Springfield Armory is ahead of the curve these days and it shows. They are paying attention to what their customers want and providing those sought after features.
The Hellcat series is one to keep an eye on, as the features are perfect for what most of us need for concealed carry pistols. We’ll take a look at those features shortly.
But many folks out there are wondering: Which pistol is better — the Hellcat, or the Hellcat Pro? After all, both are specifically targeted (no pun intended) at the concealed carry market. These aren’t intended as competition or duty pistols.
Trends
People say that the fashion industry is trendy, but it has nothing on the gun industry. A few years ago, the trend was to make pistols as tiny as they could practically be and realistically be carried and fired. And even more so, they had to hold as many rounds as could be stuffed into the magazine while still maintaining their tiny size. Not surprisingly, many manufacturers in the industry delivered!
People were happy with their small, “Micro” pistols, which are usually in 9mm. At least, for a time, they were satisfied. Apparently, though, people began to want a little more. More modularity and more capacity, but they didn’t quite want pistols that were what we now consider to be mid-sized, such as the Glock 19.
Folks discovered that those handy little pistols they begged for tend to be a bit snappy at the range. They’re carried a whole lot and shot very little. But when they are shot, people figured out that they tend to jump around in the hand, which some find to be objectionable.
Pistols that are a little larger, however, are more comfortable to shoot. Consequently, pistols gained some weight and became larger (many of us older folk can identify with weight gain and increased size).
The added size and weight soften the recoil. It also allows more rounds to be carried onboard. And for those who enjoy accessories such as lasers, lights, and dot sights, there’s more room to mount them.
These pistols are falling into a unique, new category. They’re not quite mid-sized pistols, which I mentioned. And they’re certainly not micro-pistols either. Perhaps we could call them micro-pistols on steroids? Either way, we have some incredible choices to carry these days. Whether we choose really small or sort of small, either way we go, we’re sure to win.
Specs – Hellcat Vs. Hellcat Pro
Let’s take a look at the specifications of both pistols and see how they stack up.
- Height: Hellcat Pro – 4.8 inches. Hellcat – 4 inches.
- Length: Hellcat Pro – 6.6 inches. Hellcat – 6 inches.
- Barrel: Hellcat Pro – 3.7 inches. Hellcat – 3 Inches.
- Weight: Hellcat Pro – 21 ounces. Hellcat – 17.9 ounces (with empty magazine).
- Grip: Hellcat Pro – 1 inch. Hellcat – 1 inch.
- Capacity: Hellcat Pro – 15 rounds. Hellcat: 10, 11, 13, 15 rounds.
According to the figures above, these pistols aren’t dramatically different, at least on paper. When we pick them up, however, there are some obvious differences.
The Missions
The Hellcat is obviously geared toward being as small of a concealable pistol while still being controllable and carrying a respectable number of rounds.
The Hellcat Pro, on the other hand, is geared a little less toward being ultra-concealable, and more toward firepower and control — in a concealable (albeit less concealable than the original Hellcat) package. Its 15-round capacity is meant for serious business, and its slightly larger platform is meant to offer controllability while still being very concealable. It was a hard ask, but Springfield Armory seems to have delivered.
Capacity – Magazines
The Hellcat has a number of different magazine capacities: 10, 11, 13, and 15 rounds. That’s quite a selection.
The 10-round magazine is available for states where larger capacities are not allowed. Actually, the Hellcat Pro has this option as well. The Hellcat’s most concealable magazine is the 11-rounder with the option of a flat floor plate or one with a finger rest so the little finger has a place to park (I prefer that one).
The next size up is the 13-round magazine, which happens to be my favorite. There is a grip sleeve that extends the pistol’s grip slightly, and it even has the Adaptive Grip Texture so it perfectly matches the grip of the pistol. It lengthens the grip slightly and gives my hand the perfect grip for the pistol. As Goldilocks would say, it’s not too long, not too short – it’s just right!
Moving right along, we have a 15-round magazine, for more serious engagements. Like the 13-round magazine, it has an extended grip sleeve with a texture to match the pistol’s grip. Naturally, this one is a tad longer than the 13-rounder and actually brings the Hellcat’s grip length to exactly match that of the Hellcat Pro. Of course, the Hellcat’s barrel is still .7 inches shorter than the Pro model.
The Hellcat sure does have options as far as magazine capacity is concerned. The Hellcat Pro does not; it only has a 15-round option (except for 10-rounders for those living behind enemy lines).
Incidentally, a Hellcat Pro 15-round magazine will fit the Hellcat pistol, although they hang out the magazine well. But for emergency reloads, who cares about magazine length? When bullets are flying, the extra capacity is well worth it. All the magazines resemble the rest of the mags that Springfield makes for their XD line of pistols. Heavy gauge stainless still comprises the body of the magazines, with polymer floor plates. They’re very well-made and sturdy, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them.
Which pistol wins? The Hellcat has more options on this one. It can be configured however the user wants, from very concealable to nearly full-sized.
Grips
This is one of the features that won me over on both pistols the moment I picked them up. Springfield put a ton of effort into the execution and ergonomics of these grips, and it shows. First, the size is perfect, being one inch around. They work for both small and large hands, and everything in between.
