Springfield Armory has consistently set the bar high with its innovative designs and reliable performance. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at three of Springfield Armory’s latest and greatest pistols for concealed carry: two compact XD pistols, the Hellcats, and the 1911 EMPs. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Original Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat burst onto the scene in 2019, addressing the need for a super concealable 9mm pistol with serious firepower. It quickly became a standout as the highest-capacity micro-compact 9mm pistol out there. With an 11+1 capacity using the flush magazine, and up to 13+1 with the extended mag, it packs a punch while staying sleek with its 3-inch barrel.
The Hellcat brought some other cool features to the table. It has an Adaptive Grip Texture that responds to the pressure you apply, giving you a solid hold. Plus, the high undercut trigger guard and beavertail let you grip it deeper for better control. The controls are designed to be intuitive and straightforward, with a reversible magazine release to accommodate lefties. The U-Dot sight system, combining a tritium front sight and a tactical rack rear sight, makes target acquisition easy. Finally, the short-reset, crisp trigger further complements its user-friendliness.
The Hellcat Pro
The success of the original Hellcat led to the birth of the Hellcat Pro, which dialed up the features even more. Keeping the Hellcat’s overall compactness, the Pro version boasts a longer 3.7-inch barrel, giving you a longer sight radius and some extra weight. This means reduced muzzle flip and better accuracy.
The Hellcat Pro also offers an increased capacity with a 15-round magazine. It retains the awesome grip texture of the original Hellcat but with a taller grip, making it more comfortable and secure to hold.
Hellcat vs. Hellcat Pro: Which is Right for Concealed Carry
Whether you go for the Hellcat or the Hellcat Pro, you’re getting a top-notch 9mm pistol for EDC. Both models tuck away nicely in various carry positions. But there are key differences in feel and performance.
The Hellcat Pro, with its longer slide and sight radius, edges out the original in accuracy and recoil management. It’s a great choice if you handle a slightly larger pistol better and have bigger hands. The original Hellcat, being more compact and lighter, might be a bit more challenging to handle for newbies but is perfect for experienced shooters looking for a super-stealthy, high-capacity EDC option.
Springfield Armory XD Pistols
Springfield Armory XD Series
It all started back in 2001 with the original XD (eXtreme Duty), a polymer-frame, striker-fired handgun that was designed for folks looking for a dependable EDC pistol that is easy to use. The original XD was loved for its ergonomic grip angle, ambidextrous magazine release, and a host of safety features, including grip safety and trigger safety.
After the initial success, Springfield Armory expanded the lineup in 2008 with the XD-M series. The “M” stands for “Match,” and this line came loaded with features tailored for competitive shooters—a high-end trigger, interchangeable backstraps, and a match-grade barrel that made it super accurate. Around this time, they also launched the XD-S—a single-stack version aimed at the concealed carry crowd. Its slim design made it a hit for those wanting something compact but still powerful.
Next came the XD Mod.2, which brought improved ergonomics and a better grip texture to the table. The XD-E followed, offering a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) option with an exposed hammer and manual safety for extra control. Finally, the XD-S Mod.2, an upgraded version of the original XD-S, packed in new refinements in grip texture and a higher hand position for better control and reduced muzzle rise.
Springfield XD-S Mod.2 OSP Pistols
The 2020 introduction of the XD-S Mod.2 OSP brought optics-ready capability to the popular single-stack platform. The XD-S Mod.2 OSP is available in 9mm and .45 ACP calibers, with and without a preinstalled red dot sight (Crimson Trace). The anti-glare U-notch rear sight with a white dot front sight makes aiming easy even without optics. Ergonomics remain central, with a slim profile and comfortable grip enhanced by grip extension.
Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP Pistols
In 2021, Springfield Armory further expanded the lineup with the XD-M Elite Compact OSP. This series features 3.8″ and 4.5″ barrels and is chambered in 10mm, except for the California-compliant 9mm version. The 10mm chambering offers serious stopping power, although it does mean you’ll feel more recoil. The XD-M Elite Compact OSP retains its manageable size and adds a removable cover plate for easy optic integration. It also comes with a stellar META trigger system, ambidextrous controls, and improved slide serrations, making it versatile and user-friendly. The trigger is truly outstanding with a flat face, crisp break, and integral overtravel stop that makes the reset quick, speeding up follow-up shots. You can get this model with or without a HEX Dragonfly red dot sight.
Springfield XD-S vs XD-M: Which One Do You Need for Concealed Carry
When it comes to choosing between the XD-S Mod.2 OSP and the XD-M Elite Compact OSP for everyday carry, each has its unique perks. The XD-S Mod.2 OSP is all about concealability with its slim and compact profile and lightweight design. On the flip side, the XD-M Elite Compact OSP offers more capacity—11 rounds compared to the 7 or 9 rounds in the XD-S Mod.2 OSP—and its 10mm chambering means more stopping power (and also more recoil). The META trigger system is a big win too.
