Springfield has classed itself with Glock and Sig. We’re not yet sure if this will catch on a holster but we think it is a cool option for better grip! I have no trouble with the slide release as it is. Super high capacity… great job Springfield Armory! That’s right, the slide internals not only look VERY similar to Glock slide internals, they also assembled largely in the same manner. AR-15 solutions in pistol configurations. Slide serrations were a big plus. (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration with a milled slide to accept the smallest, most popular micro The frame is molded from Desert FDE polymer while the coating on the slide is a rugged Cerakote finish for a lifetime of worry-free carry. 1911 which has served for more than a century with members of the U.S. military. I fired 390 shots on steel and decided to shoot one 10-shot group at 10 yards to see what it could do. Whether they be red dots like the Shield RMS or tritium/fiber optic systems like whats on the new Sig p365 SAS. Springfield Armory Hellcat Review – Our Take, Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon, 5 Best AK-47 Rifles Under $800 [Budget AK-47 2020], How to Get a Class 3 Firearms License [2020], Glock 43X Review [2020 + Video] 9mm Single Stack CCW. The Hellcat is an amazing gun, but there are others in its class that are just as good if not better. empty yet features a class-leading capacity of Choose the best weapons, improve their shooting and increase their knowledge on their rights. The ability to quickly locate your front sight is crucial for fast and accurate shot placement. The Range Officer brings the precision of a competition pistol in a simple and straightforward configuration. it IS the gun I’d rather have. Couldn’t find on any of the websites whether it was OK with plus P. Thanks for your reply! The 3"-barreled pistol Most everything else is personal. “However, it still feels like a gun made in Croatia (because it is) in that it feels like a solid “value” gun that has a LOT going for it.”. Its extended magazine bumps up the round count to 13. empty yet features a class-leading capacity of 11 rounds with flush-fitting magazine. We didn’t like it has a smaller capacity compared to the P365 but we did love it accuracy! Optics mount directly to the slide for the smallest possible footprint. While thicker than the XD-S Mod.2 pistol, it is still small enough for most people to easily conceal but offers significantly more ammunition. These suggestions are specific to the Hellcat: At some point, you will need a holster if you’re getting a CCW or any handgun. This 9mm handgun is the highest capacity, micro-compact pistol proving to be the next generation of a defensive/carry handgun. Special texturing. Each Loaded model brings you all the custom features you want — but without a custom shop price tag. First, Springfield Armory introduced the pistol with optics-ready models available. I don’t want a holster that uses only the pants to hold the weight of a firearm. It is really cool to see a manufacturer offer an optic ready version straight from the factory when the pistol is released. The Hellcat uses Springfield Armory’s Adaptive Grip Texture for a secure firing grip and there are index points on both sides of the frame for the trigger finger. It’s better than many other guns, but not as nice as others. A traditional M1A, loaded with all the features you want to take your rifle to the next level. The little pistol is also accurate! Springfield Armory’s brand new pistol, the Hellcat. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. There are many holsters out there that look great but fail on the practical side of why you even need a holster. The trigger. We cut 2 curves (if that makes sense) out the of the 13 round mag spring. This is because I was inadvertently holding the slide release lever down with my thumb. What do we think about the new Springfield Armory Hellcat? Great gun that I easily recommend. Well-suited for comfort, size and convenience. The Hellcat features a high visibility tritium & luminescent front sight paired with a Tactical Well, it’s officially announced: the new firearm is the Springfield Armory Hellcat. Combining the legendary power and accuracy of the M1A with the quick handling and fast sight acquisition of a scout style rifle. Spring tension in the mag is CRAZY strong… this Hellcat is BY FAR the hardest to load..period. Our Custom 1911 pistolsmiths have over 200 combined years of experience and individually hand fit every major component of your firearm. Springfield Hellcat Review – Our Take. More specifically the Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol). My LC9 2 of 7. Now, with the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP and accommodating holster companies like Crucial Concealment, it is becoming much more common. I think Springfield knocked this pistol out of the park. The Standard Issue M1A is a faithful semi-auto recreation of the original M14. The slide release…very hard to activate compared to my other pistols. Obviously, that’s a great start! If you want to start cleaning your gun right away, here is the recommended cleaning kit for the Springfield Hellcat: No votes so far! Before taking the Hellcat to the range, I took it apart to see what was going on inside. The most important thing we can do for our firearm is to keep it clean and maintain it. Also, red-dots are clearly the future of pistol sights. Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to California consumers about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. You can see more by READING HERE. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. Lead Ammunition Lightweight and agile rifle solutions that come packed with enhanced components selected for rugged durability. I have a Hellcat and am mostly pleased. I have larger hands and have a problem with the slide lock, no biggie… The trigger is in my opinion very stiff which makes this gun more difficult to shoot than my other Springfield pistols… I like my xd a lot…, Hellcat.. good and bad. This little baby is so capable and versatile, that it is not a tiny version of the gun I’d rather have…. However, there’s a few things to be aware of. Inspired by the classic 1911, the 911 traces its shootability and comfort to its full-sized counterpart. Forged in the fire of disciplined craftsmanship. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison. Felt great in my hand. EDITORS CHOICE: This is a great holster! The Hellcat® sports an unnaturally accurate hammer forged barrel that makes it an exceptionally straight shooting concealment pistol. extension and a 13-round extended mag. I compared it to my p365 and the Hellcat’s slide release lever is much further back on the pistol and it sits just under my thumb’s knuckle making it almost impossible not to touch (especially on such a small pistol). Proposition 65 became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63-37 percent margin. If you own the Hellcat or are looking to get one, here would be some suggestions I recommend that you get with your gun. Sorry, no products match that criteria. Now, Paul Carlson, owner of Safety Solutions Academy, has taken that same exact pistol (serial # AT234795) and pushed it to 20,000 rounds! I actually wish that they did this for the front serrations, too. Proposition 65 requires California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The loaded chamber indicator on the Hellcat® is readily discernable both visually and by feel. All rights reserved. Yes, it’s a great pistol, but the MSRP is the same as the Sig P365. Hope this is helpful. The first is, keep it basic you don’t need really anything fancy. Upon taking the slide apart, I realized that the Springfield Hellcat is easiest described as a single-action Glock. Available at Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, Euro Optic, Guns.com. Right out of the box the Hellcat comes with two magazines, a patented 11-round mag with pinky Check Amazon Price. Proposition 65 also prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water. Springfield Armory® Provides the following general warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead which is known to California consumers to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. At 35yrds I dumped the mag as fast as I could on a metal IPSec silhouette. The SAINT offers upgraded features where they matter most. The Hellcat is the highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world. R. I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a Glock fanboy, but when I was looking to combine the most compact size with maximum round capacity, the Hellcat was often grabbed before going out the door. Croatia has been known to produce rock-solid firearms, and that is clearly what the author meant. We took the Hellcat to the range and fired 400 rounds and had zero malfunctions. My wife struggles with it, the 19, 17, LC9, M&p, Kimber..is no problem for her. The easiest way for us to summarize the new Hellcat is like this: it’s kinda’ like a single-action Glock, with super high capacity, and effectively the same size as a Sig P365. This model specific, trigger guard mounted, laser sight offers the most powerful red laser legally available, delivering rapid target acquisition when you need it most. Comments like it feels like a Croatian gun is a pretty ugly way to slam the whole new country (1991) which today is still only a short drive from the country Glocks are made in. With support from Federal Ammunition and Action Target, Carlson and a team of shooters proved the Hellcat’s extreme durability and reliability for a pistol of its size. