Springfield\u2019s popular Hellcat pistol has become one of the most dominant micro-compact 9mm handguns in its peer group. It\u2019s pint sized, but boasts previously unprecedented capacity and wonderful shootability. The standard Hellcat was only the first step though, and as we\u2019ve seen with other flagship micro-compacts, the engineers at Springfield have shaped and massaged the platform into an even more ideal concealed carry gun. I\u2019ve shot numerous Hellcats and Hellcat Pro pistols, and I didn\u2019t expect the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp to be much different \u2014 I was dead wrong.<\/p>\n
Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP Specs<\/h2>\n\n<\/section>\n\n- Caliber: 9mm<\/li>\n
- Capacity: 15+1 or 17+1<\/li>\n
- Magazine Material: Steel<\/li>\n
- Dimensions: 4.8 inches (H) x 6.6 inches (L) x 1\u00a0 inch (W)<\/li>\n
- Weight: 1 pounds, 4 ounces (weighed with empty 15-round magazine and optic)<\/li>\n
- Frame: Polymer<\/li>\n
- Slide: Steel, black Melonite finish<\/li>\n
- Grip: Fine stipple pattern<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 3.7 inches, Melonite finish, integrated compensator<\/li>\n
- Sights: Tritium front dot, U-notch rear<\/li>\n
- Optic ready: Yes, RMSc footprint (Shield SMSc<\/a> optic used)<\/li>\n
- Trigger: Single-action, 6 pounds, 10 ounces (measured)<\/li>\n
- Safety: Trigger safety bar<\/li>\n
- Price: $600<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Key Features<\/h3>\n\n- Integral slide\/barrel compensator<\/li>\n
- RMSc optic footprint<\/li>\n
- Subtle-but-grippy stipple texture<\/li>\n
- Low-profile controls and slide serrations<\/li>\n
- Accuracy average: 1.809 inches (13 five-shot groups at 15 yards)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Review Highlights<\/h3>\n\n- Dramatically reduced recoil impulse<\/li>\n
- Excellent capacity<\/li>\n
- Retains good concealability<\/li>\n
- Easily co-witnessable iron sights<\/li>\n
- Heavy trigger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What\u2019s the Hellcat, and What Makes the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp Different?<\/h2>\n
The micro-compact 9mm pistol<\/a> market was just beginning to bloom when Springfield introduced the 3-inch-barreled Hellcat in late 2019. To date, the most significant and similar competitor in the space is the Sig P365<\/a>, which was launched the previous year. Like the P365, the Hellcat is a polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol that crams 13 rounds of ammo in its tiny magazine. This was earth-shaking, as pistols of this size typically topped out at 8 rounds of ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\nThis new pistol was reliable, ultra concealable, and had a grip texture that provided secure traction but wasn\u2019t too abrasive. Low-profile controls, front and rear cocking serrations, and good iron sights added to the utility. The only drawback of the design was (and is) in how the recoil impulse is directed back into the shooter\u2019s hand. The Hellcat pistols universally have sharper, snappier recoil than most similarly sized blasters \u2014 though it\u2019s still manageable.<\/p>\nThe Hellcat Pro Threaded (right) compared to the new Hellcat Pro Comp (left). Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEvolution of the Hellcat<\/h3>\n
Following the success of the regular Hellcat, Springfield launched the Hellcat RDP<\/a> in 2020, which was equipped with a Hex Wasp red dot and a threaded muzzle topped with a self-timing compensator. Though the original Hellcats were offered with only iron sights, the OSP (optical sight pistol) models quickly stole the show \u2014 corresponding with a sweeping movement toward using red dots<\/a> on EDC pistols.<\/p>\nIn 2022, we got our look at the , a slightly up-sized model. By using a slightly longer 3.7-inch barrel and longer grip, they created an even more stable platform with higher capacity while maintaining great concealability. The Pro OSP an ultra-slim, subcompact pistol that can hold 15+1 or 17+1 rounds \u2014 the same as classic compact and full-sized pistols like the Glock G19 and G17<\/a>. Sig has done similar with the larger P365 XL and P365 XMacro<\/a> pistols.<\/p>\n![\"Springfield](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3232.jpg?w=2000\")
The Hellcat Pro Comp OSP is a simple and effective concealed-carry gun. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp<\/h3>\n
Latest in the Hellcat family, the Hellcat Pro Comp\u2019s defining feature is an integral compensator. The pistol still sports the 3.7-inch barrel \u2014 though only about 3.2 inches of it is a functional rifled barrel \u2014 with a compensator built into the barrel itself. Initially I rolled my eyes at this development, thinking this would be either a simple barrel porting, or a shorter barrel and half-assed compensator in the front of the slide. A critique I have on some of the integrally compensated Sig P365s is that the slide compensators don\u2019t seem to do much work with 9mm. In fact, while shooting the P365 XMacro and XMacro Tacops<\/a> (compensated and uncompensated) side by side, I couldn\u2019t tell much difference in recoil impulse or muzzle flip.<\/p>\nThe compensator on the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp is different though. It\u2019s a compensator milled directly into the front half inch of the barrel itself. The slide and barrel both have a rectangular port in the top, but on close examination, you\u2019ll see that the rifling terminates at the porting, and a portion of the barrel steel is hogged out of the inside, creating a blast chamber that directs gasses upward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shooting alongside the non-ported Springfield Hellcat Pro with a 4.7-inch threaded barrel, the difference in muzzle flip and reduction of the characteristically sharp recoil impulse was flabbergasting \u2014 particularly with 115- and 124-grain +P loads. While driving the pistol hard and fast, I could keep the red dot on target without ever being blown out of my sight picture by the recoil.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Springfield](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3221.jpg?w=2000\")
