Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Pistol

Published on January 30, 2026
Duration: 2:49

This review of the Springfield Armory Hellcat 380, presented by an expert from NRA Publications, highlights its advantages for shooters seeking reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation compared to its 9mm counterpart. The pistol maintains the same external dimensions but features unique internals and magazine designs. It's noted that the OSP variant is optics-ready for RMSc footprint red dots, and the reduced recoil can potentially enhance shooter speed and accuracy. The review emphasizes practical considerations for concealed carry and shooter accessibility.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 offers reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation than the 9mm version, making it ideal for shooters with less hand strength. It maintains identical external dimensions and its OSP variant is optics-ready for RMSc footprint red dots, potentially improving shooter speed and accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Hellcat 380
  2. 00:18Recoil and Slide Manipulation
  3. 00:55Dimensional Comparison
  4. 01:35Holster Compatibility
  5. 01:57Optics and OSP Features
  6. 02:08Range Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of the Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 over the 9mm version?

The primary advantages of the Hellcat 380 are its significantly reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation, making it more manageable for shooters with less hand strength or those sensitive to recoil. It maintains the same external dimensions as the 9mm model.

Is the Springfield Hellcat 380 OSP version compatible with red dot sights?

Yes, the OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) version of the Hellcat 380 is optics-ready. It features a removable cover plate designed to accommodate most red dot sights that utilize the RMSc footprint.

How does the Hellcat 380 perform on the range compared to the 9mm?

Range testing suggests that due to lower recoil, shooters may find themselves faster and more accurate with the Hellcat 380. Modern .380 ACP ammunition has also narrowed the performance gap with 9mm.

Will my 9mm Hellcat holster fit the Hellcat 380?

Most holsters designed for the 9mm Hellcat will fit the .380 version, especially if they index on the trigger guard. However, it's advisable to check compatibility if your holster relies on indexing the ejection port.

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