Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm
Model: HC9319B
Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm
Model: HC9319B
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Springfield Hellcat fits 13 rounds into a frame that weighs 18.3 oz and measures just 1.0" wide. That capacity-to-size ratio was the best in the micro-compact class when it launched in 2019, and it still ties for the highest round count in the category. The tritium front sight with luminescent ring glows without batteries, and the Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight provides a fast acquisition picture.
Made in Croatia, the Hellcat uses a steel slide with Melonite finish, which is more abrasion-resistant than standard black oxide. The 3.0" barrel is the shortest in the micro-compact class, costing about 20-30 fps with 124gr loads compared to 3.2" barrels. The 5.5 lb trigger pull matches most competitors. Two 13-round magazines ship in the box. The base model is not optic-ready, which means mounting a red dot requires buying the Hellcat OSP variant or sending the slide out for machining.
Springfield brought the Hellcat to market just 18 months after the P365, and the two have been the reference points for every micro-compact designed since. The Hellcat still holds the capacity record for a gun under 19 oz at 1.0" width, a combination no competitor has matched in the years since launch.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- 13-round flush capacity is the highest in the micro-compact class, beating the Sig P365 XL (12 flush) and Ruger MAX-9 (12)
- 1.0" width and 18.3 oz weight make it one of the thinnest and lightest high-capacity micro-compacts available
- Base model is not optic-ready. The OSP variant adds this but uses the Springfield Micro footprint, which has fewer compatible optics than the Shield RMSc standard
- 3.0" barrel is the shortest in the micro-compact class, giving up 20-30 fps compared to 3.2" barrels with typical defensive loads
Category Rankings
How the Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm ranks among micro-compact 9mm Luger handguns.
Compatible Ammunition
Find the best prices on compatible 9mm Luger ammunition.
Shop 9mm Luger Ammo →Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 9mm Luger ammunition.
9mm Luger Ballistics →Where to Buy
| DEALER | IN STOCK | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Buds Gun Shop | In Stock |
Alternatives to Consider
Similar micro-compact 9mm Luger handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Ruger MAX-9 9mm
Ruger
|
— |
|
Kimber R7 Mako 9mm
Kimber
|
— |
|
Sig Sauer P365 TacPac 9mm
Sig Sauer
|
— |
|
Taurus GX4 9mm
Taurus
|
— |
|
Canik METE MC9 9mm
Canik
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do early Hellcats have any known issues to watch for?
Early production Hellcats (late 2019 through early 2020) had occasional reports of light primer strikes with certain ammunition brands. Springfield addressed this with an updated striker spring in later production runs. If you buy a used Hellcat from that era, a striker spring replacement is inexpensive and solves the issue. Current production guns do not have this problem.
Can I use Hellcat Pro magazines in the standard Hellcat?
No. The Hellcat Pro uses a longer grip module and its 15-round magazines are physically taller than the standard Hellcat frame accepts. The standard Hellcat takes 11-round and 13-round magazines. The 11-round magazine provides a shorter grip for maximum concealment, while the 13-round is the standard flush fit.
How does the Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight work?
The U-Dot rear sight has a wide U-shaped notch that frames the front tritium dot. The design allows faster target acquisition than traditional square-notch sights because you center the dot in the U rather than aligning three posts. Reviewers note it is particularly effective at close range (3-7 yards) where speed matters more than precision, though some shooters prefer a standard notch for 15-25 yard accuracy work.