As a gun pro, I’m diving into an epic showdown between two popular compact firearms: the Springfield Hellcat Pro Vs Glock 19.
After spending significant time in the field with both, I’m here to break down the details of each. My mission is to arm you with all the details so you can decide which gun might be the winner for your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable everyday carry or something for those weekend range sessions, I’ve put these firearms through the paces.
| Feature | Springfield Hellcat Pro | Glock 19 |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 11 + 1 | 15 + 1 |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 4.02 inches |
| Overall Length | 6 inches | 7.36 inches |
| Height | 4.12 inches | 5.04 inches |
| Width | 0.88 inches | 1.26 inches |
| Weight (w/ mag) | 18.3 ounces | 21.16 ounces |
Overview of Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro is the beefed-up sibling in the Hellcat line, offering more grip and capacity for those seeking a compact but fierce firearm.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight: 18.3 ounces (w/ flush mag)
- Safeties: Trigger lever, striker-pin block
Overview of Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a classic in the compact firearm world, known for its reliability and preferred by many for personal and professional use.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 15 + 1
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Overall Length: 7.36 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches
- Width: 1.26 inches
- Weight: 21.16 ounces
- Safeties: Trigger safety, firing pin safety
Features Comparison: Springfield Hellcat Pro VS Glock 19
1. Ergonomics and Grip
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro stands out with its ergonomically superior design, particularly favorable for those with larger hands. Its grip, less aggressive than the Glock 19, ensures comfort during prolonged use.
The grip’s slight finger grooves enhance the shooter’s hold, providing stability and control. Its slimmer profile feels intuitively more natural in hand, clearly indicating Springfield’s focus on user-centric design.
This ergonomic advantage is significant in accuracy and handling, especially in high-stress situations or extended-range sessions.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, renowned for its reliability, sports a more aggressive grip angle of approximately 22 degrees. This design choice might necessitate wrist adjustments for some shooters, particularly those transitioning from firearms with less aggressive grips.
While the texture of the Glock 19’s grip is efficient for maintaining a solid hold, it may not offer the same comfort level as the Hellcat Pro, especially during long periods of shooting.
The Glock’s grip, though functional, might not cater to the ergonomic needs of all shooters, especially those seeking a more comfortable and less demanding grip experience.
Winner
The Springfield Hellcat Pro wins in this category. Its thoughtful design prioritizes ergonomic comfort without sacrificing grip security.
The less aggressive grip angle and a more hand-friendly design give it a considerable advantage over the Glock 19, making it a more versatile choice for a broader range of shooters.
2. Trigger Quality
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro’s trigger significantly improved over many in its class, including the Glock 19. It provides a smoother action, with a clear, crisp break and a tactile reset that enhances shooting precision and rapid-fire capabilities.
The trigger shoe is almost flush with the trigger guard, adding to the overall comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
This refined trigger mechanism contributes significantly to the Hellcat Pro’s overall shooting performance, offering an enhanced user experience that is both responsive and reliable.
Glock 19
While reliable and functional, the Glock 19’s trigger falls short in finesse compared to the Hellcat Pro. It exhibits a slight mushiness in the take-up phase, and the trigger safety does not fully recess, which could discomfort some shooters.
The trigger, dependable in its performance, lacks the refined feel and smooth action present in the Hellcat Pro. It performs reliably under various conditions but doesn’t deliver the same level of tactile satisfaction and precise control offered by its competitor.
Winner
The Springfield Hellcat Pro emerges as the clear winner in trigger quality. Its superior trigger design, characterized by smoother operation and a more ergonomic trigger shoe, delivers a more satisfying and precise shooting experience compared to the Glock 19.
3. Size and Concealability
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro excels in its compactness and ease of concealment. Its slightly smaller and slimmer profile makes it more concealable than the Glock 19, an essential attribute for concealed carry firearms.
Despite its reduced size, the Hellcat Pro doesn’t compromise on grip comfort or control, striking a remarkable balance between compactness and usability.
This design aspect makes it particularly suitable for concealed carry users who require a firearm that is both discreet and effective.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, although categorized as a compact firearm, is somewhat larger and bulkier than the Hellcat Pro.
