger: When my dad was teaching me woodworking he'd say, "Son, the saw is stupid. It doesn't know the difference between wood and meat. You have to be smarter than the saw." Well, you have to be smarter than the pistol. That means, among other things, practice until the proper trigger press is muscle memory. Seeing as how you must practice with any firearm until it's second nature to do it right that's not a design defect, imho.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Agreed. The problem is many people are lazy. And when people are lazy, they put their faith in their tools rather than their training and knowledge. There's seemingly little to no difference between this trigger and a glock, and we all know the gold standard for carry is a 19. One must train with their weapon before carrying, plain and simple. And for me, if the damn thing goes bang every time, I'm not gonna bitch about some little trigger. People bitching about it are basically saying they're dumber than a trigger. Long story short, you're correct.

[@BillB23]

@@CrashRacknShoot I've known some folks dumber than a box of rocks, but "dumber than a trigger" tickles me.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

THanks for tuning in Bill. I think your dad imparted some wisdom on you that day!

[@BillB23]

@@buffalosoutdoors My dad was good at that. I try not to miss any of your episodes as I usually learn something or am at least entertained. Dad also taught me firearms safety for years before I was allowed to touch a boom stick at age 9.

[@hc9987]

Excellent point.

[@Miamis4me305]

I’ve been carrying this, even same color, now for two months. As a woman I absolutely love it. Best out of the box shooting experience. I’ve had zero trigger issues. For me it’s the perfect gun. Great review. New sub

[@cuttheknot4781]

I will never cease to be impressed by Buffalo's incredible marksmanship. I truly believe He is the most accurate free-handed pistol shooter on all of KZbin and anyone else I've encountered. I have stated this many times before so that ought to say something - incredible review. Thanks Buffalo, as always.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

*Hickok45 has entered the chat.*

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks man. I've said it before but I have my good and bad days. The bad days don't inspire me to get the video camera out so you guys don't see those as much. When I'm on and feeling good about it that's when I get to work on a video!

[@mikeseier4449]

@@CrashRacknShoot Buffalo is better.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

@@mikeseier4449 that's gonna be an objective, hard disagree from me.

[@davidtrindle6473]

The #1 gun channel in my opinion. What a pleasure to watch.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

THanks so much. I really appreciate that. I try to bring the information that I would want to know to the table.

[@eric1138]

A sane and well reasoned evaluation of the trigger and the pistol as a whole.

[@Jerry-dk8se]

One of the best reviews on the Hellcat. A great option for an EDC, and good magazine capacity.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Much appreciated! Glad you tuned in Jerry!

[@MaddoxLyrics]

This is by far the best Hellcat gun review i have come across, someone who is unbiased and giving the honest praise this gun deserves, you hit the nail right on the head in every catagory!

[@taofledermaus]

Awesome review. At least Springfield isn't Good Year.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

LOL! Good point. That was bad!

[@StanRevers]

Great review. This was my first watch of your channel, after buying an FDE Hellcat... (I was looking for some confirmation that I did the right thing.) I can't wait to get back Stateside and pick it up finally! Thanks!

[@bullfrogjay4383]

I have this exact pistol, easily my favorite one I own. Sights are incredible, recoil is minimal, capacity for size is astounding, super easy to break down and clean, accurate, extremely reliable and feels good in hand. Only con I can think of is not being able to get ammo for it right now. Super fun to shoot and very easy to conceal for carry. I highly recommend it.

[@fonsolewis1]

What brand of ammo do you use with this Hellcat ?

[@paulstan9828]

I think Springfield they hit it out of the park with that gun. What more can you ask for in a high capacity cary When buying availability gets back to normal I’m going to have to look for that one. Pretty accurate in the right hands. 😁

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I have to agree they done good on this one. Thanks Paul!

[@girthybrowns4489]

$569 on Gunbroker right now. Plenty available

[@rodscrivner7132]

Great review. Your marksmanship makes that Hellcat look easy to shoot. You deserve far more subs. One of the nicest folks on KZbin. Thanks for your humble honesty..

[@rickyrazor899]

Very well done buffalo, love the review, love the manner in which it was conducted. Some nice shooting also. Keep up the good work, love your channel

[@williamwebb442]

Glad I found your content, very informative and very well explained. Thank You.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@oversize1964]

I LOVE my HellCat!! I carry it everyday ..

