The OSP model has an optic cut on top of the frame so it’s ready to add a red dot. I will cover and list which red dots can be mounted to the Hellcat later in this post.
There is also the PRO model which has a longer frame/grip and allows for higher capacity. The Pro has a 15+1 flush fit magazine and even a 17+1 extended mag.
They now make a RDS model which is tricked out and a performance package. It comes with a micro red dot sight, a muzzle compensator, a Gen 2 trigger, and a threaded muzzle.
Size & Concealability
The Hellcat is a very small gun that is in a class of slim line sub-compact pistols. This style of small 9mm pistol is the most popular style of handgun being sold today.
This is due to more and more people exercising their rights and carrying a pistol concealed for self-defense.
The Hellcat is very concealable and is in that sweet spot of small enough to carry but still large enough to shoot comfortably.
Capacity
Springfield makes two different magazines for the standard Hellcat. A 11 round flush fit mag, also comes with a base plate pinky extender.
The large magazine squeezes in two more rounds and holds 13. This will extend past the frame but has a polymer sleeve to make the grip feel even more comfortable and gives the benefit of increased capacity.
The Pro model has a 15 & 17-round magazine making it hold the same amount of ammo as a full-size pistol.
Let me say the Pro model magazines will also work in the standard model but I haven’t seen grip sleeves to make the grip all flow together.
Springfield also normally has great rebates they often call “Gear Up” promos where they will send you up to 4 magazines when you send in your receipt to verify a sale.
Frame & Slide
The pistol is only 1 inch wide and is light at 18.6 ounces fully loaded. The polymer frame has some nice texturing on the grip and it looks like Springfield removed their branding of the “Grip Zone” labeled on the pistol grip.
I guess they are confident their customers can now figure out where to hold the pistol from.
They changed up the slide serrations and added front serrations. These are about a medium grippyness in my opinion and I would have liked to see more aggressive serrations on the Hellcat.
The slide uses a dual-captured recoil spring and comes with a small accessory rail under the barrel.
It’s one of the smallest guns that can mount compact lights and lasers without having to mount them to the trigger guard.
Optics & Sights
The iron sights that come with the Hellcat are nice and great to use. The Hellcat uses a U-notch rear sight and a yellow tritium front sight.
These work great in low-light settings and give you a good and fast sight picture.
If you get the OSP model you will be able to mount an MRDS (micro red dot sight).
The Hellcat was designed to use Shield RMSc or JP JPoint RDS mounting footprints so any sight that uses that footprint will work.
Some optics will also co-witness differently with the front sight, so more research is required to add a red dot to the hellcat with your preferred co-witness height.
If you are a newbie, co-witness refers to how high or low the red dot will appear in relation to the front sight when aiming at the target.
Mounting plates and shims can also be utilized but mounting directly to the slide is always better if possible. (durability and holding zero)
Here is a quick list of the popular MRDS that will work on the Hellcat without modification:
Safety Features
So this is a modern pistol with modern engineering and it is a very safe pistol. The main safety feature is the slip trigger safety.
This is similar to a lot of striker-fired pistols and means the gun will not fire unless the center tab is depressed and located in the middle of the trigger.
This helps prevent accidental and negligent discharges.
You can also get the Hellcat with or without a thumb safety. This is purely personal preference but the default is no thumb safety.
A loaded chamber indicator is on the top of the pistol and a cocked indicator is located at the rear.
Holster Compatibility
These are very popular pistols and can be found at almost every gun store, at least all the ones located near me.
This means a lot of aftermarket support.
Holsters and accessories for the Hellcat are common and can easily be found. So you will have no issues finding a good holster, even if you add an optic or light.
Downsides
This gun is snappy to shoot and maybe more so than similar sized pistols. This is inherit due to their design with a short 3-inch barrel and small polymer frame.
With that being said it’s still accurate and you can shoot it quickly. It might just take a few boxes of ammo to get used to at the range.
Another downside is the price. I think with similar guns on the market and their prices, Springfield overcharges about $100 on all of their guns. This is offset by their gear-up promotions though.
My Experience
After shooting hundreds of rounds through the Hellcat I can say overall it’s a great gun and perfect for concealed carry.
During the break-in period, I had no issues with feeding or operation. It did take me a few mags to get used to the recoil impulse control.
As far as carry goes it is the perfect size and gives a good balance of firepower and size. Having two different magazine capacity options is great to switch from a home defense gun to an everyday carry pistol.
The gun has a lot of safety features and upgrades from the factory.
Is It Worth It?
In my opinion, after using this pistol for a long time, it is a great pistol and worth buying.
Springfield makes some great firearms and the Hellcat is no exception. It is a reliable and accurate pistol optimized for concealed carry.
If you can find these on sale I would swoop one up.
Similar Pistols
The biggest growing sub-niche in the firearms industry is slim line 9mm concealed carry type pistols. A few of the direct competitors to the Springfield Armory Hellcat and worth checking out are the:
There are way more but those are the most popular. I also recommend going to the range and renting a few of them to see what you like best. Everyone is different.
Final Thoughts
If you need a modern pistol for concealed carry with a lot of great features and is accurate and reliable, the Hellcat is a top choice.
With its popularity and holster options, it can be a primary everyday carry pistol for a long time. The capacity is excellent and the accessory options are plentiful.
Overall, it’s a great pistol and I recommend it.
Our Take
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a top-tier pistol that works great as a CCW. Overall the ergonomics are great and the gun feels good when shooting. It absorbs recoil extremely well and is reliable. The accuracy and comfort are next level and this is a great well rounded pistol with a lot of great features. One of the best guns on the market.
| Best For | Concealed Carry |
| Caliber | 9 mm |
| Capacity | 11+1 Flush Mag & 13+1 Extended |
| Key Feature | Optical Sight Pistol |
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