SA Hellcat

FM12 · March 12, 2020, 10:38 PM

Looking for a smaller every day carry weapon and am intrigued by the Hellcat. Any pros, cons,reccommendations? Actual experience with one? Thanks in advance.

mk70ss · March 13, 2020, 07:26 AM

I have one and it is my EDC gun. Love it. Great sights, even though I put an optical sight on mine. Great trigger as well. Entire gun is also very smooth and nothing to snag clothing on. You can’t go wrong with the Hellcat as a carry gun.

PSP · March 13, 2020, 07:39 AM

mk70ss, Does your optic cowitness with the standard sights? Which optic did you choose and do find it easy to acquire quickly? I'm thinking of switching to a Hellcat myself.

mk70ss · March 13, 2020, 03:41 PM

You have to “zero” the red dot to cowitness the front sight, and yes, I did that. The dot is quick to acquire and easy to pick up, especially in dimmer light. I got the Shield RMSc optic. Seems like a great, rugged little sight!

FM12 · March 20, 2020, 12:33 PM

Looked at one in person yesterday, fel the grip was too aggressive for me. May go with the new S&W 9MM EZ.

wild cat mccane · March 20, 2020, 01:19 PM

How is the grip for comfort? Anything weird? MY p365 has just the smallest molding at the bottom of the grip that rubs my palm. Otherwise perfection.

guess I could lightly sand that area...

MarkCO · March 20, 2020, 01:41 PM

When it first came out, everyone was in love. Now that it has been out a while, the honeymoon seems to be wearing off for some. I have not shot one, but looked at them. The advice is the same for any CCW handgun. Shoot one for at least 100 rounds before you plunk down the cash. Or buy one, shoot it and be willing to sell it if it does not check off the boxes. I kind of want a P365 too, but it did not do enough for me to buy one compared to my Kahr PM9s or KT PF9 at the time. $20 of ammo was a good test drive.

Times change, preferences change, don't be scared to try something new and it if works roll with it and if it does not, move on.

stephen426 · March 20, 2020, 03:11 PM

I have been carrying my Hellcat for a few months now. I have shot it at the practical range a few times and put around 500 rounds through it. It has functioned flawlessly thus far and I like having 5 more rounds than the Glock 43 it replaced. I purchased 2 extra 13 round mags which I carry for backup. It gives me a total of 38 rounds or 40 if I carry the 13 round mag in the gun plus the two 13 round mags. Compared to the Glock 43, which I carried with two plus 2 mags, I only had 23 rounds. Do I really anticipate needing that many rounds? Not really, but it is far better to have them and need them, than need them and not have them. Also, it is much easier to keep up with the drills at the practical range since I don't have to reload as frequently.

triplebike · March 20, 2020, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FM12

Looked at one in person yesterday, fel the grip was too aggressive for me. May go with the new S&W 9MM EZ.

I recommend you rent one first. I purchased the EZ 9. Hated it, grip safety was horrible, slide was so sloppy I thought it was going to fly off the gun and for me not very accurate at all. I purchased it on a Saturday after cleaning it took to the range on Sunday, sold it on Monday. I was very disappointed.

AgedWarrior · March 20, 2020, 05:24 PM

I prefer the P365 over the Hellcat, but they are both great pistols as far as I can tell. The Hellcat has an edge (slight) in capacity unless you include the newer 15 rd mags for the 365, which I have never tried. And the Hellcat can be set for optical sights much more economically too. However, I feel like the P365 has a better trigger all around crisp and short reset, and I prefer the sights on the Sig over the Hellcat too. They both shoot good for small guns, but the Hellcat seemed a little slower for me to get back on target; recoil felt like a little more snap, just enough to slow me down a tad. Not a big deal, but I noticed it. Finally, for my hands (average size) the grip on the P365 feels better. The Hellcat is a little wider, more blocky. Honestly, it is really personal preference because they are both good shooters, easy to maintain, accurate, and for what I know, reliable. I do not really have a complaint against either, just a preference for the Sig. I have been carrying a P365 for over a year now, and it has operated flawlessly on any and all ammo. The Hellcat I only got to shoot 100 rounds through, but it fed all and ran good with ball and hollow points.

