Overview
Springfield introduced the Hellcat 11+1 round 9mm series in September 2019, becoming one of the first real competitors to SIG's P365, a 10+1 round micro compact 9mm of about the same size that hit the reset button on the carry market the year prior. Then, in 2022, Springfield updated the design with the Hellcat Pro series, which brings a 15+1 capacity and an optics-ready slide to the platform.
I've been kicking around one in a peanut butter (officially Desert FDE) hued finish since around Thanksgiving and have the full details below.
The Specs
- Capacity: 15+1
- Trigger Pull: 5.5 pounds (10-pull average)
- Weight: 21 ounces with an empty 15-round mag
- Barrel Length: 3.7 inches, 1:10 twist
- Overall Length: 6.6 inches
- Height: 4.8 inches
- Width: 1 inch
Features
All of the Hellcat Pro models released in the past two years (the company markets them in several finishes besides black and FDE to include Platinum, Robin's Egg, and Burnt Bronze two-tones) are in what Springfield classifies as an OSP, or an Optical Sight Pistol, which means they come with a factory-milled slide for micro red dots.
The four-lug/two-screw footprint is in the Shield RMSc pattern, which means it’s good to go with MRDs such as the JPoint, SIG Sauer Romeo Zero, and Swampfox Sentinel. However, while the Leupold DPP uses the same footprint, it is too large for the milled section of the slide, so cue the whomp whomp on that. There are also adapter plates out there for stuff like the Trijicon RMRcc.
The Holosun 407/507 guys will have to make a slight mod to make the slide good to go.
I installed a steel-shrouded Romeo Zero Elite for 500 rounds and found it to hold zero and not work loose, even after racking the slide off the barricade about 20 times.
Trigger
The trigger on the Hellcat Pro isn't drop-dead amazing. After all, it is a mass-produced striker-fired pistol, but it breaks flatly and predictably after a short take-up.
Check out that trigger in action. Note the short reset (and forgive the dirty paws):
Reliability
Throughout more than a dozen range sessions in the past six months, I have run over 2,000 rounds through the Hellcat and have not documented a malfunction that was the fault of the gun. In other words, even the two or three stoppages I encountered were due to user errors such as not fully seating the mag.
The performance and ability to eat everything are not too surprising, as Springfield has done a 20,000-round on-camera endurance test on the base Hellcat and a follow-up 2,500-round compatibility test with 21 mixed loads on a pair of Hellcat Pros – with no stops for maintenance.
Accuracy
The Hellcat Pro, while not an Olympic match pistol, is by all means more than accurate enough for personal protection needs. The combination of the well-thought-out ergonomics – I love the grip – decent trigger, and great sights allow it to deliver.
The pistol is easily recoverable and holds on target well, even with full-house self-defense loads.
Carry
Over the past six months, I've probably put 700 hours of wear on the Hellcat Pro, alternating between two belt holsters, and have found the Hellcat Pro easy to carry.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good flush-fit magazine capacity
- Great sights
- Optics-ready
- Excellent ergonomics
- Good aftermarket support (e.g., holster, optics, sight options)
- Reliable
Cons
- The trigger could be better.
- The slide catch is awkward to operate.
Conclusion
In full disclosure, I had no overwhelming desire to review the Hellcat or Hellcat Pro, but Springfield sent this one to me for T&E on a 60-day loan. After the 60 days were up and they wanted it back, I went ahead and bought it, as it won me over – a little "9mm that could," so to speak.
It delivered on the range in terms of being a dependable pistol; there are holsters widely available for it that I like; and the gun just feels great in the hand. I'll admit that I had not been open-minded to the Hellcat series at first, seeing it as an also-ran when stacked against the P365, but I can now vouch for it being a decent option for those looking for an EDC piece.
I carry it.
