Springfield Hellcat Pro OSP Comp 9mm EDC

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP Comp 9mm entered a crowded market segment: the micro-compact/compact crossover pistol with an aim to bridge the gap between the ultra-concealable micro-compacts and the larger, more comfortable compacts. Designed as an everyday carry (EDC), this Hellcat Pro boasts an increased capacity over its smaller Hellcat sibling while maintaining a relatively slim profile. Springfield Armory has focused on ergonomics, capacity, and optics-ready features with the added benefit of an integrated compensator to make the Hellcat Pro OSP Comp a compelling option for concealed carry enthusiasts.

Overview (the Hell you say…😊)

The Hellcat Pro OSP Comp is a striker-fired, polymer-framed 9mm pistol. It features a 3.7-inch hammer-forged barrel and a slightly longer grip compared to the original Hellcat, allowing for a 15+1 round capacity (or 17+1 with extended magazines). Some key features include:

• Adaptive Grip Texture: Springfield's proprietary grip texture provides a secure hold without being overly aggressive.
• Optics Ready: The slide is cut for a variety of micro red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition.
• Melonite Finish: The slide and barrel are treated with a Melonite finish for corrosion resistance.
• Tactical Rack Rear Sight: The rear sight is designed to allow for one-handed slide racking.
• Reversible Magazine Release: Catered to left and right-handed shooters.
• Picatinny Rail: Allowing for the mounting of lights and lasers.
• Integrated Compensator: The defining feature, designed to reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil.

My 1000-Round Evaluation Gauntlet

For my 1000-round review, I focus on Reliability, Accuracy, Recoil Management and Compensator performance (it is a compensated pistol 😊), Trigger performance, Ergonomics and Durability by pushing a 1000 rounds downrange across multiple range trips using a variety of ammunition types and a series of exercises that are designed (by me) to test the performance of a handgun (read I like to shoot a lot of rounds 😊). 

My Result - Observations from my 1000-round test

Reliability: The Hellcat Pro Comp performed reliably with minimal malfunctions. I ended up with no jams and three mis-fires from ammunition I usually do not have problems with (not reloads), but otherwise functioned flawlessly with brass cased ammunition.

Accuracy: The pistol proved to be accurate, especially with the addition of a red(green!) dot sight. Groups were consistently tight at typical self-defense distances and groupings at 15 to 25 yards, though more spread out were reasonably tight for the distance.

Recoil: Recoil was manageable, but noticeable, especially with +P ammunition. The pistol's lightweight design contributes to the snappiness felt.

Ergonomics: The adaptive grip texture provided a secure hold, even with sweaty hands. The grip size would be comfortable for most one-a-week range shooters, but for me started to feel like it was too small. At around the 400-round mark I added a Hogue grip sleeve that gave me the “extra” that I needed. Something that folks used to carrying larger handguns or with bigger hands mat want to consider.

Trigger: The trigger showed some improvement over the original Hellcat, but still had a slightly spongy feel. However, the reset was positive and consistent from round 1 through 1000 which was a nice surprise 😊.

Durability: The Melonite finish held up quite well to the repeated use, and the internal components showed minimal wear. The optic mounting system remained secure throughout my evaluation.

Compensator Performance: Flash under various lighting conditions was about what I had expected. You will tend to see more flash with a comp pistol such and I was not disappointed. Fouling was of course an issue but not overly excessive for the amount of rounds I put down range at a time and the comp opening on both the slide and the barrel are large enough that they are fairly easy to clean. Compared to other comp pistol this is a plus because Springfield found a nice balance between functionality, maintainability and appearance with this comp design.

My Pros

• Increased Capacity: The 15+1 base capacity is a significant advantage over many micro-compacts, offering more rounds in a still-concealable package. This higher capacity is nice.
• Concealability: While larger than most in this category, the Hellcat Pro remains relatively slim and easy to conceal. Even with the added reflex sight.
• Reduced Muzzle Rise and Recoil: The compensator effectively mitigates muzzle flip, enabling faster follow-up shots and does a nice job of dampening recoil, enhancing comfort and control – with normal loads. 
• Accuracy: The accuracy was better than expected, especially in my rapid-fire drills and held reasonable tight groupings for the distances.
• Optics-Ready: The OSP mount allowed for easy mounting of my micro green dot sight but also allowed for easy use of the very good iron sights the handgun offers as stock.
• Ergonomics (also a Con): The grip texture, overall design and size provide a secure and comfortable hold (for most).
• Reliability: Springfield Armory has a strong reputation for producing reliable firearms and this one continues that tradition.
• Picatinny Rail: The presence of this rail adds a nice feature for versatility – especially if adding a compact light 😊.

My Cons

• Trigger: The trigger, while improved from the original Hellcat, can still feel a bit spongy to  me even with the nice balance of a positive and consistent reset.
• Ergonomics (also a Pro): The grip was comfortable, but after some extended use I added a Hogue pistol grip sleeve to mine for the added comfort and improve grip for my hand size.
• Recoil: While manageable, the recoil can be snappy, especially with +P ammunition, due to the pistol's lightweight design (Note: Springfield does not specifically state that the Hellcat Pro Comp is designed for +P ammunition).
• Increased Noise and Flash: Compensated pistols tend to produce more noise and flash, and this one is no exception.
• Increased Fouling: Compensators can accumulate more fouling and there is no exception here, however it is easier to clean than most compensated handguns that I have used. Nice touch Springfield 😊
• Slightly higher price point: It can be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors in this category and the comp version Hellcat Pro will cost more than the non-comp version.

My Verdict (or My Opinion) and a few Final Recommendation

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP Comp is a high-performance concealed carry pistol that delivers on its promise of reduced recoil and muzzle rise (in my humble opinion).

It's an excellent choice for those who prioritize shootability and control, even if you add a grip sleeve as I did, so if you are looking for a reliable compact 9mm with enhanced recoil management and optics-ready capabilities, the Springfield Hellcat Pro OSP Comp is a strong contender for you to explore but you should consider the potential trade-offs, such a slightly increased length, noise, and maintenance is the form of fouling and before making a purchase.

Mine is a keeper, and in my opinion Springfield delivered so I would encourage anyone interested in buying one for an EDC (or a fun at the range handgun) to go handle one, test fire a few mags and make sure it will fit your individual needs  - especially if you have never used a handgun with an integrated compensator – and to judge for yourself.