Springfield Armory Announces Hellcat in .380 ACP

Springfield Armory has expanded its highly successful micro-compact handgun lineup with the release of the Hellcat OSP chambered in .380 ACP. Known for expanding the high capacity micro-compact category when it debuted in 2019, the Hellcat quickly became one of the best-selling everyday carry pistols on the market. This new .380 variant brings that same platform to shooters who prefer a lighter-recoiling defensive option without sacrificing capacity or modern features.

A Familiar Platform in a Softer Shooting Caliber

At a glance, the .380 model is nearly identical to the 9mm Hellcat. It features the same optic-ready OSP slide (cut for Shield RMSc/SMSc-pattern optics), front and rear slide serrations, and adaptive grip texture that made the original such a hit. The frame and controls remain familiar, so existing Hellcat users will feel right at home.

The .380 version ships with an 11-round flush-fit magazine and a 13-round extended magazine, giving it an edge in capacity over many competing pistols in this caliber. It uses a 3″ hammer-forged barrel with a Melonite finish and weighs roughly 16 ounces unloaded. Sights are carry-ready with a tritium front and U-notch rear.

Why .380 Still Matters

The .380 ACP cartridge occupies an interesting place in the defensive handgun market. Most professionals in the self-defense and training world agree it’s a viable and effective round—especially with modern defensive loads. It typically offers slightly higher capacity and a gentler recoil impulse, both of which can lead to faster follow-up shots and greater control for new or recoil-sensitive shooters.

That said, the performance gap between .380 and 9mm can feel relatively narrow—until you compare ammunition prices. 9mm remains significantly cheaper to shoot, which makes it the better choice for high-volume practice. For the carrier who prioritizes comfort and controllability, however, the .380 Hellcat makes a compelling case.

A Natural Evolution of the Hellcat Line

The Hellcat platform has grown steadily since its introduction, with the Hellcat Pro and RDP variants adding optics, compensators, and extended slides to the mix. A dedicated .380 ACP model feels like a natural extension—bringing the familiar Hellcat ergonomics to shooters who want a lighter-shooting version for everyday carry.

From a market perspective, the move also makes sense: Glock’s .380 offerings are mature, and SIG’s P365 family heavily covers 9mm. An optics-ready, high-capacity micro-compact in .380 ACP from Springfield could fill a niche.