Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365
Updated: 10/4/2024
A Comprehensive Analysis
Yo are probably asking yourself why would we do a Springfield Hellcat vs Sig p365 review. Well, I remember holding the P365 when it premiered at SHOT show and thinking this is going to change the concealed carry world. It premiered in January, and I had mine in March. I’ve carried it since then and watched with satisfaction that I was right. The industry has been responding, Glock for example released two handguns to compete with SIG, but they didn’t strike the same sense of awe in me that the P365 did. In fact, until September 25th, 2019, there was no real competitor that came close in size and capacity. In a move that surprised us all. Springfield released the Hellcat.
The SIG P365 created the micro-compact 9mm genre, and the Hellcat is the only other true gun to fit the P365’s mission set. It’s incredibly small, lightweight, and best of all, it packs a relatively high capacity. A capacity high enough to make California get a little shakey. The guns have a lot in common in regards to size and capacity, but they also have some distinct differences. The P365 is made in New Hampshire, and the Hellcat is made in Croatia.
The P365 is an entirely new gun, and the Hellcat is a continuation of the XD series of handguns. The SIG P365’s 599 MSRP is slightly more than the Hellcat’s 569 MSRP. While at first glance, they are both small, striker-fired, black guns like many others, they are both very different guns.
This comparison will have more differences than our Sig P365XL vs Sig P365 comparison did.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Fit and Finish
The P365 still uses the Nitron finish over a stainless steel slide, which makes it practically rustproof and durable for long-term use. Its minimalist aesthetic is subtle but effective, and that hasn’t changed. The Hellcat continues to feature a machined billet slide with a melonite finish, known for its proven reliability and rust resistance.
The Hellcat continues to feature a machined billet slide with a melonite finish, which remains a top choice in 2024 for its proven durability and corrosion resistance. While not flashy, melonite is incredibly reliable, offering a tough surface that resists rust, scrapes, and everyday wear. Springfield has maintained its minimalist approach to branding, although the Hellcat now includes a subtle redesign of the logo for a cleaner look, still featuring the Springfield Armory and Hellcat markings.
Both the Hellcat and P365 come with heavily textured polymer frames, and in 2024, they’ve refined their grip textures even further. The Hellcat’s grip now offers improved upper-portion texture for added control, making it stand out over the P365, which continues to stop its texturing at the magazine release.
Each gun still offers multiple magazine sizes, and both manufacturers have mastered the seamless integration of the magazine into the grip for a perfect fit that doesn’t disrupt the firearm’s sleek design. In terms of fit and finish, the Hellcat and P365 maintain a higher standard than budget options like the Taurus G3C. For those curious about how they compare, you can check out our updated 2024 Taurus G3C vs Sig P365 comparison on the blog.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Specs
Despite the new models in the market, the core specs of these guns remain very similar. However, modern concealed carriers now expect higher performance in smaller packages. The P365 still shines as a compact powerhouse, weighing in at 17.8 ounces with a 3.1-inch barrel and a length of 5.8 inches. The Hellcat holds steady with a 3-inch barrel, weighing slightly more at 18.3 ounces.
One of the biggest updates in 2024 has been in magazine capacity, a trend Springfield helped to push further with the Hellcat. Out of the box, the Hellcat now offers an 11-round flush magazine and a 15-round extended magazine. Sig has caught up, offering 12-round and 15-round options, but as always, you’ll be shelling out a bit more for those extra rounds. Still, in terms of sheer capacity and value, the Hellcat edges out slightly when it comes to the price-to-performance ratio.
The SIG is a little taller at 4.3 inches, and the Hellcat is 4 inches with its flush magazine and 4.5 with its extended magazine. The SIG P365, with its 12 rounded extended magazines, is 4.7 inches. Both the SIG and the Hellcat allow for a full-handed grip without a hanging pinky as well. Both guns have a reported width of 1 inch. The SIG is a little more trimmed along the slide, and the Hellcat is a bit more blocky.
The biggest difference is the capacity. The SIG comes with two ten-round magazines, and the Hellcat comes with an 11-round and 13-round magazine. The P365 does have 12 and even 15 rounders available, but these will cost a pretty penny, roughly 50 bucks per. I think SIG needs to step up and include a 12-round magazine with the 10-round mag. Here the Hellcat takes a good lead.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Ergonomics
Ergonomically, both guns remain impressive. In 2024, Springfield has further refined the Hellcat’s beavertail, adding just enough extra material to prevent slide bites for those with larger hands. Both guns provide an excellent full grip, with undercuts in the trigger guard allowing for better control and a higher grip.
One thing I still appreciate in both the Hellcat and the SIG P365, even in 2024, is the trigger guard undercut. Both models feature a higher undercut, which allows for a secure and high grip on the weapon. A high grip not only provides extra control but also ensures that those of us with larger hands can maintain a comfortable hold on the gun.
Speaking of large hands, slide bite is typically a concern with smaller firearms. Models like the Glock 43 and Taurus G2S can really chew up your hand. Thankfully, neither the Hellcat nor the SIG P365 has this issue. The Hellcat even offers a slightly larger beavertail than the P365, giving you a bit more control, especially during rapid fire.
In terms of usability, the SIG P365 has a wider magazine release, while the Hellcat’s is longer. Both are easy to access and press, making magazine changes smooth and efficient. No need to fumble—just drop the mag and reload without a hitch.
