Springfield’s Hellcat, launched in 2019, answered a very specific call, to much fanfare. It delivered a solid micro-carry pistol, featuring a capacity up to 13+1 of 9mm. But the new Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro does something else. With a slightly longer barrel and frame, along with a optics-ready design and capacity up to 15+1, the Hellcat Pro attempts to become the ultimate carry gun.
UPDATE: The Springfield Hellcat Pro Now Available with Shield SMSc Optic
From the Editor:
Designed to direct mount most popular micro red dot optics, the Hellcat Pro accommodates the Shield SMSc perfectly. For this reason, Springfield is now offering the Hellcat Pro with the Shield SMSc already installed, in a package deal.
The Shield SMSc is a lightweight, micro-optic that weighs just under a half ounce. This ensures that you are not subject to undo weight on your concealed carry pistol. Featuring a 4 MOA dot, the Shield is powered by a single, included CR2032 battery and boasts years of operation.
In addition, the optic automatically adjusts brightness for seamless operation and battery saving. Also, due to the direct mount capabilities, the SMSc co-witnesses with the Hellcat Pro’s U-Dot sights.
“The Hellcat Pro with Shield SMSc delivers an EDC-ready pistol that provides both impressive performance as well as capacity on par with a full-size handgun, and all in a very compact package,” says Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing. “This is a pistol that shoots like a much larger handgun while still being extremely easy to conceal, yet offering red dot optics capability with the included Shield SMSc.”
The addition of the red dot only adds a couple hundred dollars to the overall price point of the Hellcat Pro. This brings the total MSRP of the Hellcat Pro with Shield SMSc package to $840.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
When you look at the sum of the parts here, Springfield decided to wade into the very competitive waters dominated by the Glock 19s of the carry world. Despite the competitive field, the Hellcat Pro manages to shine. The compact-sized 9mm features a smaller footprint than any other in its class, according to Springfield.
The Hellcat Pro measures a mere 1-inch wide overall. The slim-line grip delivers both contact and control. Meanwhile, extra mass in the slide helps control muzzle flip and felt recoil. A lightweight polymer frame utilizes Springfield’s Adaptive Grip Texture for solid control in any condition.
Carry-Optics-Ready!
The Hellcat Pro also comes optics-ready, keeping with the increasing popularity of carrying with red dot optics. The pistol utilizes an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration, milled for the Springfield Micro footprint. The system works with many of the smallest red dots on the market. It also includes co-witnessing U-Dot sights, ensuring you’re never out of the fighting, featuring high-visibility and tritium front and Tactical Rack rear sight.
The pistol also comes fitted with a Picatinny rail on the dusctcover. It provides ample room for mounting a host of available lights and lasers.
Built to Carry
“The Hellcat Pro delivers full-size performance in a concealable, EDC-ready package with unmatched ergonomics,” says Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing. “This is a pistol that shoots like a much larger handgun while still being extremely easy to conceal, offering you the best of both worlds.”
The new Hellcat Pro (optic not included) retails for $634. It comes with two 15-round magazines. A full review of the pistol will come in a future issue of Ballistic Magazine. But today, our sister site, PersonalDefenseWorld.com, features a full review of the new Hellcat Pro.
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