I’m diving deep into comparing two impressive firearms: the Springfield Hellcat Pro Vs Taurus GX4 Carry.
You know, picking the right gun can be a challenge with so many options out there. I took these two out in the field for a thorough test drive.
I wanted to see which one truly stands out. My aim here is to give you the lowdown on each – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
| Feature | Springfield Hellcat Pro | Taurus GX4 Carry |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 11 + 1 rounds | 11 + 1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 3.06 inches |
| Overall Length | 6 inches | 6.05 inches |
| Height | 4.12 inches | 4.40 inches |
| Width | 0.88 inches | 1.08 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 18.3 ounces | 18.50 ounces |
Springfield Hellcat Pro
Imagine a gun that combines power and portability seamlessly. That’s the Springfield Hellcat Pro for you. It’s a firearm that’s made quite the buzz in the shooting community and for good reasons.
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: 18.3 ounces (with flush magazine)
- Safeties: Trigger lever and striker-pin block
Taurus GX4 Carry
Now, let’s shift gears to the Taurus GX4 Carry. This is a newcomer that’s quickly gaining a reputation as a reliable concealed carry option.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.06 inches
- Overall Length: 6.05 inches
- Height: 4.40 inches
- Width: 1.08 inches
- Weight: 18.50 ounces (unloaded)
Features Comparison: Springfield Hellcat Pro vs. Taurus GX4 Carry
1. Trigger Quality
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro’s trigger offers a nuanced shooting experience. It features a slightly longer take-up, accompanied by a noticeable grittiness in the pull, leading to a softer, more gradual trigger response.
This unique characteristic might appeal to shooters who favor a smoother, progressive trigger action, which is especially beneficial in scenarios requiring controlled, deliberate shots.
While not as crisp as the Taurus GX4 Carry, it provides a distinctive feel that some shooters might prefer, particularly in precision-focused shooting.
Taurus GX4 Carry
In contrast, the Taurus GX4 Carry’s trigger is a masterpiece of engineering, offering an exceptionally crisp and responsive shooting experience.
It boasts minimal pull with virtually no perceptible take-up or grit. The break is remarkably clean, and the reset is impressively short and sharp.
This superior trigger responsiveness significantly enhances shooting accuracy and speed, making it ideal for rapid-fire scenarios and quick target reacquisition. Its exceptional trigger quality stands out, particularly in situations where a fast, precise response is crucial.
Winner
When evaluating trigger quality, the Taurus GX4 Carry emerges as the clear winner over the Springfield Hellcat Pro. Its unparalleled crispness and remarkably short reset provide a highly responsive and satisfying shooting experience.
This superior trigger performance is a significant advantage in both target shooting and real-world self-defense scenarios, where quick and accurate shot placement is critical.
The GX4 Carry’s trigger enhances shooter confidence and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize trigger responsiveness in their shooting experience.
2. Grip and Ergonomics
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro offers a grip that’s designed with concealed carry in mind. Its slimmer profile may be more comfortable and less obtrusive for daily carry, particularly for individuals with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact grip.
While this slim design is advantageous for stealth and ease of concealment, it may sacrifice some ergonomic benefits, particularly during prolonged shooting sessions.
The grip texture and contours are adequate but may not offer the same level of control and comfort as more ergonomically focused designs.
Taurus GX4 Carry
The Taurus GX4 Carry, however, excels in the realm of grip and ergonomics. It features an interchangeable backstrap system, which allows shooters to customize the grip to fit different hand sizes, enhancing the overall handling experience.
The grip design includes a strategically placed contour for the middle finger, greatly reducing hand fatigue and improving control during recoil.
This ergonomic focus provides a significant advantage in shooting comfort, particularly during extended use, and contributes to better control and accuracy.
Winner
In the category of grip and ergonomics, the Taurus GX4 Carry stands out as the superior choice compared to the Springfield Hellcat Pro. Its customizable backstrap and thoughtfully designed grip contours offer a more tailored and comfortable shooting experience.