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals. Combines the most popular features of the most premium SAINT in the lineup with the compact shootability of a pistol platform. When we picked up our brass after our shooting session, we noticed yet another similarity to a Glock pistol, the primers had the tell-tale Glock shaped rectangle from the striker hole and even had a similar striker mark (with a bit of primer-drag). Here’s another kudos to Springfield Armory – these sights are great for a CCW pistol. When I was shooting the Hellcat like I would normally shoot a pistol, it failed to lock the slide back on an empty magazine EVERY SINGLE TIME. Sig P365XL Hands-On Review [2021 + Video], 300 PRC Review - Ballistics and Comparisons [2021], FFL eZ CHECK – What it Is / How it Works [2021], Shipping Firearms Guide [2021] How to Ship a Gun. AR-15 solutions in rifle and SBR configurations. I’m curious if you guys that had trouble with the slide release have big hands and fingers? It isn’t every day you get to open up the box of a brand new firearm the hasn’t even reached the market. secure hold when the pistol is firmly gripped. The easiest way for us to summarize the new Hellcat is like this: it’s kinda’ like a single-action Glock, with super high capacity, and effectively the same size as a Sig P365. Ultralight pistol build that offers outstanding mobility and fast-handling characteristics required in close quarters. The definitive source for firearm enthusiasts. Ideal for home protection and personal defense, the SAINT Pistol gives you the performance you expect at an affordable price. Featuring a patented magazine with best in class capacity of 11+1 and 13+1 with included extended magazine, the Hellcat is designed specifically for every day carry with Adaptive Grip Texture™ and high visibility sights. The Hellcat works well and is very accurate compared to similar models including the sig. Battle Proven. The Hellcat is available with an optics-ready cut straight from the factory and the rear slide serrations wrap over the top of the pistol. Yes, I’m blaming the design for my grip. 11 of 13 hits. It holds 11+1 rounds of 9mm with a flush magazine and 13+1 rounds of 9mm with the extended magazine. With the increasing popularity of optics ready carry guns, the Hellcat is also offered in an OSP™ I enjoy using the sticky holster. Recommended micro red dots: JP Enterprises JPoint™ and Shield RMSc. Here’s what we’re going to cover in this review: Springfield armory teased us for a while about their new “class-leading product” with a countdown timer over a picture of a city with the words “It’s a jungle out there.”, Most of the speculation online assumed that it was going to be an option for concealed carry because of the urban setting in the photo and the teaser page was hosted at a site and url including the words “fiercely defend.”. It is the buyer’s responsibility to comply with all rules, restrictions and/or laws determined by your city or state. So we want to help you by giving you at least one more review to see what else might compare. However, in reality, the grip texturing appears to be fairly standard texturing and very similar to the p365. Be the first to rate this post. U-dot sights and Optics ready configuration. The XD-M is the perfect pistol for those looking for large caliber performance in a full size platform. Viridian's E SERIES laser sight is specifically designed for the everyday conceal and carry owner. Very reliable (except for the slide lock back if you hold the pistol like me). The Super Match is the culmination of unsurpassed workmanship and all the best competition-legal features you can pack into a match rifle. Brownells Edge members can pick up the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm Micro Compact for just $470.99 after a coupon code and with FREE shipping while supplies last. This invites an interesting question: is Glock being left in the dust? The review shows it is right up there with and has created a strong top 3 brand. I shot a better group than I typically do with a full-sized pistol. I carry my hellcat every day and I am preparing to purchase some more personal defense ammo. Inspired by the original G.I. Croatia, formerly when it was part of Yugoslavia, bordered Austria. Even though the Hellcat is a micro pistol, Springfield made it with a full sized accessory rail so that common accessories can be mounted. I think this is a great thing – I love it when a design team allows parts to hold each other in place instead of drilling a hole and inserting a roll pin. The new color offers an attractive contrast to the black Melonite® coated hammer-forged barrel and black controls. Developed in conjunction with retired U.S. Army 1st SFOD Delta combat veteran Larry Vickers. The Hellcat proved its mettle previously in a 10,000 round test. The 1911 Ronin combines a legacy of service with the features modern shooters demand. The XD set the new industry standard for comfort, ease of operation, features and performance. Loaded with features from top to bottom, the XD-S Mod.2 is a slim single stack pistol perfect for concealed carry. