I swapped mine out after about 500 rounds—just didn’t like the feel. Found some solid info and options over at https://rarebredtriggers.org/ that really helped me make a decision. It’s super straightforward, and most of the stuff there is user-friendly if you're doing it at home. Definitely felt a difference right away after the change.
Trigger replacement options for the Hellcat?
- Thread starter Bragah
- Start date
Certified Silly Goose
Custom
That trigger alone is why I went with the Shield Plus. The good news is, Springer tends to listen to their customers (hence the quiet removal of "grip zone"). Apparently Smith & Wesson does too, as evidenced by the new flat triggers starting to appear everywhere. Once Springfield comes out with a Hellcat 2.0 (and I'm confident they will) with a decent trigger, I'll be first in line to buy one.
Who would've thought that the 2 best gun companies in the world would've had their roots (even if in name only in Springfield's case) in the same town in Massachusetts of all places.
Who would've thought that the 2 best gun companies in the world would've had their roots (even if in name only in Springfield's case) in the same town in Massachusetts of all places.
BookemDano
Alpha
Apex type 3 was a great upgrade for me. Solid performance too.
Powder River springs did the trick on my xd9 & xdm elite 5.25".
Powder River springs did the trick on my xd9 & xdm elite 5.25".
last2brake
Master Class
I have no problem with mine, I thought.
Now I gotta go shoot mine again to find out what I didn't like about it
because I truthfully haven't shot it much.Is the same trigger used on all the Hellcats ?
Lab4Us
Custom
They are already on 2.0…
“Springfield Armory introduced the "Gen 2 Smooth Trigger" approximately six months into the production of the Hellcat, according to Reddit. This upgrade addressed issues some users experienced with the original trigger. The exact date when this change was implemented is not specified, but it was introduced relatively early in the Hellcat's production run.”
jumpinjoe
Hellcat
So is this Gen2 trigger available for refitting by the owner, or does it have to go back to SA? Come to think of it, will SA even do a refit for an owner? Thanks, jj
Certified Silly Goose
Custom
You just made my day
I promise to buy one about 2 years after it comes out. That's about how long it will take to get on the Massachusetts approved firearm roster. Unless I move to NC/SC before then.
Lab4Us
Custom
Pretty sure you’d have to buy a Hellcat made 6 months + after original release. Probably safer to try one a year or more out (after Sep 2019). I believe all the OSP models are Gen 2.
I doubt SA will help, but best to query customer service.
jumpinjoe
Hellcat
Thanks much for the info. jj
jumpinjoe
Hellcat
OK, here's the result of a long, long think and research. I finally decided to go with the M Carbo "Performance Upgrade" kit for my Hellcat OSP. I got a new trigger with adjustable over-travel, and a new Titanium striker assembly, all necessary replacement springs, etc. All the upgrades came with full instructions, including how to set the over-travel to your specific liking. Before I even started, I measured the trigger pull weight several times to get a good average (somewhere between 4+ and 5+ lbs. ???) Was able to swap out the striker in about 30 minutes ... piece-a-cake! The trigger took a little longer, but having everything needed, including a mold to hold the trigger and link while setting over-travel and providing a visual indication of how much/little you were setting. Took about an hour of actual replacement of parts all while 'start/stop' watching a video from M Carbo to ensure not doing it wrong, but went through it with no mishaps. Now, I haven't been to the range with it yet, but planning with any luck later this week. But just feeling the result of the new trigger has really got me excited. As bad as the original trigger was ... this one is, or at least feels that good. Avg pull weight is just a tick >3.5 lbs, but consistent as you'd want it to be. No drag or grit as you're coming to the break, and the break is really clean. With the less over-travel it really feels good. I can't hardly wait to try it. I'll let y'all know how it actually performs. So for now, I can't say anything but good about the M Carbo kit. jj
Jsimon78
Master Class
I rather have the HCP trigger over the 43X I had. Actually I don’t regret ditching the 43X and getting the HCP.
PAGunGuy
Custom
Same. I haven't shot a 43X, but I have shot a lot of rounds through a 21, 17 and 45 and some through a 48. I don't understand how "perfection" includes a terrible trigger.
jumpinjoe
Hellcat
Last Monday night I told all that I had replaced the trigger in my Hellcat with the upgrade from M Carbo, and that I really liked the feel but had not been to the range with it. Well, I got to the range this morning and ---- the first little while I was thinking maybe I had made a really bad decision. Now when I'm experimenting I use home made targets printed on printer/copier paper, 8.5" X 11" so that I can run off as many copies as needed at any time. All my shooting was done 5 rnds at a time, offhand/crush grip at 5 yards. Well, the first target my group was about 6+" and low/right. A couple real tight, then a couple fliers. Over more targets (about 8-10) I had gotten it down to some about a +/- 4" group. An occasional flier, and still a little low/right. Got down to a bench rest, and proved it was me and not the gun. Took a little rest then moved targets to 10 yards, my usual sight in range with 124gr rounds. Two targets at 10 yrds, off the bench, then back to offhand/crush grip. Groups tightened up to avg of +/- 4" but still seemed a little low/right (ctr of grp prob 1/2" low and maybe 1" right), and like before, one flier almost every target. Finally got one 5 shot grp under 4" with four shots in 2.5" group and one flier making 3.5" overall. I was getting pretty tired so decided to stop for the day and think it all through. I shoot sought paw so obviously I'm pushing the gun for for some reason. I'm thinking it's the much smoother take-up on the new trigger than the original, and that I'm probably still trying subconsciously to overcome the drag of the original trigger. But, all in all a good day, and I'm really satisfied with the results. Really liking this new trigger. Over travel is still a bit more than I like, but not sure I can change it now since the trigger is locked in place with a small dab of blue lock-tite and I'm not sure I want to try to turn the set screw now since it's so tiny and has been set up for way more than 24 hours. I didn't measure it but I'll say the little Allen key/wrench that came with the kit for adjusting the set screw is not more than 1.5mm in width, and the set screw itself is probably no more than 3/32" or maybe 2.5mm. As an aside, I've handled probably thousands of various Allen keys and or set screws over my career, but never even knew they made them this small. Now, I know that without pictures "it never happened". Well OK, I could post some targets by punching holes with a pencil, or I could tell you that the buddy who was with me and helping me pack up to leave neglected to pick up our used targets to bring home. It appears he just assumed we were through with them as we had been on previous trips to the range together, and I had neglected to tell him I especially wanted to keep them to study. So there you are. The best report I can give without the pictures of targets which may or may not exist ........ dammit!