Site seems to be working OK.
Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Here's a comparison between he tried and true and the new kid on the block. Let me know your thoughts!
Howard
https://youtu.be/Aa0Oq_9eOd4
Howard
https://youtu.be/Aa0Oq_9eOd4
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Too much concern with size and weight. Capacity wins in this comparison.
Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is rapidly becoming a reality (11/2023). Para Bellum.
- JEBar
- Town Marshal / Deputy Admin
- Posts: 20410
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2016 10:58 pm
- Location: central NC

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
just curious .... given equal circumstances, which one are you the most accurate with (specially on the first shot) .. 
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
As much as I hate to admit it, I think that would be the Hellcat. The trigger and sights on that little pistol make a big difference. The D/A pull on the 342 is smooth, but long and somewhat heavy, and the sights are not nearly as visible.
Howard
- markiver54
- Deputy Marshal
- Posts: 11112
- Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:49 am
- Location: Biue Ridge Mountains, NC

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I have been very interested in the Hellcat ever since I first became aware of it.
Not much thicker than my XDS, and a significant increase in capacity. If I could step back to pre-purchase of my XDS and the Hellcat was available; would have definitely gone with the Cat!!
Not much thicker than my XDS, and a significant increase in capacity. If I could step back to pre-purchase of my XDS and the Hellcat was available; would have definitely gone with the Cat!!
I'm your Huckleberry
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Likewise, but haven't been able to find one locally, and I don't buy guns without at least handling them, and preferably shooting a few rounds first. I'll spring the $5 or so for a test drive.markiver54 wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 2:00 pmI have been very interested in the Hellcat ever since I first became aware of it.
Not much thicker than my XDS, and a significant increase in capacity. If I could step back to pre-purchase of my XDS and the Hellcat was available; would have definitely gone with the Cat!!
Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is rapidly becoming a reality (11/2023). Para Bellum.
- JEBar
- Town Marshal / Deputy Admin
- Posts: 20410
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2016 10:58 pm
- Location: central NC

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
makes sense .... opinion appreciated
- markiver54
- Deputy Marshal
- Posts: 11112
- Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:49 am
- Location: Biue Ridge Mountains, NC

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Same here Gunny! Like to at least handle, if not shoot first. Have not had the chance yet to look very extensively, locally. Hope when time allows, I can find one.GunnyGene wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 2:26 pmLikewise, but haven't been able to find one locally, and I don't buy guns without at least handling them, and preferably shooting a few rounds first. I'll spring the $5 or so for a test drive.markiver54 wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 2:00 pmI have been very interested in the Hellcat ever since I first became aware of it.
Not much thicker than my XDS, and a significant increase in capacity. If I could step back to pre-purchase of my XDS and the Hellcat was available; would have definitely gone with the Cat!!
I'm your Huckleberry
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I missed one at the Academy in Tupelo by about 2 weeks. Counter guy said they were going to order a couple more next month. Priced at $503, which seems a little steep to me. Then there's 7% tax and NCIS fee of $25 which would put it at $563 out the door. I'll wait till our tax holiday rolls around in late Aug. before buying anyway.markiver54 wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 3:31 pmSame here Gunny! Like to at least handle, if not shoot first. Have not had the chance yet to look very extensively, locally. Hope when time allows, I can find one.GunnyGene wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 2:26 pmLikewise, but haven't been able to find one locally, and I don't buy guns without at least handling them, and preferably shooting a few rounds first. I'll spring the $5 or so for a test drive.markiver54 wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 2:00 pmI have been very interested in the Hellcat ever since I first became aware of it.
Not much thicker than my XDS, and a significant increase in capacity. If I could step back to pre-purchase of my XDS and the Hellcat was available; would have definitely gone with the Cat!!
Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is rapidly becoming a reality (11/2023). Para Bellum.
- markiver54
- Deputy Marshal
- Posts: 11112
- Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:49 am
- Location: Biue Ridge Mountains, NC

