The micro compact 9mm Kimber R7 Mako and Springfield Hellcat are two lookalikes is the micro compact carry world.
But is it a marketing gimmick or are they truly different? Is there a difference in how they shoot, a play in the recoil? Or anything else? Yes, it is, and turns out that the Kimber R7 Mako is better,
The reason is what this article discusses in detail, but concisely. So read on!
Kimber R7 Mako vs Springfield Hellcat: Quick Comparison Table
| Specs | Kimber R7 Mako | Springfield Hellcat |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Grip | Stippling and palm swell | Textured Rubber Grip Tape |
| Action | Recoil operated, striker-fired, semiautomatic | Striker-fired semiauto |
| Safety | Trigger, striker block | Trigger lever, striker-pin block |
| Sights | Crimson Trace® CTS-1500 Reflex Sight; Co-witnessed tritium night sights | Ameriglo Pro-Glo tritium/luminescent front, white-outline U-notch rear; removable optic plate to accept Shield RMSc on OSP model |
| Capacity | 12-round micro-compact/14 rounds extended magazine | 11 + 1 or 13 + 1 rounds |
| Overall Length | 6.2 inches | 6 inches |
| Height | 4.3 inches | 4.12 inches |
| Width | 1 inch | 0.88 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.37 inches | 3 inches |
| Weight | 19.5 oz | 17.9 ounces |
| Barrel Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Trigger Pull | 5.0 – 6.75 lb | 6 – 10 lbs |
What’s The Difference Between Kimber R7 Mako and Springfield Hellcat Based on Features?
Feature 1: Configuration
A unique feature of the R7 Mako is the ridge directly below the slide. It prevents you from unintentionally placing your hand too close to the slide when you grab the gun.
It thus provides you with a very natural grip. The shrouded ejection port is another feature that sets the Kimber apart from other pistols with a similar design. It increases the rigidity of the slide.
The Hellcat has a three-inch barrel that was cold-hammer forged. There is a tritium front bead with a yellow ring around it. As a result, it is very bright and has a white outline.
Configuration-wise, the Kimber is better. Have you seen that mag-release button? It is perfect!
Feature 2: Trigger
One of the most effortless triggers in a polymer frame strike is found on the Kimber R7 Mako. They use a trigger with a flat face. When you pull the trigger, it presses firmly without much takeup before abruptly stopping.
The Hellcat does have a small trigger shoe and a flat trigger. Beavertail is added to keep your hands safe. In addition, there is a small cocking shelf, and you have your adapter plate that accepts the shield RMS.
I think look and feel-wise, the trigger of the Kimber is a somewhat better than the Hellcat’s one.
Feature 3: Grip
The Kimber Mako has a grip with laser texture. Although aggressive, it’s not overly so. When you’re gripping the pistol and it’s in many different places on the handgun, it boosts your confidence greatly.
Despite being textured, the Hellcat’s adaptive grip texture has a soft feel to it. Despite feeling smooth, you can feel that there is some friction. When you grip the gun, it actually locks in and feels very secure.
The advancement of grip design rests heavier with the Hellcat. You should definitely give it a try.
Feature 4: Shooting
The weight is the only thing that differs for R7 Mako in terms of shooting. It is the heaviest micro compact available (without the magazine, 19.5 oz.). That improves shooting accuracy but has no improvement on carrying.
The Hellcat is not the simplest shooter. It goes through 300–1000 rounds with no problems. As most people say, it is undoubtedly snappy and requires some adjustment.
Feature 5: Ammo
At 1800 fps, the Sig 124+P, Remington 124+P, and Novx 65 grain +P are effective self-defense loads in the Kimber R7 Mako. The recoil of the 65 Novx, a copper and polymer bullet with flutes, feels somewhat milder. The 115 penny loads also perform admirably.
A perfect load for the Hellcat is 124gr. Use the 147gr for EDC, and it also performs admirably. Winchester Ranger T 147gn and STV Golden Bee 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ are used throughout. The HST 147gn HST are good stuff in 147, 180, and 230gr.
Feature 6: Slide
Speaking of a R7 Mako’s slide, the ejection port is entirely on the side of the weapon. This aids in some technical way in controlling recoil.
An optic slide is pre-cut at the factory. The grip has a nice sticky texture that feels good in the hand, and the mag release is almost completely receded into it.
However, the slide button works well to close the action for the Hellcat when using the 11+1 mag. The button won’t close the action when the 13+1 mag is being used. The magazines lack sufficient spring kick to properly drop.
From the look of it, seems like the Slide on the R7 is better.
Kimber R7 Mako or Springfield Hellcat Which One to Choose?
The Kimber R7 Mako has to be the better shooter for me with a smooth glass 4 pound trigger. Their fit and finish are honestly perfect.
The only people who have a problem with the Kimber are the ones with a small hand. For them, the Hellcat is perfect.
The trigger has a nice break-in period, and shooting is much quicker and more accurate. Kimber also has a 10-round magazine with a pinky extension.
They have levers in the Glock style. But they function more like the long Glock controls. However, the Kimber weighs a few more ounces than the Hellcat.
The 11-round mag has a slant that is different from that of most short magazines. With the 11-rounder, you obtain a grip similar to a baseball one, with your pinky not protruding below the table.
Is the Mako made for lefties?
It benefits the lefties. The chamber/slide lock-up and barrel lock-up are identical to those of the BB6 that Wilhelm Bubbitz designed, as is the lack of a slide cut. It may be the first fully lefty design.
The flat top slide appears to have the most grip texturing of the group and appears to offer the least splashback on a red dot.
Why is cycling so good in Hellcat?
The dual recoil spring system used by Springfield Armory also provides the gun with the spring mass required for consistently reliable cycling.
A cap has a spring with a large diameter that slides over a spring with a smaller diameter that is wound more tightly around the recoil spring guide.
However, the main spring in the pistol has trouble recycling light to medium loads with 115gr bullets.
Summary
From this article, it is pretty clear that the Kimber R7 wins in so many fields. Although it is uglier than the Hellcat. But it is more useful and performs better!
I hope this verdict helps you with your purchase decision. Cheers!
Related Post
- Differences Between CZ SP01 Vs 26 (Explained with Evidence!)
- P365xl Vs. Glock 19 – Which One Is Better?
- What Should Your Pick Be Between Glock 44 and 19? (Explained with Evidence!)
- The Full-Size M17 Or The Carry M18? Which Should Be Your P320 SIG? (Debunked!)
- Which Should be the Ruger You Own? LCP 2 or LCP MAX? (Find Out Now!)