For what it’s worth, I looked at a S&W 9mm EZ at a local store. Seemed loose, almost slop in the slide...not interested in the slightest.

littlebikerider · March 21, 2020, 10:41 AM

My buddy bought a hellcat, and sold it to buy a P365. He also thought the latter had a much better trigger.

mk70ss · March 21, 2020, 12:09 PM

I tried the Sig P365 before buying the Hellcat and thought the Hellcat felt better in my hand, had better sights, and higher mag capacity. I guess just buy the one YOU like better, they are very similar and both great EDC guns.

FM12 · March 21, 2020, 03:12 PM

Considering the S and W 9MM EZ, my elderly hands haventt the strength to rack the slide on my beloved Sig 229. Rather have the 9mm than the 380. Even my beloved Model 66 is getting too tough to shoot comfortably. Getting old and frail sucks.

mk70ss · March 21, 2020, 04:04 PM

FM12. -
Beretta still makes a tip up barrel 14 shot .380 that requires no racking of the slide. Plus the gun is pure quality.

Cheapshooter · March 21, 2020, 04:32 PM

Didn't Beretta quit making the Model 86 Cheetah 380 Tip Up about fourteen years ago? Used ones on the web go for a grand or better.
Did they start building them again?

thegatman · March 21, 2020, 06:15 PM

Discontinued a few years ago.

Cheapshooter · March 21, 2020, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Discontinued a few years ago.

Kinda what I thought. 2005-2006 from what I can find.

Wheel-Gunner · April 4, 2020, 12:42 PM

The Hellcat has been a great addition for me. Mine has been accurate, reliable.....just an excellent micro firearm. I would certainly recommend one to anyone looking for a micro semi. I have had a p365 for longer, but it hasn’t been reliable. Get ready though, whenever I mention my experience I am bombarded with Sig enthusiasts insisting that I am the problem and not the pistol. The p365 just got back from its second trip to Sig. I have yet to put it through the paces to see if there is any improvement. I only mention this because both of these pistols are naturally compared to each other (the only reason I got the Hellcat is because of my unfortunate experience with the p365). Oh, and I have nothing against Sig Sauer. My MCX has been flawless. In the end, it doesn’t matter what any of us say about the Hellcat (aside from maybe attesting to its reliability), you simply need to get out and put about 100 rounds through one to see how it feels to you personally. Let us know how your experience goes.

MarkCO · April 4, 2020, 12:51 PM

Friend just picked up a Hellcat and likes it so far.

elsancudo · April 4, 2020, 05:31 PM

Para Ordnance Expert Carry .45ACP still working for me.

mel80 · April 4, 2020, 05:53 PM

just bought one for my b-day and so far i love it , not a single compliant, carry it witht he 11rd mag with the flush base , and the extended mag in my pocket

im considering swapping the rear u sight for a tritium 2 dot rear , and not sure if ill ever purchase the redot for it but i did get the osp

mk70ss · April 4, 2020, 05:56 PM

Para Ordnance Expert Carry .45ACP still working for me.

That’s good if it works for you. But many prefer lighter, thinner, more ammo capacity, and cheaper.....with night sights.

Wheel-Gunner · April 4, 2020, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Para Ordnance Expert Carry .45ACP still working for me.

That’s good if it works for you. But many prefer lighter, thinner, more ammo capacity, and cheaper.....with night sights.

Yeah, really.

Sometimes a S&W J frame works fine for me, but as my old seventh grade teacher used to say, “what does that have to do with the prices of onions in Russia?”

Mackie244Bud · April 6, 2020, 04:22 PM

Check this...

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/...-micro-compact

You can add any handgun that you want to Compare to the Hellcat..Enjoy

wmg1299 · April 12, 2020, 08:31 PM

I picked up a Hellcat a few months ago. The sight system made it highly accurate inside 5 yards, but my groups opened up quite a bit at longer distances. I had two FTF's in the first 200 rounds. It also feels thicker in the hand than my 365. Between the two, I prefer the 365. I find the Sig to be more accurate, more reliable, and more comfortable to carry and shoot.