[@larrysalinas4507]

I’ve been looking at videos for the Hellcat and this is the first time I came across Buffalo and besides the good review he’s one hell of a shot! I liked and subscribed right away. I have the Hellcat and waiting to get some time to test it at the range. Thanks for the great review!

[@cutetoa30]

Just picked mine up today at the gun show. Thank you for an awesome review, I'm beyond excited to try out my new purchase!

[@JoanneSchaus]

I just bought this pistol today because I decided I preferred a striker to my Kimber Micro 9 safety. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks for the great video, Buffalo, and for so clearly explaining away the trigger complaints. Great presentation and super awesome shooting. I am in my 70th year and just learning to shoot. You might be my new hero.

[@c.rodriguez7976]

That was a very thorough, unbiased review 👍🏼 Thank you.

[@dh3302]

Man you have a really unique and cool range layout! I just bought this same model and really like it.

[@driedjello]

I'm gobsmacked by your accuracy!

[@dustinswartz1659]

I really liked the way you show the gun on this video the up close shots is the best I’ve seen would like to see more like it keep up the good work my Kentucky brother

[@bruceb9515]

I've been looking to buy a Hellcat for a few months now and they are sold out everywhere. Until today. I picked up the same Hellcat FDE today and bought 3 -13 round mags to go with it. Looking forward on getting familiar with her this weekend.

[@williamscott3444]

Excellent informative review. Thanks for showing trigger reset which is important to me. Steel sights are a plus also. Looks like a winner.👍

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks for watching. Glad to show this gun. I loved the sights and that reset is super crisp.

[@jamessmallwood5061]

I have this gun and now Springfield has a 15 round mag . I'm in heaven

[@jamescooper9573]

Just picked one up fde as well . Does tge 15 come with adapter? To give a little bit more length? I have large hands that be awesome definitely help with the recoil.

[@notatroll5993]

I just picked up the FDE OSP. It's an awesome gun, I love it.

[@footfeathers]

I have the Hellcat in the same color. Shoots incredibly well for such a small handgun. Seems very well made and thought out. Excellent shooting by you!

[@6.5grendel11]

No wonder you can shoot so good ,You have two right hands Ha. Thanks for another good video Buffalo.!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

LOL! Thanks!

[@macharleys72]

Great video, I learn something every time I watch one of yours, nice work man....

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Glad to hear it and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave the comment! THank you.

[@Carvernation]

Very detailed review! Liked and subscribed.

[@007twm]

Nice review and darn good shooting. That trigger finger roll shows a safety measure to prevent mushy IWB suede holsters and as you mentioned shirt tail interference setting off the pistol.Thanks for sharing.

[@ponthis1]

Man this is a solid review. Thanks Buffalo. Like usual you are a marksman that makes me think I need to practice more.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

THanks so much Larry. You know I always appreciate ya man.

[@locksbog4270]

7:20 am and your making all that racket lol! 👍😃✌️love it

[@buffalosoutdoors]

😁 I didn't realize how early it was when I published this video! Thanks!

[@JPMandz]

Buffalo I'm not gonna lie...you're not my absolute favorite pewtuber (gotta give credit to my fellow Iowan Honest Outlaw), but you're top 5 for sure. I could watch you plink at distance all day. You're talented and I love your vids. Keep up the good work friend, always enjoy watching.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I appreciate that! I am not out to be "the best" or even in the top 100, I am here to represent the average working guy who is looking for honest information before making an investment in a firearm. This is why more than 90% of the guns I cover come from friends and family members rather than through gun manufactures. I appreciate the kind words and thanks for considering my channel up there with some of the greats.

[@bradleystarcevich2758]

Very helpful, intelligent review, well considered and presented. Exactly what I expect from a reviewer that actually knows guns and their intended purpose. BTW, you are right about the trigger. It functions precisely as it should.

[@jacobhicks1793]

I just picked up my Hellcat to replace my Shield. Very nice little pistol! And yes, I'd highly recommend the Shield as well.

[@markpennington2205]

How have I missed your channel. Nice review technique. Thank you

[@bobbychaney8372]

Awesome shooting glad you are on our side

[@hugostiglitz9864]

Great thorough review. Very sharp looking pistol. Lot's of reliable firepower in a small package...I think I will order one. Happy New Year.

[@ayaniz]

Just got a Hellcat and love everything about it. Your video was "no-nonsense" and honest. People can tell the difference. ps. That was some impressive shooting. If you had bad rounds, then kudos to the editor - lol. Thank you sir.

