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Springfield Hellcat Pro
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- Design Features
- Build Quality
- Recoil
- Fun Factor
3.7/5Overall Score
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.7"
- Capacity: 15+1
- Weight: 21oz
Pros
- Ammo Capcity
- Optics Ready Model
Cons
- Recoil Impulse
Personally I’ve never been much of a Springfield Armory fan, sure the M1A is nice, but I’ve just never been in love with their products. So when I picked up the Hellcat Pro I wasn’t expecting very much and really didn’t expect to like it.
The Hellcat Pro is in the same category of gun as the Sig P365XL and the Glock 43/Glock 48. Being a Glock fan I didn’t give the Hellcat much attention. But once I picked it up and held all three of those guns side-by-side I knew I had to give it a bit more credit.
In my Springfield Hellcat Pro review I’m gonna dive into the features and controls and give an in-depth opinion on them. If you agree or disagree you are welcome to add your 2¢ to the comment section below.
First, I’ll run down the major differences between the Hellcat and Hellcat Pro.
Springfield Hellcat vs Hellcat Pro
The major difference in the Hellcat and Hellcat Pro are size and magazine capacity. Here are a few of the major differences.
Major Differences
Springfield Hellcat
Major Differences
Grip Size is Smaller than ProIron Sights Only (RDP Available)
3″ Barrel
13+1 Magazine
Springfield Hellcat Pro
Major Differences
Grip Size is Larger than HellcatOptics Cut w/ SMSc Red Dot
3.7″ Barrel
15+1 Magazine
Springfield Hellcat Pro Features
The Hellcat Pro comes with a number of features that the standard Springfield Hellcat model doesn’t. I personally like the larger frame and barrel length of the Hellcat Pro over the Hellcat.
Grip and Ergonomics
One of the first things that stuck out to me about the Hellcat pro is the grip and grip ergonomics.
This gun feels really good in the hand and the grip angle is near perfect for my hands.
The grip texture is abrasive without being too hard on your hand. I have noticed that some compact pistols will try to compensate for recoil by making their grip textures overly aggressive.
This makes shooting the gun far less comfortable and not one I’d take to the range to just have fun with.
Springfield seems to have found that happy medium with the Hellcat Pro, so kudos to them.
Sights
Another thing that immediately grabbed my attention on this pistol are the sights. Right out of the box this gun probably has the best factory sights I’ve seen.
The rear sight is a unique U pattern with a white outline of the U area. The front sight is an night sight center with a yellowish-greenish fiber optic circle around the white center dot.
Sights are largely personal preference and I’ve never had any like this on my pistols but I actually like the iron sights a lot.
Shield SMSc
The Hellcat Pro comes ready for your pistol red dot of choice but I picked mine up paired with the Shield SMSc red dot sight.
First impression of the sight is good seems like a solid optic but like the Trijicon RMR you will have to remove the optic to replace the battery.
It does have a polymer house which I’m not crazy about but I do think it will hold up fine for my use case.
Magazine
Springfield opted for the all metal magazine for the Hellcat series and I do like the overall quality of the magazine.
They funnel nicely into the gun and are marked on the front with the caliber. The rear has the cutout holes that tell you have many rounds are in the magazine.
Springfield Hellcat Pro Controls
Another reason I really like the Hellcat Pro were how easily the controls on this gun were manipulated. Let me dive into them one-by-one.
Magazine Release
I mostly judge magazine releases on how well they drop the magazine free once pressed and how easy they are to reach and press.
On the Hellcat Pro I can easily hit the magazine release without moving my hand from the master grip on the pistol.
This makes changing magazines a breeze and almost second nature. The magazine release button doesn’t stick out far from the pistol but just enough to be easy to press but not in the way.
I don’t harp on magazine releases often but this magazine release was very well done in my opinion.
You won’t accidentally hit it and drop your mag but when it’s time to press it, it’s not difficult to use.
Slide Stop
The Pro’s slide stop isn’t anything revolutionary but it does work. You can even use it to drop the slide on an empty magazine right out of the box.
It’s slim design is okay but it’s nothing to write home about. I personally find it to be functional but nothing special.
Trigger
The trigger on this gun was another big surprise for me. I liked it from the start and I can be very critical of triggers, namely the PSA Dagger trigger.
