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Ruger MAX-9 vs Springfield Hellcat OSP

By Cole Harlan, EditorUpdated Nov 4, 2026How we verifyEditorial standards

Two optics-ready micro-compact 9mms. The first column is Ruger’s MAX-9 model 3514 (12+1, optic-ready, fixed front sight); the second is the Springfield Hellcat 3" Micro-Compact OSP 9mm. Figures are copied from the Ruger spec sheet and the Springfield product page, checked November 4, 2026. The two makers measure and label some things differently, so the labels are kept below.

At a glance

Spec (maker label)	Ruger MAX-9 (3514)	Hellcat 3" Micro-Compact OSP
Model / SKU	Model 3514	SKU HC9319BOSP
Caliber	9mm Luger	9mm
Capacity / magazines	Capacity 12+1; one 12-round magazine included	(1) 11-Round, (1) 13-Round Extended
Barrel	3.20″ 81 mm, alloy steel, black nitride, 1:10″ RH twist, 6 grooves	3″ Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
Overall length	6″ 15.2 cm (Ruger label: Overall Length)	6″ (Springfield label: Length)
Height	4.42″ (Ruger label: Height; magazine not stated)	4″ w/ Flush Mag, 4.5″ w/ Extended Mag
Width	Slide Width 0.95″ 24 mm (no grip or overall width printed on this sheet)	Grip Width 1″ (slide width not printed)
Weight	18.4 oz. 523 g	17.9 oz w/ Flush Mag, 18.3 oz w/ Extended Mag
Sights	Front: Fixed; Rear: Drift-Adjustable Polymer	Tritium/Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
Slide	Through-Hardened Alloy Steel, Black Nitride	Billet Machined, Melonite® Finish, Optics Ready
Optic (maker wording)	Optic Pattern: JPoint™ and Shield RMSc	Rear slide deck cut to accept a micro red dot (no footprint named)
Manual safety	Yes	Not listed on the spec table
Price printed on maker page	Suggested Retail $299.00	MSRP $653
Source (checked Nov. 4, 2026)	ruger.com MAX-9 model 3514	springfield-armory.com Hellcat 3" OSP

Width is the one row that does not line up: Ruger’s sheet prints a slide width of 0.95″ (24 mm), and Springfield prints a grip width of 1″. Those are different measurements, so neither number can be called narrower or wider than the other. Ruger does not print a height with a magazine named; Springfield gives flush and extended. Those prices are what each maker’s page printed on the check date (Ruger: Suggested Retail; Springfield: MSRP) and are not street prices.

Other MAX-9 models

Ruger’s MAX-9 models page lists four models: 3514 and 3519 (optic-ready, 12+1 and 10+1), 3523 (12+1 with a factory-mounted Ruger ReadyDot) and 3518 (10+1, tritium fiber-optic front sight, and a loaded chamber indicator in place of an optic cut). This page charts 3514 only. Springfield also sells other Hellcat variants; see Hellcat vs Hellcat Pro OSP.

Which to pick (on paper)

If lowest listed weight matters: the Hellcat at 17.9 oz with flush magazine vs 18.4 oz on the MAX-9.
If capacity out of the box matters: the Hellcat ships with an 11-round and a 13-round magazine; the MAX-9 3514 ships with one 12-round.
If a named optic pattern matters: Ruger names JPoint and Shield RMSc; Springfield names no footprint on this page.
If you compare sights: Springfield lists a tritium/luminescent front; the 3514 lists a fixed front sight.
If the printed price matters: Ruger prints Suggested Retail $299.00 for 3514; Springfield prints MSRP $653 for this Hellcat.

We have not range-tested these; facts below are from the makers.

Frequently asked questions

How do the Ruger MAX-9 and Springfield Hellcat OSP compare in size?

Ruger lists the MAX-9 model 3514 at 6 inches overall, 4.42 inches high and 18.4 oz, with a 3.20 inch barrel. Springfield lists the Hellcat 3 inch OSP at 6 inches long, 4 inches high with a flush magazine and 17.9 oz, with a 3 inch barrel.

Is the Ruger MAX-9 optics-ready?

Ruger lists model 3514 with an optic pattern of JPoint and Shield RMSc. Model 3518 has no optic cut and uses a loaded chamber indicator instead.

Why does this page not call one pistol narrower?

Ruger prints a slide width of 0.95 inch for the MAX-9 3514, while Springfield prints a grip width of 1 inch for the Hellcat. They are different measurements.

Ruger MAX-9 vs Springfield Hellcat OSP

At a glance

Other MAX-9 models

Which to pick (on paper)

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

At a glance

Other MAX-9 models

Which to pick (on paper)

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

The Gun Release Report