I’m a professional shooter and have had the chance to take the Glock 43 Vs Springfield Hellcat out in the field for some thorough testing.
I’m sharing my experience with these two popular concealed-carry pistols in this article. We’ll look at their specs, performance, and feel to see which might just edge out the other as the winner in the concealed carry world.
| Feature | Glock 43 | Springfield Hellcat |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9mm Luger |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds | 11 + 1, 13 + 1 (extended mag) |
| Barrel Length | 3.41 inches | 3 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 17.99 oz | 18.3 oz (flush mag), 18.6 oz (extended mag) |
| Sights | Basic plastic | Steel “Tactical Rack U-Dot” |
| Overall Length | 6.26 inches | 6 inches |
Overview of Glock 43
The Glock 43, a compact powerhouse in the Glock family, is known for its reliability and ease of handling.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- System: Safe Action®
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 17.99 oz
- Trigger Pull: Approximately 5.4 lbs
- Overall Length: 6.26 inches
- Slide Length: 6.06 inches
- Overall Width: 1.06 inches
- Slide Width: 0.87 inch
- Height (including magazine): 4.25 inches
Overview of Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat, a newcomer in the micro-compact scene, quickly made a name for itself with its high capacity and sleek design.
Specs
- Cartridge/Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1, 13 + 1 (extended mag)
- Barrel: 3 inches
- Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight (standard): 18.3 ounces (flush mag), 18.6 ounces (extended mag)
- Finish: Melonite (steel)
Features Comparison: Glock 43 VS Hellcat
1. Magazine Capacity
Glock 43
In the field, the Glock 43’s 6-round magazine capacity felt limited, especially when I needed to engage multiple targets. Reloading was smooth, but the frequency of reloads slowed me down.
This capacity is pretty standard for ultra-compacts, but those extra rounds could be crucial in a fast-paced shooting scenario.
Hellcat
The Hellcat shined here with its 11+1 capacity, offering almost double the rounds of the Glock 43. In practice, this meant fewer reloads and more continuous shooting.
The extended magazine options for 13, 15, and 17 rounds also provided flexibility, which was great for different shooting situations.
Winner
When it comes to magazine capacity, the Hellcat wins, hands down. Its higher standard and extended capacities, compared to the Glock 43, offer a significant advantage in prolonged shooting scenarios.
2. Sights and Optics
Glock 43
The Glock 43 comes with basic plastic sights, which were underwhelming. They do the job but lack the robustness and visibility of higher-quality sights.
I felt the need for an immediate upgrade for more precise shooting.
Hellcat
The Hellcat’s “Tactical Rack U-Dot” steel sights impressed me. The large green dot was easy to acquire quickly, and the sight picture was clear and precise.
Plus, the OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) version offers compatibility with red-dot sights, adding versatility.
Winner
The Hellcat outperforms the Glock 43 in this area. Its superior steel sights and the option for optics readiness give it a distinct edge, especially in varied lighting conditions and for shooters who prefer red-dot sights.
3. Concealability and Handling
Glock 43
The Glock 43’s slim, compact design made it incredibly easy to conceal and carry. Its grip and balance felt natural, and the familiar Glock ergonomics were a plus during quick draw and target acquisition drills.
Hellcat
The Hellcat, being slightly smaller in dimensions, was just as easy to carry and conceal as the Glock 43. The aggressive grip texture provided a solid hold, even in rapid-fire scenarios, and its ergonomic design made handling it feel intuitive.
Winner
This one’s a close call. Both pistols offer excellent concealability and handling. However, the Hellcat, compared to the Glock 43, edges out slightly with its better grip texture and slightly smaller dimensions, making it a bit more versatile for various carry options.
4. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 43
The Glock 43’s ergonomics are classic Glock: simple and efficient. The grip, though smaller due to the single-stack magazine, is comfortable and familiar, especially if you’ve handled other Glocks.
During field tests, transitioning from shooting to holstering was smooth, and the slim profile made carrying it almost unnoticeable. However, for shooters with larger hands, it might feel a bit cramped.
Hellcat
The Hellcat’s ergonomics are tailored for concealed carry with its compact frame. The aggressive grip texture ensures a secure hold, even in rapid-firing scenarios.