With this trigger it’s extremely smooth and while it’s not a flat trigger it almost feels like one one you depress the trigger safety.
The take-up is a bit stiff but the wall is clearly defined the break point is a little squishy but the break is clean and crisp. The reset is back to the wall and leaves no take up back to the break.
Aesthetics
When it comes to aesthetics for polymer framed striker fired pistols they do tend to start to all look the same.
Springfield did a good job with the overall look of this gun. The front and rear serrations look nice but nothing ground breaking. The slide has the Springfield logo on the top and overall the pistol looks good.
Range Bag
If you plan to load up and take your Hellcat Pro to the range you’re gonna need a solid range bag.
If you only carry one or two guns to the range the Prime is a perfect option.
If you need to carry two-four guns and some extra gear than look no further than the pistol range bag.
Have tons of guns and gear you need to get to the range? No problem! Grab a Concord and take everything you need with you to the range.
Holsters
Naturally, if you are looking for a gun built for concealed carry, you will want to pick up a holster.
One of the best Hellcat Pro holsters available is the Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator.
These holsters are built for maximum comfort and concealment.
Shooting the Springfield Hellcat Pro
Shooting the Hellcat Pro was a bit surprising. As good as the gun felt in the hand it’s recoil impulse was a bit disappointing.
I think this is largely due to the slim slide and lack of weight in the slide to absorb any of the recoil of the gun.
It doesn’t shoot bad and it doesn’t bite in your hand it’s just surprising how much recoil and muzzle flip there is with such a good feeling gun with extra grip space for your hand.
Springfield Hellcat Pro Ammo
The Hellcat Pro has not been ammo sensitive which is good. So you should be able to shoot nearly any ammo you’d like FMJ, JHP, you name it this gun should spit it out easily.
Springfield Hellcat Pro Final Thoughts
The Hellcat Pro pistol really surprised me in a number of ways. I was not expecting to like this gun but actually holding it and shooting it turn my opinion around about face.
I’m always happy to eat my words on something I was wrong about especially when it’s gun related or something I held a bias against for no other reason than brand name.
I’ve put Springfield down but the Hellcat Pro has started to turn my opinion on Springfield and this is a quality handgun from them.
FAQ’s
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this pistol.
Is Hellcat Pro better than Glock?
That’s extremely subjective to who you ask. I think both the Hellcat Pro and the Glock are reliable firearms whichever you choose you should practice with it and become as comfortable as you can with the pistol.
That will be the true test to which pistol is better the Hellcat Pro or the Glock.
Is the Springfield Hellcat worth the money?
Yes, the Hellcat has done well for me and if it’s in your budget range this is a quality pistol to carry and shoot.
Does the Springfield Hellcat Pro have a safety
No, the Springfield Hellcat Pro has a trigger safety and that is the only external safety on the pistol.
Springfield Hellcat PRO Recoil Impulse is less than the smaller Springfield Hellcat. Being left handed the slide stop is hard to use and should be ambidextrous. If you can find it in the Gear Up package? It’s definitely worth the money.
For the recoil issue folks are kinda complaining about, they make a comp version also. Suppose to cut down 20% on recoil.
I bought this pistol for the sights, hands down best sight ive ever used , The only ding I can give the pistol is it has some sharp edges that needed addressing, minor but important . I have yet to have it not go bang when I pull the trigger, no matter what I loaded it with. That to me is the single biggest feature to beable to pass- it absolutely has to go bang there is no room for failure in a defensive situation.
I love the Hellcat pro handgun. The only issue was the recoil. I ended up buying the DPM recoil reduction system. You can install yourself. It worked so good I bought the comp Hellcat too. I also put this kit on my Glock 48. This system really works.
The Hellcat Pro has TWO safeties,on a trigger safety and an internal striker-blocking safety. I am a retired Fed LEO and have been teaching firearms for 43+years. A Glock Armorer and Instructor since 1989, the Hellcat Pro prompted me to get rid of my last Glock, a G-19. I carry it loaded with Federal 9BPLE ammunition,a 115gr JHP at +P+ pressures. I can replace a firearm—I can’t replace myself or my family. Above all, BE SAFE! Hammer
Great review thank you. I just bought one after reading this review.
I really enjoy your firearms reviews. And especially like the side by side comparison in the Hellcat.