The compensator on the Pro Comp is a blast chamber carved out of the barrel itself, directing gasses upward. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStandard Hellcat Pro OSP Features<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re familiar with the Hellcat, most of the features on this new gun are repetitious. Each model typically incorporates one or two defining features that optimize it in some way \u2014 The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp is no different.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aside from the compensator, the optic mounting and compatibility is most significant. I got the model that includes a Shield SMSc, but the RMSc footprint is compatible with a variety of optics. What\u2019s nice about the SMSc and low optic cut is that the standard low-profile factory irons that Springfield fits the guns with are easily co-witnessable through the optic \u2014 something that the larger pistols like the XD-M can\u2019t claim.<\/p>\n
All controls are low profile and won\u2019t snag on holsters or clothing, and they are decidedly right-handed. Though the rotating takedown lever and slide stop lever don\u2019t protrude very far, they aren\u2019t difficult to operate, and the only drawback is that the slide stop lever is a bit sharp on the thumb.<\/p>\n
The original Hellcat used 13-round magazines, the Hellcat Pro Comp comes with one each 15- and 17-round magazine. The 15-round magazine fits flush with the base of the grip, and the 17-rounder is capped with a textured extension that sticks out just below the frame. Even when packing a 17+1 loadout, the Hellcat is still less obtrusive than a regular compact pistol like a Glock G19.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Springfield](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3229.jpg?w=2000\")
The low-profile iron sights are easily co-witnessed through the Shield SMSc optic. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSpringfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP Accuracy<\/h2>\n
The Hellcat Pro Comp made quite an impression with how well it shot in a practical sense. The reduction in recoil impulse and muzzle flip greatly increased control, but initially, it didn\u2019t wow me with accuracy. To test accuracy, the Outdoor Life<\/em> standard protocol is to record 5-shot groups from 15 yards, fired from a standing position with two-hands, braced on a bagged tripod<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\nWhen testing ammo like Hornady\u2019s 115-grain Critical Defense<\/a> and Remington\u2019s 124-grain Golden Sabre<\/a>, which were wonderful from a functional standpoint, I was seeing below-average accuracy. Most pistols of the style will print groups under 2.5 inches with 1.5 inches being quite good. Each group I fired had shots that stretched it to three or four inches \u2014 even with 125-grain Staccato Match ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Springfield](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_3235.jpg?w=2000\")
The Hellcat Pro Comp OSP was fast and effective with 115-grain and 124-grain defensive loads. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA Funky Trigger<\/h3>\n
I had been firing at my normal cadence for the task, but decided to shoot as carefully as I possibly could. I really had to fight the trigger on the Hellcat, but with great care I managed to reduce my average group size to 1.451 inches with the Staccato Match ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The highest hurdle for accuracy with this pistol is its stiff trigger, which has a relatively long and uneven pull. When taking up the trigger, it peaks at nearly 7 pounds, then still has significant backward travel before breaking. Cracking clean shots requires tremendous concentration to slowly press through that additional movement. At my regular pace, I was shanking shots far to the left of where they should have been. While running and gunning, the stiff trigger isn\u2019t isn\u2019t too noticeable, but if you\u2019re trying to break careful, precise shots, the trigger shoe itself is a bit painful.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d like to see a crisper break and a shorter, more tactile reset.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts: The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP is A Great Concealed-Carry Gun<\/h2>\n
