The world of concealed carry handguns is as diverse as it is competitive, with manufacturers competing to produce the ideal firearm for personal defense. Two popular choices that have emerged in recent years are the Kimber R7 Mako and the Springfield Hellcat. These two pistols, though similar in size and purpose, offer different features and benefits to the discerning gun owner. In this blog post, we will explore these two handguns in depth, comparing them in terms of specs, features, and performance. By the end, you should have a better understanding of what each pistol has to offer and be better equipped to decide which is the better option for your personal needs.
Kimber R7 Mako Overview
Specifications
The Kimber R7 Mako is a compact, striker-fired 9mm pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. It sports an overall length of 6.2 inches, a height of 4.3 inches, and a width of 1.08 inches, making it small enough to fit comfortably in a variety of holsters and carry positions. The R7 Mako has a 3.37-inch barrel and an unloaded weight of just 19.5 ounces.
Features
The R7 Mako stands out in the crowded market of concealed carry handguns due to its unique features and emphasis on performance. Among its key features are:
- Standard 11-round flush-fit magazine and optional 13-round extended magazine
- TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night Sights for quick target acquisition in low-light situations
- Striker indicator providing both visual and tactile confirmation that the striker is cocked
- Low-bore axis for reduced muzzle rise and improved control during rapid firing
- Textured grip panels and aggressive slide serrations for improved control and handling
Performance
Kimber designed the R7 Mako to provide an optimal balance of accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice among experienced concealed carry practitioners. The pistol features an all-steel construction and a match-grade barrel for increased durability and accuracy. Additionally, the pistol’s low-bore axis and ergonomic grip design allow for greater control during rapid-fire shooting and help to reduce felt recoil, making the R7 Mako an enjoyable and effective handgun for personal defense.
Springfield Hellcat Overview
Specifications
The Springfield Hellcat is another compact, striker-fired 9mm pistol that has become a top choice for concealed carry enthusiasts. The Hellcat measures 6 inches in overall length, 4 inches in height, and 1 inch in width, making it just a touch smaller than the R7 Mako. The Hellcat sports a 3-inch barrel and has an unloaded weight of 18.3 ounces.
Features
The Springfield Hellcat comes packed with a variety of features aimed at providing a high-performance concealed carry experience. Key features include:
- Patented 11+1 round (standard) or 13+1 round (extended) magazine capacity
- Optional OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) variant to easily mount a compact red dot sight
- U-Dot Tritium/Luminescent front sight and Tactical Rack U-notch rear sight for rapid target acquisition
- Adaptive Grip Texture for a secure grip without causing discomfort during concealed carry
- Loaded chamber indicator for easy visual and tactile confirmation of a round in the chamber
Performance
The Springfield Hellcat has received high praise for its reliability and shootability in the concealed carry market. With its Melonite finish and hammer-forged barrel, the Hellcat is designed for long-lasting durability under harsh conditions. The pistol’s Adaptive Grip Texture and comfortable ergonomics provide a secure grip, allowing for accurate and controlled shooting during defensive situations.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Kimber R7 Mako | Springfield Hellcat |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Overall Length | 6.2 inches | 6 inches |
| Height | 4.3 inches | 4 inches |
| Width | 1.08 inches | 1 inch |
| Barrel Length | 3.37 inches | 3 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 19.5 ounces | 18.3 ounces |
| Magazine Capacity | 11 (standard), 13 (extended) | 11 (standard), 13 (extended) |
| Sights | TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night Sights | U-Dot Tritium/Luminescent front, Tactical Rack U-notch rear |
| Optics-Ready Variant | No | Yes (OSP) |
Kimber R7 Mako vs. Springfield Hellcat: The Verdict
As we have seen, both the Kimber R7 Mako and Springfield Hellcat are feature-rich, high-performance concealed carry handguns. When choosing between the two, your decision will likely depend on your personal preferences and priorities.
If you value a slightly larger handgun with a longer barrel and a low-bore axis for improved accuracy and rapid-fire control, the Kimber R7 Mako may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in a slightly smaller and lighter firearm that also offers an optics-ready variant for quick red dot sight mounting, the Springfield Hellcat OSP might be the suitable option.
Ultimately, it’s essential to try out both handguns to get a sense of which one feels better in your hand and meets your specific concealed carry needs. No blog post can provide the hands-on experience necessary to make the best decision possible, so we encourage you to visit your local range or gun store and see for yourself what each of these excellent handguns has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better: Kimber R7 Mako or Springfield Hellcat?
Both guns have their pros and cons. It ultimately depends on personal preference and what you value in a firearm. The Kimber R7 Mako offers a sleek design and enhanced ergonomics, while the Springfield Hellcat boasts higher capacity and a standard accessory rail.
2. What footprint is the Kimber R7 Mako?
The Kimber R7 Mako has a standard micro-compact footprint, which is compatible with many holsters and accessories on the market.
3. When did Kimber R7 Mako come out?
The Kimber R7 Mako was released in 2021.
4. Is a Hellcat as good as a Glock?
Both the Hellcat and Glock have their strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately depends on personal preference and what you value in a firearm. Some may prefer the Hellcat’s higher capacity and compact design, while others may prefer the Glock’s simplicity and reliability.
5. Which is better: Glock 43x or Hellcat?
Both guns have their advantages. The Glock 43x has a larger grip, making it more comfortable to shoot, while the Hellcat has higher capacity and a standard accessory rail. It ultimately depends on personal preference and what features you prioritize in a firearm.
6. What is the capacity of the Kimber R7 Mako?
The Kimber R7 Mako has a standard capacity of 11+1 rounds.
7. What is the trigger pull weight of the Springfield Hellcat?
The Springfield Hellcat has a trigger pull weight of approximately 5.5 pounds.
8. Is the Kimber R7 Mako striker-fired?
Yes, the Kimber R7 Mako is a striker-fired pistol.
9. What is the weight of the Kimber R7 Mako?
The Kimber R7 Mako weighs approximately 19 ounces.
10. What is the length of the Springfield Hellcat?
The Springfield Hellcat has a length of 6 inches.