During field tests, the Hellcat felt very natural in hand, offering a balance between comfort and a firm grip. Its slightly smaller size compared to the Glock 43 made it slightly easier to maneuver, especially for shooters with smaller hands.
Winner
Ergonomics and handling are subjective, but the Hellcat has an edge due to its versatile grip texture and better balance for a variety of hand sizes. Its design, compared to the Glock 43, offers a slightly more adaptable handling experience.
5. Customization and Aftermarket Support
Glock 43
The Glock 43 benefits enormously from Glock’s massive aftermarket support. There are abundant options for customization, from triggers to sights to holsters. This means you can tailor the Glock 43 extensively to suit individual preferences.
During my field tests, I appreciated the ease with which I could modify the pistol, a big plus for users who love to personalize their firearms.
Hellcat
The Hellcat, being newer, has less aftermarket support compared to the Glock 43. However, it’s quickly catching up, with options for triggers, sights, and other customizations becoming increasingly available.
During field testing, I found the Hellcat to be impressive out of the box, requiring less immediate customization than the Glock 43.
Winner
In terms of customization and aftermarket support, the Glock 43 takes the lead, primarily due to its well-established presence in the market.
This advantage, compared to the Hellcat, makes it a more versatile choice for shooters who prioritize personalization and upgrades.
Pros & Cons of Glock 43
Pros
- Familiar Glock controls and ergonomics.
- Reliable and durable, proven in various conditions.
- Slimline design for easy concealment.
- Same grip angle and sight picture as larger Glocks.
Cons
- Comes with basic plastic sights; often needs upgrading.
Pros & Cons of Hellcat
Pros
- High magazine capacity (11+1, options for 13, 15, 17 rounds).
- Robust steel “Tactical Rack U-Dot” sights.
- OSP version allows for red-dot optics.
- Aggressive grip texture for better handling.
Cons
- Some shooters may find grip texture overly aggressive.
Similarities Between Glock 43 & Hellcat
- Both are ultra-compact 9mm pistols.
- Striker-fired systems.
- Renowned for accuracy and reliability.
- Designed for concealed carry.
- Non-ambidextrous slide release.
- Upgradable triggers available.
- Similar overall width.
Differences Between Glock 43 & Hellcat
- Glock 43 has a 6-round capacity, Hellcat 11+1 (standard).
- Glock 43 has a 3.41-inch barrel, Hellcat 3 inches.
- Glock 43 weighs 17.99 oz empty, Hellcat varies from 17.9 to 18.6 oz.
- Hellcat offers extended magazine options, Glock 43 does not.
- Glock 43 has plastic sights, Hellcat steel “Tactical Rack U-Dot” sights.
- Hellcat is optics-ready (OSP version), Glock 43 is not.
- Hellcat has an accessory rail; Glock 43 does not.
- Glock 43 is a bit longer and taller than the Hellcat.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison, it’s time to wrap up this detailed look at the Glock 43 and the Springfield Hellcat. Both of these pistols have shown their strengths and weaknesses in various aspects.
However, when it comes to adapting to the evolving needs of concealed carry, the Springfield Hellcat stands out. Its higher capacity, superior sights, and better ergonomics make it a more versatile option in today’s context.
The Hellcat not only meets the current standards of a compact concealed carry weapon but also brings additional features that are hard to overlook.
5 Most Common Glock 43 Problems And How To Fix Them
FAQ’s
Which is better Hellcat or Glock 43?
The Hellcat is better, offering a higher standard capacity of 11+1, extended magazine options, and more advanced features.
Is Springfield Hellcat better than Glock?
Yes, the Springfield Hellcat is better than the Glock 43, especially in terms of capacity and features like sights and optics readiness.
Will a Springfield Hellcat fit in a Glock 43 holster?
Yes, certain holsters designed for the Glock 43 can also accommodate the Springfield Hellcat, such as some models of Kydex holsters.
Is the Glock 43 enough gun?
Yes, the Glock 43 is a great concealed carry pistol, offering reliable performance and a slim profile for easy concealment.
Is Springfield Hellcat a good gun?
Yes, the Springfield Hellcat is a reliable and accurate pistol, highly recommended for concealed carry.