If you’re wondering which one’s easier to shoot—it’s a tie. The XD-S is lighter and has a shorter sight radius, which means more recoil and a bit less accuracy for new shooters. The XD-M, with its longer barrel and better trigger, is likely to be more accurate but also packs a bigger kick with the 10mm chambering. In colder climates, may consider a larger XD-M Elite with a 4.5″ barrel for better handling during winter carry.
As for the similarities, both models are loaded with safety features, including a grip safety, drop safety, and a loaded chamber indicator, providing peace of mind for any gun owner.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD-S Mod.2 OSP 9mm
Specifications:
- Action: DAO
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel length: 3.3"
- Capacity: 7/9
- Safety: Grip safety, Drop safety
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD-M Elite OSP 9mm
Specifications:
- Action: DAO
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel length: 4.5"
- Capacity: 22
- Safety: Grip safety, Drop safety
Springfield Armory Ronin 1911 EMP
Springfield EMP Series in a Nutshell
The Springfield Armory EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) series stands apart in the world of compact 1911 pistols. Unlike traditional 1911s, which use the .45 ACP cartridge, the EMP was designed to fit the smaller 9mm rounds. Springfield didn’t just shrink the slide and barrel; they resized 17 different parts, leading to a shorter slide, frame, extractor, firing pin, and more. This results in a handier 1911, a more compact pistol with a reduced grip radius, which is extremely concealable.
Ronin 1911 EMP: The Springfield 1911 Pistol for Concealed Carry
In 2021, Springfield Armory expanded its Ronin lineup by introducing the Ronin EMP pistols.
The whole Ronin series of Springfield 1911 pistols is distinguished by its blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. Its eye-catching two-tone finish and highly durable construction are what sets the Ronin apart from other Springfield 1911 pistols.
So, the Ronin 1911 EMP merges the classic looks and modern efficiency of the Ronin series with the compact EMP design. Available in two models—one with a 3-inch barrel and another with a 4-inch barrel—both are chambered in 9mm. The 3-inch model holds 9+1 rounds, while the 4-inch version holds 10+1.
Both versions feature a forged carbon steel slide, a lightweight aluminum frame with a durable Cerakote finish, and a precisely fitted stainless steel bull barrel. Other standout features include an extended beavertail grip safety, a fiber optic front sight paired with a tactical rack rear sight, and Crossed Cannon wood grips. Ergonomically, the Ronin EMP pistols offer enhanced comfort through their reduced grip radius and are generally designed for better control during shooting.
Practical Use and Everyday Carry
Both Ronin 1911 EMP 9mm pistols are designed for concealed carry and everyday defense. The only things that are different across the models are their barrel length and capacity, which influence several aspects:
Concealability: The 3-inch model, with its shorter slide and grip, is highly concealable, making it ideal for those who prioritize a low-profile carry. The 4-inch model, while slightly larger, offers a balanced mix of concealability and control.
Shootability: The longer sight radius and added weight of the 4-inch model provide better accuracy and reduced muzzle flip and can be more comfortable to handle for shooters with larger hands. The 3-inch model, though more compact, might be more challenging to shoot for less experienced users due to its smaller grip area and lighter frame.
Recoil Control: Both models manage recoil well due to their lighter 9mm chambering and heavier build compared to polymer pistols. The 4-inch version especially handles recoil better, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
Firepower: With capacities of 9+1 or 10+1 rounds, these pistols pack serious firepower for their size.
In short, the Ronin 1911 EMP series by Springfield Armory offers outstanding carry options with its thoughtful design, exceptional ergonomics, and durable components. Whether you’re new to concealed carry or a seasoned pro, these pistols are a solid choice for everyday defense.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 Ronin EMP 9mm
Specifications:
- Action: SAO
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel length: 3"
- Capacity: 9
- Safety: Grip safety
The XD-S Mod.2 OSP is designed for maximum concealability with its slim and compact profile, lightweight design, and smaller capacity of 7 or 9 rounds. In contrast, the XD-M Elite Compact OSP offers greater capacity with 11 rounds and is chambered in 10mm for more stopping power. The XD-M also features the META trigger system and improved slide serrations.
The XD-S Mod.2 OSP, being lighter and smaller, typically has more noticeable recoil, which might affect accuracy, especially for new shooters. The XD-M Elite Compact OSP, with its longer barrel and 10mm chambering, has a stronger kick but benefits from a superior trigger system for potentially better overall accuracy.
Yes, both the XD-S Mod.2 OSP and the XD-M Elite Compact OSP come equipped with robust safety features including a grip safety, drop safety, and a loaded chamber indicator.
The Ronin 1911 EMP series stands out with its blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, compact size, and redesigned components to fit 9mm rounds. Its durable construction, two-tone finish, ergonomic features, and high capacity make it a versatile choice for concealed carry.
Yes, Springfield Armory pistols like the XD-S Mod.2 OSP, XD-M Elite Compact OSP, and Ronin 1911 EMP series are designed with features that make them excellent choices for everyday carry, offering a balance of concealability, shootability, and reliability.
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