Hey there, I’ve been out in the field, testing two incredible guns: the Glock 42 Vs Springfield Hellcat.
I’m here to give you the lowdown on each, comparing their features and performance. Let’s dive in and see which one comes out on top.
| Feature | Glock 42 | Springfield Hellcat |
| Caliber | .380 Auto | 9mm Luger |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 Rounds | 11 + 1, 13 + 1 (Extended Mag) |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 Inches | 3 Inches |
| Overall Length | 5.94 Inches | 6 Inches |
| Height | 4.13 Inches | 4.12 Inches |
| Width | 0.98 Inch | 0.88 Inch |
| Weight (w/ Empty Mag) | 13.76 oz | 18.3 oz (Flush Mag), 18.6 oz (Extended Mag) |
Overview of Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a sleek, compact pistol known for its reliability and ease of use. It’s a favorite for those looking for a dependable concealed carry option.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: 6 (Standard)
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 13.76 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N (approx. 5.39 lbs)
- Overall Length: 5.94 inches
- Slide Length: 5.75 inches
- Overall Width: 0.98 inch
- Slide Width: 0.83 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 4.13 inches
Overview of Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat, a real challenger in the compact firearm segment, boasts impressive specs and has stirred up the market with its high capacity and ergonomic design.
Specs
- Cartridge/Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1, 13 + 1 (with extended mag)
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight: 18.3 oz with flush mag, 18.6 oz with extended mag
- OSP Weight: 17.9 oz with flush mag, 18.3 oz with extended mag
FeaturesComparison: Glock 42 vs Hellcat
1. Standard Magazine Capacity and Handling
Glock 42
The Glock 42, chambered in .380 Auto, offers a standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds. During my tests, reloading was straightforward, but with only six rounds, I found myself changing magazines more frequently. Its compact size, however, made it incredibly easy to handle, especially for quick, close-range shooting.
Hellcat
The Hellcat steps up the game with a 9mm Luger cartridge, boasting a capacity of 11 + 1 rounds or 13 + 1 with the extended mag. In the field, this meant less frequent reloads and more continuous shooting. The slightly larger frame still allowed for comfortable handling, even with the increased capacity.
Winner
Compared to the Glock 42, the Hellcat shines in magazine capacity. It’s a clear winner for those who prioritize higher round count and longer shooting sessions before needing to reload. The added capacity is a significant advantage, especially in scenarios requiring more firepower.
2. Size and Concealability
Glock 42
The Glock 42, with its overall length of 5.94 inches and height of 4.13 inches, is a notably compact firearm. Its slim profile (0.98 inches wide) makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry. In my tests, it was easy to conceal and comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Hellcat
The Hellcat, with an overall length of 6 inches and height of 4.12 inches, is similarly compact. However, its width is slightly narrower at 0.88 inches. In practice, this made it marginally more concealable, but the difference was minimal.
Winner
When it comes to size and concealability, it’s a tight race. The Glock 42’s slightly wider frame didn’t make a significant difference in concealment compared to the Hellcat. Both guns excel in this feature, but the Hellcat edges out just a bit with its narrower profile.
3. Ergonomics and Control
Glock 42
The Glock 42 fits comfortably in the hand. Its lightweight and balanced design made it easy to control, even for shooters with smaller hands. During testing, I found it easy to maintain a firm grip, which was crucial for accuracy during rapid firing.
Hellcat
The Hellcat, with its textured, polymer-made frame, offers a secure and tactile grip. It felt slightly larger in the hand, but this wasn’t a downside. In fact, the increased grip area provided more control, especially when using the extended magazine.
Winner
In terms of ergonomics and control, the Hellcat has a slight edge, particularly with its textured grip and larger frame. Compared to the Glock 42, the Hellcat provides a more secure grip and better control during rapid firing, making it the winner in this category.
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Compact design makes it great for concealed carry.
- Light trigger pull of 24 N ensures smoother shooting.
- Weighing 390 g, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
- Smaller size aids in quick, close-range targeting.
Cons
- Smaller size might be less comfortable for users with larger hands.
Pros & Cons of Hellcat
Pros
- High magazine capacity (11 + 1, 13 + 1 with extended mag) for extended shooting sessions.
- Compact yet slightly larger size provides a more substantial grip.
- 9mm Luger cartridge offers a balance of power and control.
- Textured frame enhances grip and control, especially in rapid fire.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the Glock 42, which might affect handling.
Similarities Between Glock 42 & Hellcat
- Both are designed for concealed carry.
- Each features a compact and sleek design.
- Both guns have a polymer frame.
- Striker-fired mechanisms are used in both.
- Similar in overall length: Glock 42 at 5.94 inches, Hellcat at 6 inches.
- Comparable height: Glock 42 at 4.13 inches, Hellcat at 4.12 inches.
Differences Between Glock 42 & Hellcat
- Glock 42 has a .380 Auto caliber, while Hellcat uses 9mm Luger.
- Glock 42 has a standard 6-round capacity, Hellcat has 11 + 1 or 13 + 1.
- Glock 42 is lighter (390 g) compared to Hellcat (approx. 18.3 oz).
- Barrel length: Glock 42 at 3.25 inches, Hellcat at 3 inches.
- Width differs slightly: Glock 42 at 0.98 inch, Hellcat at 0.88 inch.
- Glock 42’s slide width is 0.83 inch, compared to Hellcat’s more streamlined design.
- Hellcat offers a textured grip for improved control, differing from Glock 42’s simpler grip style.
- Hellcat’s design focuses on higher capacity within a compact frame.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Glock 42 and the Springfield Hellcat, it’s time to draw a conclusion. It’s been a fascinating comparison, diving into the intricacies of each model.
The winner, in my opinion, is the Springfield Hellcat. This choice is based on its overall performance, higher standard capacity, and ergonomic features.
While the Glock 42 is an excellent firearm, especially for those valuing extreme compactness and simplicity, the Hellcat’s superior magazine capacity and improved grip texture offer a more versatile experience. It’s the blend of high capacity, solid ergonomics, and efficient design that makes the Hellcat my top pick.
FAQ’s
Is Springfield Hellcat better than Glock?
Yes, the Springfield Hellcat offers a higher capacity with an 11 and 13 round magazine compared to the Glock 43’s six-round capacity, making it a more feature-rich choice for concealed carry.
Is the Springfield Hellcat worth the money?
Absolutely, the Springfield Hellcat is a reliable and accurate pistol, offering great value as a concealed carry weapon, thanks to its high capacity and solid build quality.
What is special about the Springfield Hellcat?
The Springfield Hellcat stands out as the highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world, combining a small 1-inch width with a light 18.3 oz weight.
Is the Springfield Hellcat safe to carry?
Yes, the Springfield Hellcat is safe for everyday carry, featuring a flat-faced trigger with an integrated safety blade, providing a controlled and reliable shooting experience.