There are very subtle finger grooves, but they are not obtrusive at all. Honestly, I really like these finger grooves, as they’re just there enough to be mildly noticeable, but not so much as to be obnoxious. And the texture – it’s amazing! Springfield calls it the Adaptive Grip Texture, made up of pyramids. The tall pyramids have flat tops while the shorter ones are pointed. When the shooter grips hard, those pointed pyramids dig into the skin for a super secure grip. I am completely in love with this grip texture.
Magazine wells are slightly beveled to help funnel the magazine in during times of stressful mag changes. Springfield says that both grips are one inch around, but the Hellcat’s grip feels slightly smaller around to me. I’m certain that it’s a tactile illusion, as they’re both equal – but that’s the way it feels to me.
Obviously, the Hellcat’s grip is shorter than that of the Hellcat Pro. I really like that the extended magazines for the Hellcat lengthen the grip a little bit. I seldom find myself in a position where I’m trying to squeeze every tiny bit of concealment out of my pistol, so the shorter Hellcat magazines hold little allure for me.
There is an undercut at the rear of the trigger guard on both pistols, which helps the shooter attain a higher grip. Helping matters even more, the bore axis is low on both pistols.
All in all, these are some of the best grips on the market from any manufacturer. Is the grip on one pistol better than the other? I think a slight edge goes to the Hellcat Pro just because it’s a little longer. However, both are winners and it’s a close call.
Feel/Balance
This is the second factor that helped me fall in love with these pistols immediately. The Hellcat’s balance is excellent. As soon as I picked it up, I wanted to buy it because it felt so great in my hand.
As for the Hellcat Pro, it’s even better. The balance is just perfect. Running pistols that are so well-balanced makes it a lot easier and faster. I can describe the balance here all day long, but until you feel it for yourself, it’s difficult to convey.
Is one better than the other? I think the very (and I do mean very) slight edge goes to the Hellcat Pro. Honestly, though, it’s so close and I like them both a lot.
Controls
The controls on both pistols are perfectly identical in placement. They allow good operation with minimal shifting of the grip when operating the controls.
The magazine release also deserves commendation; it protrudes just enough to by easy to activate, but isn’t prone to launching magazines when not intended. And speaking of launching magazines, they come flying out of the mag well with enthusiasm when the release is pushed. The magazine stop/release is small but protrudes just enough that the thumb can press it down.
In the Controls category, both pistols are a tie.
Trigger
The trigger on both pistols is virtually identical.
Both have a long take-up until they hit the wall. Then there is a gradual, smooth creep until there’s a crisp break. The pull is not light, but the crispness does make it a good trigger pull that I don’t mind at all. One favorable aspect is that the trigger pull requires a very deliberate pull; it’s not likely to contribute to an accidental discharge in a defensive situation. If you pull this trigger, you probably meant to do so. That’s something to take into account, considering what the adrenaline rush does to people.
Drawing
The Hellcat clears leather faster than the Hellcat Pro, given it’s slightly shorter barrel. Yes, it boils down to a fraction of a second, but during a gunfight, that can save a life. Indexing on targets is faster with the Hellcat due to the shorter barrel as well.
In this department, the Hellcat gets the win.
Weight
The Hellcat gets a win in this one as well, given its slightly lighter weight. It’s not much, but when a pistol is tugging your pants toward the earth, ounces add up over the course of a day.
Versatility
The Hellcat can be configured more for concealment, with its shorter barrel and smaller magazine, along with its slightly lighter weight. It can also accept the 10, 11, 13, and 15-round magazines, with the 15-rounders bringing it a little closer to the Hellcat Pro in stature. The Hellcat Pro has no options for changing its configuration; it has a 15-round magazine, and that is that.
For versatility, the win goes to the Hellcat.
Accuracy
I shoot both of these pistols about equally well. With that said, I’ve had the Hellcat longer than the Hellcat Pro. Because of that, my accuracy with the Hellcat Pro is probably going to increase over time. I can hit man-sized targets at 75 yards with the Hellcat, but I haven’t tried the Pro at that range yet. I’m absolutely certain that it will do at least as well as the Hellcat at that range. The Hellcat is definitely snappier at the shooting range. It’s still controllable, but some people might not enjoy shooting it for hours on end.
The Hellcat Pro gets the win here because it can be run faster due to less recoil and it’s more stable.
And The Winner Is…
The Hellcat is more versatile, given its various capacity options.
The Hellcat Pro, with its larger size and more stability, is for more serious work.
Choosing between the two is damned difficult. I find myself carrying the Hellcat Pro quite a bit lately. Every now and then, when I want something a bit smaller, I throw on the Hellcat. Often, when I ride my motorcylce, the Hellcat comes along because its smaller size is less obtrusive.
During the cooler/frigid months, the Hellcat Pro is easier to conceal underneath clothing. During the summer, the Hellcat is more concealable when I’m just wearing a t-shirt.
Readers will hate me for this one, but I’m going to call this one a tie. I can’t make up my mind! I love them both and carry both a lot, so to declare one as being “better” is….well, pretty impossible for me. Tell ya what…get to a gun store, check them both out, and see if I’m telling the truth. Be careful, though – you might end up purchasing both!
