Guns & Ammo has named their 2020 “Handgun of the Year” and it is the Springfield Armory Hellcat which will not come as a surprise to many people for how exceedingly popular it has been since its debut last September 2019. It has been in a constant battle with the SIG Sauer P365 for micro-compact superiority and either one laying claim to the title of “Handgun of the Year” would be duly deserving. The full press release for the nod of “Handgun of the Year” from Guns & Ammo can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

GENESEO, ILL. (11/4/20) – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce that its popular Hellcat® 9mm pistol has won the esteemed Guns & Ammo 2020 Handgun of the Year Award.

The micro compact +P-rated Hellcat features a class-leading capacity of 11+1 with its patented magazine — 13+1 with the included extended magazine — and has proven to be an extremely popular EDC choice for self-defense firearms purchasers. A 3″ hammer-forged barrel and a lowest weight of just 17.9 oz. empty ensure that the pistol is as easy to pack as it is to shoot well.

In addition to its minute dimensions and impressive power and capacity, the Hellcat OSP™ (optical sight pistol) variant allows for direct-mounting of compact red dot optics. An included removable seamless cover plate makes installation easy, and the optic can co-witness with the pistol’s excellent U-Dot™ sights — made up of a high visibility tritium and luminescent front sight paired with a tactical rack U-notch rear.

Offered in standard and OSP versions as well as in black or FDE, the Hellcat has created a new standard for cutting-edge EDC. And, it gives CCW users a terrific option for their own self-defense needs.

At the moment, if you have not already jumped onto the Springfield Armory Hellcat bandwagon, there are 5 different options to choose from that can be found on the Springfield website. These offerings vary from $599 – $799 in MSRP. This is now the 2nd award Springfield Armory has received as of late for their best-selling CCW pistol. Eric Poole, Editor of Guns & Ammo, goes on to explain what all went into their selecting the Springfield Armory Hellcat for this award:

During our year-long evaluation of the Hellcat, we have put several of the pistols through extensive testing. We’ve shot thousands of rounds through them, and we were able to shoot less than 2″ groups at 25 yards from a fixed rest. It’s clear that the Springfield Armory Hellcat and Hellcat OSP deserve this year’s Handgun of the Year honors.

We all know that the concealed carry pistol market is a very diluted one at best with innumerable companies pitching forth offerings to entertain us opening our wallets for. To rise to the top as one of the best is a great accomplishment. I have owned a Springfield Armory Hellcat for the past year and authentically love it, but what do you guys and gals think? Would you choose the Springfield Armory Hellcat for this award? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

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