Micro compact pistols deliver good fighting capacity without losing ease of carry. But when you use a service pistol cartridge like 9mm Luger in a relatively light handgun, recoil and muzzle rise is magnified compared to service pistols. Some micro 9s are coming from the factory with compensators and porting, but these options have their own downsides. A straightforward solution is chambering an existing micro compact in the less powerful .380 ACP cartridge. Enter the Springfield Hellcat OSP, an 11+1 or 13+1 capacity micro pistol. It originally debuted in 9mm but is now available in .380 ACP. Our own Jim Maybrick gives us his evaluation:

In the broad strokes, the Hellcat OSP .380 has plenty to offer. It fits the same holsters as the existing 9mm version and uses readily available Shield RMSc optics. It’s compact size and the use of the .380 ACP cartridge makes it easier to shoot with almost no pistol movement under recoil. It is superior in shoot ability compared to the same class of handgun in 9mm, as well as previous generations of tiny single-stack .380 pistols that are notoriously obnoxious to shoot quickly.

While Jim initially struggled with the longer trigger travel of the Hellcat, the little OSP ran through a three hundred round test with no problems. The only catch is the .380 round itself. It provides less recoil than 9mm, but it is also a less powerful round and ammunition selection becomes more important. All things considered, the Springfield Hellcat OSP .380 is an option, even if you are game for the 9mm version.

Springfield Hellcat 380 for Sale

Where to Find Your Springfield Hellcat OSP?

• Gun.Deals ($$$ compare)
• MidwayUSA
• Guns.com
• Palmetto State Armory

For another look at the Springfield Hellcat OSP 380, check out Fred’s article here.

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