[@chrishelms1967]

I live in Illinois and the Springfield and Rock River were correct.... and you make a great point about SW and Bill Ruger....

[@Dsdcain]

Good review and great shooting. Of course I'd expect nothing less from your channel. *:-D* I guess I'm back to watching tons of vids. Glad to see one of yours today. Hope you and your family are well. Take it easy man. *:-)*

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Glad to see you in the comments! We are all well hope the same for you!

[@stevestinnett6777]

Great video. You are an outstanding shot !!!

[@michaelmagee410]

Picked up one of these about 2 months ago. Nice little shooter. Great review BTW.

[@Painterrap]

The safe action style trigger is designed to operate exactly the way Buffalo just showed. If you manage to take the slack out of the trigger without depressing the blade and then you roll back over to the blade it will have depressed to far into the frame for the blade to operate which will effectively lock up the trigger. That scenario is not a defect but rather an intentional safety mechanism to try and keep rearward movement of the trigger from occuring when a person's finger is not firmly seated in the shoe of the trigger.

[@scottf.3808]

Sweet pistol even if from Springfield....Good stuff....

[@jrpcustomknives]

Really good review. Well said about the trigger, 100% agree. Some damn fine shooting as well! Earned a sub from me👍

[@DanielFrankHoffman]

Great review and fabulous shooting!

[@pinehtr8730]

So, Some folks are operating it incorrect and complaining.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Ah, yes. The good ol' "I fucked up but it's your fault" types.

[@michigunsanta8680]

I don’t like striker fire triggers in general cause I got spoiled with good DA/SA triggers and shot a lot of 1911s which ofcourse have great triggers. My solution was to go out and start shooting revolvers with shitty triggers in double action only, it fixed my problem with striker fire triggers! Lol 😆

[@michigunsanta8680]

It’s the dad line “you want something to cry about? Then I’ll give you something to cry about!” Lmao 😆

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Basically. Yes.

[@greengiant7439]

Democrat Version: YOU screwed up, YOU did wrong, YOU should be punished. You say this loudly, with confidence, and repeat it over and over. YOU accuse the innocent person(s) for exactly what YOU are or have been doing YOURSELF! Do it loudly and often enough with confidence people will believe it and consider the innocent guilty and the guilty (YOU) innocent! Bill/Hillery defense program!

[@centermass4962]

Nice shooting man. Great video also.love my hellcat and my shields. That shield looks like my performance center.

[@WitchyWagonReal]

Well, Buffalo... I finally retired my little CM9 after about seven years, and watching this video. I think somewhere down below, I might’ve quipped about it watching this the first time. But I know after seeing this, I finally got off my lazy bum and started shopping for a new EDC. And this is what I got. Mine is black, and has the red dot plate... but everything you said is true. It’s the first polymer pistol I have owned where I haven’t needed to put a dang rubber sleeve on it... the grip texture just works. And I love how the pistol has a “full size feel” to it, which something my great little Kahr never managed. I always knew it was a micro pistol... but the Hellcat, it feels like a bigger pistol (especially with the extended magazine). And the index point makes my thumb a bracing point instead of just dangling along for the ride. The flat trigger is much better than I expected, and the break is good for a carry pistol. I had to massage the extended magazine, shave the follower a bit, to get it reliably pushing up...but no problems otherwise. I am pretty impressed about the material and manufacture quality... thus far, at least. About my only complaints are that my hands hurt slightly squeezing the grip, being so squared off and snappy- but that is the nature of a tiny gun with such great capacity- but it’s a carry gun, and I can more than stand it for that duty. The other complaint I have is that the single dot night sight is somewhat hard to line up in the dark... because the rear isn’t illuminated, it just kind of pops into view, but with no reference about being in line or level with the rear sight. 🤷🏽‍♂️ All in all, I feel like this little guy will do just fine for several years to come. So, thanks for nudging me over the hump. 😆

[@tldnr]

Awesome video once again. Thank you!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobeugene832]

Good review as usual and great shooting.Like how you don’t try to talk down to folk.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks 👍 If I ever come off as if I am talking down to anyone I certainly don't mean too. Momma raised me better than that. Thanks for tuning in!

[@marksc1929]

Subscribed 👍... Really pleased with my Hellcat...thx Buffalo 🦬

[@TartanJack]

This boy can shoot. And I agree with the assessment. So thanks.

[@romans6two338]

Solid review and a solid CCW option.

[@tomgensel4134]

I really appreciate your honesty 👍🇺🇸👍

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Glad to hear it! THank you!

