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Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP: Hands-on Review
Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP: Hands-on Review
Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP: Hands-on Review
Ryan Domke Last modified Nov 1st 2024
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Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSPSpringfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSPCheck Price

I’ve had the Hellcat Pro for just shy of two and a half years now, and it has seen A LOT of rounds go through it. I honestly stopped keeping track, but it’s safe to say that I’ve become well acquainted with it.  

Once I heard rumors that the Hellcat Pro Comp would soon be available, I started watching for updates like a hawk. Thankfully, the rumors came true.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP hands on range test
Some quality range time with the Hellcat Pro Comp.

Before we go any further, I’d like to thank Springfield for sending this pistol to review. As always, there were no stipulations or expectations other than providing an honest review.  

Let’s get into the fun part with that out of the way!

How We Tested

Going into this review, I was very confident in the performance I was about to experience, given that I’ve already put so many rounds through my original Hellcat Pro. By the end of the first few magazines with the Pro Comp, my high expectations were met, and I’ve been bringing it to the range each trip since.

Reliability

I haven’t had any dedicated range days for this gun alone, but I’ve been putting several magazines through it each range session. As of last weekend, I’ve put 325 rounds through it and have yet to have a malfunction.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP cci blazer 9mm ammo
Almost every range session includes some Blazer Brass…I wish they would sponsor me already.

I’ve primarily used 115-grain and 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJs through it, but I have also tested it with other loads, such as 115-grain Hornady Critical Defense FTXs and 124-grain Winchester White Box FMJs.

All have sailed smoothly downrange.  

Accuracy

I also brought the standard Hellcat Pro for the first trip out with the Pro Comp. As I alternated between the two, magazine for magazine, I noticed a reduction in muzzle rise, albeit minimal.

Any help from the accuracy department regarding my follow-up shots would be appreciated, though.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP groupings range test
I’ll take that grouping any day.

Sticking primarily to defensive distances between seven and 15 yards, groupings like the one pictured above were easy to achieve. Between the smooth trigger, integral compensator, and my Holosun SCS-Carry, I’m happy with my performance, given my skill set.

Features

Integral Compensator

With this being the star feature of the firearm, it makes sense to start with it.

Springfield released a compensated Hellcat a while ago, but it was a Self-Indexing Compensator that needed a threaded barrel to attach. This new integral compensator design does not require adding parts, as it simply utilizes two ports, one on the top of the slide and the barrel.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP disassembled
Those small ports can make a big difference.

These ports direct gasses upwards, effectively reducing muzzle rise. For many shooters, this helps with faster and more accurate follow-up shots.

Optics-Ready Slide

These days, I believe every pistol should come with an optics-ready slide. Even if you don’t plan to mount an optic, having the ability if you change your mind is ideal.

Springfield went with its very own Springfield Micro footprint, but as you can see, with the right adaptor plates, you can mount many other popular micro red dots.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP optic mount cover plate
Two Hellcats are better than one.

With or without an optic mounted, the slide has a seamless finish thanks to the optic cover plate that comes standard with each pistol. The plate even has serrations, showing the attention to aesthetics.

There are also front and rear serrations. However, I wish they were deeper and more aggressive. That could very well be just my personal preference, though.

Adaptive Grip Texture

If you’ve read many of my other reviews, you’ve likely seen me mention Springfield’s Adaptive Grip Texture before. It’s truly one of my favorite factory grip textures out there.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP grip review
The texturing extends from the magazine base pad to above the mag release.

Using a series of tall pyramids with a flat top and short pyramids that come to a point, you can carry without snagging your clothes but achieve a very secure grip once pressure is applied.

It feels good and looks good, and Springfield made sure to continue it from the magazine base pad to essentially the slide stop lever.

Specifications

Caliber9mm
Capacity17+1, 15+1
Barrel Length3.7 Inches
Overall Length6.6 Inches
Grip Width1 Inch
Height4.8 Inches w/ Flush Mag, 5.3 Inches w/ Extended Mag
Weight21 Ounces w/ Flush Mag, 21.4 Ounces w/ Extended mag

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Great capacity for its size (17+1)
  • Integral compensator mitigates muzzle rise
  • Adaptive Grip Texture
  • Accurate and reliable
  • Optics-ready slide
  • Accessory rail
Cons
  • Controls sit rather flush with the frame/slide
  • Shallow slide serrations

Score Card

Reliability (10/10)  

I still haven’t had a single malfunction.

Ergonomics (8.5/10)

Excellent grip texture, well-balanced, and while the controls are well laid out, they are a bit too flush.

Customization (9/10)

With an optics-ready slide and accessory rail, you can choose from plenty of accessories.

Appearance (8/10)

It looks nicer than a Glock but is simply an all-black pistol with few stand-out aesthetic features.

Value (9/10)

Factoring in the integral compensator, optics-ready slide, and multiple magazines, it delivers a solid bang for the buck.

Accessories

Holosun SCS-Carry

Holosun SCS-CARRY 

There is no hiding the fact that I’m a sucker for my Holosun optics. Yes, there are a ton of others that I run, too, but Holosun’s technology and features are hard to beat.

Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP with holosun scs
It fits like a glove.

While not cheap by any means, you get all of the features you’d come to expect from a high-quality optic, plus solar charging. With multiple reticle options, extremely clear glass, and the automatic brightness adjustment, there isn’t much else to wish for.

It also fits perfectly on the Hellcat Pro Comp with the appropriate adapter plate.

Conclusion

My Hellcat Pro has been a staple in my carry rotation for years, and now the Hellcat Pro Comp will replace it. Offering all of the same great features plus the integral compensator, it just makes sense.

That said, my original Hellcat Pro isn’t going anywhere, as I plan to use it for training. If you don’t have a Hellcat Pro yet, I highly recommend going with the Comp model. It’s a minor $50 or so upcharge, but the increased performance is well worth it.

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.

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