This ergonomic superiority is especially noticeable in prolonged shooting scenarios where comfort and control are paramount.
The GX4 Carry’s design not only enhances shooter comfort but also contributes to better control and accuracy, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of shooters.
3. Sights
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro comes equipped with superior sights that significantly enhance target acquisition. It features a U-shaped rear sight coupled with a tritium front night sight, providing an excellent sight picture in various lighting conditions.
This setup is particularly advantageous in low-light scenarios, where the tritium front sight shines quite literally.
The enhanced visibility offered by these sights is a major benefit, aiding in quick and accurate target engagement in both daylight and darker environments.
Taurus GX4 Carry
The Taurus GX4 Carry, in comparison, is equipped with a more basic sight configuration. It includes a standard blocked-out rear sight and a front white dot sight, which are functional but less sophisticated than the Hellcat Pro’s setup.
However, the GX4 Carry’s sights are easily upgraded, offering flexibility for shooters who wish to customize their sight system. The ability to switch to higher-end sights, such as those used on Glock models, adds a layer of adaptability, catering to various shooting preferences.
Winner
In the sights category, the Springfield Hellcat Pro takes the lead over the Taurus GX4 Carry. Its tritium front night sight, paired with the U-shaped rear sight, offers a clear advantage in terms of visibility and ease of target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.
This superior sighting system makes the Hellcat Pro a more versatile choice for a range of shooting environments, from bright daylight to dimly lit situations.
The enhanced sight picture provided by the Hellcat Pro is a significant factor in its favor.
Pros & Cons of Springfield Hellcat Pro
Pros
- Superior sights with U-shaped rear and tritium front night sight for better low-light performance.
- Slimmer grip, potentially more comfortable for concealed carry.
- Good overall build quality.
Cons
- The trigger has a longer take-up and a bit of grit, but it is not as crisp as the Taurus GX4.
Pros & Cons of Taurus GX4 Carry
Pros
- Excellent trigger quality with minimal pull, no grit, and a crisp break.
- Interchangeable backstrap and ergonomic design for better hand fit and comfort.
- Good value for money, offering high-end features at a lower price point.
Cons
- Basic sight setup, although upgradable, is less advanced out of the box compared to the Hellcat Pro.
Similarities Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Taurus GX4 Carry
- Both are 9mm Luger caliber.
- They have similar overall sizes, making them both suitable for concealed carry.
- Both guns have a high-quality build and finish.
- Red dot is capable of offering modern sighting options.
Differences Between Springfield Hellcat Pro & Taurus GX4 Carry
- Hellcat Pro has a slimmer grip, while GX4 Carry offers an interchangeable backstrap.
- Hellcat Pro features better out-of-the-box sights with tritium front night sight.
- GX4 Carry has a crisper and shorter trigger pull and reset.
- Hellcat Pro is slightly lighter in weight.
- The magazine release on the GX4 Carry is more ergonomically designed.
- Hellcat Pro is designed more for stealth in concealed carry, whereas GX4 Carry focuses on ergonomic comfort.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Springfield Hellcat Pro and the Taurus GX4 Carry, my conclusion is drawn not just from their specs, but from the real-world feel and performance of each gun.
Both are formidable in their own right, but one edged out slightly ahead in most of my comparisons. This choice reflects a blend of practicality, comfort, and overall shooting experience.
While both guns showed exemplary performance, my preference leans towards the Taurus GX4 that felt more intuitive and reliable in various shooting scenarios.
FAQ’s
Is the Hellcat Pro a good weapon?
Yes, the Hellcat Pro is more than adequate for personal protection, offering a great combination of ergonomics, a decent trigger, and excellent sights.
Can the Taurus GX4 Carry sights be upgraded?
Yes, the GX4 Carry’s sights are upgradable, allowing customisation with higher-end sights for various shooting preferences.
Which gun has a better grip for extended shooting?
The Taurus GX4 Carry has a better grip for extended shooting due to its ergonomic design and interchangeable backstrap.
