Sharps Bros Echelon Grip Module: A Handy Echelon Upgrade

Increasingly, manufacturers are designing their stock pistols with a removable, serialized fire control unit. This has opened the door for other manufacturers to make aftermarket grip modules to house the fire control unit. I tested the Sharps Bros Grip Module for the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol and was not disappointed. From an aesthetic standpoint, it adds a better look to the gun. Beyond the way it looks, it also has a practical purpose.

Benefits of the Sharps Bros Echelon Grip Module

Weight Increase

The best upgrade you can make to any polymer-framed pistol is to increase the weight of it. The heavier a gun weighs, the less felt recoil it has.

The standard Springfield Armory grip module weighs four ounces, while the Sharps Bros grip module weighs eight ounces. While this might seem miniscule, it makes a significant difference when shooting the pistol.

The standard Springfield Armory Echelon grip module weighs four ounces, while the Sharps Bros grip module weighs eight ounces. — (Photo by Maggie Hanson)

Steeper Grip Angle

A pistol’s ergonomics make a gun comfortable, easy to manipulate, and, therefore, more accurate to shoot. 1911s are so popular because the grip angle feels more natural, and you can install just about whatever aftermarket grip texture your heart desires.

The Sharps Bros grip angle for the Echelon is 13 degrees compared to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) grip angle of 18 degrees. Once again, it sounds like a small change, but it can add some difference when gripping and shooting the pistol.

The Sharps Bros grip module angle for the Echelon is 13 degrees compared to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) grip angle of 18 degrees. — (Photo by Maggie Hanson)

The curves in the Sharps Bros grip module are much more different than the Springfield grip module. The Sharps Bros design has a more rounded undercut for a slightly higher grip on the gun. In addition, the backstrap also has a deeper curve.

Flared Magazine Well

A flared mag well makes reloading a pistol easier, especially under stress. The flared mag well is what I think to be the perfect size without getting too aggressively expansive. The vital thing to note with this flared mag well is that it doesn’t interfere with seating any of the OEM Echelon magazines. Finally, the mag well adds slightly more weight to the frame, which is always a plus.

Installing the Sharps Bros Grip Module

The installation is a simple process. However, I always recommend taking it to a certified gunsmith if you’re unfamiliar with changing fire control units into different grip modules.

The Echelon Central Operating Group is self-contained and serialized. So, there’s no need to do more paperwork to install it in the Sharps Bros grip module. The best thing to do is watch a quick instructional video on YouTube about how to swap modules. Finally, you must punch out one pin to remove the magazine release and re-install it in the new grip module.

Installation of the grip module doesn’t require any special tools. However, the Real Avid Accu-Punch Master Set is handy to keep on your workbench when swapping the magazine release or adding an extended base pad to a magazine.

The other toolset that’s beneficial if you plan to mount a red dot optic to your pistol is the Smart-Torq & Driver Master Set. Red dot optics come with recommended torque specifications you can set on the driver. This is so you never over- or under-torque your optic.

The Echelon Central Operating Group is self-contained and serialized. So, there’s no need to do more paperwork to install it in the Sharps Bros grip module. — (Photo by Maggie Hanson)

Shooting the Echelon with the Sharps Bros Grip Module

I’ve had my Echelon pistol for months and have shot hundreds of rounds through it. So, I’m familiar with how the gun’s recoil impulse feels. After installing the Sharps Bros grip module, there was a noticeable difference in how the gun felt to fire.

The slight checkering of the Brazilian Cherry Grips added just enough texture to the gun, making it comfortable to hold and shoot. Additionally, the added weight decreased the muzzle rise enough to make the red dot track better on target. The grip angle with the change in curves also made the pistol feel more natural in the hand.

The author shooting the Echelon with the Sharps Bros grip module. — (Photo by Maggie Hanson)

I can tell you there’s no way I’m returning to the OEM polymer grip after getting my hands on this grip module. It’s well-designed, feels more durable than polymer, and looks ten times better than what came from the factory.

To me, the EFLX reflex red dot from EOTECH is the perfect balance of carry and competition red dot optic. The window size is generous without being oversized. The glass clarity with the 3MOA or 6MOA red dot is easy to pick up and track. Correspondingly, the up and down arrows for making brightness adjustments are foolproof. The battery compartment is on top and easy to load.

The Echelon pistol could be used for either carry or competition. For this reason, I think the EFLX was the right fit for this gun.

If you already have a holster for your Springfield Echelon pistol, the Sharps Bros grip module is compatible. So, there is no need to order a new one.

For more information, please visit SharpsBros.com.