5 Best Springfield Hellcat Upgrades
Looking for the best Springfield Hellcat upgrades and accessories? In this post, we have ranked and reviewed the best parts to add to your Hellcat pistol to improve it.
Accuracy and capability are increased greatly with all of the best Springfield Hellcat upgrades and accessories outlined in this post.
Learn about the best Springfield Hellcat Upgrades below.
Best Springfield Hellcat Upgrades & Accessories
This list is the Top 5 things I recommend doing to your pistol. Whether you use this pistol for concealed carry or general self-defense doesn’t matter.
All of the upgrades mentioned will improve upon the Hellcat and make it a more capable weapon.
Earlier, I did a full review of this pistol and went over the pros & cons. Here is the Springfield Hellcat Full Review to check out.
If you don’t already own this gun and plan on picking one up soon, check out the review to find the best price.
Best Hellcat Upgrades List
- 5-5.5 LB Pull Weight
- Crisp & Smooth
- Moderate Install Difficulty
- Accuracy Increase
MSRP $85
- 2 MOA / 6 MOA dot / Multi Reticle System
- 50,000 hrs on a single battery (CR1620)
- Enclosed Housing
- Shake Awake
MSRP $400
- Very Bright & Compact
- Front Battery Loading
- Ambi Controls
- Solid Mount
- Good Battery life
MSRP $150
- Improved Control & Comfort
- Perfect texture
- Holster Compatability
- Very Affordable
MSRP $25
- IWB Holster
- Appendix Carry Holster
- OWB Paddle Holster
- OWB Slide Holster
MSRP $250
1. Trigger
Upgrading to an aftermarket trigger is what I recommend doing first as this will be one of the most noticeable changes and will greatly increase your accuracy.
There are a lot of good options but my favorite is the Apex Action Enhancement Trigger for the Springfield Hellcat.
Apex Action Enhancement Trigger
You don’t have to be a trigger snob to want something more from the factory trigger from Springfield.
The best aftermarket trigger for the Springfield Hellcat is the APEX Action Enhancement trigger.
Apex Action Enhancement Trigger Specs
| Pull Weight | 5 – 5.5 LB |
| Construction | Polymer |
| Install Difficulty | *Easy |
| MSRP | $85 |
Apex Action Enhancement Trigger
- Increased Accuracy
- Smooth & Crisp Pull
- Easier to Shoot
- Great Price to Performance
- Lighter
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GunMag Warehouse
So let me start off by saying that this trigger is much better than stock. The pull is more consistent with a predictable well-defined wall, followed by a clean break.
You will immediately notice the results at the range and even with dry firing, you can feel the difference.
The trigger comes with a new trigger, a sear spring, and a striker spring. The installation wasn’t too bad and took me about 20 minutes to install.
APEX has good install instructions on their website you can check out Here. This will give a good breakdown of the installation process.
Overall this is a great option for a lighter and smoother trigger that is affordable. It is much better than the factory stock trigger and is more accurate.
It feels great to shoot and I love all APEX triggers and the Hellcat model is no exception.
The APEX trigger is well worth it and is at the top of the list for one of the best Springfield Hellcat upgrades.
Our Take
The APEX Action Enhancement Trigger is a great upgrade for your Hellcat and reduces the pull weight by one pound. The trigger face is flat and smooth and feels great. It’s also easy to install and keeps all of the safety features while giving you an overall better shooting experience.
MSRP $85
| Best For | Accuracy |
| Pull weight | 5 – 5.5 LBS |
| Construction Material | Polymer |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy* |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GunMag Warehouse
2. Optic
Adding a micro red dot sight will give you a huge advantage for a concealed carry pistol. If you haven’t used a red dot optic on a pistol you have to check it out.
A few benefits of using a red dot on a pistol are faster target acquisition, larger sight picture, and target focus instead of front sight focus. All are better for shooting more accurately and faster while maintaining good situation awareness.
The best micro red dot sight for the Springfield Hellcat is the Holosun EPS Carry.
Holosun EPS Carry
The Holosun EPS Carry is great for small sub-compact pistols like the Hellcat.
The EPS Carry is a small micro red dot with a mailbox design to protect the LED emitter, making this very rugged and reliable.
Holosun EPS Carry Specs
| Best For | CCW |
| Battery Life | 50,000 hrs |
| Install Difficulty | *Easy |
| MSRP | $470 |
Holosun EPS Carry
- 2 MOA / 6 MOA dot / Multi Reticle System
- 50,000 hrs on a single battery (CR1620)
- Enclosed Housing
- Shake Awake
- 8 Brightness settings (4 night vision)
- Optimized for pistols
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Amazon
The optics are optimized for the Hellcat and are perfect for everyday carry.
