Springfield Hellcat 9mm Review: A Mixed Bag of Performance and Features

The Springfield Hellcat is a micro-compact pistol that has generated significant buzz in the firearms community due to its impressive specs and features. With its night sights, accessory rail, and compact design, it's no wonder many enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on one. But how does it perform? In this review, we'll delve into the good, the bad, and the mediocre aspects of this pistol.

First impressions were mixed. While the pistol has a comfortable grip and generous beavertail, the recoil was snappier than expected. The trigger had typical take-up and overtravel for a striker-fired handgun, but it wasn't particularly impressive either. The rear sight's tactical ledge is a nice touch, allowing for easy racking of the slide off a table or other surface.

One notable issue we encountered during our review was the failure to lock back on occasion. This happened several times with both the flush-fit and extended magazines. It's unclear whether this is an isolated problem or a design flaw, but it's certainly something that needs attention.

In terms of features, the Hellcat has a lot going for it. The Tritium U Dot night sights are fantastic, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The pistol can also be had with optics ready, making it a versatile option for those who prefer red-dot sight setups. Additionally, the reversible magazine catch and textured polymer receiver are welcome features.

The flush-fit double-stack single-feed magazine holds an impressive eleven rounds, while the extended magazine holds a whopping thirteen rounds. While this may not be the highest capacity on the market, it's still a respectable number for a compact pistol like the Hellcat.

Overall, our experience with the Springfield Hellcat was disappointing. While it has some solid features and specs, its performance fell short in several areas. The failure to lock back and snappy recoil were notable issues that detracted from our overall enjoyment of the pistol. That being said, it's not a bad gun by any means, and those who are looking for a compact 9mm may still find value in the Hellcat. Just be aware of its limitations and consider your needs before making a decision.

Springfield 9mm review