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. However the slide will NOT lock back on last round. Home / M1A Gear Up WITH ANY NEW M1A™ PURCHASE Receive a FREE Scope Mount and 2 additional magazines with the purchase of any new M1A rifle March 1 – May 31, 2020. The Hellcat is a shooter. We know that some of you are still needing more info and more options. I get it – it’s my fault. The Hellcat is the highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world. However I have short fingers and small hands and is the main reason I love the Hellcat. Even the trigger shoe and some of the trigger springs in the frame look very similar to a Glock setup. Subscribe and turn on notifications to be the first to know when we release new firearms. The Hellcat is just a thin vertical blade so it aggravates your skin. Also, I am giving you some possible options to upgrade your Hellcat 9mm. The XD-E features an exposed hammer, DA/SA trigger and is the most versatile pistol in the XD line. The TRP is based off the custom Professional Model HRT 1911 developed by Springfield Armory for the FBI. So far, we like it! The p365, however, has a slide release lever much further forward and out of the way of my thumb. Featuring a superbly refined trigger, the XD-M Elite represents the pinnacle of performance in modern striker-fired pistols. The Hellcat® has a flat trigger face that promotes consistent trigger engagement and positive control. The Springfield Hellcat uses a standard sized rail so that common accessories can be used. I didn’t like them out of the box, but once I started shooting the Hellcat, I realized how quick and easy it was to keep the giant yellow/green dot on the target. minimal wear on clothing. The 3-inch barreled micro compact pistol excels for concealed carry.It handles +P handgun ammo, featuring a hammer-forged steel barrel and billet-machined slide. This is VERY likely just a personal thing but it bears mentioning. Sets the standard for ergonomic comfort and performance. Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP Optics Ready 9mm Luger 3in FDE Pistol - 13+1 Rounds - Optical sights are changing the profile of the modern carry gun. Also the reset, although audible/tactile is a bit far out for my liking (especially for a single action trigger). Wash hands thoroughly after exposure. Make it a Springfield vs Glock story, but not a country vs country. Its extended magazine bumps up the round count to 13. However, with the same price point as an American made gun that is just a bit nicer, it suffers a bit on the value grade. The 3"-barreled pistol measures a mere 1" wide and weighs just 18.3 oz. Thanks Ryan! In both tactical and traditional forms, the SOCOM 16 will answer your call for a compact tactical rifle without sacrificing power. Springfield Armory 10-Round Hellcat Pistols. Springfield Armory made a very easy to access and actuate slide release lever, A byproduct of that choice is that it is very easy to hold down (for me). I really like the Hellcat. Full-sized accessory rail. The Trigger is nice, but others are better for a single-action. The highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world. red dots on the market. To make the gun comfortable when firing, its backstrap is as wide as the gun is thick to spread recoil over a broader area. pyramid shapes. Other manufacturers are making aftermarket Glock magazines so that Glock can get near the capacity of these new micro pistols. small of a footprint as possible. Required fields are marked *. To help you do this, here is a video on field stripping and cleaning the Sig p365. After years of precision development and engineering combined with intensive collaboration with top engineers, shooters and self-defense experts, Springfield Armory® is proud to introduce the Hellcat — the world’s highest capacity micro compact 9mm. Springfield Armory claimed that they had a unique texture incorporating flattened triangles so that the grip wasn’t too abrasive with shorter triangles that were engaged with a tighter grip. There’s a reason why people ask ‘does it take Glock mags?’ The light rail is a welcome addition, just make sure you can actually find a holster for the Hellcat/light combination before you buy. In this Springfield Armory XD Subcompact pistol review, I take a look at the smallest gun in the company’s Defend Your Legacy Series of handguns. I did have problems with the Kimber micro 9 with my thumb pushing the mag release every time I shot it. Also, even the slightest touch causes it to not hold the slide open. I have several this that I would mention. I had others shoot the pistol as well and it happened to them. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. What we loved: The Hellcat is a high capacity micro pistol that has proven very reliable. This helps and still feeds through the last round with no issues. If there is anything you do not understand, seek advice from someone qualified in safe handling of firearms. Customize your EDC with lights and lasers that fit on a non-proprietary accessory rail. Will use this as a carry rig…something I pray will never be needed. We have no concern recommending this pistol to anyone. The taller pyramids have a flattened top to ensure comfort in the waistband and Keeping up with the maintenance will make it last a lifetime! Get something comfortable and won’t cause you issues when drawing your firearm. I have very large hands so maybe that’s why? Our first hands-on experience with the Hellcat. Not sure how this is a dig at Croatia. Their diagram and description seem great! The gun is a bit snappy (so are all micro pistols) and the trigger isn’t great. To me, it’s hard to say if it is “better,” but it is certainly crisper/shorter travel than a Glock. This all said…. In closer inspection the Glock 19 has a flat area on ..top.. of the release button where your thumb comes to bare. The magazine release of the Hellcat® is easily reversible at the user level. The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It really made a difference. I love my XDm 5.25 Comp (which I use in local 3-gun shoots) and I am looking forward to trying out the Hellcat, as I am in the market for a CC piece. Nice review on the Hellcat. The Hellcat is a bit “snappy,” but, honestly, so is any micro pistol we’ve shot. I would like to see picture of you guys holding the gun to help verify thumb releasing the slide release? For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Second, if you don’t use the optic portion, they’ve carried the slide serrations up and over the top of the slide. One of the main considerations though too needs to be 3rd party support and it’s hard to beat Glock in that department. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Ryan is a former special operations sniper (1/75 Ranger) and current firearms attorney, firearms industry executive, university lecturer, and bestselling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook. Springfield Armory is excited to introduce the HELLCAT! You might already own some of these items, but if you don’t then you should possibly look at grabbing them. Springfield Armory Hellcat Review [2020]: Is It Worth It? However, it still feels like a gun made in Croatia (because it is) in that it feels like a solid “value” gun that has a LOT going for it. But, when you compare it to other single action triggers, it actually feels more like a Glock trigger. I hope this makes sense. Designed specifically for the 9mm cartridge, the EMP features shorter dimensions making it one of the smallest 1911s out there. Exceptional rifles at exceptional prices. Premium American-made bolt action hunting rifles. Your email address will not be published. My Glock and my Springfield are both awesome guns no clear winner either way. The shorter pyramids come to a point and lock in to your hand for a This gun is MUCH better than any XD I have shot. Other cool features include a unique sight picture, a flat trigger profile, reversible mag release and a standard rail (even on a micro pistol). This is a smart move as the future of pistols involves dots of some sort. The National Match M1A is purpose-built for one thing. If your looking to buy test these 2 points. The Glock 43X is a mixture of the Glock 48 and the Glock 43. Your email address will not be published. I like it for one big reason, it evenly distributes the weight of the gun using the belt and pants. Top slide serrations make it easy to rack the Hellcat® in a hurry if life goes truly sideways. Also, if you’re doubting my analogy to this being a VERY Glock-like pistol, take a look at the accessory rail – it looks just like a Glock from the single horizontal groove for mounting to the embedded serial number plate (and its orientation). According to others, the trigger is better than a Glock trigger. Enough said. Springfield Armory made quite a few claims about the Hellcat 9mm, let’s address them each: Wrap over slide serrations. However, when compared to other single action striker-fired firearms, the trigger falls short. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. It fits very comfortable in center of back in pants even when I’m sitting and driving. The Hellcat OSP delivers the same class leading capacity of up to 13+1 while being precisely milled for flush mounting of compact optics. Super high capacity (at least one more round than any other comparably sized pistol). Accuracy. The Hellcat is a stellar firearm, so it’s important to take care of it and keep it operational. Couple things to keep in mind when choosing a holster. Springfield wrapped the rear slide serrations over the top of the slide. Read on to see our review of the new Hellcat pistol by Springfield Armory. What we didn’t love: The price. Also, we didn’t love the slide release lever. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987. Therefore, it’s not a function issue with the Hellcat, but rather a bit of a design issue. Plenty accurate. measures a mere 1" wide and weighs just 18.3 oz. Best Concealed Carry Insurance [2021]: Written by a Lawyer! 11 rounds with flush-fitting magazine. The Hellcat is one hell of a gun. I’m just trying to be a critic and give you everything. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. Please ensure you are up-to-date on all current laws regarding your purchase. Seriously, just look at that striker and tell me that you don’t see a Glock influence. lighting conditions. See our Sig p365 comparison below to see why we think the Hellcat should be at least $100 less expensive. Of course, the parts are unique and the operation is different in that the Hellcat is a true single-action instead of having the striker be partially charged on trigger pull like a Glock. The most iconic battle rifle in American history. We think that Springfield Armory has a winner here. Rack U-Dot™ rear sight for easy target acquisition in all The RO Elite features premium upgrades in the popular 10mm caliber for shooters interested in competition, hunting or personal defense. The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a reliable accurate pistol that would be great as a CCW option and we recommend it without hesitation. I had no problems with the slide lock on my hellcat. Glock was very smart by creating its version of the P365. The Hellcat has been totally reliable. If you like XDs, you’ll either LOVE the Hellcat because it’s so much nicer, or you’ll hate the Hellcat because you don’t know what a good pistol is. We really have no complaints about the recoil – it was really fun to shoot! For safety: before handling a firearm read, understand and follow instructions in the manual provided with firearm. Second, be sure to get one that will fully conceal your firearm. Try adjusting your selection. Editor’s Note: Crucial Concealment has been kind enough to offer The Armory Life readers a 10 percent discount on purchases. Competition is a great thing. That said, I don’t think I would have phrased it that way. The Hellcat quickly gained a wide appeal after its release last year. So, pick one of these up for your Hellcat OSP — I am sure you will like it! Also available in an optics ready OSP™ configuration, the Hellcat gives you The Capacity to Defend. It is a micro 9mm pistol with huge capacity. The World’s Highest Capacity Micro-Compact. However, when I shot the pistol with my thumb very far away (not my normal grip) the slide locked back as it should. The custom pressure activated grip texture on the Hellcat frame features a pattern of staggered We think that Springfield Armory has a winner here. Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Also, if the Glock has reliability figured out (they do), why not learn from them? Hellcat® 3" Micro-Compact OSP™ Handgun, Low Capacity, Hellcat® 3" Micro-Compact Handgun, Low Capacity, Hellcat® 3" Micro-Compact OSP™ Handgun w/ Shield SMSc. This wouldn’t be a problem if the Hellcat wasn’t the same price as these more professional-grade guns. Enter the Springfield Armory Hellcat Micro-Compact Pistol. You risk injury or death by mishandling firearms. Caution Every round is captured on video as the Hellcat topples yet another milestone. by Ryan Cleckner Jan 1, 2021 11 comments 4.2 (90). READ MORE. A flush plate is also included to give the pistol as Premier components for quick-handling, improved accuracy, and performance comparable to custom AR builds costing much more. This is AWESOME and I wish more manufacturers would do this! Sig has dominated the CCW market with their P365 and it’s interesting to see the new Hellcat by Springfield Armory as a challenger. I’m not the greatest group shooter so I’ll take this performance any day – especially out of such a small handgun.