I’m here to share my hands-on experience with two remarkable pistols: the Springfield Hellcat Vs Hellcat Pro.
As someone who spends a lot of time testing and comparing firearms, I’ve had the unique opportunity to take these two models out in the field and put them through their paces.
| Feature | Springfield Hellcat | Springfield Hellcat Pro |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 11 + 1, 13 + 1 | 11 + 1 |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Overall Length | 6 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Height | 4.12 inches | 4.12 inches |
| Width | 0.88 inches | 0.88 inches |
| Weight | 18.3 ounces | 18.3 ounces w/ flush mag |
Overview of Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat is a compact powerhouse that’s taken the shooting world by storm.
Specs
- Cartridge/Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1, 13 + 1 (extended mag)
- Barrel: 3 inches
- Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight (standard): 18.3 ounces
- Safeties: Trigger lever, striker-pin block
Overview of Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat Pro is a sleek extension of the Hellcat legacy, offering enhanced features for the discerning shooter.
Specs
- Cartridge/Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11 + 1
- Barrel: 3 inches
- Length: 6 inches
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight (standard): 18.3 ounces w/ flush mag
- Safeties: Trigger lever, striker-pin block
Features Comparison: Springfield Hellcat VS Springfield Hellcat Pro
1. Size and Concealability
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat excels in the realm of concealability. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for discreet carry.
During my field testing, I found its smaller frame and reduced weight incredibly beneficial for blending seamlessly with various attire, making it almost unnoticeable.
This is crucial for those who prioritize a low profile. The shorter grip provides surprisingly firm control, which is particularly advantageous for shooters with smaller hands, ensuring a secure and comfortable hold during use.
Springfield Hellcat Pro
In contrast, with its marginally larger size, the Hellcat Pro offers a more substantial grip, enhancing the shooting experience.
While conducting field tests, I noted that this increased size slightly impacts its concealability, particularly for individuals with smaller frames.
However, the trade-off is a more comfortable and secure grip, especially noticeable during extended shooting sessions. This feature is a significant advantage for those who value a more substantial feel in the hand and better control over their firearm.
Winner
When it comes to pure concealability, the standard Hellcat emerges as the clear winner. Its smaller size gives it an edge in being more easily concealed and less noticeable, making it ideal for everyday carry, especially for individuals who require a firearm that integrates smoothly into their daily attire and lifestyle.
2. Recoil and Shootability
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat, due to its smaller size, exhibits more noticeable recoil. This aspect was apparent during my testing, particularly when engaging in rapid fire. The shorter barrel and sight radius can present a challenge in maintaining accuracy during quick, successive shots. However, this is not an insurmountable issue.
With adequate practice and familiarity, the Hellcat still offers a satisfactory shooting experience, although it may require more effort from the shooter to master rapid follow-up shots.
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro, on the other hand, provides a noticeably smoother shooting experience. Its reduced recoil is a significant benefit, contributing to a more comfortable and controlled shooting session. This was especially evident during prolonged use at the range.
The longer sight radius plays a crucial role in this, aiding in achieving greater accuracy, which is beneficial for shooters of all skill levels. This attribute makes the Hellcat Pro a more user-friendly option, particularly for those who may be new to shooting or who are sensitive to recoil.
Winner
Regarding recoil management and overall shootability, the Hellcat Pro stands out. Its design factors, such as reduced recoil and a longer sight radius, contribute to a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
These qualities make it particularly suitable for extended shooting sessions and for shooters who place a high value on precision and ease of handling.
3. Ergonomics and Control
Springfield Hellcat
The Hellcat’s ergonomic design is well-suited for a compact firearm. Its grip texture and finger grooves are well thought out, providing a secure and controlled grip.
During my field testing, I found these features to be adequately effective, although the smaller grip size might not be as comfortable for individuals with larger hands. Despite this, the Hellcat still performs admirably in various shooting scenarios, offering a reliable and controlled shooting experience.
