Are you looking for one of the best micro-compact pistols on the market today? Well, look no further than the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm handgun. This little powerhouse packs a punch due to its lightweight build and dynamic features; we tested it out at the range, so you can trust us!
In this review, we’ll explore the features that make this CCW handgun so popular to see whether it fits your needs.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the world of handguns, let’s dive into what makes the Springfield Hellcat stand out from the crowd.
What’s a CCW?
CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons) handguns are specially crafted to be lightweight and compact, allowing you to easily carry them on your person for personal protection or self-defense. With their small frames, these firearms can fit into a pocket or purse without causing discomfort.
Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) handguns are typically crafted with a lower profile slide, smaller grips, and barrels to ensure easier concealment. These CCWs often come in convenient calibers such as 9mm, .380 ACP, .38 Special, or even the powerful .357 Magnum.
Many CCW handguns also feature lightweight frames made of polymer or other materials, making them more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Ultimately, choosing the right CCW handgun boils down to an individual choice that should suit one’s preferences and needs.
Springfield Armory Hellcat: Quick Overview
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a perfect choice for those seeking optimal self-defense and concealed carry capabilities in an ultra-compact form.
This highly reliable semi-automatic pistol boasts a striker-fired mechanism, encased in a highly durable polymer frame with a metal slide. Chambered in 9mm, the Hellcat promises exceptional performance that should keep you safe when it matters most.
In our opinion, the Springfield Hellcat has a remarkable capacity for its size, featuring a default magazine capacity of 11 rounds and an extended version with 13. High-visibility sights, textured grips, and the addition of a red dot sight make it even more exceptional in terms of equipment options.
The Hellcat pistol is built for effortless portability and superior handling, making it the ideal pick for individuals looking for a dependable yet effective gun to defend themselves.
This striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol comes in two models: the Hellcat and the Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol).
Specifications
Here are the main specs of the Springfield Armory Hellcat:
- Capacity: 11+1 (with flush-fit magazine) or 13+1 (with extended magazine)
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4 inches
- Weight: 18.3 ounces (empty)
- Sights: Tritium/luminescent front sight, Tactical Rack U-Notch rear sight
- Grip: Adaptive Grip Texture
- Safety: Striker status indicator, loaded chamber indicator, optional manual safety
- Optional OSP model includes a milled slide for easy mounting of red dot sights.
What makes it special compared to other 9mm handguns?
The Springfield Armory Hellcat 9MM is a popular handgun that has some special features, making it stand out from other handguns in its category.
As we tested it out, here are some of the impressive characteristics that grabbed our attention:
Capacity
The Springfield Hellcat is designed to have a higher capacity than many other handguns in its class, with the standard magazine holding 11 rounds and an extended magazine holding 13 rounds.
This translates to faster reloads, which is incredibly crucial in a self-defense encounter.
Size
Perfectly sized for everyday concealment, the Hellcat is a lightweight handgun ideal for those seeking personal protection.
Its slim design allows you to easily carry (and unholster) it without sacrificing style or comfort.
Adaptive Grip Texture
The Springfield Hellcat features an adaptive textured grip that provides a secure hold on the firearm, even when your hands are wet or sweaty.
This adaptive feature allows the shooter to customize the texture of the grip to their preference.
Sights
The Hellcat comes with high-visibility sights that make it easy to acquire your target quickly and accurately, even in low-light conditions.
Red Dot Sight option
You can upgrade the Springfield Hellcat with an optional red dot sight for instantaneous target acquisition and precision.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the Springfield Armory Hellcat is a reliable and versatile 9mm subcompact pistol that offers a range of features that make it an attractive choice for concealed carry and self-defense purposes.
In our opinion, it’s one of the best models on the market today for those needing a reliable CCW self-defense weapon. Its small size and high capacity make it a popular choice among gun owners.
We love the unique Adaptive Grip Texture and Tactical Rack U-Notch rear sight features, which enhance the gun’s feel for more comfortable control while enabling rapid sight acquisition.
If you want to compare the Springfield Hellcat to other models, then check out this comprehensive guide to the bestselling pocket pistols available on the internet today.