Line extensions often aren\u2019t too exciting, but the simple integrated compensator on this new Springfield Hellcat is notable. One of the most important attributes of a concealed-carry gun is its shootability. Can you shoot it accurately under stress and stay on target? That\u2019s quite a bit easier with this iteration of the platform. Along with that leading-edge feature, it brings great concealability, capacity, and ergonomics. Additionally, it\u2019s a well-supported platform with lots of options for holsters<\/a> that will fit your needs. Is the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp the most dramatic gun introduction we\u2019ve seen recently? No. But it\u2019s taken a solid, successful platform and made it even better. That\u2019s worth getting a little excited about.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
- \n
- Caliber: 9mm<\/li>\n
- Capacity: 15+1 or 17+1<\/li>\n
- Magazine Material: Steel<\/li>\n
- Dimensions: 4.8 inches (H) x 6.6 inches (L) x 1\u00a0 inch (W)<\/li>\n
- Weight: 1 pounds, 4 ounces (weighed with empty 15-round magazine and optic)<\/li>\n
- Frame: Polymer<\/li>\n
- Slide: Steel, black Melonite finish<\/li>\n
- Grip: Fine stipple pattern<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 3.7 inches, Melonite finish, integrated compensator<\/li>\n
- Sights: Tritium front dot, U-notch rear<\/li>\n
- Optic ready: Yes, RMSc footprint (Shield SMSc<\/a> optic used)<\/li>\n
- Trigger: Single-action, 6 pounds, 10 ounces (measured)<\/li>\n
- Safety: Trigger safety bar<\/li>\n
- Price: $600<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Key Features<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Integral slide\/barrel compensator<\/li>\n
- RMSc optic footprint<\/li>\n
- Subtle-but-grippy stipple texture<\/li>\n
- Low-profile controls and slide serrations<\/li>\n
- Accuracy average: 1.809 inches (13 five-shot groups at 15 yards)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Review Highlights<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Dramatically reduced recoil impulse<\/li>\n
- Excellent capacity<\/li>\n
- Retains good concealability<\/li>\n
- Easily co-witnessable iron sights<\/li>\n
- Heavy trigger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What\u2019s the Hellcat, and What Makes the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp Different?<\/h2>\n
The micro-compact 9mm pistol<\/a> market was just beginning to bloom when Springfield introduced the 3-inch-barreled Hellcat in late 2019. To date, the most significant and similar competitor in the space is the Sig P365<\/a>, which was launched the previous year. Like the P365, the Hellcat is a polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol that crams 13 rounds of ammo in its tiny magazine. This was earth-shaking, as pistols of this size typically topped out at 8 rounds of ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This new pistol was reliable, ultra concealable, and had a grip texture that provided secure traction but wasn\u2019t too abrasive. Low-profile controls, front and rear cocking serrations, and good iron sights added to the utility. The only drawback of the design was (and is) in how the recoil impulse is directed back into the shooter\u2019s hand. The Hellcat pistols universally have sharper, snappier recoil than most similarly sized blasters \u2014 though it\u2019s still manageable.<\/p>\n
The Hellcat Pro Threaded (right) compared to the new Hellcat Pro Comp (left). Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Evolution of the Hellcat<\/h3>\n
Following the success of the regular Hellcat, Springfield launched the Hellcat RDP<\/a> in 2020, which was equipped with a Hex Wasp red dot and a threaded muzzle topped with a self-timing compensator. Though the original Hellcats were offered with only iron sights, the OSP (optical sight pistol) models quickly stole the show \u2014 corresponding with a sweeping movement toward using red dots<\/a> on EDC pistols.<\/p>\n
In 2022, we got our look at the , a slightly up-sized model. By using a slightly longer 3.7-inch barrel and longer grip, they created an even more stable platform with higher capacity while maintaining great concealability. The Pro OSP an ultra-slim, subcompact pistol that can hold 15+1 or 17+1 rounds \u2014 the same as classic compact and full-sized pistols like the Glock G19 and G17<\/a>. Sig has done similar with the larger P365 XL and P365 XMacro<\/a> pistols.<\/p>\n
The Hellcat Pro Comp OSP is a simple and effective concealed-carry gun. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp<\/h3>\n
Latest in the Hellcat family, the Hellcat Pro Comp\u2019s defining feature is an integral compensator. The pistol still sports the 3.7-inch barrel \u2014 though only about 3.2 inches of it is a functional rifled barrel \u2014 with a compensator built into the barrel itself. Initially I rolled my eyes at this development, thinking this would be either a simple barrel porting, or a shorter barrel and half-assed compensator in the front of the slide. A critique I have on some of the integrally compensated Sig P365s is that the slide compensators don\u2019t seem to do much work with 9mm. In fact, while shooting the P365 XMacro and XMacro Tacops<\/a> (compensated and uncompensated) side by side, I couldn\u2019t tell much difference in recoil impulse or muzzle flip.<\/p>\n
