NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pistol

by
posted on December 21, 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. **
In 2019, Springfield Armory came to market with its Hellcat pistol chambered for 9 mm Luger and built by HS Produkt of Croatia. This 18.3-oz. micro-compact pistol measures just 4” tall with a supplied 11-round-capacity flush-fit magazine. Furthermore, the striker-fired, recoil-operated pistol commands an overall length of just 6” while providing a 3” hammer-forged steel barrel. The gun's machined-from-billet steel slide features a black Melonite finish for wear resistance, and serrations to enhance purchase by its user. Adapative grip texturing built into the polymer frame is comprised of pyramid shapes specifically engineered to provide solid purchase without abrasiveness. Springfield's designers specified use of Tritium for its front sight and a white U-notch rear, both of which are secured within machined dovetails. Additionally, the company's Hellcat OSP variant boasts a specialized slide cut-out to host optical sights. To learn more about Springfield Armory’s Hellcat pistol, watch this NRA Gun of the Week hosted by American Rifleman’s Christopher Olsen.

Specifications
:
Manufacturer: HS Produkt (Croatia)
Importer: Springfield Armory
Model: Hellcat
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: steel, machined billet; black Melonite finish
Frame: polymer, black
Barrel: 3”, steel, hammer-forged; black Melonite finish
Magazine: 11-round, flush-fit detachable box
Sights: luminescent yellow front with Tritium, white U-notch rear; steel, dovetailed
Trigger: striker-fired; 6-lb., 5-oz. pull
Width: 1.08” (frame), 0.98” (slide)
Weight: 18.3 ozs.
MSRP: $569, $599 (OSP)

Additional Reading:
Tested: Springfield Armory’s Hellcat
Tested: Springfield Armory 9 mm XD-S Mod.2 Pistol
Tested: Springfield XD-E Pistol
5 Reasons to Own the Springfield 911 Pocket Pistol





    





Extras:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Top 3 Handguns For Concealed Carry


First Look: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .308


NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory 1911 5” TRP 10 mm—RMR


American Rifleman Television: Springfield SOCOM 16 CQB Rifle Review


Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 9 mm Pistol


NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield 911 Pistol

Latest

Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1
Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.