Sig P365 VS Hellcat: Which One is Better?

Finding a small gun with the features of big pistols is nothing less than an achievement. On this front, two of the best micro-compact pistols are Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat. Sig Sauer was the first to translate the concept of smaller-sized guns with full-size capabilities with P365 in 2018. The gun enjoyed immense popularity but met with its competition, the Springfield Hellcat, after a year. Since then, both these guns have become the leaders in the micro-compact world. If you're stuck with choosing between the two, this Sig P365 vs Hellcat comparison will help you.

Sig P365 vs Hellcat Size Comparison

The Sig P365 and Hellcat do not differ much in size. They are micro-compact pistols with Hellcat having an additional capacity of one more round. The size of these guns is similar to single-stack models, but they come with the capacity of double-stack models. The P365 is almost the same in size as the Glock 43, and the Hellcat is similar to the Ruger LC9 and LCP.

Sig P365 Vs. Hellcat Grip and Texture

Both the guns sport a nice grip texture. The SIG P365 is slightly slimmer than the Springfield Hellcat, but that does not make its grip less fuller. The Hellcat has Springfield’s “Adaptive Grip Texture.'' It is a staggered pattern of short and tall pyramid shapes, which makes the grip and hold comfortable and secure.

In the P365, even those with short hands can achieve a strong grip with all four fingers fitting on the handle. This is possible even if you use a flush magazine. If the P365 grip feels small, you can try the P365L version.

The texture on the P365 is effective but less aggressive than that of Hellcat. The Hellcat's texture can give a feeling of more security in quick movements or in adverse conditions.

Differences in Slide Serrations and Slide

The Sig P365's slide serrations are deeper than the Hellcat. Their functionality is enhanced by their square shape. In contrast, Hellcat has narrow and less pronounced slide serrations. They are limited and too slippery for a good grip and positive operation.

Also, the Springfield slide is quite challenging to pull. The slide release is too stiff, so pressing it with the thumb of your dominant hand does not release it. You need to pull it back and then let it go. Compared to P365, the slide release of the Hellcat is too difficult to use.

Trigger and Controls

The trigger on Hellcat and P365 is striker-fired. However, the P365 has a noticeably lighter and shorter trigger pull than the Hellcat. Also, the take-up of the P365's trigger is smooth. It follows a slight wall before the rolling break, making it suitable for precision shooting.

Hellcat's trigger has a more definitive break after a light take-up. It has a crisp and aggressive feel that is preferable for defensive situations. The trigger reset is short and positive and quite similar to Glock triggers.

The major manual mechanical safety visible on the Hellcat's exterior is built into the trigger of the gun. In the SIG P365, there is an optional ambidextrous manual safety.

Magazine Capacity

Springfield Hellcat has a higher capacity than the P365. It holds 11 rounds with a flush-fitting magazine. You can also find it with an extended 13-round magazine or 15+1 capacity. The Sig P365 does not come with a flush-fit magazine. It has a patented modified double-stack magazine with a 10+1, 12+1, 15+1, 17+1, and 21+1 capacity. Both handguns use 9mm Luger cartridges.

Variations in Sights

The standard model of the Springfield Hellcat has iron sights, but the OSP variant comes with a detachable cover plate and gives you the ability to mount optics to the slide. The U-Dot sights are made to co-witness through an optic such as Shield RMSc on the OSP version of Hellcat.

In the P365, there are XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, which are designed to boost accuracy and target acquisition during dim light conditions. The optics on both guns are ideal for rapid fire and accurate shots at self-defense distances.

Sig P365 Vs. Hellcat Accuracy

Both micro-compact pistols are acceptably accurate because of their comfortable grip and size. With Hellcat, you can fire groups using a variety of ammo and get them averaging between 2 and 3 inches. The effective range of Springfield Hellcat is 200 yards.

The P365 facilitates easy shooting and is capable of easily hitting big targets out to 25 yards. This difference can be due to the slimmer grip of the P365, its lighter weight, and the slide or barrel taking on more recoil.

Between the guns, Hellcat is good for rapid target acquisition. Its U-dot Tritium luminescent sights offer sharp visibility and a faster sight picture, while the XRAY3 Night sights of the Sig P365 are more suitable for a clear view of the target up to 25 yards.

Differences in Recoil

Springfield Hellcat is certainly snappier than the Sig P365 due to the slim slide and stiffer recoil spring. Although it is heavier than the P365, the slim slide collides at the end of the travel with a lot of recoil. The impulse of this recoil strikes like a hammer's blow.

The latest variants of the Sig P365 have a strong recoil assembly, which improves recoil for quicker shots. However, the recoil in Hellcat is manageable and has a good and tight grip. The adaptive grip texture of the gun locks in the hand without feeling painful. The better your grip, the lesser the movement of the pistol after firing.

Suitability for Concealed Carry

Both the guns are micro-compact, which means they are suitable for CCW. The 1-inch width and 3-inch barrel length make the guns ideal to be used in an IWB holster and carry concealed.

Between them, the Sig P365 is a little shorter and weighs a little less than Hellcat. So, it supports concealability more. There are also more customization options available for it in holsters.

Which One is Better?

Since there are slight differences between the P365 and Hellcat, you can feel confident using any gun. If you want a concealed-carry pistol with a slightly more capacity, go with the Hellcat. The P365 is decisively less snappy than the Hellcat, but the grip in Hellcat is more aggressive, which helps combat recoil's effect. Both the guns have a lot of aftermarket support, and you can customize them to your needs. You can also try different variants of the P365 and Hellcat, such as P365XL and P365AS, and Hellcat and OSP and RDP. They have different grip textures, optics-ready compatibility, and a refined trigger shape.