The Echelon was a game changer for Springfield Armory. It changed the pistol landscape by allowing customers to interchange frames. In addition to the excellent ergonomics and shootability, it’s a winner. And just when you think that Springfield has become content with a pistol, they have made you hear, “Hold my beer.” Or champagne, considering the success they have had. This is quickly followed by “Ta-Da!!” and a fantastic new version of the Echelon is born—the New Springfield Echelon Comp.

Testing the Springfield Echelon Comp

From front to back, the Echelon Comp has the heart of the original Echelon. But it has some magic sauce upfront. That magic sauce is the inclusion of an integral compensator. This comp is designed with a single port on the top of the hammer-forged slide and barrel. This design redirects gas upwards and effectively reduces muzzle rise. The result is a pistol that delivers faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Springfield was also very particular about the placement of the front sight. They have it positioned behind the compensator for an uninterrupted sight picture.

The” standard” Echelon features start with the Central Operating Group. This is the heart of the gun and allows customers to change frames without buying a new gun. It is the serialized portion of the gun and can easily be moved from one frame to the other. The pistol comes standard with the medium grip module and three interchangeable backstraps, while small and large frames can be purchased separately.

The Sum of its Parts

While that is a gold mine feature, Springfield has looked at another area of interest to shooters. Rare is the day now that a new pistol hits the market and is not optics-ready. Glass on handguns has become the norm, but the cuts that manufacturers use usually force us into one camp or the other. Springfield has heard our cry and has included a unique 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.

Serious Cuts

The Echelon Comp’s slide design continues to pay attention to detail. The 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 3-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 performance-level 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.

The Echelon Comp Grip

They once again use the popular “Adaptive Grip Texture.” This 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.

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. This is not a “can be moved” design but a true ambi set-up, which I personally appreciate.

Take it for a Spin

Springfield was kind enough to get me an Echelon Comp for testing. Model-wise, it was the Echelon 4.5-inch 9mm. It included a Trijicon RMR optic. My first impressions of the gun were solid. I had tested the original Echelon, and this new model was like a friend coming to visit.

The Echelon’s aesthetics are pleasing with its bold lines, cuts, and unique grip texture. The optics cut is relatively low on the gun, and the RMR was easy to acquire. 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 ran a spectrum of ammo, including Federal 147gr American Eagle, Hornady 115gr FTX Critical Defense, and Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ. After a short moment to zero the RMR, I was off to the races. The gun shined when I chambered a round. The slightly flared rear of the slide made racking the slide a breeze. The unique trench cut forward of the action really did give me a solid and comfortable purchase on the slide for the following press check.

The gun sat well in my hands with the backstrap that came on the gun. The first shots were eye opening as I got to experience the comp. Whoever designed this comp needs a raise because it worked very well. While not heavy, the gun has a comfortable heft that already countered the recoil. Mix a very effective comp into that, and you have a fast, accurate gun.

Echelon Proof on the Range

The Echelon Comp shined in every drill. While I would have been hard-pressed to say the original Echelon could be improved, Springfield has done just that. The trigger broke cleanly at 4.5 pounds with a short clean reset. I know from experience with the original Echelon that the trigger actually gets even better with time and rounds through the gun.

The Echelon was a winner for Springfield, and the Echelon Comp is just icing on the cake. If you have been interested in the Echelon but have not “pulled the trigger” yet, your patience has been rewarded. This is a great evolution of the gun and one you should seriously consider.

For more information visit: https://www.springfield-armory.com/

Springfield Echelon Comp Specs