The Echelon has been a major success for Springfield and with good reason. The original model was a full-size duty-based gun that people loved. Many, though, wanted to use this new pistol for their EDC, but the full-size gun was just too big. Springfield listened to their customers closely and took what they said seriously. Because of that, today, we get to look at the new Springfield Echelon 4.0C, the compact Echelon.

Springfield Echelon 4.0C

Engineered for carry, the Echelon 4.0C retains the key features of the full-size model, with a shorter 4-inch barrel and compact frame for enhanced concealability. Like its big brother, it has a host of patent-pending features. This modular and adaptable handgun is designed around a robust stainless steel chassis and unique optics mounting system. However, this new pistol is unique because of its new Central Operating Group (COG). Employing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, the COG is self-contained and serialized, allowing it to move quickly between grip modules in seconds. This modularity allows shooters the opportunity to have multiple gun sizes with just one COG essentially. The serialized COG is housed in a compact frame, offering a 15-round capacity with the flush magazine and 18 rounds with the extended magazine.

Springfield Echelon 4.0C – Compact EDC Solution

While the COG is unique and interesting, I was impressed with Springfield’s optic mounting solution. The Echelon’s patent-pending optic mounting system is concealed beneath the slide cover plate. The Variable Interface System (VIS) allows users to mount over 30 optics directly to the slide without using adapter plates. Simply configure the self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for an improved sight picture. This includes everything from the Trijicon RMR and Shield RMSc to the Steiner MPS. This design actually provides torque to the mounting and keeps the optic in place. It is an absolutely brilliant design.

Engagement Surfaces

The Echelon’s slide features four distinct engagement surfaces. A trench cut forward of the action gives shooters a natural index location for press checks and charging the firearm. The back of the slide is flared for positive purchase while deep forward and rear serrations are carried through the corners for a firm grip from any angle. Sight-wise, the gun comes standard with the tactical rack U-Notch rear sight and a tritium front sight with a luminescent ring. A tritium three-dot configuration is also available. Springfield is also offering suppressor-height sights for those who want to run the gun suppressed. The Echelon also comes with a solid barrel. Springfield uses the hammer forging process to produce a stronger barrel with a smoother surface for excellent accuracy and service life. The barrel is then Melonite coated for corrosion and wear resistance.

Grip Texture

The unique texture of the grip caught my eye. “Adaptive Grip Texture” was developed to address the challenges of concealed carry. The Adaptive Grip Texture feels smooth to the touch until you apply pressure and engage the more aggressive texture just below the surface. In short, the unique grip design provides more purchase as you firmly grip the gun. This texture goes beyond just the grip and is included on several common indexing points. I have seen a couple of attempts at a grip like this in years past, but Springfield has found the voodoo to make it work well. The frame also has an oversized undercut trigger guard that fits gloved hands well. Finally, as a tip of the hat to serious shooters, the gun is equipped with an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release for intuitive use.

While the gun indeed checked many boxes on paper, the truth of performance could only be found on the range. The gun Springfield provided was completely set up. My first impressions of the gun were solid. The fit of the gun was good, and it had good tolerance. The aesthetics of the Echelon were pleasing with its bold lines, cuts, and unique grip texture. The optics cut is relatively low on the gun, and the optics were easy to acquire.

Great Trigger

One specific area I was curious about because of its modular nature was the trigger. On the scale, it broke consistently at 4 1/2 pounds. It is a flat-face trigger with a standard center blade for safety. The movement was smooth, with no grit or grab and a clean break. The grip performed as advertised and provided a solid purchase on the gun, contrary to what its appearance may suggest. In many ways, it reminded me of the days when we would put skater tape on our guns. With the once-over complete, it was time to hit the range and put the Echelon through its paces.

I wanted to run a spectrum of ammo during the test, so I chose Federal 147-grain American Eagle, Hornady 115-grain FTX Critical Defense, and Blazer Brass 115-grain FMJ. The first shots were good, and at 10 yards I had a nice single-ragged hole made by five rounds. At 15 yards, it turned into a 1 1/2 in slow-fire groups, and at 25 yards, it was 2 12 inches.

Solid EDC Option

Having run the full-size Echelon, I found the new 4.0C to be equal performance-wise. The new compact version has the added benefit of being easier to carry. You can’t go wrong with any guns in this line, but if you are looking for a good EDC pistol, you just found it.

For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.

Springfield Echelon 4.0C Specs