TFB Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP .380 ACP

The Springfield Armory Hellcat burst onto the scene 5+ years ago as the "world's highest capacity, micro-compact” and has retained that title ever since. Over the years we have seen numerous, new iterations come about like optics ready models (OSP), threaded barrels, magazine extendos, and a lot of tactical colors. Today, we are reviewing the newly-announced Hellcat OSP .380 ACP, which is the first offering of a Hellcat chambered in .380 ACP (.380 Auto). Let’s dive in!

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Specifications - Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP .380 ACP

The   Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP 380 ACP handgun has an MSRP of $653 (optic not included) placing it in extremely similar territory to all of the models that have preceded this one. With a tritium front night sight, 11+1 and 13+1 magazines, and a billet-machined slide, there is a lot of common ground from this .380 and all of its 9mm counterparts.

All of the technical specs for this new Hellcat OSP 380 can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

• Barrel: 3" Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
• Slide: Billet Machined, Melonite® Finish, Optics Ready
• Frame: Black Polymer with Adaptive Grip Texture
• Sights: Tritium/Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
• Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring with Full Length Guide Rod

While we are looking specifically at the Hellcat OSP .380 ACP (standard capacity, 13+1 round), I would expect Springfield to soon release lower capacity versions as well. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the Hellcat OSP .380 ACP (SKU: HC931380BOSP).

As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Springfield Armory has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. While I have never experienced any issues with the various Hellcat pistols from Springfield Armory that I have reviewed over the years, it is nice to know that you have that safety net and support from Springfield.

A Word from Springfield Armory on the NEW Hellcat OSP 380 ACP

“Designed as a purpose-built micro-compact, the Hellcat .380 delivers effective defensive performance while remaining exceptionally easy to conceal. It accepts a class-leading 11+1 flush magazine in its smallest form and includes a 13+1 extended magazine for added versatility. Tritium U-Dot sights provide fast, positive sight acquisition, and the optics-ready slide accepts direct-mount micro red dots for instinctive aiming. Rugged components including a hammer-forged barrel and slide make it a dependable everyday carry. With class-leading capacity for its size, extensive optics compatibility, and a softer shooting impulse that improves control, the Hellcat .380 is a formidable defensive pistol built to perform when it matters most.”

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?

So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the Hellcat OSP .380 ACP, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scale in favor of Springfield as opposed to a competing manufacturer at a similar price-point.

• Optics-Ready - The slide is milled to accept direct mounting of today’s leading micro red-dot optics.
• Chambered in .380 - Modern .380 defensive ammo delivers effective terminal performance with a soft shooting experience.
• Slim Slide - The Hellcat .380 features a slim slide and weighs only 16 oz.

What’s in the Box?

One of the most common and recurring questions I receive reviewing firearms and their related products is, “what’s in the box?” Meaning, what do you all get with your purchase. This is important because what you do and do not get will dictate what type of accessories you need to additionally buy depending on what you want your end-product or concealed carry setup to look like. All this being said, this is everything that you will receive:

• (1) Owner’s Manual, Chamber Flag, Cable Lock
• (1) Nylon, Padded Pistol Case & Cardboard Box
• (1) Flush-Fit w/ Finger Extension Magazine, 11+1 Round
• (1) Extended Magazine, 13+1 Round
• (1) Hellcat OSP .380 ACP Pistol

*** Shield Sights RMSsc (Reflex Mini Sight, Sub-Compact) sold separately***

Range Experience - Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP 380 ACP

So, how did this pistol perform out on the range?... Before the gunfire started, I was fondling this pistol and weighing the pros and cons as soon as I took it out of the box. While I was hoping the Hellcat 380 might be an entirely different gun (unique dimensions and feel), there is a lot of upside to Springfield maintaining the same geometric footprint as their 9mm Hellcats.

You have a wider, immediate range of holster compatibility, numerous aftermarket parts will be compatible from the jump, and for people who have been cutting their concealed carry teeth on the Hellcat for the past 5 years, this new 380 is going to feel like home.

With this having a Shield RMS slide cut, your options for micro red dots, or green dots, are pretty wide open. As that has essentially become the standard footprint for CCW pistols in 2025. For this review, Springfield Armory did provide a Shield Sights RMSsc (Reflex Mini Sight, Sub-Compact), which is greatly appreciated.

Final Thoughts

So, what are my final thoughts on the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP .380 ACP pistol?... Overall, this checked all of the boxes for me on a .380 ACP carry pistol.

• High Capacity? Yes, 13+1 rounds
• Reliable? Yes, no failures and 5+ years to precede this model in the 9mm
• Aftermarket? Yes, all of the holsters and upgrades you could imagine
• Modern? Yes, its optic ready and has an accessory rail

For anyone who is wanting a .380 ACP carry pistol, I’d point them to this. It is very shootable, reliable, and gives you everything you could ask for. The only element I could point to as a possible area of constructive criticism is the size. Is this a stow-and-go, pocket-rocket? No. And, for that reason it is significantly more shootable and manageable than a pocket-rocket like all of your alphabet guns: LCP, TCP, P3AT, etc.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their new Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP .380 ACP pistol. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP .380 ACP pistol is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it to shoot a league or competition? Use it for home defense? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and their Hellcat OSP .380 ACP in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.