Now for some of the latest and greatest in our Springfield Hellcat review. Springfield Armory is looking to take the jam out of Sig Sauer's donut by releasing their own micro-compact double-stack and a whole lot of people think it looks interesting.
Is it?!
Actually...it has a LOT to like.
Springfield Hellcat: Out To Knock Sig Sauer Off Their Perch
The Springfield Hellcat was obviously designed to take Sig Sauer down a peg or two. It's aggressively obvious that it was designed to compete with the P365 as it's features, design and specifications are darn near the same.
Granted, Springfield has been in the subcompact single-stack segment for some time with the XD-S, and the segment has grown crowded with new examples coming out constantly such as the and others.
So, let's talk the numbers:
- Barrel Length: 3 inch, hammer-forged barrel
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4 inches with flush magazine, 4.5 inches with extended magazine
- Width: 1 inch at the grips
- Weight: 18.3 oz with an empty flush magazine, 18.6 ounces with an empty extended
- Capacity: 11+1 (flush) or 13+1 (extended) of 9mm
- Sights: Tritium/phosphorescent front sight, rear U-notch rear sight
- MSRP: $569, more like $500 street...for now
You also have your choice of the standard model or the Hellcat OSP, which adds an adapter plate for use with a reflex optic, which adds $30 to the MSRP.
So, it's a compact carry pistol but actually packs in the features, far more than many other pistols of the same size and price point. At the moment, it's only available in black, though that might change. It's already getting a whole lot of attention...but is there substance behind the hype?
Springfield Hellcat Review
Are we going to tell you, in this Springfield Hellcat review, that it's the most perfect carry pistol EVER?!!!
Maybe not quite. But darned if it doesn't make a great case for itself.
The beavertail of the frame is very generous for a pistol of it's size, so you get a very good firing grip. The grip housing itself is in that area where shooters with smaller hands will have no issues with a full three-finger grip, but shooters with larger mitts will need to either dangle their pinky or use the extended magazine.
I, with my size XL hands, am in the latter camp. Since the grip is wider than many other pistols of this size class, the thicker grip housing fills the hand a little more than a Shield or Glock 43 for a nice, secure grip. If you have bigger, meatier mitts, you'll like this gun for that reason.
The grip angle is good, and the Adaptive Grip Texture - varied texture zones - feels pleasant while providing a good grip. The textured pads above the trigger guard provide a natural indexing point for the index finger, which is a nice touch. There are also textured surfaces for the thumb on the grip, which is also a nice touch.
BIG NEWS: Springfield has ditched the XD's grip safety for the Hellcat. And the Gun Gods did grin, and the people did feast upon the lambs, and sloths, and carp, and anchovies, and fruit bats, and orangutans and breakfast cereals...
Point being, it doesn't have one. This improves the grip feel to be sure.
The frame has an accessory rail, so you could mount a micro laser/light.
The slide has fore and aft cocking serrations, and the cocking serrations on the standard model have top slide serrations as well, a la Honor Defense. Speaking of Honor Defense, ANOTHER feature that Springfield clearly dreamed up thanks to them is a stand-off device, namely a slightly extended full-length recoil guide rod.
It's actually a little devious, as the guide rod tip extends beyond the end of the slide. Not so much that it's aggressively obvious, but it's definitely there. The tip is also textured, though I don't know why. Point being that it could be placed point-blank against an assailant and fired. Kind of cool, when you think about it!
The magazine release is reversible, but the slide stop/release, alas, is not. Lefties, in that case, are hosed.
The trigger blade itself is flat, which is a nice touch. The trigger breaks around 6 lbs and is surprisingly one of the better go-pedals among Springfield Armory's striker guns. The break is crispy - not quite custom 1911 crispy, but very good indeed - and reset is short, audible and positive.
It was a welcome surprise, as I had yet to be impressed with one of Springfield's striker triggers. It's not that they're bad, it's just that they've been underwhelming - to me - in my experience thus far. But the Hellcat's is pretty darn decent.
Springfield doesn't have a list of compatible optics. What IS known is that not all compact optics are compatible, but the word on the street is that the Shield Sights RMSc (Reflex Mini Sight compact) is so far the best-known compatible optic for the Hellcat OSP model.
The sights are excellent, as they are easily visible and - obviously - a front night sight comes standard. Some people don't care for a U-notch, but it's an excellent combat pistol sight, perfect for getting a fast sight picture.
Most people find the Hellcat to be lively but controllable, reliable and accurate at self-defense distances. Some reviewers have found that with it can shoot out to longer ranges with diligence and assiduous marksmanship, but this is really more a close-quarters tool, which is about what you'd expect.
