First Thoughts on the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The Springfield Armory Hellcat redefined the micro-compact 9mm pistol category, packing impressive capacity into a surprisingly small package. Its popularity spawned a robust ecosystem of accessories, including the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin. This magazine promises to provide reliable feeding and a touch of visual flair to your Hellcat.
My search for this magazine started because I wanted to increase my Hellcat’s capacity without sacrificing concealability. The factory 11-round magazine is great, but the extra two rounds offered by this 13-round version seemed like a worthwhile upgrade, especially given my use of the Hellcat as a primary concealed carry firearm. Unboxing the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin revealed a well-constructed magazine, noticeably sturdier than some aftermarket options I’ve tested in the past.
Compared to magazines from ProMag or ETS, the Springfield Armory magazine felt more refined, with tighter tolerances and a cleaner finish. I chose this Springfield Armory magazine specifically because I trust Springfield Armory’s reputation for quality and reliability over third-party manufacturers. Initial impressions were positive; the two-tone color scheme with the Flat Dark Earth base added a subtle custom touch to my Hellcat, and the magazine felt solid in hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin extensively at my local indoor shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through it, including FMJ, JHP, and some +P rounds. The magazine fed flawlessly in all conditions, with no failures to feed or eject.
The slightly extended Flat Dark Earth base provided a more secure grip, especially during rapid fire drills. It did take a few reloads to get used to the slightly longer profile compared to the flush-fitting 11-round magazine. However, this magazine ran without issue right out of the box.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin continues to perform reliably. I’ve used it in various temperatures and even in light rain during an outdoor training session. The stainless steel body shows no signs of rust or corrosion.
Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it and wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth. Compared to some older magazines I own from other pistols, this Springfield Armory magazine feels significantly more robust and less prone to damage. It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper magazines I’ve used in the past, justifying the slightly higher price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm pistol. It features a 13-round capacity, offering a significant increase over the standard 11-round magazine while maintaining a relatively compact profile. The magazine body is constructed from stainless steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
The magazine has a silver finish and features numbered round count witness holes for easy monitoring of ammunition levels. A Flat Dark Earth (FDE) polymer base extension provides additional gripping surface and aids in positive magazine insertion. As an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product, it guarantees proper fit and function within the Springfield Armory Hellcat platform. These specifications are crucial for reliable performance and ensure a seamless integration with the pistol.
Performance & Functionality
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin performs its job exceptionally well. It provides reliable feeding and smooth cycling, crucial for self-defense situations. Its strengths lie in its flawless functionality and enhanced grip due to the FDE base.
The only minor weakness is that the slightly extended base can marginally impact concealability compared to the flush-fitting magazine. Overall, the magazine significantly exceeds expectations for a factory-supplied accessory. It provides a noticeable improvement in capacity and handling.
Design & Ergonomics
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin features excellent build quality with its stainless steel construction. The FDE base provides a comfortable and secure grip during reloads and firing. The magazine is user-friendly, with no noticeable learning curve.
It inserts smoothly and locks positively into the magazine well of the Hellcat. The round count witness holes are also a welcome design feature.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. Maintaining it is simple; regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required. Disassembly for cleaning is also straightforward and requires no special tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin doesn’t offer much in the way of customization directly. However, the FDE base can be swapped out for other colors or aftermarket extensions, though I see no reason to do so. It is fully compatible with all standard Springfield Armory Hellcat accessories, such as holsters and mag pouches designed for the 13-round magazine.
Pros and Cons of Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 13-round capacity provides a significant advantage for self-defense scenarios.
- Enhanced Grip: The Flat Dark Earth base offers a more secure and comfortable grip during reloads and firing.
- Reliable Feeding: The magazine ensures flawless feeding and smooth cycling of ammunition.
- Durable Construction: The stainless steel body provides excellent resistance to corrosion and wear.
- OEM Quality: As an OEM product, it guarantees proper fit and function within the Springfield Armory Hellcat platform.
Cons
- Slightly Reduced Concealability: The extended base can marginally impact concealability compared to flush-fitting magazines.
- Price: It is more expensive than some aftermarket magazine options.
Who Should Buy Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin?
This magazine is perfect for concealed carry users who want increased capacity without sacrificing too much concealability. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who need reliable magazines for fast reloads. Anyone who values the reliability of OEM parts and wants to add a touch of visual flair to their Hellcat will also appreciate this magazine.
Those primarily concerned with deep concealment above all else or those on a very tight budget might want to consider alternatives. The 11-round flush-fitting magazines offer maximum concealability, and cheaper aftermarket magazines are available, though I don’t recommend them. A quality holster designed for the Hellcat with a 13-round magazine is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Luger Springfield Hellcat Magazine 13rd Silver w/Flat Dark Earth Base Stainless Steel Ext – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is an excellent upgrade for any Springfield Armory Hellcat owner. It offers a significant increase in capacity, enhanced grip, and the peace of mind that comes with using a reliable OEM product. The price is justified by the quality and performance it delivers.
I would highly recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve their Hellcat’s capabilities. If you’re looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing magazine for your Hellcat, look no further. Upgrade your Hellcat today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!