[@jimrodriguez8047]

Nice review! First video I’ve watched on your channel. I’m a subscriber now..looking forward to watching more of your vids!

[@The100percy]

Excellent review. Thanks for doing it.

[@davidpenrow7624]

Me being 5'5 with embarrassingly small hands this weapon has changed the game for me, I shot plenty of handguns but none im comfortable controlling in a public situation, I went in and held this and if fit like a glove walked out with it same day.

[@husseinalkhudhur7513]

What a great video. Thank you

[@joes.7536]

Thanks buffalo. And here I am with my 20oz beretta nano only 6+1. But it is built like a tank. I don’t know if I will ever see the nano on your channel, considering it’s discontinued in 2020. But I think you would like it. Built like a tank and very accurate.

[@UncleDanBand64]

If you take the slack out of the trigger without hitting the trigger safety.....you probably need to practice a bit😂👍🇺🇸

[@jasonsliger5430]

I haven't handled this particular firearm but it's a good idea for a carry firearm to be safe in case your shirt or something else hits that trigger unintentionally.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@jasonsliger5430 I agree

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Well said. See you say this stuff better than I do. You covered the whole situation in one sentence. It took me 5 minutes to explain it....LOL

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@buffalosoutdoors 😂

[@PaulVerhoeven2]

You need to grow some meat on the trigger finger, what wire-fingered people are doing trying to shoot? 😀

[@robinbrown473]

Buffalo, you sure are good shot with your 9mm pistol years ago when we were allowed to have a pistol here I had a 9mm star but could not get anywhere as good as you keep the videos going. What happened to the faulty Ruger revolver that was sent back ?

[@clicgear100]

Nice review, and great shooting.

[@jeffrypresutti3139]

Great looking Pistol. Just purchased one In the FDE today. Now I have to wait for the FOID to clear the Illinois state police.

[@scottmorgan1016]

I really like this gun. Don't know if I can get one soon but I like it. And I agree on the trigger with you. I have had some that the trigger might not lock up, but the pull was different when I did as you showed on this pistol. Had a HS 2000 years back and these Croation guns have always been very well made. I have looked both the Glock and a Springfield side by side and the Springfield is better machined to me. And like you I like guns and at times not the owners. My daddy hated any car made in Japan because of WW2. So manufacturers at times say or do dumb things but their products can still be good. Great shooting and video as always.

[@scottmorgan1016]

@Jim I agree with ya. Never said ole dad was right. He was born in 1921 and was rode hard and put up wet. That's just the way he was.

[@scottmorgan1016]

@Jim thank you sir you do the same

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Yep. As a firearms enthusiast I could sit and pick apart what all these manufactures have done to get rich and get a leg up on the competition or I could enjoy the final product. I thought long and hard before doing this video. I've done reviews on Itailian guns, German guns, Turkish guns, guns made in New York, Rugers even though Bill was not with us on the 2A, Smith & Wessons even though they dirty dealed with the Clinton administration so I figured I could go ahead with this Springfield HELLCAT review. It was not an easy decision to be honest but I reasoned that if I am going to do gun reviews then I just need to review everything I can. People can make up their own minds if they want to spend their dime with Springfield or not.

[@triggerman1092]

You are on helluva shot buffalo! Lots of love and respect from your southern indiana brother!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Hello from down here KY!

[@terryschiller2625]

LoL, five with my right hand and five with my wrong hand. I loved that Buffalo 👌 very good! Awesome review. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

THanks! Glad you liked that! I struggle with my "wrong" hand. I have gotten better the last year o so but it's still a surprise when I make hits....LOL

[@slimfire54]

As always awesome shooting and a great video Buffalo.Nice review to of the 9mm.Thank you.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you my friend!

[@Leverguns50]

That’s an excellent review, I don’t see that triggers being a problem, it may be more of a problem with people with really small fingers, if I see a used one I’m definitely gonna buy it, I don’t know if I’d buy a new one and support that firearm company

[@Gunsandfun1961]

I like the HC, but I do have issues with Springfield.....

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I don't see it either. There are several videos up about how awful it is but I must be missing something? I always appreciate ya stopping in and I understand your concerns with the company. I only show the gun I figure the viewer can make up his/her own mind on that. That's why I talked about it there in my closing statement.

[@Leverguns50]

Buffalo's Outdoors looks like a really fantastic gun, too bad about the company

[@kevinkeener3216]

I'm picking one up this weekend. But I have a Max 9. I plan on keeping em both. Because I can only find 9mm lol.

