Preview: Springfield Armory Hellcat Micro-Compact 9mm

by
posted on September 26, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
springfieldhellcat1.jpg

The popularity of Defensive Pistol matches keeps growing, and now Springfield Armory has a new micro-compact model that should prove to be a wise choice for Defensive Pistol games—the Hellcat 9mm pistol. The new Hellcat boasts best-in-class capacity of 11+1, which is upped to 13+1 with the included 13-round extended magazine. This carry gun also comes in an optics-ready configuration dubbed the Hellcat OSP (see it pictured at the top of this article). OSP stands for "Optic Sight Pistol."

The Hellcat features a 3-inch hammer-forged barrel, reversible magazine release lever and a flat trigger body. There is a trigger-lever safety, but unlike Springfield's striker-fired XD line, the Hellcat does not have a grip safety. The trigger group is nickel boron coated. The slide is billet machined with a melonite finish. Additionally, there are top slide serrations that are located on the rear part of the slide. These serrations should make slide manipulation slightly easier with the additional surface for grasping.

Springfield Hellcat 9mm micro-compact magazines
The Hellcat comes with two magazines that allow three possible configurations. The 11-round mag can be used with the flush plate for a smaller footprint, or with the included pinky extension. The 13-round extended magazine’s bigger footprint includes more area for the adaptive grip texture.


The standard Hellcat weighs 1 pound, 2.3 ounces. Add another 0.3 ounces with the 13-round extended magazine. Height is 4 inches with the standard magazine, and 4.5 inches with the extended one. Length is 6 inches.

The base model Springfield Armory Hellcat (Model No. HC9319B) retails for $569, while the OSP optic-ready model is $30 more (Model No. HC931BOSP). For more details on the new Hellcat, visit the Springfield Armory website at springfield-armory.com. And, be on the lookout for a future review of this new 9mm micro-compact pistol for Defensive Pistol competitive shooters.


Read more about the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm micro-compact pistol:

Latest

Uspsascoringoverlays 1
Uspsascoringoverlays 1

Vintage USPSA Scoring Overlays Reveal A Forgotten Rule

These vintage USPSA/NROI scoring overlays lack a .40-cal. gauge and feature mysterious “eyebrow” markings tied to a long-retired scoring rule.

Wilson Combat Marks 250 Years of American Independence with Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat’s America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series celebrates the Semiquincentennial with commemorative engraving, including 25 pistols hand-engraved by Wayne D’Angelo.

Review: SIG Sauer P211-GTO

USPSA’s Jake Martens reviews the SIG Sauer P211-GTO, a compensated, optics-ready double-stack 1911 that feeds from P320 magazines.

2026 NRA National Pistol Championship Underway at Cardinal Center

Competition is in full swing at the 2026 NRA Pistol Nationals in Marengo, Ohio, with Jon Shue chasing a fourth consecutive title.

Dead Air Launches Limited-Edition Sandman X Suppressors Honoring Night Stalkers, 5th Special Forces Group

Dead Air’s limited-edition Sandman X suppressors honor the Night Stalkers and 5th Special Forces Group while supporting veteran organizations.

New: Federal Fit Firearm Covers

Federal’s newest Fit firearm covers are built for the moments between the shots.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.