As a professional shooter, I’ve had the opportunity to test out a variety of firearms, including the Glock 48 Vs Hellcat Pro.
To figure out which one takes the lead in performance in the field. I’ve spent considerable time with both, putting them through their paces in various conditions. Let’s dive into the details and see how they stack up.
| Feature | Glock 48 | Hellcat Pro |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 10 rounds | 15-round and 17-round options |
| Barrel Length | 4.17 inches | 3.7 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 20.74 ounces | 21 oz w/ Flush Mag, 21.4 oz w/ Extended Mag |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Height (Incl. Mag) | 5.04 inches | 4.8 inches w/ Flush Mag, 5.3 inches w/ Extended Mag |
Glock 48
The Glock 48, with its sleek design, is a 9mm pistol that’s become a top choice for those seeking a balance of size and capacity.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- System: Safe Action®
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 10 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
- Weight (Empty Mag): 20.74 ounces
- Trigger Pull: 24 N
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.10 inches
- Slide Width: 0.87 inches
- Height (Incl. Mag): 5.04 inches
Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro, a dynamic and compact 9mm, stands out with its advanced features and adaptability.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Color: Black
- Barrel: 3.7 inches, Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
- Slide: Billet Machined, Melonite® Finish, Optics Ready
- Frame: Black Polymer w/ Adaptive Grip Texture
- Sights: Tritium/Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
- Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
- Grip Width: 1 inch
- Magazines: (1) 15-Round, (1) 17-Round
- Weight: 21 oz w/ Flush Mag, 21.4 oz w/ Extended Mag
- Length: 6.6 inches
- Height: 4.8 inches w/ Flush Mag, 5.3 inches w/ Extended Mag
Features Comparison: Glock 48 VS Hellcat Pro
1. Ergonomics and Grip
Glock 48
The Glock 48 maintains this consistency. It’s reliable, but I’ve always felt something lacking in the comfort department.
During testing, it performed admirably, yet it didn’t feel as natural in my hand as I would have liked.
Hellcat Pro
With its Adaptive Grip Texture, the Hellcat Pro felt more comfortable and secure in my hand.
This improved grip texture made a noticeable difference in handling, especially during prolonged shooting sessions. It’s a small detail, but it greatly enhances the shooting experience.
Winner
For me, the Hellcat Pro takes the lead in ergonomics and grip. Compared to the Glock 48, its grip texture and overall ergonomics just feel more refined and comfortable, especially during extended use.
2. Recoil Management
Glock 48
The Glock 48, especially without a compensator, is slightly snappier than I prefer. It’s manageable, but I noticed a difference in control and comfort during rapid-firing sequences.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if recoil sensitivity is a concern.
Hellcat Pro
The recoil system on the Hellcat Pro, including its dual captive recoil spring and full-length guide rod, noticeably reduces felt recoil.
In my tests, this translated into better control and accuracy, particularly during rapid fire. The difference was evident and appreciated.
Winner
The Hellcat Pro wins in the recoil management department. Compared to the Glock 48, its recoil system makes it easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot, especially in scenarios where rapid fire is necessary.
3. Trigger Performance
Glock 48
The trigger pull on the Glock 48 is solid, consistent, and what you’d expect from a Glock. It has a 24 N trigger pull, which, in my testing, offered a reliable and predictable shooting experience. This consistency is key for those who value a uniform trigger feel across various models.
Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro’s trigger felt a bit smoother and more refined in my tests. It’s crisp and offers a clean break, which I found particularly helpful for quick, accurate shots.
This enhanced trigger performance can make a noticeable difference in high-pressure situations.
Winner
For me, the Hellcat Pro edges out in trigger performance. Compared to the Glock 48, it provides a slightly smoother and more responsive shooting experience.
4. Optics Readiness
Glock 48
The Glock 48, while a solid performer, doesn’t come optics-ready out of the box. This means additional modifications are needed if you want to mount optics, which can be a drawback for tech-savvy shooters or those who rely heavily on optics.
Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro shines here with its optics-ready slide. In my field tests, this feature allowed for easy mounting of various optics, enhancing its versatility and appeal for a modern shooting experience.
This readiness is a significant plus for shooters who prefer a red dot sight.
Winner
The Hellcat Pro wins in optics readiness. Compared to the Glock 48, its out-of-the-box readiness for optics makes it a more versatile choice for modern shooters.
Pros & Cons of Glock 48
Pros
- Reliable Safe Action® system.
- Consistent trigger pull.
- Compatible with S15 magazines for increased capacity.
- Familiar ergonomics for Glock users.
Cons
- Grip may not be comfortable for all users.
Pros & Cons of Hellcat Pro
Pros
- Higher magazine capacity as standard.
- Enhanced ergonomics with Adaptive Grip Texture.
- Optics-ready slide for easy red dot integration.
- Superior recoil management system.
Cons
- Slightly heavier with extended mag.
Similarities Between Glock 48 & Hellcat Pro
- Both chambered in 9mm.
- Both have black polymer frames.
- Each has a tactile and responsive trigger system.
- Both designed for concealed carry.
Differences Between Glock 48 & Hellcat Pro
- Glock 48: Safe Action® system, Hellcat Pro: Adaptive Grip Texture.
- Glock 48: Standard 10-round mag, Hellcat Pro: 15- or 17-round mags.
- Glock 48: 4.17-inch barrel, Hellcat Pro: 3.7-inch barrel.
- Glock 48: Not optics-ready, Hellcat Pro: Optics-ready slide.
- Glock 48: Slide width 0.87 inches, Hellcat Pro: wider grip width.
Final Verdict
After extensively testing both the Glock 48 and the Hellcat Pro, it’s time to draw some conclusions. While each firearm has its unique strengths and appeals to different shooters, one emerged as a standout for me.
The winner in most of my comparisons was the Hellcat Pro. Its superior ergonomics, higher magazine capacity, better recoil management, smoother trigger performance, and optics readiness tilted the scales in its favor.
FAQ’s
Is a Hellcat gun better than a Glock?
The Hellcat, specifically when compared to the Glock 43, offers a smaller size, more features, and a higher capacity, making it a strong choice, especially for concealed carry.
Does the Hellcat Pro shoot better than Hellcat?
Yes, the Hellcat Pro typically shoots better than the standard Hellcat, primarily due to its longer sight radius, which usually translates to higher accuracy.
Why is the Glock 48 so popular?
The Glock 48 is popular for its balance of size and reliability, being large enough for serious use and small enough for reasonable concealability.
