2023's Best Carry Gun: Springfield Hellcat Pro

With over 25 years of carrying a handgun daily, JJ's opinion of the ultimate carry gun evolve with the guns themselves. Currently the "subcompact doublestack" class of handguns that are less than 1 inch wide, weigh around 20 ounces and hold 13-15 rounds dominate, and for good reason. There are many and most of them are excellent. But to JJ's hand, one stands slightly above the rest, and that's Springfield's Hellcat Pro. It represents the pinnacle of handgun carry technology at this moment in history.

[@luckylandy2945]

Funny how folks say this gun is snappy, and you shot this thing flat af..... I just watched a woman review this gun and she shot it flat af.... this really makes me love my Hellcat Pro....

[@michaelbrohl1625]

It's a very subjective thing. I tried one at the range and found it very snappy and recoil was less comfortable than other pistols in this class. For me this pistol is a hard pass. But that's just me.

[@ericg649]

I fell for the “gotta be tiny so you can conceal” so I bought the Hellcat micro. Even though I could shoot it well, I couldn’t consistently draw it under time. So I bought the Glock 19 gen 5. Shoots great, draws great but just a smidge bulky for aiwb carry. Then I found the Pro!!! Same capacity and draw ability as the G19 but fits just right!!! Love this pistol!

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

agree 100 percent!

[@skylinefootball]

You realize you can put a 15 round or 17 on the micro, right?

[@ericg649]

@@skylinefootball I do but I don’t like the weight above v length below the belt line.

[@amoswhitwam2691]

Shooting it a lot will break in the trigger. But replacing the trigger with Apex or M*Carbo will help a lot with making it more crisp. Combine any trigger with the Ti M*Carbo striker, will help a lot too. Goal isn't a lighter trigger but an even more controlled and shootable one. Combos start in that 4.5-5lb range plus crisper. And local gunsmith can drop them quick and easy.

[@dcssteve1944]

A great carry gun, great grip, capacity. After an M*Carbo striker and trigger upgrade it is even more fantastic. Did not like the 7 pound trigger pull and long reset. Now better reset, and 4.5 pound trigger, and smoother. Amazing 15 rounds in a gun this small. Shoots great, very accurate. 3.7" barrel is a great compromise.

[@williamwoodard2276]

I love my hellcat pro, its light and easy to carry.

[@johnlacasse8893]

As 9 mm pistols go, my personal order is Shield Plus, then Hellcat Pro tied with SIG X-macro... Smith and Wesson is just lighter recoiling than the other two and I shoot it a bit more accurately. Hellcat Pro is very close thought and feels best in the hand... SIG gets in with that 17 rd capacity... although, Springfield Armory just introduced 17 rd mags for the Pro, so they may eliminate SIG from my grouping.

[@RanTausi]

I have bought the Shield plus, I was torn between the Hellcat pro. I hope I choose the best for me

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

yea i can agree with that. The shield is a sweet gun, no doubt about it. Comes down to personal feel based on the grip material, angle, sights and trigger, in my opinion. No doubt you know your stuff!

[@RanTausi]

I agree, the ergonomics of the hellcat pro is very nice and I liked the 15 mag flat with the grip. I am thinking now maybe I will replace the shield plus or not. Tough decision 😊

[@johnlacasse8893]

@@RanTausi I would just add the Pro to my rotation... 😂😂😂

[@RanTausi]

@@johnlacasse8893 I can't, here in Israel you can only hold one. And one for me is all I need

[@bwspacity]

Badass review picking one up tommarow.thanks buddy

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

I truly believe you'll love it

[@mi_cheap_guns2925]

Lots of Glock fanboys in your comments, typical tools. Feel like a 43X MOS with Shield Arms mags is the comparison to the Hellcat Pro. I really like the Pro. I wish the trigger was a little better, but that’s my only complaint.

[@machine1600]

What IWB are you using. Seems easy find, unlike the secret Service lol.

[@34dawgsgo]

I'm with you on the red dots. Fine for practice or range but not carry. Simple fact dot is not always in the correct spot upon the draw. Just not a chance I'm willing to take. My guess is the bad guy will not wait for you either. I know about still using the manual sights through the dot. No sir.

[@tjbull1837]

Very good review, but what kind of "man" kicks a dog...let alone his own?

