Hey there, I’m diving into a detailed comparison of two popular handguns: the Springfield Hellcat Pro Vs Glock 43X MOS
As a professional shooter, I’ve had the chance to test these guns out in the field and let me tell you, it’s been quite an experience.
In this article, I’ll share my insights, focusing on the nitty-gritty details that matter to us shooters.
Whether you’re looking for your next EDC or just love to stay informed about the latest in firearms, this piece is for you.
| Feature | Springfield Hellcat Pro | Glock 43X MOS |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 11 + 1 | 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 3.41 inches |
| Overall Length | 6 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Height | 4.12 inches | 5.04 inches |
| Width | 0.88 inches | 1.10 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 18.3 ounces (with flush magazine) | 16.26 ounces (without magazine) |
Overview of Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro is a dynamic entry in the compact firearm arena. This pistol is designed for concealed carry, emphasizing capacity and ergonomics.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight (with flush magazine): 18.3 ounces
- Safeties: Trigger lever, striker-pin block
Overview of Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a contender that’s gained a solid following in the compact firearm community. Known for its reliability and sleek design, the Glock 43X is a top choice for many concealed carriers.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches (about 3.4 inches)
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches
- Width: 1.10 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 18.55 ounces
Features: Springfield Hellcat Pro vs Glock 43X
1. Barrel Length and Handling
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro’s 3-inch barrel contributes significantly to its compact profile, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry without compromising handling.
This shorter barrel length contributes to the gun’s overall balance and maneuverability, making it easy to handle, draw, and re-holster.
During field tests, the Hellcat Pro demonstrated remarkable ease in handling, which is crucial in high-pressure situations. Its compactness allows for quick and efficient target acquisition while maintaining a respectable accuracy level at various distances.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X, featuring a slightly longer 3.41-inch barrel, provides a slight edge in accuracy, particularly at extended ranges.
This additional barrel length aids in achieving a more precise shot placement, which is especially important in situations requiring pinpoint accuracy.
In practice, the extra length makes a noticeable difference in targeting, especially for shooters prioritizing precision over absolute compactness.
Despite its longer barrel, the 43X still maintains a compact frame, striking a balance between being easily concealable and functionally precise.
Winner
Deciding between the Hellcat Pro and the Glock 43X for barrel length and handling depends on individual preferences and shooting styles.
The Glock 43X’s longer barrel offers a tangible advantage in precision shooting, making it the preferred choice for those valuing accuracy over compactness.
However, for those who prioritize a more compact profile for ease of carry and handling, the Hellcat Pro is the superior choice.
2. Weight and Comfort
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro, with a weight of 18.3 ounces when equipped with a flush magazine, showcases its lightness, enhancing the comfort for everyday carry.
This reduced weight, combined with its ergonomic design, makes it notably comfortable to carry, even for extended periods. The lightweight nature of the Hellcat Pro doesn’t compromise its shooting performance. It remains stable and manageable during shooting, a testament to its well-thought-out design.
The comfortable grip and balance make it an ideal choice for various shooting scenarios, including defensive situations and range practice.
Glock 43X
Weighing in at 16.26 ounces without a magazine, the Glock 43X takes lightness to a new level. Its ultra-lightweight design is a significant advantage for all-day carry, reducing fatigue and making it barely noticeable during extended wear.
The 43X’s design also ensures that this reduction in weight doesn’t detract from its operational effectiveness. Users will find the 43X extremely comfortable, whether it’s carried inside the waistband or in a pocket holster.
This comfort extends to shooting experiences, where the gun’s lightness contributes to quick maneuverability and ease of use.
Winner
In terms of weight and comfort, the Glock 43X emerges as the clear winner. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it more comfortable for prolonged carry, a critical factor for everyday concealed carry users.
The 43X provides an excellent balance between lightness and functional performance, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease of carry in their firearm selection.