This slight increase in size may pose concealment challenges for individuals with smaller frames or those preferring a more discreet carry.
However, its size does not detract significantly from its practicality as a concealed carry weapon. The Glock 19’s reputation and track record in the concealed carry market remain solid, thanks to its reliability and overall performance.
Winner
In the realm of size and concealability, the Springfield Hellcat Pro surpasses the Glock 19. Its design ingeniously combines a smaller, thinner form with efficient grip ergonomics, offering significant advantages for concealed carry without compromising on handling and control.
4. Sight Quality and Visibility
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro comes standard with high-visibility front sights paired with a U-notch rear, which I found exceptional for quick target acquisition.
The bright front sight stands out sharply against varied backgrounds, enhancing focus and accuracy. During my testing, these sights provided a clear sight picture in different lighting conditions, contributing to the Hellcat Pro’s overall shooting experience.
Glock 19
The Glock 19’s sights are more variable. Some models come with standard plastic sights, while others might have metal or night sights.
This inconsistency means you might need an upgrade for optimal performance. In my time with the Glock 19, I noticed the standard sights are serviceable but lack the high visibility and sharp contrast of the Hellcat Pro’s setup, particularly in low-light conditions.
Winner
Compared to the Glock 19, the Springfield Hellcat Pro takes the lead in sight quality and visibility. Its consistent high-definition front sight, combined with the U-notch rear, offers superior visibility and faster target acquisition, making it a more reliable choice in varied shooting scenarios.
Pros & Cons: Springfield Hellcat Pro
Pros
- Superior ergonomics and grip design, especially for larger hands.
- Smooth and refined trigger mechanism with a more tactile reset.
- Compact and slimmer profile, enhancing concealability.
- Metal magazines offer durability.
- High-definition front sights and a U-notch rear for better sighting.
- Less aggressive grip angle for natural aiming and comfort.
Cons
- More in-depth disassembly process for maintenance.
- Limited aftermarket parts availability compared to Glock.
Pros & Cons: Glock 19
Pros
- Proven durability, reliability, and a long history of performance.
- Wide availability of aftermarket parts and accessories.
- Known for its low bore axis, aiding in recoil management.
- Generous magazine capacity options.
- High global recognition and trust among shooters.
Cons
- Slightly bulkier compared to the Hellcat Pro.
Similarities Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Glock 19
- Both are 9mm caliber pistols.
- Striker-fired mechanisms.
- Designed for compact, concealed carry.
- Polymer frame constructions.
- Feature loaded chamber indicators.
- Both are considered highly reliable for personal defense.
- Available in optic-ready versions.
Differences Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Glock 19
- Hellcat Pro has a smoother trigger compared to Glock 19’s functional but less refined trigger.
- Glock 19 offers a wider range of aftermarket parts and customizations.
- Hellcat Pro features a slimmer and more ergonomic grip design.
- Glock 19 has a more aggressive grip angle.
- Hellcat Pro has metal magazines, while Glock 19 uses polymer mags.
- Slight size differences, with the Hellcat Pro being more compact.
- Different sight configurations; Hellcat Pro often has higher-definition sights.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Springfield Hellcat Pro and the Glock 19, it’s time to conclude this epic showdown.
While both guns demonstrated exceptional qualities, making them viable contenders in the compact firearm category, Hellcat Pro emerged as a more fitting choice for my needs.
This choice was based on a holistic evaluation encompassing ergonomics, trigger quality, size, and overall user experience.
FAQ’s
What’s better, the Hellcat or Glock?
The Hellcat edges out the Glock in this comparison, offering higher standard capacity and a range of magazine options for versatility and extended grip.
What gun is better than the Glock 19?
The M&P 2.0 Compact is a strong alternative to the Glock 19, favored by many for its grip angle and natural point of aim.
Which Springfield is comparable to Glock 19?
The Springfield XD9 is a comparable option to the Glock 19, potentially offering better concealability for those prioritizing a compact carry.
Is the Hellcat Pro accurate?
Yes, the Hellcat Pro is notably accurate, meeting and often exceeding personal protection needs.