[@UtubeCensors]

Take a joke bro.

[@Fishheadjo]

Where did you get those shooting glasses or what brand are they? They're slick.

[@toynazi]

The PDP 4 inch is so under the radar. That gun simply is better than any pistol I've ever carried in 9mm. The hellcat trigger is lacking and is more like a glock trigger.I liked the hellcat pro, until I got a PDP F. Then I realized how clunky the trigger was. Don't get me wrong its a good gun. I just found a better option.

[@charlesbeall2589]

My PDP F-Series has been relegated to cool temps carry. I'm buying a Hellcat Pro for everyday "tucked" carry.

[@chryslertechnician3439]

Great video I’m nervous tho as I’m smaller and thin and don’t like printing badly

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

I weigh 150. That is a bad photo in the thumbnail. Normally it doesn't print at all; i just didn't know my shirt was hung on it from when i reholstered. It is about the smallest gun that there is that actually feels like you have a fighting chance with.

[@chryslertechnician3439]

@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston what’s your thought on carrying the 43x or 26?

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

the 26, like all glocks, is great, but handguns have just evolved since it was made; mainly in that they are now 1 inch thick yet also have doublestack mags that hold 15 rounds. The most imporant thing for me with my waist size with carrying a gun is: it's got to be thin. The 26 is a comparative pig. The Glock 43 is a smaller size category yet, and only holds 7 rounds. It is certainly more difficult for me to shoot than the hellcat. To me, the hellcat size and grip is the perfect blend of shootability and concealability. But its really personal preference between it, the sig p365 XL, the glock 48 and the S&W Performance Center Shield Plus, as they are all very similar. All those guns are 1inch thick for easy carry, yet are reliable, are big enough to shoot accurately and hold a bunch of rounds. I happen to like the hellcat's grip angle the best. Just my two cents.

[@PLT123]

I have a gen 3 g19, I hate the trigger, and no optic slide, and to carry appendix is painful. Lookn to trade it in for a hcp

[@randomlymadeanimations52]

That intro tho-

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

only one bird was harmed in the making.

[@toddparsons2980]

👎 for kicking the dog.

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

That dern dog has never spent a night anywhere other than on my pillow and under my covers. Do not feel sorry for Fat Jones!

[@nikkonikko8684]

​@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston 😂

[@charlesbeall2589]

Well, he is another one who, "feels like" instead of BELIEVING or THINKING.🤡

[@casmithc2]

@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston Animal Abuser!

[@casmithc2]

What about the Sig Macro??

[@bbmw9029]

If you don't like the hellcat pro (or even hellcat amateur) trigger, Apex Tactical makes an upgraded trigger for it.

[@Asidebar]

Original Hellcat trigger is excellent.

[@sausage_fingers666]

The Apex trigger for the HCP is phenomenal.

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

ill have to try it. thanks!

[@cammiekitchens5509]

Thanks for a Great Review ! Hellcat Pro my next purchase .

[@casmithc2]

Why didn't you compare measurements with a Glock 43X?

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

because the 19 is the standard for carry guns and most people know what that is.. but certainly the 43 is more similar in size.

[@casmithc2]

@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston STANDARD?? You are WRONG! Why would a LARGER GUN be the STANDARD for Concealed carry? That is just Stupid.

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

Blasphemy! Lol. The 19 (the compact version of the original 17) has been around for 35 years, and has become the standard in many circles. For many people it was the smallest gun they felt like they could actually fight with. The 43 has been around for 7. But of course I could be wrong and you could be right. But either way, I love your passion!

[@casmithc2]

@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston You are WRONG! The 19 is a DINOSAUR. The 43x and the 48 are MUCH Thinner and hold the same capacity. Besides, you shoot them. You do not fight with them. They are not a CLUB.

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

Unsubbed.

[@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston]

what i do!?? lol

[@ehole593]

You're wrong.

[@Mr_Green1017]

Glock is such a ugly gun my goodness

[@Don-zk4ix]

Hellcat sucks just buy a glock

[@johnhatchel9681]

That's a downgrade.

[@user-zg3jv3xe1i]

Glock is the Austrian High Point

[@johnhatchel9681]

@@user-zg3jv3xe1i So true.