Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Springfield Armory entered the micro-compact 9 mm Luger handgun market in 2019 with its Hellcat, which provided a 11+1-round capacity with a flush-fit magazine in an easily carried package. A couple years later, the company upsized the design with the Hellcat Pro. Despite the similarities between the two platforms, the Hellcat Pro offers some intrinsic benefits not found in the original Hellcat. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to learn more about these differences.
"Springfield Armory entered the micro-compact handgun market in a really big way when it introduced the original Hellcat, and it really set the standard for what a go-to micro-compact handgun ought to be," American Rifleman Executive Editor Evan Brune said. "The Hellcat Pro obviously matches a lot of the styling and construction and aesthetics of the original Hellcat, but it is bigger in almost every dimension."
The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro measures 6.6" compared to the original 6" length of the Hellcat. Similarly, the height is 4.8" on the Pro model, with a flush-fit magazine, compared to 4" overall height on the Hellcat. Barrel length is similarly lengthened, with the Hellcat Pro having a 3.7" barrel compared to the 3" barrel on the Hellcat.
"You've got a larger platform compared to the original Hellcat, but when you think about a lot of the popular concealed-carry handguns of past years, this is still a slim, trim ultra-carryable handgun," Brune said. "You've got more meat in the grip area. You've got a little bit more weight, not much, you're talking about only 3 ozs. heavier. You've got a little bit more of a platform to work with."
Despite the larger dimensions, there are benefits that come with the enlarged size and the lengthened slide and barrel.
"You've got an increased sight radius, so if you're running just the straight irons without a Hex Wasp red-dot on top of the slide, you can take advantage of that sight radius for a little bit more control over your group sizes. It's a benefit, in some ways, to be able to carry just a step up in terms of size."
Of course, the Hellcat Pro provides a larger magazine capacity, with 15 rounds on board in a flush-fit magazine compared to the 11 rounds contained in the original Hellcat's flush-fit box.
"If you're looking for a concealed-carry handgun that just has a little bit more capacity to it, while still being easily carried, and you enjoyed the features found in the original Hellcat, the Hellcat Pro is a great option to look at," Brune concluded.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Specifications
Manufacturer: HS Produkt
Importer: Springfield Armory
Action Type: recoil-operated, striker-fired, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Frame: black polymer
Slide: Melonite-finished steel
Barrel: forged; 3.7"
Rifling: six-groove; 1:10" RH twist
Length: 6.6"
Height: 4.8"
Width: 1"
Magazine: 15-round detachable box
Trigger: striker-fired; 5-lb., 4-oz. pull
Sights: tritium dot front, U-notch rear; drift adjustable for windage; optics ready
Weight: 21 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, spare magazine, slide cover plate, carrying case, lock
To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

[@JamesMorton-hf3xb]

Love carrying this on my morning jog. 17 rd in it & 2 15s on the belt is wonderful peace of mind. 😎👍

[@csjrogerson2377]

If you live in an areas where you have to jog with a pistol and 47 rounds, you are in Syria or Ukraine. If not, find a better place to live.

[@ahlexjr10]

@@csjrogerson2377Lol

[@ernestholloway9436]

I hated the 15 round because it didn't fit my hands. Then i got me a 17 round magazines and it fit perfectly.

[@markthe1only511]

@@csjrogerson2377not because it’s dangerous but because we can

[@BIGGSHAUN]

@@markthe1only511Doing something because “you can” doesn’t mean you should

[@Asidebar]

I love my Hellcat Pro. Best grip and sights ever! For me this pistol is perfection.

[@bbmw9029]

They released this video today (5/2/24),but it must be a year or more old. The Hex Wasp is now long discontinued. The do ship it with an optic (from Shield.) And there are now manual safety versions (of both the Hellcat Pro and Amateur.)

[@josephobuck5409]

I’m so glad for this comment once I seen it didn’t have a manual safety. I got a little nervous. I’m about to be a first time carrier so I do wanna manual safety thank you. I will look into it.

[@kelshotss]

@@josephobuck5409just get one and carry with out one in the chamber, the time it takes you to rack the slide would be just about the same if not longer to flip off the safety

[@celticviking577]

I know so many gun store ffls who recommend the G19 as a ccw for almost everyone
despite knowing some who cannot stand the fat thickness of the G19…
The G19 grip is like trying to strangle a 525 lbs Grizzly bear and it prints harder than trying to conceal a desktop stapler longways in a thin pair of Sweatpants…
Especially when you’re a 5 ft 6” dude weighing in at 185 lbs.
The Springfield Hellcat Pro… has entered the chat… and I cannot help but give it a round of applause.

[@terencedorsey6717]

Shut up, you just have small hands

[@DT-ww4gv]

The original is good if you need more concealment. 10/11 round flush fit with a 3" barrel is small.
The pro with 17 round mags is crazy considering how small it still is.

[@giovannirojo28]

Just bought this and shot it for the first time love it

[@Warrior-X]

Best EDC

[@BIG_ASS_MOOSE]

Tired of the same exact concept repackaged and with new advertising. The people want a laser blaster it's 2024 after all...

[@jeffreylocke8808]

A good improvement in my opinion.