Of all the firearms one owns, the carry pistol may be the most beloved. Not just any carry pistol. Your carry pistol. I’ve learned over the years that when you find the good carry gun—heck, the great carry gun, a loyalty develops. You stay there with it and it stays there with you. You become old friends with stories to tell and memories to reminisce. I think years from now we’ll look back at the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C and realize it was one of those firearms, the carry pistol that rode well and comforted many when things didn’t seem quite right.
The 4.0C as a whole isn’t a new pistol, but it has new options. It launched roughly a year and a half ago, a little brother to the full-size Echelon. The full size is big and easy to shoot. Perfect for range work but likely too massive to carry for all but the most hardened and committed. I used to carry the biggest of pistols. I was young. Not dumb. But convenience and ease of use tends to clamber up the ladder of importance as experience seasons you. When I was young I would have adapted to whatever I needed to carry the Echelon. With the Echelon 4.0C there is no need to.
I reviewed the 4.0 back in December of 2024, so I’m well aware of the capabilities of the pistol. In fact, back then I had entered into more pistol training and having the 4.0C was timely. During a training session my instructor insisted on us shooting business cards for fun. Not the flat side of the cards but the edges with the intent to split them in half. Oh and we had to do it with support hand only. With the help of the SA Echelon 4.0C, I accomplished the task while I still remained in disbelief. This pistol was quite amazing and capable, allowing me as a shooter to reach new heights.
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The COA Edition
This new version of the 4.0C has a small change that is big in impact — a slide that features the A-Cut mounting interface—specifically for the Aimpoint COA red dot reflex optic. My original test unit came with the Vortex Defender attached and that optic took advantage of Springfield’s patent pending optics mounting system—The Variable Interface system. With configurable pins, one could mount a red dot directly to the slide of the Echelon without the need for adapter plates. This keeps the optic low on the slide which performs better not to mention looks better. This AOC version however has a specific cut in the slide for the Aimpoint COA, committing to this optic.
So why would SA do this? Well, the closed emitter optic has become quite a force over the past couple of years. A closed emitter means you are less likely to have adverse conditions interfere with the performance of the diode on your red dot optic. These conditions can range from dirt and liquids to even dust and lint that an open emitter can’t shield against. While I have no dog in the fight, I’ve never had any issues with open emitters, but at the same time I’ve not subjected myself nor my pistol to all the the potential hazards and conditions.
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Aimpoint COA Features
The Aimpoint COA is made of 7075-T6 and durable. The window(s) is clear and tough too. The dot is 3.5 MOA with 8 levels of daylight brightness setting and 4 NV compatible settings. Battery life is about 50,000 hours.
The slide is cut specifically for the COA, it’s worth noting the new rear sight design that acts in conjunction with the COA. It is secured partially by the rear sight and two Torx screws. The front of the rear sight extends over the rear-most mounting point of the COA creating a sort of dovetail for the optic and securing it in place. The COA is designed with the securing points machined into the optic, so again it’s a specific cut for this optic. As of right now I don’t know of any options offered by Springfield just in case you choose or desire to run a different optic on the pistol at another time other than getting a new slide.
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Another way this differs from the first launched 4.0C is in the sight configuration. This COA version comes with a blacked out front sight which is in contrast to the night sight of the the original. The rear sight features a U-notch like the original but void of the white outline and the notch channel is narrower as well. Thanks to how low the AOC rides on the slide, you can co-witness with the standard pistol sights. Other than these differences, the Ecehlon 4.0C hasn’t changed. Not that it needs to.
Foundation
It’s worth restating the features of the 4.0C that make it so excellent. The self contained Central Operating Group is the serialized portion of the pistol and it can be moved from grip module to grip module. It’s precision engineered from stainless steel and will last a lifetime. I’ve always loved the slide design and how it allows the user to get a positive grip on it from basically all angles. Wherever you grip the slide you can charge or press check the pistol thanks to generous serrations, slide contouring or “flaring”, and what Springfield calls a “forward trench” which lets the user press check from the front of the pistol. This all equates to ease of use.
The frame is equally impressive with excellent texturing throughout. Texturing appears on the main grip, underneath the undercut triggerguard, magazine base-plates, mag release, and indexing points. It’s like Springfield said, “Ok where would the user touch and interact with this pistol? Wherever they do, let’s put something helpful and useful there.” There are three backstrap sizes as well so getting a good fit should be easy.
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The trigger on the Echelon is worth noting. I think all plastic pistols have a similar feel, but the Echelon’s its pretty clean. Good take up that stops positively at the wall then you start the weighted press which is consistent from shot to shot or dry press to dry press, with a generally crisp break. Reset is short and positive in feel. The 4.0C also features an ambidextrous magazine release and slide lock.
Range Time
I think one of the best things to happen specifically to the Echelon 4.0C is the Safariland/Haley Strategic Incog X IWB holster. This thing is comfortable to say the least and it holds the pistol well. One was sent with the original 4.0C and this holster helped me commit to carrying the Springfield.
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Obviously I didn’t expect the pistol to shoot any differently from the original. I was more focused on the optic and how I interfaced with it. When you execute the proper drawing motion and present the pistol, there is a red dot in front of you, regardless of the brand. It’s a clean dot but in the end I couldn’t tell which was which when shooting. I’m looking for the dot. Find it. Press trigger. Repeat until empty.
Wrap Up On The COA Edition
The Echelon 4.0C is a great shooter. It’s easy to control even when the pace picks up. Controlled pairs and Bill-drills brought good results. Drawing from concealment with the Incog-X was again, easy as well. All in all this is a combo that’s simply hard to beat. I’m a confident shooter with the Echelon 4.0C in my hand.
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This new 4.0C is another great option for the Echelon user. I’m not sure just how well the Aimpoint COA is selling, but I’ll assume with the proprietary nature and that they are now taking this mounting interface beyond the Glock where it first started, and adding new companies to the list, that it’s doing pretty well. As long as you understand what you’re getting and getting into, you’ll likely enjoy.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C COA Edition
- Type: Semi auto striker fired
- Frame: Polymer
- Length: 7.25”
- Weight: 24 oz
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1/18+1
- Barrel: 4 in, hammer forged
- Sights: Black front, Tactical U shape rear
- Finish: Black Melonite
- MSRP: $710
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