I’m a professional shooter, and today I’m diving into a hands-on comparison of two popular guns: the SIG P938 Vs Springfield Hellcat.
My goal is to figure out which one really stands out when it comes to performance and reliability.
So, if you’re keen to know which of these firearms could be your next go-to, stick around. I’ll be sharing my personal experience, giving you the lowdown on each gun, and maybe we’ll discover together which one takes the crown.
| Feature | SIG P938 | Springfield Hellcat |
| Caliber | 9×19 | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 inches | 3.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.9 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Height | 3.9 inches | 4.0 inches |
| Width | 1.1 inches | 1.08 inches (grip); 0.98 inches (slide) |
| Weight (empty) | 16 ounces | 18.3 ounces |
SIG P938
The SIG P938 is a compact powerhouse, designed for those who appreciate both style and performance in a small package.
Specs
- Caliber: 9×19
- Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 with extended magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Overall Length: 5.9 inches
- Height: 3.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces with an unloaded magazine
- Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
- Trigger: Single Action Only, pull weight of 7.5-8.5 lbs (7 lbs as tested)
Springfield Hellcat
Springfield’s Hellcat OSP is a top contender in the world of recoil-operated autoloaders, bringing a blend of capacity and compactness to the table.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 11 and 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Overall Length: 6.0 inches
- Height: 4.0 inches
- Width: 1.08 inches (grip); 0.98 inches (slide)
- Weight: 18.3 ounces, empty
- Sights: White-outline U-notch rear, blade with tritium dot front
- Trigger: 5.88-lb. pull (as tested)
Features Comparison: SIG P938 VS Springfield Hellcat
1. Accuracy and Shooting Performance
SIG P938
The SIG P938 truly shines in accuracy. On the range at 25 yards, it demonstrated exceptional precision.
With ten rounds fired, eight impressively landed in the 10 and 10X rings. This level of accuracy, especially from a compact firearm, was astounding. The P938 seems to strike the perfect balance between size and sharpshooting capability, making it a formidable option for those seeking precision in a small package.
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat displayed commendable performance with its accuracy. In a similar test, the majority of shots fell within the 8 and 9 rings, and a few hit the 10 ring.
Despite one stray shot, the Hellcat proved itself as a reliable and consistent performer. It might not have the same tight groupings as the P938, but it holds up well, especially for rapid fire situations.
Winner
Compared to the Hellcat, the SIG P938 excels in accuracy. Its remarkable consistency and ability to keep shots tightly grouped near the bullseye, particularly at a 25-yard range, sets it apart.
2. Ergonomics and Handling
SIG P938
Handling the SIG P938 reveals its ergonomic strengths and weaknesses. Its compact frame fits snugly in smaller hands, offering excellent control and maneuverability.
However, shooters with larger hands might find its grip slightly cramped, potentially impacting their shooting experience. This compactness, while great for concealability, does require some compromise in terms of grip and overall handling comfort.
Springfield Hellcat
In contrast, the Springfield Hellcat offers a more universally comfortable ergonomic experience. Its slightly larger frame provides a more substantial grip, making it easier to handle, especially in rapid fire scenarios.
This design accommodates a broader range of hand sizes, which translates to improved control and comfort for a variety of shooters. The Hellcat balances size and ergonomics in a way that’s likely to appeal to a wider audience.
Winner
Compared to the P938, the Springfield Hellcat stands out in ergonomics and handling. Its design, which caters to different hand sizes, provides a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
3. Sight System
SIG P938
The P938 is equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights, which are a major advantage for a compact firearm. These sights offer exceptional visibility in low light conditions, enhancing target acquisition speed and accuracy.
The clarity and brightness of the SIGLITE sights make them especially useful in diverse lighting scenarios, which is a critical feature for a defensive carry weapon.
Springfield Hellcat
The Hellcat, meanwhile, features a white-outline U-notch rear and a blade with a tritium dot front sight. These sights are effective and provide good visibility in various conditions.
While they offer a clear sight picture, they don’t quite match the level of low-light performance and overall clarity provided by the SIGLITE Night Sights on the P938.
Winner
Compared to the Hellcat, the SIG P938’s sight system takes the lead. The SIGLITE Night Sights offer superior visibility in a range of lighting conditions, making them a crucial feature for a
compact carry gun.
Pros & Cons: SIG P938
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
- Compact size makes it highly concealable.
- SIGLITE Night Sights provide excellent low-light visibility.
- Single Action Only trigger ensures a consistent pull.
Cons
- Slightly heavier trigger pull can require adjustment.
Pros & Cons: Springfield Hellcat
Pros
- Lighter trigger pull facilitates quick, responsive shooting.
- Slightly larger frame improves grip and handling.
- Good balance of size and capacity for a compact firearm.
- Tritium front dot sight aids in low-light conditions.
Cons
- The grip texture might be aggressive for some shooters.
Similarities Between SIG P938 & Springfield Hellcat
- Both are chambered in 9mm.
- Each has a barrel length of 3.0 inches.
- Designed for concealed carry with compact frames.
- Equipped with high-quality sights for improved target acquisition.
- Aimed at providing a balance of size, capacity, and performance.
Differences Between SIG P938 & Springfield Hellcat
- P938 is Single Action Only, while Hellcat is a recoil-operated autoloader.
- P938 has a slightly heavier trigger pull compared to the Hellcat.
- SIG P938 offers SIGLITE Night Sights, Hellcat has white-outline U-notch rear sight.
- Hellcat has a marginally wider grip and slide compared to the P938.
- P938 is slightly shorter in overall length and height than the Hellcat.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, after extensive testing and comparison, the winner among these two outstanding firearms is the SIG P938.
While both the SIG P938 and the Springfield Hellcat have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences, the P938’s exceptional accuracy, top-notch SIGLITE Night Sights, and compact design make it the standout choice for those seeking precision and reliability in a small package.
FAQ’s
Is the Sig P938 reliable?
Yes, the Sig P938 is a 100% reliable firearm, just like any Sig Sauer product. However, some shooters have noted that its trigger pull has a substantially long travel before firing.
How good is the Sig P938 shooting?
The small and concealable nature of the P938 necessitates inherent cons. For shooters with large hands, the small frame might take some getting used to. Even with the 7-round magazine’s grip extension, the “little finger” may dangle underneath the pistol.
How accurate is the Springfield Hellcat?
Groups generally averaged between 2 inches and 3 inches with 10 brands of ammo.
What kind of safety does the Springfield Hellcat have?
The Springfield Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) is now available with an optional ambidextrous, low-profile manual thumb safety.