3. Trigger Mechanism and Shooting Experience
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro features a well-designed trigger mechanism characterized by a mostly flat face trigger with minimal take-up and a clean, crisp break.
This precise trigger mechanism greatly enhances the shooting experience, offering predictability and consistency with each pull. During testing, the Hellcat Pro’s trigger stood out for its smoothness, providing a significant advantage in both defensive and range shooting contexts.
The consistent trigger pull contributes to improved accuracy and control, which is especially important in high-stress scenarios where a reliable and predictable trigger pull can make a significant difference.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X’s trigger mechanism, with its more traditional curved design, presents a slightly different feel with a bit more take-up and a marginally gritty sensation.
This characteristic of Glock triggers, while familiar to many shooters, might require an adjustment period for new users. The trigger reset is definitive and solid, contributing to the overall reliable performance of the firearm.
However, when compared to the Hellcat Pro, the Glock 43X’s trigger feels a bit less refined and smooth, which could be a deciding factor for shooters who place a high emphasis on the quality of the trigger in their shooting experience.
Winner
The Springfield Hellcat Pro is the winner in the trigger mechanism category. Its smoother and more consistent trigger provides a superior shooting experience, especially noticeable in rapid-fire situations where a predictable and reliable trigger pull is essential.
The Hellcat Pro’s trigger mechanism is a standout feature that enhances both accuracy and shooter confidence, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize a refined and dependable trigger in their firearm.
Pros & Cons: Springfield Hellcat Pro
Pros
- Excellent grip texture for enhanced control
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry
- Smooth and consistent trigger pull
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the Glock 43X
- Limited aftermarket options compared to Glock
Pros & Cons: Glock 43X
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, enhancing carry comfort
- Reliable and well-established brand reputation
- Wide range of aftermarket parts available
Cons
- Trigger pull less refined than Hellcat Pro
Similarities Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Glock 43X
- Both are 9mm caliber pistols.
- Similar overall length and height dimensions.
- Striker-fired systems for reliability.
- Both designed for concealed carry purposes.
Differences Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Glock 43X
- Hellcat Pro has a slightly shorter barrel than the Glock 43X.
- Glock 43X is lighter without a magazine compared to Hellcat Pro.
- Hellcat Pro has a more aggressive grip texture.
- Glock 43X has a wider aftermarket support.
- Hellcat Pro’s trigger has less perceived creep compared to the Glock 43X.
- Glock 43X has a smoother grip surface but lacks aggressive texture.
- Hellcat Pro is slightly heavier with a loaded magazine.
- Glock 43X has a longer slide length.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison of the Springfield Hellcat Pro and Glock 43X MOS, it’s clear that both handguns have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences.
My choice, based on the overall evaluation, leans towards the Springfield Hellcat Pro. This preference is rooted not in any specific feature or specification, but rather in the holistic shooting experience it offers.
The Hellcat Pro strikes a remarkable balance between compactness, control, and shooting efficiency, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry and versatile shooting scenarios.
FAQ’s
Is Springfield Hellcat better than GLOCK?
Yes, the Springfield Hellcat has an edge over Glock in terms of standard capacity, offering 11+1 rounds compared to Glock’s 6+1. It also provides higher capacity magazine options.
Is the GLOCK 43X MOS accurate?
Yes, the Glock 43X MOS is known for its accuracy, featuring the match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) from the Gen5 series and an ergonomic design for precise shooting.
Should I buy a 43X or 43X MOS?
If the MOS cut and rail features are important to you, the Glock 43X MOS would be the recommended choice over the standard Glock 43X.
Which is better, GLOCK 43X or Sig P365?
The choice between Glock 43X and Sig P365 depends on your preference for magazine capacity. The Sig P365 allows for higher capacity magazines, offering a potential advantage over the Glock 43X.
What is Glock 43X MOS cut for?
The Glock 43X MOS is cut for specific micro-optics. It has a modular optic system (MOS) allowing for easier mounting of popular optical sights.