The battery life is great, and the reticle system is next level.
I mounted this on the Hellcat and was set up as my daily carry. I put over 1,000 rounds through it in this configuration and found no single issue.
No hiccups or malfunctions, and the optic handles the recoil great without backing out or shifting zero.
I am now testing this on the Glock 43x MOS and the Sig P365, and it’s been working great.
This red dot comes with two different sets of lugs for mounting and is RMSc and K-Series compatible with the mounting plate.
I didn’t have any problems with mounting the EPS Carry, and once tightened down, the lockup was tight and felt rock solid.
When shooting the EPS Carry, I didn’t notice any distortion or red dot shift issues. It works just like you would expect a red dot to.
If you can find an EPS Carry in stock, it’s well worth the price, and I suggest it over anything else in this category.
It eliminates the hassle of getting your slide specifically milled to accept your red dot of choice.
The ESP Carry is a compact top-mounted enclosed emitter red dot that keeps all the reliability and function of the larger micro red dot sights designed for concealed carry on slim-line pistols.
This is one of my favorite and most recommended optics for a CCW pistol. To see the full in-depth review, click here.
Our Take
The Holosun EPS Carry is an excellent choice for a pistol optic. This micro red dot sight is well thought out and extremely easy to use with the Shake Awake technology. It is bright with a crisp red dot that is also easy to adjust. The enclosed emitter design adds strength and reliability and functions excellent.
MSRP $470
| Best For | CCW |
| Reticle | 2 MOA / 6 MOA dot / Multi Reticle System |
| Emitter Style | Enclosed |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy* |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Amazon
3. Light
Let’s face it, you can shoot what you can’t see. Chances are if you ever have to use your pistol for self-defense, lighting conditionals may be less than ideal.
Lights nowadays are very compact, bright, and rugged.
The best light for the Springfield is hands down the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub.
Streamlight TLR-7 Sub
The Streamlight TLR-7 is one of the brightest and most compact pistol lights available.
The TLR-7 Sub is the best light for the Hellcat and is the perfect balance of price to performance.
Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Specs
| Best For | CCW |
| Battery Life | 50,000 hrs |
| Install Difficulty | *Easy |
| MSRP | $150 |
Streamlight TLR-7 Sub
- 500 Lumens
- 5,000 Candela
- 1.5 hr battery life (single CR123A)
- Strobe Mode
- Ambidextrous
- Reliable and built tough
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon
For a light of this size, the beam output is very impressive. This flashlight is a testament to how far this technology has progressed in recent years.
This light has a nice wide beam pattern with a focused hotspot in the center—very good light output with the spill.
The TLR-7 Sub isn’t designed for long distances but offers enough throw to identify targets at longer ranges.
This light is slim and compact. It is slightly longer than the TLR-7A but only a few millimeters.
The body is more rounded and skinny. It peers up perfectly with sub-compact pistols that are intended for concealed carry.
It is truly remarkable how small this light is; you barely notice it on your gun.
Battery changes are easy. Unscrew the lens to reveal the battery compartment. I like that it is front-loading, so you do not have to unmount the flashlight to change the battery.
After using this light for a reasonable amount of time, it is now permanently set up on my concealed carry pistol.
I haven’t had any problems or malfunctions with this flashlight. I think it is better than the Surefire x300 I am used to running because it is smaller and more versatile.
If a flashlight can have close to the same performance as a larger, more expensive option, I’ll take the lighter and more compact setup.
I was very impressed with the TLR-7 Sub and can see why it is now one of the most popular lights on the market.
View the full, in-depth review Here to learn more about his specific light.
Our Take
The Streamlight TLR-7 Sub is a reliable pistol weapon light designed for sub-compact pistols. It is powerful and bright while lightweight, compact, and easy to use. The switches are robust with a tactile positive feel with great feedback. It fits great on small concealable handguns and stays manageable while carrying.
MSRP $150
| Best For | Concealed Carry |
| Brightness | 500 Lumen, 5,000 Candela |
| Battery Life | 1.5 Hours |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy* |
4. Grip Tape
Next up for the best Helcat upgrades is a better grip texture. There are a few ways to get a better grip.
The best texture is a thin rubberized grip tape. These use adhesive to stick to the pistol and work better and last longer than grip sleeves.
The best grip tape for the Hellcat is the Talon Grips Rubberized.
Talon Grips
Talon Grips is known for making the best grip tape for pistols. This is my go-to because it adds the perfect amount of grip without adding bulk.
On the Springfield Hellcat, the talon grip tape is the best for easily adding comfort and control.