So...what did we think?
The Hellcat has a number of smart design features. The sights are good, it's ergonomically good, and a bunch of little design features that - while not strictly necessary - are very nice to have. Not only that, but it packs darn near Glock 19 capacity into a smaller-than-a-Glock-26 package, which is astounding.
That makes it an excellent choice of CCW pistol. Sig P365, look out.
GET YOUR SPRINGFIELD HELLCAT HOLSTERS HERE
FAQs
What makes the Springfield Hellcat unique among micro-compact pistols?
The Springfield Hellcat stands out for its high-capacity magazines (11+1 and 13+1 rounds) within a slim 1-inch wide frame, Adaptive Grip Texture for secure handling, and optics-ready models allowing direct mounting of micro red dot sights. Its versatility and reliability have made it a leading choice for concealed carry since its release in September 2019.
What are the main differences between Hellcat, Hellcat OSP, Hellcat RDP, and Hellcat Pro?
The Hellcat is the original 3-inch barrel model. The Hellcat OSP features a milled slide for mounting optics. The Hellcat RDP adds a compensator and includes a HEX Wasp red dot, enhancing recoil control. The Hellcat Pro sports a 3.7-inch barrel, higher capacity (15+1 or 17+1), and increased accuracy, making it suitable for users who want more rounds and a larger build.
What is the reliability track record of the Springfield Hellcat?
The Hellcat series is widely regarded as reliable, with user reports and range tests showing minimal malfunctions through thousands of rounds. Occasional feeding issues have been reported, often related to specific ammunition brands or magazine wear, but regular cleaning and inspection prevent most problems.
What magazine capacities are available for the Hellcat?
Standard Hellcat pistols come with an 11-round flush-fitting magazine and a 13-round extended magazine. The Hellcat Pro offers 15- and 17-round magazines, providing varied options for capacity and concealability depending on your carry preferences.
Is the Springfield Hellcat optics-ready, and what red dot sights are compatible?
Hellcat OSP and Hellcat Pro OSP models feature milled slides compatible with HEX Wasp, Shield RMSc, and Sig Sauer Romeo Zero red dots. The standard Hellcat requires aftermarket slide milling for optics compatibility.
Does the Hellcat have a manual safety?
Most Hellcat models rely on trigger and grip safeties, but select Hellcat OSP and Hellcat Pro versions offer ambidextrous manual thumb safeties for added control. Manual safety models allow for activation from either side of the frame and are favored by users who seek an extra layer of security.
How does the grip texture affect shootability?
The Hellcat's Adaptive Grip Texture uses a pattern of staggered pyramids, offering strong retention under pressure while maintaining comfort. This design provides control and reliable grip even in rapid or defensive shooting situations.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Hellcat?
The Hellcat measures 6 inches in length, 4 inches in height (flush mag), 1 inch in width, and weighs 18 ounces with the flush magazine. These compact measurements make it one of the easiest double-stack 9mm pistols to conceal.
How accurate is the Springfield Hellcat at typical self-defense distances?
Springfield Hellcat pistols are accurate for defensive engagement, with users able to consistently hit 6-inch steel plates at 25 yards. The combination of high-visibility U-notch sights and ergonomic trigger design supports precision shooting under stress.
What are common problems reported with Springfield Hellcat, and how are they addressed?
Users have reported occasional reliability issues such as magazine feeding problems and aggressive grip texture. Regular maintenance, experimentation with different ammunition types, and checking magazines for damage minimize operational issues. Aftermarket grip sleeves can improve comfort for sensitive hands.
How does the Hellcat compare to competitors such as the SIG P365?
The Hellcat holds one more round than the SIG P365 in its flush magazine and is similarly sized for concealment. The Hellcat features a unique U-shaped rear sight for fast target acquisition and a slightly "grittier" trigger feel, while the SIG P365 is praised for its smooth trigger and marginally more comfortable grip. Both are top tier micro-compacts for concealed carry, with the choice often coming down to personal preference.
What is the recommended maintenance and cleaning procedure for Hellcat handguns?
Owners should follow the Springfield Armory manual for regular cleaning, including field-stripping, careful cleaning of the barrel and slide, lubrication of moving parts, and periodic inspection of magazines. Proper maintenance enhances reliability and longevity.
Are there aftermarket accessories available for the Hellcat?
Numerous holster options, magazine extensions, grip sleeves, and optics upgrades are available for Hellcat models. Users can also add compensators or utilize custom slide colors to personalize their firearm for range or daily carry.