Springfield Hellcat Micro Pistol: Small Footprint, Big Firepower

The latest addition to the new micro-compact pistol segment is the Springfield Armory Hellcat, a maximum capacity, concealed carry pistol.

Within the handgun segment, Springfield is best known today for its popular polymer-framed XD-series pistols. Whether you love the XD or hate the XD, the Springfield Hellcat is not an XD. In fact, it's an all-new, from-the-ground-up design. Time will tell, but it may claw its way to the top of this new classification.

Springfield Hellcat Proportions

The new Hellcat boasts a small footprint, measuring 1-inch wide, 6-inches long, and 4-inches tall. The barrel is 3-inches in length and the whole package weighs just 17.9 ounces for the OSP (Optical Sight Pistol, Springfield's nomenclatures for its optic-ready models) version, with an empty flush-fit magazine.

Yes, with the right holster, this pistol disappears under a t-shirt while boasting a class-leading 11+1 9mm capacity. An extended 13+1 magazine is also included to bump up capacity by an additional two rounds.

Two versions of the new Springfield Hellcat are available, one with just iron sights and the OSP version that's milled for the popular Shield RMS-C footprint with co-witnessed iron sights. Our test pistol is the milled version and we mounted Shield’s RMS-C, which nestled deeply within the slide, just the way it should. So deep, in fact, that the bottom of the lens is almost level with the top of the slide.

Hellcat Sights and Features

The low-profile iron sights are visible within the window of the sight and are positioned just above what would be considered lower 1/3 co-witness height. Both models feature the same front sight with a high-vis yellow circle that surrounds a tritium insert and a U-notched rear sight with a white outline… that is easily blacked out with a sharpie.

The iron-sighted version of the pistol features rear serrations that cover the top of the slide, producing more surface area for positive engagement during manipulation. The rear sight has what Springfield refers to a tactical rack design, the rear sight can be used to cycle the slide one-handed against a belt or hard object in the event your support hand becomes disabled.

For those times when a full-sized service pistol is just not feasible, the new Springfield Hellcat just might be the next best thing. It’s very obvious that someone, or someone’s, at Springfield have been paying very close attention to what makes a feature-rich concealed carry pistol that the market has been clamoring for.

More on the Springfield Hellcat:

• For how to do your own Hellcat Trigger Job from Apex, go here.
• Check out our article on the Hellcat in Concealment 16.

HELLCAT FEATURES:

• Adaptive grip texture A custom pressure-activated grip texture is sculpted into the Hellcat’s frame and features a pattern of staggered pyramid shapes. The taller pyramids have a flattened top to ensure comfort in the waistband and minimal wear on clothing. The shorter pyramids come to a point and lock into your hand for a secure hold when the pistol is firmly gripped.
• Hammer forged barrel The three-inch barrel in the Springfield Hellcat is precision hammer forged for superior accuracy.
• Billet machined slide Machined from billet steel and then Melonite treated for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
• Loaded chamber indicator Safely see if there is a round in the chamber
• External extractor Reliably ejects spend casings round after round
• Melonite treated internals The most critical internal parts are Melonite treated for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
• High-Hand extended beavertail Positions your hand closer to the bore axis to control muzzle flip and mitigate recoil.
• Standard accessory rail Customize your EDC with lights and aiming lasers that fit on standard accessory rails.
• Textured Index point An adaptive textured index point is molded into each side of the frame forward of the trigger guard.
• Flat Trigger A flat trigger shoe with a nickel boron coated trigger group creates a smooth, consistent trigger pull.
• Undercut trigger guard The undercut trigger guard creates a more comfortable grip and greater control while firing.
• Reversible magazine release The single-sided magazine release can be reversed for left-handed shooters.
• Magazine configurations Right of out of the box the Springfield Hellcat comes with two magazines. An 11-round with a pinky extension and a 13-round extended magazine. A flush plate is also included to give the pistol as small of a footprint as possible.

Springfield Hellcat Specs

Make Springfield Armory
Model: Hellcat OSP
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3 in., hammer forged
Overall Length: 6 in.
Magazine Capacity: 11 rds. flush, 13 rds. extended
Weight Unloaded: 17.9 oz
MSRP: $600
URL: www.springfield-armory.com

See also: Springfield Armory Updates the XD-M Line

Corey Graff contributed to this article.

For more from Springfield Arms:

• Read more about the XDM Elite Series here.
• Small Footprint, large capacity with the Springfield Hellcat.
• Hellcat meets Apex with a DIY trigger job: step-by-step here.
• Springfield announces the XDM Elite 3.8, read the release here.

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