Talon Grip Specs
| Best For | Improved Control |
| Lifespan | 3+ Years |
| Install Difficulty | *Easy |
| MSRP | $25 |
Talon Grip Tape
- Improved Confidence
- Better Safety & Control
- Faster, More Accurate Follow-Up Shots
- Available in Rubber, Granulate, or Hybrid
Price Check: Amazon
Currently, Talon offers 3 different textures on their grips. The first one is granulated, which will feel like skateboard tape and is pretty aggressive.
The next is a rubberized finish, which is less aggressive against the skin but still feels grippy.
I prefer the rubberized texture and think most people will prefer it, especially for concealed carry.
The third is a Pro texture, a combination of the two.
These are super easy to install and will work with any current holsters you have for the Hellcat.
The rubberized version is also offered in two different colors, Black & FDE.
This may be a small and simple upgrade, but it will make a huge difference. If you ever shot with sweaty hands, you know how irritating that can be.
I have used talon grips on most of my polymer-frame handguns. If Talon Grips makes a grip for one of my pistols, I add it.
The texture is perfect for me; I have now become so used to them. Switching guns is more consistent.
Overall, the Talon grips on the Hellcat are one of the best upgrades on the pistol without spending too much money.
Our Take
Talon Grips are smoother and more forgiving on your palms and fingers. They improve your gun’s ability to stick to your hand tightly. Even if you have wet, sweaty, or dry hands, best of all, they are inexpensive and easy to install.
MSRP $25
| Best For | Improved Control |
| Lifespan | 3+ Years |
| Key Feature | Comfort |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy* |
Price Check: Amazon
5. Holster
Your upgraded pistol is no good to you if you don’t have it when you need it, so a good holster is necessary.
The Alien Gear Holster is one of the most popular and best holsters for the Springfield Hellcat.
ShapeShift Holster
If you do not have a weapon light, then the Alien Gear Shapeshift Modular Holster Pack is the way to go.
For the most bang for your buck, the Alien Gear offers a 4 holster system that is modular and one of the best options for the Hellcat.
ShapeShift Specs
| Best For | Any Situation |
| Key Feature | Versatile |
| Install Difficulty | N/A |
| MSRP | $250 |
ShapeShift Holster
- Improved Confidence
- Better Safety & Control
- Faster, More Accurate Follow-Up Shots
- Available in Rubber, Granulate, or Hybrid
This holster is great for anyone who wants different carry positions without having to purchase a bunch of holsters separately.
If you want to carry your Hellcat concealed, they have a couple of options for CCW.
I also love that they include an OWB holster for open carry or winter carry for more comfort.
Also, if you are new to carrying a gun on you every day, you may need to try out different setups to see what works best for you.
With this kit, you have that option.
Alien Gear was one of the first companies to implement holsters made with leather and kydex for the best fit and comfort possible.
This is one of the best holsters for the Springfield Hellcat.
Our Take
The Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster System is a great kit that allows you to change for different carry positions easily. The flexibility the carry pack gives you is overall a great way to save money long term. So anyone looking to try different styles and the ability to quickly switch between them, this is the best holster for your Hellcat.
MSRP $250
| Best For | Any Situation |
| Holster Options | 4 |
| Key Feature | Versatile |
| Installation Difficulty | N/A |
Bonus: Ammo
Don’t forget to stock up on ammo. 9mm Ammo is very common; chances are you don’t have enough or can use more.
I always recommend everyone have at least 1,000 rounds per caliber they own at minimum.
Here are links to different companies that sell ammo. The price constantly changes, so click the links for the most current prices.
9mm Ammo
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, GunMag Warehouse, Guns.com, Grab A Gun, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Guide, Bereli, Lucky Gunner, Gorilla Ammunition
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Hellcat is a great pistol for concealed carry, and adding the upgrades listed above will increase its effectiveness and capability.
Even if you add some of the upgrades and not all of them, it will give you a better shooting experience overall.
I recommend the red dot sight if you can only choose one upgrade.
Most people consider this one of the best concealed carry pistols on the market today, and if you depend on it to save your life, why not invest in its function and usability?
Springfield Hellcat Upgrades & Accessories FAQ
Is Springfield Hellcat as reliable as Glock?
The Hellcat and the Glock are both very reliable pistols. People consider the Glocks the most reliable pistol on the market but even they have failed.
Is the Springfield Hellcat good for CCW?
The Hellcat is a small sub-compact pistol designed for concealed carry and is among the top choices for everyday carry.
What is the difference between Hellcat and Hellcat Pro?
The Hellcat Pro’s taller grip holds up to four additional rounds so the increased capacity is the difference.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- APEX Action Enhancement Trigger
- Holosun EPS Carry – (full review)
- Streamlight TLR-7 Sub – (full review)
- Talon Grips
- Alien Gear Holster
- 9mm Ammo
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