March 12, 2020, 10:38 PM	#1
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	SA Hellcat Looking for a smaller every day carry weapon and am intrigued by the Hellcat. Any pros, cons,reccommendations? Actual experience with one? Thanks in advance.

March 13, 2020, 07:26 AM	#2
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,642	I have one and it is my EDC gun. Love it. Great sights, even though I put an optical sight on mine. Great trigger as well. Entire gun is also very smooth and nothing to snag clothing on. You can’t go wrong with the Hellcat as a carry gun. __________________ Say when.....

March 13, 2020, 03:41 PM	#4
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,642	You have to “zero” the red dot to cowitness the front sight, and yes, I did that. The dot is quick to acquire and easy to pick up, especially in dimmer light. I got the Shield RMSc optic. Seems like a great, rugged little sight! __________________ Say when.....

March 20, 2020, 01:41 PM	#7
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,362	When it first came out, everyone was in love. Now that it has been out a while, the honeymoon seems to be wearing off for some. I have not shot one, but looked at them. The advice is the same for any CCW handgun. Shoot one for at least 100 rounds before you plunk down the cash. Or buy one, shoot it and be willing to sell it if it does not check off the boxes. I kind of want a P365 too, but it did not do enough for me to buy one compared to my Kahr PM9s or KT PF9 at the time. $20 of ammo was a good test drive. Times change, preferences change, don't be scared to try something new and it if works roll with it and if it does not, move on. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

March 20, 2020, 03:11 PM	#8
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,879	I have been carrying my Hellcat for a few months now. I have shot it at the practical range a few times and put around 500 rounds through it. It has functioned flawlessly thus far and I like having 5 more rounds than the Glock 43 it replaced. I purchased 2 extra 13 round mags which I carry for backup. It gives me a total of 38 rounds or 40 if I carry the 13 round mag in the gun plus the two 13 round mags. Compared to the Glock 43, which I carried with two plus 2 mags, I only had 23 rounds. Do I really anticipate needing that many rounds? Not really, but it is far better to have them and need them, than need them and not have them. Also, it is much easier to keep up with the drills at the practical range since I don't have to reload as frequently. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

March 13, 2020, 07:39 AM	#3
PSP Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2006 Location: Bowling Green Virginia Posts: 4,496	mk70ss, Does your optic cowitness with the standard sights? Which optic did you choose and do find it easy to acquire quickly? I'm thinking of switching to a Hellcat myself.

March 20, 2020, 12:33 PM	#5
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	Looked at one in person yesterday, fel the grip was too aggressive for me. May go with the new S&W 9MM EZ.

March 20, 2020, 01:19 PM	#6
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,870	How is the grip for comfort? Anything weird? MY p365 has just the smallest molding at the bottom of the grip that rubs my palm. Otherwise perfection. guess I could lightly sand that area...

March 20, 2020, 05:24 PM	#10
AgedWarrior Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2019 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 210	I prefer the P365 over the Hellcat, but they are both great pistols as far as I can tell. The Hellcat has an edge (slight) in capacity unless you include the newer 15 rd mags for the 365, which I have never tried. And the Hellcat can be set for optical sights much more economically too. However, I feel like the P365 has a better trigger all around crisp and short reset, and I prefer the sights on the Sig over the Hellcat too. They both shoot good for small guns, but the Hellcat seemed a little slower for me to get back on target; recoil felt like a little more snap, just enough to slow me down a tad. Not a big deal, but I noticed it. Finally, for my hands (average size) the grip on the P365 feels better. The Hellcat is a little wider, more blocky. Honestly, it is really personal preference because they are both good shooters, easy to maintain, accurate, and for what I know, reliable. I do not really have a complaint against either, just a preference for the Sig. I have been carrying a P365 for over a year now, and it has operated flawlessly on any and all ammo. The Hellcat I only got to shoot 100 rounds through, but it fed all and ran good with ball and hollow points. For what it’s worth, I looked at a S&W 9mm EZ at a local store. Seemed loose, almost slop in the slide...not interested in the slightest.

