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Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Review: The Cat Is Out Of The Bag
When Springfield released the original Hellcat, I have to admit, I was not a fan. I found it to be overly snappy and too small for my hands. However, there were some features that I did like about it, so when the Hellcat Pro came around, I figured it was still worth giving a shot.
I’m sure glad that I did because it’s now one that I shoot almost as much as my Glock 19 or M&P M2.0, and I carry it quite often.
A compact and capable setup. The new Holosun SCS Carry pairs wonderfully with the Hellcat Pro.
Today, we’ll review some of the Hellcat Pro’s best features and a couple that fall short, hopefully arming you with enough details to decide if it’s worth adding to your collection.
Regardless of my findings with the Hellcat Pro, I recommend you shoot one for yourself before making a purchase. You need to feel confident in the firearm(s) you choose, and it should not be a decision based solely on other people’s reviews!
Features
Springfield did an excellent job providing us with just the right amount of upgraded features while keeping the price reasonable.
You’ll often see folks replacing the stock iron sights on pistols and stippling the frame for a more aggressive texturing. With the Hellcat Pro, you don’t have to do either of those.
The adaptive grip texture is one of my favorites from any pistol I’ve shot. It’s pressure-activated texturing that features a series of staggered pyramid shapes. The tall pyramids have flat tops to avoid catching clothing, while the shorter pyramids are more pointed to allow your hand to lock on securely. It’s aggressive enough to provide superior control but not so much that it’s bothersome during long training sessions or while carrying.
Texturing is methodically placed throughout the frame.
Up until I got this gun, I was almost strictly a square-notch rear sight fan. I still prefer square-notches, but this U-dot setup really opened my eyes. After training with them, I’ve found them to be just as functional and accurate. The front tritium sight is also a nice touch, making shooting in low-light conditions much easier.
The tritium U-dot sights make for quick and easy target acquisition.
As you’re looking at the sights, you may have noticed the front and rear slide serrations and optic cut. The optic cut is a must these days, as are the front slide serrations, but I will say the serrations are quite shallow, and I wish they were more aggressive. They still get the job done, but I find myself really having to squeeze the slide when racking it or press-checking.
An extra two rounds can be the difference between life and death.
Other features to note are a decent-sized accessory rail, a new and improved 17+1 capacity via recently released extended magazines, and a reversible mag release.
The mag release being reversible makes the gun more friendly for left-handers, but it and the slide stop are pretty close to flush with the frame, making them a tad difficult to manipulate in a hurry. Again, they work fine but leave a bit to be desired, at least in my opinion.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 15 +1, 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.7 Inches |
| Overall Length | 6.6 Inches |
| Weight | 21 Ounces (flush mag), 21.4 Ounces (extended mag) |
Range Report
As nice as upgraded features are to have, if the gun doesn’t shoot well, they are pointless.
The Hellcat Pro has been a very strong performer for me. I’ve put close to 1,400 rounds through it at this point, with only a few malfunctions ever. From cheap 115-grain Blazer Brass FMJs to expensive 124-grain Federal HST JHPs, the Hellcat Pro has happily eaten it all and come back for seconds and thirds.
The Hellcat Pro is an extremely flat-shooting pistol for its size.
The trigger is much better than some of its competitors’ stock offerings (cough, cough, Glock) and offers a smooth pull, a crisp break, and a quick reset. Quick follow-up shots are no problem to keep on target, and within defensive distances, I have no problem maintaining tight groupings that leave me more than confident in carrying it.
Pros & Cons
As always, some pros and cons can be specific to the reviewer, so keep that in mind as you read through these. You may love the controls and dislike the grip texture; who knows?!
Pros
- 17+1 capacity (extended magazine), 15+1 (flush magazine)
- Optics-ready slide with front serrations
- Tactical Rack U-Dot sight setup with tritium front sight
- Adaptive grip texture
- Reliable and accurate
- Accessory rail
- Hammer forged barrel
Cons
- Controls are too close to flush with the frame
- Slide serrations are quite shallow
The extended 17-round magazine not only adds capacity, but improves control.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m thrilled that I gave the Hellcat Pro a chance, and I think you will be too if you do. Especially given the price point, it’s a strong competitor to your typical Glocks and M&Ps. The aftermarket offerings have continued to improve, too, so you don’t have to be worried about the customization aspect of it.
The Hellcat Pro is a good-looking gun, if I do say so myself.
Whether you’re looking for a concealed carry, home defense, or range pistol, the Hellcat Pro is worth checking out for yourself!
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