[@captainrick9379]

You know Buffalo, You would male a great used car salesman! Just about every time you do a review on something I want to buy it!!! 😎👍 Thanks for sharing Brother!

[@RipCityMixes]

Damn son you are a sharp shooter with that little thing.

[@drexelsalyers1972]

I like the way you do a review

[@T.A.B.Videos]

They are a neat little pistol good job Buff.

[@pinehtr8730]

Great review as always ,Thanks

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you! I appreciate ya!

[@ChrisHeavenUSA]

That was a very good and very fair review Buffalo. I've put 3,000+ rounds through my Hellcat and it hasn't malfunctioned once. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the trigger. The stock sights are one of the best I've seen. They're super fast to acquire for me (compared to my Glocks) and very accurate.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Good to hear from someone with a lot of experience on this pistol. I only put about 200 rounds through this one as it was not my gun and well, with the ammo situation being what it is. THanks for the comment!

[@doworx7806]

love the sights (put the ball in the basket)

[@loboel264mag7]

As normal I enjoyed the review. I liked the comments at the end putting Springfield in place too

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you! I always appreciate you watching and especially taking the time to comment.

[@markrichard2349]

Great video. Thank you....Just got a hellcat and you just dispelled those recall videos on trigger. Feel great on hellcat now. I thought those other videos were very misleading.

[@jamespugh]

Great review. Lot people hate Springfield for what they did but they build some awesome pistols and rifles. Was looking ad xds45acp before I bought my ruger sr40c ruger just felt better in the price at time was lower.

[@PatRMG]

I had a chance with the Hellcat. Pinched my nose at the company, but the pistol is magic.

[@PatRMG]

Grip zone joke got me!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I hear ya man. They sure stepped in it. Glad you liked the Grip Zone mention 😂

[@gregentwistle5105]

Great video, I like this new format

[@grizzjp]

If we think about the safety trigger, if a small finger were to try to compress it at the top, it would not activate, because the blade isn't' compressed. Looks like a brilliant design, for if a kid were to pick it up.

[@stvnbryan5542]

You don't have to worry about losing creditability with us. We know that you are a good guy. Keep up the fantastic channel.

[@crankygunreviews]

I have had some pretty decent results with firearms that other people say are garbage: if you practice with it enough, you should get decent results eventually :) Another enjoyable video Buffalo!

[@gunnwild1]

I wish the shield was a double stack, that's what I carry. With the size of my hands I can't go any smaller than a shield

[@thomasosteen6027]

Thanks for the video Buffalo. Take care

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you too!

[@SeangLHeng]

That gun looks very very snappy

[@curtiswalker6938]

Mighty fine shooting.

[@UncleDanBand64]

Yep Buffalo, you would have to use the Mini-2 for that gun. This is a very tempting gun.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Yep. Not much room there. I was surprised to even see a rail on it. It's not a gun I would even put a light on anyway, for me this would be a deep concealment pistol. Thanks UD!

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@buffalosoutdoors yeah probably but, it is nice to have that option.

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

The Buffalo Seal of Approval is all I need to hear! The XDM (10mm) is on my “to buy” list, but yeah I agree with what you said. Just because you like a firearm, doesn’t mean you condone the manufacturer. The trigger issue means absolutely nothing to me. There have been LEO out there that have shot themselves while cleaning their Glock duty guns, so no company, or buyer for that matter, are infallible! Great video brother, but I have to wonder now, if this pistol is on your list?? 😉 You’re slimming up there big guy, good for you! Trying to do the same myself....... lol

[@YellowHammer26]

Your reviews are great and trustworthy. Thanks a lot. I just wish I could shoot as well as you.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks so much for that!

[@TargetSuite]

A voice of reason! YT needs more like you Buffalo!

[@BOHEMIANHUNTINGCLUB]

I've always thought those were nice, awesome vid on it👍👍

[@tacticalbt1023]

Love your channel brother keep it up

[@anthonyfedock5321]

... thank you for also mentioning the shady deals that Smith and Ruger had done, I know many out there might not have known about what had gone on back in " The Day" ( as the kids say ) ...

[@charliebourg64]

replaced my g-43 with this very gun, love it.

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

I love my Springfield Armory Hell Cat OSP I went with the SWAMPFOX SENTINEL GREEN DOT . I even killed a wild boar with it .

[@trentbulen3854]

I have the same gun. Great review.