The compensator on the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp is different though. It\u2019s a compensator milled directly into the front half inch of the barrel itself. The slide and barrel both have a rectangular port in the top, but on close examination, you\u2019ll see that the rifling terminates at the porting, and a portion of the barrel steel is hogged out of the inside, creating a blast chamber that directs gasses upward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shooting alongside the non-ported Springfield Hellcat Pro with a 4.7-inch threaded barrel, the difference in muzzle flip and reduction of the characteristically sharp recoil impulse was flabbergasting \u2014 particularly with 115- and 124-grain +P loads. While driving the pistol hard and fast, I could keep the red dot on target without ever being blown out of my sight picture by the recoil.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The compensator on the Pro Comp is a blast chamber carved out of the barrel itself, directing gasses upward. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Standard Hellcat Pro OSP Features<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re familiar with the Hellcat, most of the features on this new gun are repetitious. Each model typically incorporates one or two defining features that optimize it in some way \u2014 The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp is no different.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aside from the compensator, the optic mounting and compatibility is most significant. I got the model that includes a Shield SMSc, but the RMSc footprint is compatible with a variety of optics. What\u2019s nice about the SMSc and low optic cut is that the standard low-profile factory irons that Springfield fits the guns with are easily co-witnessable through the optic \u2014 something that the larger pistols like the XD-M can\u2019t claim.<\/p>\n
All controls are low profile and won\u2019t snag on holsters or clothing, and they are decidedly right-handed. Though the rotating takedown lever and slide stop lever don\u2019t protrude very far, they aren\u2019t difficult to operate, and the only drawback is that the slide stop lever is a bit sharp on the thumb.<\/p>\n
The original Hellcat used 13-round magazines, the Hellcat Pro Comp comes with one each 15- and 17-round magazine. The 15-round magazine fits flush with the base of the grip, and the 17-rounder is capped with a textured extension that sticks out just below the frame. Even when packing a 17+1 loadout, the Hellcat is still less obtrusive than a regular compact pistol like a Glock G19.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The low-profile iron sights are easily co-witnessed through the Shield SMSc optic. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP Accuracy<\/h2>\n
The Hellcat Pro Comp made quite an impression with how well it shot in a practical sense. The reduction in recoil impulse and muzzle flip greatly increased control, but initially, it didn\u2019t wow me with accuracy. To test accuracy, the Outdoor Life<\/em> standard protocol is to record 5-shot groups from 15 yards, fired from a standing position with two-hands, braced on a bagged tripod<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When testing ammo like Hornady\u2019s 115-grain Critical Defense<\/a> and Remington\u2019s 124-grain Golden Sabre<\/a>, which were wonderful from a functional standpoint, I was seeing below-average accuracy. Most pistols of the style will print groups under 2.5 inches with 1.5 inches being quite good. Each group I fired had shots that stretched it to three or four inches \u2014 even with 125-grain Staccato Match ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Hellcat Pro Comp OSP was fast and effective with 115-grain and 124-grain defensive loads. Tyler Freel <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n A Funky Trigger<\/h3>\n
I had been firing at my normal cadence for the task, but decided to shoot as carefully as I possibly could. I really had to fight the trigger on the Hellcat, but with great care I managed to reduce my average group size to 1.451 inches with the Staccato Match ammo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The highest hurdle for accuracy with this pistol is its stiff trigger, which has a relatively long and uneven pull. When taking up the trigger, it peaks at nearly 7 pounds, then still has significant backward travel before breaking. Cracking clean shots requires tremendous concentration to slowly press through that additional movement. At my regular pace, I was shanking shots far to the left of where they should have been. While running and gunning, the stiff trigger isn\u2019t isn\u2019t too noticeable, but if you\u2019re trying to break careful, precise shots, the trigger shoe itself is a bit painful.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d like to see a crisper break and a shorter, more tactile reset.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts: The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP is A Great Concealed-Carry Gun<\/h2>\n
Line extensions often aren\u2019t too exciting, but the simple integrated compensator on this new Springfield Hellcat is notable. One of the most important attributes of a concealed-carry gun is its shootability. Can you shoot it accurately under stress and stay on target? That\u2019s quite a bit easier with this iteration of the platform. Along with that leading-edge feature, it brings great concealability, capacity, and ergonomics. Additionally, it\u2019s a well-supported platform with lots of options for holsters<\/a> that will fit your needs. Is the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp the most dramatic gun introduction we\u2019ve seen recently? No. But it\u2019s taken a solid, successful platform and made it even better. That\u2019s worth getting a little excited about.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n