Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter

in Pistols, Unboxed at the Gun Counter

Springfield Hellcat SMSc & FDE 9mm

Last fall, Springfield created waves by releasing the world’s highest capacity micro 9mm- the Hellcat. It has since proven its durability and dependability with the 10,000 and recently completed 20,000 round torture tests. The test resulted in zero mechanical failures or malfunctions. The only part replaced was the recoil spring every 2,500 rounds.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
Springfield recently released two new versions of the Hellcat: the SMSc (Left), and FDE (Right).

Its most impressive feature is the 13 + 1 carrying capacity. The OSP version comes optics ready from the factory and weighs just 18 ounces (empty). Springfield was able to achieve such a high round count thanks to their innovative tapered magazine. The magazine is double-stacked near the bottom and tapers towards the top into a single-stack resulting in the high capacity and small footprint.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
The SMSc comes factory mounted, boresighted, and torqued to spec. It’s up to the shooter to make final zero adjustments.

Springfield is now offering the Hellcat with a factory mounted Shield SMSc Micro Red Dot sight, and in a new color, Desert FDE (OSP and regular). The Shield SMSc is a 4 MOA LED red dot with a coated polymer lens for improved shock resistance and clarity. Shield uses a colorless coating to reduce the visible signature. A glass filled polymer housing provides increased strength and rigidity that improves overall durability. The SMSc runs on a single Cr2032 battery that provides a 1-3 year battery life, and has a fast automatic brightness adjustment. Weighing in at just 0.44 ounces with the battery, the SMSc is one of the lightest and smallest red dot sights available.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
The Steel U-Dot sights co-witness with the SMSc.

The Hellcat SMSc comes standard with a soft sided pistol case, factory mounted SMSc red dot, a 13-round and an 11-round magazine, additional flush fitting magazine base plate, optics plate slide cover, and a gun lock. Steel U-Dot rear sights with a tritium front circle dot sight can co-witness with the SMSc and provide visibility for both day and night use. The rear sight has a tactical rack ledge should you need to manipulate the slide one-handed.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
The dual spring captive guide rod helps reduce recoil and muzzle flip.

Springfield uses the highest quality billet steel to machine their slides and finishes them with a Melonite or Cerakote coating for increased durability. The top of the slide has a loaded chamber window for visual confirmation the gun is loaded. Front and rear slide serrations provide ample grip for racking the in any condition. The slide houses a 3” hammer forged barrel, with a 1:10 twist and Melonite finish. A dual captive recoil spring and full-length guide rod help ease the snappy recoil found in micro pistols.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
The adaptive grip texture looks like a custom stippling job and makes an excellent grip surface.

The black polymer frame sports Springfield’s new Adaptive Grip Texture. It resembles a custom stippling job that grips tighter the harder you squeeze. It also features a front support thumb/finger rest with grip texture for added control. The undercut trigger guard and high beavertail make the Hellcat easy to hold and comfortable to grip. One thing missing from the Hellcat is the grip safety found on several other Springfield pistols. There are internal safeties and the trigger has a blade safety.  The trigger is flat faced to promote consistent trigger engagement and control. The trigger bar and internals have been nickel boron coated for an extra smooth pull. A front picatinny rail allows for accessory use and the magazine release is reversible.

Springfield Hellcat SMSc and FDE Unboxed at the Gun Counter
The Hellcat Desert FDE is now available.

The Hellcat SMSc MSRP is $799 and the Hellcat Desert FDE version MSRP is $610 for the standard or $643 for the OSP version. You can find one on GunsAmerica from your local dealer for less.

Buy a Hellcat now on GunsAmerica

Learn more at Springfield: https://www.springfield-armory.com/hellcat-series-handguns/hellcat-3-micro-compact-handguns/

About the author: True Pearce is the Managing Editor at GunsAmerica. He’s a competitive shooter, hunter, instructor & attorney. You can see and follow his adventures on Instagram. @true1911 https://www.instagram.com/true1911/

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  • Michael Bryant December 22, 2020, 6:31 pm

    Where can you get one in Abilene Tx

  • Bill December 18, 2020, 8:42 am

    This seems to be a super pistol, except for the name. As a retired attorney, I would NOT want my client to face a jury on a righteous shooting , to be faced with wanting a “hellcat” for protection! The emotional impact of that name does not say “reasonable” or “rational.”

    It instead supports an emotional endorsement of radical or aggressive behavior to a jury!

    I have to pass on that name!

  • Michael G Barrera December 17, 2020, 3:15 pm

    Why would a Glock fan not like it? MB

  • Michael G Barrera December 17, 2020, 3:13 pm

    Where in San Antonio, Texas would be a good place to look at one? MB

  • Michael G Barrera December 17, 2020, 3:11 pm

    How much is the new Hellcat? MB

  • mrpski December 17, 2020, 2:16 pm

    I snagged a Hellcat soon after they came out when you could not get them with the installed SCmc. They did say either the SCmc or JPoint would fit the plate so I bought the JPoint, as it was about $100 bucks cheaper. There are pros and cons to both but I am fine with the JPoint, and it took just a click or two to get it dialed right in and co-witnessed with the irons. I actually like lasers better than dots on weapons that I carry daily but they both work OK at the distances you might need them to work at.

  • Willie-O December 17, 2020, 12:34 pm

    From great guns to high-end (otherwise known as “allocated”) bourbon. Hell, even video game consoles. Demand is far greater than supply in this country for more things than most people have any clue. Throw in an event like this pandemic and you can add everything from toilet-paper to food to the shortage list. We are so used to immediate availability and instant gratification it’s scary.

  • Jay Smith December 17, 2020, 9:39 am

    Got one ! , FDE OSP . Tried a SwampFox Sentinel , it wouldn’t zero to anywhere near my actual iron sights at full adj. travel ( Returned ) . Love the feel of this pistol , NAtural pointer ( unless you are a “Glock fan” …/smirk )

  • Mike S December 17, 2020, 9:27 am

    These pistols are probably very good, for $700-800, they had best be. But, in a state like Texas, there aren’t any. From the time they come in the back door of a gun dealer, until the time they get sold, is hours. If you weren’t standing there when the gun comes in the business, this is as close you will get.

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