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
We have yet to get up to our summer cabin because of the extended tax deadline. ( wifes' an accountant ). However, when we do, the LGS up there is amazing, and I don't doubt that he will have one. Have bought most of my guns there and his prices can't be beat. He also stocks more Henrys than anywhere I've ever seen. ( Prices Creek General Store ) in Burnsville NC.
He's always well below MSRP, and sometimes even less for cash.
He's always well below MSRP, and sometimes even less for cash.
I'm your Huckleberry
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Ive owned a couple Springfield Armory. I just dont shoot them well and would not buy another one. Not saying there no good just sayin they dont work for me.
Don't let the old man in
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I had a S & W chief .38 inch. Sold it. Have a Sig 365 w safety. Same kind of gun as the hellcat. Size wise and capacity wise. 1 round difference
The sig 365 is easier to carry, shoots better has a little more power then the .38.. More capacity.
This .38 was my off duty gun for many years. It was carried on hip iswb. osw. shoulder holster and in ankle holster depending on where I was going and how I was dressed. Never pocket carried.
I would have much rather had a sig p365, Sig 320 sub compact, sig p938 or a hellcat. They of course were not available at that time.
When we went to semi- Auto, it was a sig 226 in 9mm. I just carried that in a pancake owb holster as off duty. Until I retired.
I retired as a Leo in 1993.
Sold the .38 2 or 3 years ago to fund buying another semi.
The sig 365 is easier to carry, shoots better has a little more power then the .38.. More capacity.
This .38 was my off duty gun for many years. It was carried on hip iswb. osw. shoulder holster and in ankle holster depending on where I was going and how I was dressed. Never pocket carried.
I would have much rather had a sig p365, Sig 320 sub compact, sig p938 or a hellcat. They of course were not available at that time.
When we went to semi- Auto, it was a sig 226 in 9mm. I just carried that in a pancake owb holster as off duty. Until I retired.
I retired as a Leo in 1993.
Sold the .38 2 or 3 years ago to fund buying another semi.
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
That's exactly why I prefer to test drive before buying. What works for one, often doesn't work for another. Kinda like underwear - but the stores won't let you test drive underwear.
Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is rapidly becoming a reality (11/2023). Para Bellum.
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Theres only one underware Gene Duluth trading
Don't let the old man in
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
- BrokenolMarine
- Ranch Foreman
- Posts: 7458
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 8:28 am
- Location: South Central Oklahoma in the mountains

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I agree that I like to shoot before buying. But, I was lucky enough to have had a long relationship with two gunshops in the area. If I was interested in a used gun. I could shoot it. A new gun, they would stand behind the accuracy. Twice, in thirty years, I took guns back with a pad of failed test targets. Both times they replaced the guns, and made the manufacturer replace them.
No worries.
No worries.
You can tell a lot about the character of a man...
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.
- North Country Gal
- Firearms Advisor
- Posts: 6823
- Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 12:46 pm
- Location: northern Wisconsin

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Although I very rarely carry and, when I do, it as a woods carry for four legged problems, I've always found the subject interesting. That, and I've always had fascination with small handguns, anyway. What you carry, of course, is a very personal and subjective decision. To be honest, as much as I love and shoot revolvers, I find that I can shoot a small semi-auto better than a small revolver and often much better. My targets don't lie. Each to their own, as always.
Hey, Howard, I see that you are supported by OP. Used to work for them when they were getting started. Some great folks, there. Tell them Joanie says, hi.
Hey, Howard, I see that you are supported by OP. Used to work for them when they were getting started. Some great folks, there. Tell them Joanie says, hi.
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Will do. I mostly work with Cal, if you know him. He's a good guy and the program they have for people like me is quite beneficial for them and me.
Howard
Howard
- BrokenolMarine
- Ranch Foreman
- Posts: 7458
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 8:28 am
- Location: South Central Oklahoma in the mountains

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I have both semi autos and revolvers for edc, and depending on the weather, I will carry a SA. But when weather calls for small and light, the J frame has filled the bill. Always been happy with it. A couple speed strips in an off side pocket... 
You can tell a lot about the character of a man...
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.
Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
I still have a lot of love for my J-frames, but for off-duty EDC, the Hellcat is winning me over.BrokenolMarine wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 7:44 amI have both semi autos and revolvers for edc, and depending on the weather, I will carry a SA. But when weather calls for small and light, the J frame has filled the bill. Always been happy with it. A couple speed strips in an off side pocket...![]()
Howard
- BrokenolMarine
- Ranch Foreman
- Posts: 7458
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 8:28 am
- Location: South Central Oklahoma in the mountains

Re: Hellcat vs. J-frame for CCW
Once we get settled in this new farm, and I take care of all the gotta haves...Hrfunk wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 7:58 amI still have a lot of love for my J-frames, but for off-duty EDC, the Hellcat is winning me over.BrokenolMarine wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 7:44 amI have both semi autos and revolvers for edc, and depending on the weather, I will carry a SA. But when weather calls for small and light, the J frame has filled the bill. Always been happy with it. A couple speed strips in an off side pocket...![]()
Howard
... Then add a .308 to the stable for the feral piggies...
I might just take a look at the hellcat.
However, my Kimber Tactical Ultra II...
Someone famous once said something like...
"I don't care what caliber is is, as long as it starts with a four."
Ah... Found it...
"Any caliber is fine. As long as it starts with a four, and ends with a five."
Jeff Cooper
You can tell a lot about the character of a man...
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.
by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
I don't look back at the things I can no longer do, I just look forward to the things I still can.