March 21, 2020, 10:41 AM	#11
littlebikerider Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2018 Posts: 131	My buddy bought a hellcat, and sold it to buy a P365. He also thought the latter had a much better trigger.

March 21, 2020, 12:09 PM	#12
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,642	I tried the Sig P365 before buying the Hellcat and thought the Hellcat felt better in my hand, had better sights, and higher mag capacity. I guess just buy the one YOU like better, they are very similar and both great EDC guns. __________________ Say when.....

March 21, 2020, 03:12 PM	#13
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	Considering the S and W 9MM EZ, my elderly hands haventt the strength to rack the slide on my beloved Sig 229. Rather have the 9mm than the 380. Even my beloved Model 66 is getting too tough to shoot comfortably. Getting old and frail sucks.

March 21, 2020, 04:04 PM	#14
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,642	FM12. - Beretta still makes a tip up barrel 14 shot .380 that requires no racking of the slide. Plus the gun is pure quality. __________________ Say when.....

March 21, 2020, 04:32 PM	#15
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Didn't Beretta quit making the Model 86 Cheetah 380 Tip Up about fourteen years ago? Used ones on the web go for a grand or better. Did they start building them again?

March 21, 2020, 06:15 PM	#16
thegatman Member Join Date: January 25, 2015 Posts: 61	Discontinued a few years ago.

April 4, 2020, 12:42 PM	#18
Wheel-Gunner Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2006 Posts: 277	The Hellcat has been a great addition for me. Mine has been accurate, reliable.....just an excellent micro firearm. I would certainly recommend one to anyone looking for a micro semi. I have had a p365 for longer, but it hasn’t been reliable. Get ready though, whenever I mention my experience I am bombarded with Sig enthusiasts insisting that I am the problem and not the pistol. The p365 just got back from its second trip to Sig. I have yet to put it through the paces to see if there is any improvement. I only mention this because both of these pistols are naturally compared to each other (the only reason I got the Hellcat is because of my unfortunate experience with the p365). Oh, and I have nothing against Sig Sauer. My MCX has been flawless. In the end, it doesn’t matter what any of us say about the Hellcat (aside from maybe attesting to its reliability), you simply need to get out and put about 100 rounds through one to see how it feels to you personally. Let us know how your experience goes. __________________ "History does not entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose." Dwight Eisenhower

April 4, 2020, 12:51 PM	#19
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,362	Friend just picked up a Hellcat and likes it so far. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

April 4, 2020, 05:31 PM	#20
elsancudo Member Join Date: July 25, 2010 Posts: 57	Para Ordnance Expert Carry .45ACP still working for me. __________________ Freedom is the freedom to discipline yourself so others don't have to do it for you.

April 4, 2020, 05:53 PM	#21
mel80 Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2019 Posts: 365	just bought one for my b-day and so far i love it , not a single compliant, carry it witht he 11rd mag with the flush base , and the extended mag in my pocket im considering swapping the rear u sight for a tritium 2 dot rear , and not sure if ill ever purchase the redot for it but i did get the osp

April 4, 2020, 05:56 PM	#22
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,642	Para Ordnance Expert Carry .45ACP still working for me. That’s good if it works for you. But many prefer lighter, thinner, more ammo capacity, and cheaper.....with night sights. __________________ Say when.....

April 6, 2020, 04:22 PM	#24
Mackie244Bud Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2017 Location: South Florida Posts: 252	Check this... https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/...-micro-compact You can add any handgun that you want to Compare to the Hellcat..Enjoy

April 12, 2020, 08:31 PM	#25
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	I picked up a Hellcat a few months ago. The sight system made it highly accurate inside 5 yards, but my groups opened up quite a bit at longer distances. I had two FTF's in the first 200 rounds. It also feels thicker in the hand than my 365. Between the two, I prefer the 365. I find the Sig to be more accurate, more reliable, and more comfortable to carry and shoot.