A while back, I started carrying the Springfield Hellcat Pro as my EDC, partially retiring my decade-old Smith & Wesson Shield. The Shield is a great gun, and I still carry it occasionally, but as other compact pistol magazine capacities grew while the overall size of the guns did not, I started to long for a similar gun with more rounds at my disposal. Ten rounds (nine plus one in the chamber) isn’t bad, especially for a small gun, and was considered a luxury at one time. Still, with the likes of the Sig Sauer P365, the Glock 19, and others packing 13-, 14-, and even 15-round magazines, I started to feel a bit of capacity envy.
I secretly (although not so secretly now, I suppose) want to upgrade to a Shield Plus since it uses many of the same accessories as its older brother. In the meantime, I started carrying the Hellcat Pro because it comes standard with two 15-rounders. This provides me with a total carrying capacity of 31 rounds (15 + 15 + 1 in the pipe), much higher than the Shield with its 9-round spare magazine.
Was I satisfied with the Hellcat Pro’s standard round count? Certainly. But why not take more rounds when the opportunity arises? That’s where the 17-round Hellcat Pro magazine comes in, which I happened to acquire if for no other reason than pure scientific research, right? After spending quality time at the range and putting over 100 rounds through it, I’m here to share my initial impressions.
Price and Value: A Solid Investment
Let’s start with the bottom line. The 17-round magazine is priced fairly and competitively with other high-quality magazines on the market. While it’s a bit more expensive than the standard 15-round mags, you’re essentially getting two extra rounds for the price — a worthwhile investment considering the added firepower and potential for better grip control.
Built to Last: Durability You Can Trust
Springfield Armory is known for building reliable firearms and accessories, and the 17-round Hellcat Pro magazine upholds that tradition. It feels incredibly sturdy in hand. The stainless-steel construction inspires confidence, and the polished finish ensures smooth feeding. These magazines are built to take the abuse of regular range use and be there when you need them most.
Loading Up: A Breeze
Anyone familiar with the standard Hellcat Pro magazines will find loading the 17-rounders just as easy. The base pad design offers a good finger hold, and the spring pressure feels just right – not too stiff or weak. I could easily top off the magazine without fumbling or frustration, even with a full load. The witness holes on the side are a nice touch, allowing for quick round count checks during drills or at a glance.
Quality Shines Through: Fit and Finish
The extended base pad is the first thing you notice about the 17-round magazine. It adds about a half-inch to the pistol’s overall grip length, but it does so in a way that feels natural and enhances ergonomics. The texture on the base pad perfectly matches the Adaptive Grip Texture of the Hellcat Pro itself, creating a cohesive look and feel. It’s clear that Springfield Armory put a lot of thought into the design, ensuring a seamless integration with the pistol.
Concealability: Striking a Balance
The big question for many concealed carriers will be: how does the extra length impact concealability? Here’s the good news: the added grip length from the 17-round magazine doesn’t significantly affect how well the Hellcat Pro hides. Especially for those who practice appendix carry, the extra grip tucks nicely into the waistband with minimal printing. The benefit of those two extra rounds far outweighs any minor increase in printing. However, everyone’s body type and carry preference are different, so some experimentation might be needed.
Performance Under Fire: Initial Range Test
Now, for the most important part: how does it shoot? In my initial range session, I put over 100 rounds of various 9mm ammo through the Hellcat Pro with the 17-round magazine. I’m happy to report that it performed flawlessly. All the rounds fed smoothly, there were no malfunctions, and the extended grip length aided in recoil control. It felt noticeably more stable than shooting with the standard 15-round magazine. This is especially encouraging for follow-up shots in a defensive situation.
Long-Term Testing: Putting it Through the Wringer
This review is just the first chapter of my experience with the Springfield Hellcat Pro 17-round magazine. I plan on putting many more rounds through it in the coming weeks and months, testing it in different conditions and with various types of ammunition. I’ll be paying close attention to long-term reliability and durability to see how it holds up to the wear and tear of regular use.
Parting Shot: A Welcome Upgrade
The Springfield Hellcat Pro 17-round magazine is a fantastic addition to the Hellcat Pro platform. It offers increased firepower without sacrificing concealability, enhances grip control, and maintains the high quality we expect from Springfield Armory. The price is fair, and the performance is excellent. If you’re a Hellcat Pro owner looking to maximize your EDC setup, this magazine is worth considering.
One caveat: As always, training with whatever magazine you plan to carry for self-defense is crucial. Practice loading, unloading, and malfunction drills with the 17-rounder to ensure smooth operation under pressure.
Stay tuned for further updates as I continue to put this magazine through its paces!
