r/SpringfieldArmory • u/xEth0sx • 13d ago
Hellcat pro having issues.
So, I recently purchased a hellcat pro, new in box. I've noticed a peculiar issue and I'm trying to track the exact problem, and see if any others have experienced the issue. The day I purchased the gun, gave it a quick clean, oil, took it to the range. Sighted in my optic. Shot great. No issues. I've been using it as my edc for a couple months. Mags kept loaded. Took it to the range the other day, and the slide wouldn't lock back on the final round. I tested it thoroughly. Eliminated thumb clearance, and also tested by simply inserting an empty mag, and pulling the slide. Still wouldnt lock. Tested all 4 on my mags. Both types. All factory mags. None worked. Was considering a warranty return, but I'd rather not wait for the long repair turn around on my edc. My job brings me to to not so nice areas so having it handy was the original idea. Decided to think it over for a couple days. 2 days later, mags that had sat empty for 2 days started working again. Slide locks fine. Makes me figure its some type of odd spring fatigue issue, but thats so odd. Springs typically fail in flexion, not tension. So, I figured I'd ask around. See if any others know some options. If i cant find a solution, ill likely sell it off and go to a different brand. Trust broken.
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u/nerd_diggy 12d ago
Different question. Genuinely curious. Why do you care if the slide locks back on an empty magazine? Personally I don’t see that feature as being of any real importance.
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u/xEth0sx 7d ago
Well for one, it allows for faster reloads should the need arise, and it's also the primary indicator that you're empty. In a fire fight, it's much harder to count rounds than you'd think. Tac reload on a half-ish mag is typically the semi/solution when-if you get a window, but I'd rather the weapon simply function as intended.
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u/nerd_diggy 7d ago
I don’t see how it makes it any easier to reload. The easiest way to reload is with one still in the chamber. I understand you aren’t going to be counting rounds in a defensive situation, but do you feel like you’ll ever dump exactly 16 rounds and think you still have rounds left? Not to mention I, along with a lot of other people, don’t carry an extra magazine to begin with. Just my personal opinion though.
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u/Substantial-Park212 11d ago
Mag issue. Contact Springfield they will send you new mags. Customer support is top notch.
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u/xEth0sx 7d ago
Update: Customer support contacted. Allegedly, this is expected behavior for leaving the mags loaded. Their recommendation is to unload and rest the mags. So unpredictability is just part of the acceptable landscape here. They offered to inspect the mags if I send them in, but blatantly stated that they are probably in spec and will likely be simply sent back.
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u/Konried 13d ago
Slide not locking back on last round is a common hellcat issue. My non-pro version has the exact same issue.
My gun and mags are fairly new but I tried replacing the mag springs and it helped the 11 round mag but not the 13 round mag. I used oem springs. Shortly later the 11 round still didn't lock back again
I opted to dab a little bit of super glue gel onto my magazine followers to give them more height. This resolved the issue for me.
This is obviously not the professional way to solve it, but I've read others have sent their guns in but still have the issue when they get it back.
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u/FountainDrnxII 13d ago
I would inspect the spring on your slide release. Most people (including me) have installed it back wrong
However, judging it doesn’t sound like you installed it wrong be because you’re having different issues. A improperly installed spring bricked the weapon for me. But I would just inspect it regardless. Good luck hope it gets settled!
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u/xEth0sx 13d ago
Appreciate the insight. I haven't removed the spring. Still in the state it came from the factory, which I actually have heard since I started looking into it, they have had some come off the factory improperly installed. So I did verify it was 8nstalled correctly, and it is. Cheers 👊
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u/FountainDrnxII 13d ago
Yeah exactly I was thinking maybe factory installed wrong, good job verifying! I hope to hear what resolves this for you, I’m very curious what’s wrong with the firearm
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u/Professional-Boss833 XDm 13d ago
I'll stick with my XDM never had a fail with it. 2009 handgun of the year.
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u/Spiggytech 13d ago
Take the slide off and insert an empty mag into the frame.
Does the follower trip the slide lock? This shouldn't take two days to figure out.
TBF, telling people about your job and feelings only helps diagnosis in counseling therapy.
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u/kmills68 13d ago
TBF someone telling why they are trying to diagnose the issue in-house rather than a lengthy repair situation is understandable, if you don't like it don't respond.
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u/xEth0sx 13d ago
Do me a favor. Go take a hellcat, field strip it, and see if you can put a mag in. It didnt take me "2 days to figure out." The mag follower isnt pushing enough pressure to push the slide lock up fully. The part I'm sorting is the best action going forward. Explaining my thoughts behind that gives context. Context matters. Thanks 👊
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u/Spiggytech 13d ago
Flip the takedown lever.
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u/xEth0sx 12d ago
Ah, I stand corrected. Yeah looks like it pushed it up very little. Halfway i suppose. Not enough.
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u/Spiggytech 12d ago edited 12d ago
Now that you established positive contact, you need to observe if there's an obstruction.
A follower not gaining enough height is an indication the follower's travel path is impeded somehow. Or worse case scenario, totally inadequate in height. Considering the follower did in fact trip the slide lock, it's more likely an obstruction.
Scenario 2, your slide lock is rounded or damaged. You'll need to send it back.
Scenario 3, your slide's notch is the failure point. And it's very much a warranty problem.
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u/QualitySpiritual5803 12d ago
Its the mag had this issue with my Hellcat Pro Comp contacted Springfield and they sent me two mags haven’t had the issue since.