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro takes ergonomics to the next level. Its longer grip, which includes an additional finger groove, significantly enhances the overall control and comfort of the firearm.
This was particularly evident in my field tests, where the extra grip length allowed for a fuller hand purchase, translating into better control and a more tailored shooting experience.
Furthermore, the added rail space for accessories offers more customization options, making it a versatile choice for a wider range of shooters.
Winner
In the category of ergonomics and control, the Hellcat Pro clearly excels. Its improved ergonomics, including a longer grip and extra finger groove, cater to a broader range of hand sizes and provide a more comfortable, controlled shooting experience.
These features, along with the added customization options, make the Hellcat Pro an ideal choice for those who value comfort, control, and versatility in their firearm.
4. Accessory Compatibility
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat, despite its compact size, can be equipped with various accessories. However, its smaller rail limits the size and type of attachments like lights or lasers.
During my tests, attaching a standard-sized light resulted in an overhang beyond the barrel, which could be a drawback for some users.
Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Hellcat Pro offers a longer rail, providing more versatility in accessory compatibility. This feature came in handy during my field tests, allowing the attachment of larger lights and lasers without any overhang. It’s a significant advantage for users who rely heavily on accessories for tactical or home defense purposes.
Winner
The Hellcat Pro takes the lead in this category. Its longer rail not only accommodates a wider range of accessories but also maintains a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look compared to the standard Hellcat.
Pros & Cons of Springfield Hellcat
Pros
- Highly concealable
- Lightweight and compact
- Reversible magazine release
Cons
- Higher felt recoil
- Less grip area for larger hands
Pros & Cons of Springfield Hellcat Pro
Pros
- Improved accessory compatibility
- Reduced recoil and better shootability
- Comfortable grip for larger hands
Cons
- Slightly less concealable than the standard Hellcat
- Marginally heavier
Similarities between Springfield Hellcat Vs Hellcat Pro
- Both are chambered in 9mm Luger
- Same overall length (6 inches)
- Same height (4.12 inches)
- Same width (0.88 inches)
- Same weight (18.3 ounces)
- Same safety features: trigger lever, striker-pin block
- Identical sighting systems with tritium front sight
Differences between Springfield Hellcat Vs Hellcat Pro
- Hellcat has a shorter rail compared to the Pro
- Pro offers better recoil management
- Hellcat Pro has a longer grip, accommodating larger hands
- Hellcat is slightly more challenging in rapid follow-up shots
- The pro version offers enhanced accessory compatibility
- Standard Hellcat is more concealable with flush magazine
- Pro model offers a more balanced feel with accessories attached
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Springfield Hellcat and the Hellcat Pro, my verdict is in favor of the Hellcat Pro. This decision doesn’t come lightly, as both firearms have impressive qualities.
However, the Hellcat Pro consistently outperformed in key areas that matter most to me as a shooter. It strikes a fine balance between enhanced features and overall usability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various shooting contexts.
Its superior recoil management, ergonomic design, and accessory compatibility give it an edge over the standard Hellcat, especially for extended use and precision shooting.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Springfield Hellcat and Hellcat Pro?
The primary difference is the Hellcat Pro’s slightly longer length (6.6 inches compared to the Hellcat’s 6 inches), offering a longer sight radius which generally translates to better accuracy.
Is a Hellcat gun better than a Glock?
The Hellcat outperforms the Glock in terms of standard capacity, offering 11+1 rounds compared to the Glock’s 6+1. It also has higher-capacity factory magazine options.
Do Hellcat Pro mags fit Hellcat?
Yes, the Hellcat Pro magazines are backward compatible with the Micro Hellcats, though they will protrude from the grip. The Hellcat Micro 15-round magazines can also fit the Pro when the grip extension is removed.
What is special about the Springfield Hellcat?
The Springfield Hellcat is notable for being the highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world, with a 3-inch barrel, a 1-inch width, and a lightweight design.
