Tactical Life July/August 2023: The Springfield Echelon

Tactical Life is the definitive source for all things tactical. Tactical Life showcases battle-proven weapons and gear as well as “been there, done that” warriors and trainers. Every issue is packed with top-notch gun reviews, insider tips, cutting-edge tactics, and reports from the front lines. And the July/August 2023 issue of Tactical Life is no exception.

The Springfield Echelon in the July/August 2023 Issue of Tactical Life

Crotchety old (seasoned) gun magazine writers and editors don’t use the terms “iconic” or “Greatest Of All Time” (G.O.A.T. for short) when describing a newly introduced firearm or a wet-behind-the-ears competitive shooter. Because doing so could put their hard-earned reputations into the trashbin of history.

Just like people, guns must build a long track record of top-tier dependability and performance under pressure. Similarly, they must sport several other attributes that ultimately win over the masses of shooting enthusiasts. Not to mention law enforcement and military personnel.

So, is our “exclusive” cover gun—Springfield Armory’s new Echelon—destined for icon status? We don’t have a crystal ball or a time-travel ride to answer that fully right now. But we can assure you that the Armory folks didn’t just slam this one through production. The Echelon has been in development for more than four years.

As the world was in disarray, coping with one man-induced crisis after another, Team Springfield was busy shooting fully functioning Echelon samples and refining the design to the max.

The Echelon’s Design

Speaking of design, Rob Leatham—the man who has shot more than just about anyone on the planet, and whose name is always mentioned in the G.O.A.T. conversation in competitive-shooting circles—played an instrumental role in the development and refinement of the firearm.

Springfield leaned heavily and acted on his experiences and preferences for many of the Echelon series’ aspects. One of the many things you’ll learn when you watch tactical-life.com companion “Rob Leatham Echelon” video content is that the trigger is the crown jewel of his involvement. Rob spent many months with Springfield’s engineers to perfect it.

Springfield knows that striker-fired 9mms are commonplace in today’s market. So, they aimed to set themselves apart from the competition by employing better ergonomics, enhanced modularity based upon its serialized Central Operating Group, revolutionary Variable Interface optics integration, as well as overall build quality. Advertising copy will call the Echelon “Unparalleled.”

Ultimately, you’ll have to read Fred Mastison’s full review, then buy and shoot your own Echelon to be the judge. Spoiler alert/prediction: You’re going to be fully lovestruck by this new striker!

Note to LEO TL readers: The Echelon will be available immediately through Springfield’s Firstline Program for officers and first responders who choose their own firearms.

Also in This Issue

Speaking of real-deal iconic handguns, you won’t want to miss our coverage of the new and highly improved “Dirty Harry Classic,” known as the .44 Auto Mag. Plus, the first in TL’s “Guns Hall Of Fame” roundup series—“15 Iconic Handguns” on page 32.

Before diving in, we’d like to alert readers to our improved Athlon Outdoors Supersite at AthlonOutdoors.com. A simple click there will take you to the most comprehensive hub of firearms content, where all our brands live.

As we like to say, Athlon Outdoors is the place to be for Maximum Coverage, Unmatched Expertise. Please shoot us all feedback via editdesk@athlonoutdoors.com. Stay safe and enjoy the issue.

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