Cocking serrations are another area where the Hellcat shines. Its serrations are more aggressive than those of the P365, going over the top of the slide and offering a deeper, more tactile grip. This makes racking the gun effortless, even with gloves or sweaty hands.
As for slide locks, both guns still present a challenge for those of us with larger thumbs. My thumbs tend to press down on the slide lock during firing, preventing the slide from locking back on the last round.
The bottom line is this: in 2024, both the Hellcat and SIG P365 offer fantastic ergonomics. Whether you’re dealing with large hands or just looking for a well-balanced firearm, both guns provide comfort and control. And if you’re comparing the ergonomics of the SIG P365 to smaller models like the Glock 43, the P365 continues to stand out.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Features
When it comes to features, 2024 brought significant upgrades to both firearms. Sig’s XRAY3 sights remain a solid choice, providing fast acquisition in low light. The Hellcat continues to use Trijicon sights, and both manufacturers now offer optics-ready options straight from the factory. Springfield has kept the momentum with their OSP model, making it easier than ever to mount a red dot sight on the Hellcat.
A standout Hellcat feature that’s gaining traction is its integrated stand-off device, designed to allow the gun to fire even when pressed against an attacker. This is a feature not yet available in the P365 lineup, and it’s been praised for offering a tactical edge in extreme self-defense scenarios.
Clinger has excellent Springfield Hellcat holsters that support the Red Dot option if you go that route.
The SIG P365 features a small proprietary rail that a few companies are making lights and laser for. SIG, in particular, makes there own light and laser for the gun. Streamlight also makes the TLR 6 P365 compatible.
The Hellcat has a Picatinny rail that will fit the vast majority of accessories. This includes lights and lasers from Crimson Trace, Viridian, Olight, and Streamlight. The Picatinny rail addition does allow for more universal use of accessories.
The Hellcat also features a flat-faced trigger with a Glock style tab. The SIG P365 uses a traditional rounded trigger, but flat-faced triggers are available. The Sig P365 holster from Clinger will work with either trigger group.
The P365 also has a removable chassis, and you can swap frames and slides to alter your P365 is nearly every direction. I own an aluminum frame for my P365, and swapping between the two platforms is very easy to do. The Hellcat does not have that feature.
Picatinny rails have remained a constant trend in 2024, and the Hellcat continues to have an advantage here with a more universal rail system that can accommodate a wide range of aftermarket accessories. Meanwhile, Sig’s proprietary rail still requires specialized lights and lasers, which can limit options for those who prefer more modular setups.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Shooting Characteristics
After several years on the market, both the P365 and Hellcat have proven themselves in terms of reliability and shooting performance. The updated flat-faced trigger on the Hellcat has gained popularity for offering a cleaner, crisper break. However, Sig’s P365 trigger remains one of the best stock triggers in the business, providing a smooth, consistent pull with minimal reset.
There’s a video with slow-motion footage of the P365 in action over on our Sig P365 Review.
In terms of accuracy, both the Hellcat and the P365 remain top contenders in 2024. You can confidently hit targets up to 25 yards away, including precise headshots. The pro-grade sights on both guns are as sharp as ever, making it easy to focus on your target quickly. These sights have been fine-tuned for accuracy and durability, perfect for anyone looking for reliable performance.
One of the key contributors to their accuracy is the excellent trigger design. I prefer the flat-faced trigger on the Hellcat, which offers a clean, crisp break. That said, the P365’s stock trigger remains impressive, with a light pull, consistent performance, and a smooth reset. Both triggers are top-tier, and which one you prefer may come down to personal preference.
After running several thousand rounds through my P365, I can confidently say it’s been highly reliable. The Hellcat, although newer in my collection, is performing well so far, but time will tell in terms of long-term reliability. Given their similar size and specs, the differences between the two are subtle. If I blindfolded you and had you shoot both, I’d bet you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in feel or accuracy between them.
Springfield Hellcat vs Sig P365: Concealment
Here is where both guns will be used 99% of the time. Concealing a gun can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. The right holster can make any gun a dream to carry, but the Hellcat and P365 are both already dreamlike to carry. They are small and lightweight, and when combined with a great Springfield Hellcat holster they disappear completely. They are also comfortable to carry guns, and when paired with the right holster, you’ll forget you are carrying it.
The P365 has been my go-to carry gun for quite some time, and it has never been spotted. Even when carried OWB, you can’t see it.
Getting a comfortable Sig P365 Holster that conceals well will make you love your Sig even more.
Both SIG and Springfield Armory have created guns that are near pocket pistol size, so concealing either is rather simple.
When it comes to concealment, both guns have maintained their near-invisibility status. The Hellcat and P365 continue to set the standard for deep concealment and comfort. Paired with a good holster, these guns disappear whether you’re carrying inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband. For those looking for new holster options in 2024, you’ll find more custom fits available than ever, including modular designs that work with both optics and lights.
Conclusion
In 2024, the concealed carry market continues to evolve, but the P365 and Hellcat are still at the forefront of the micro-compact 9mm category. Both firearms offer a winning combination of small size, high capacity, and reliability, making them excellent choices for both new and experienced carriers.
Sig’s lineup now includes the P365 XL and XMacro, but the standard P365 remains a powerhouse. Springfield’s Hellcat continues to shine with its aggressive features and competitive price point. These guns have set a new benchmark for concealed carry, and in 2024, they’re more refined and feature-packed than ever before. This makes them fantastic firearms and the perfect choice for both experienced and new concealed carriers.
