Introduction
The Echelon is Springfield Armory’s bold entry into the full-size, optics-ready, 9 mm handgun market — and it’s already turning heads. Deftly avoiding being just another polymer, striker-fired, copycat pistol, the Springfield Armory Echelon is packed with innovation including a modular chassis, superb build quality, and their patented Variable Interface System (VIS) which makes it optics-ready straight out of the box.
In this Echelon pistol review, Colonel Jim Smith, a highly experienced law enforcement officer and Echelon owner, provides his views on the pistol after extensively carrying and firing the weapon. In addition to providing his real-world experience with the Springfield Echelon 9 mm, we will also cover all of the specs, features, and accessories which make this weapon stand out from the crowd.
The Quick Take
As Colonel’s Smith’s review will confirm, the Springfield Armory Echelon is one of the most ground-breaking striker-fired pistols in its class — featuring unmatched optics compatibility, a modular serialized chassis, and top-tier ergonomics. Springfield Armory Echelon is an ideal choice for duty, home defense, the range, or wherever red-dot carry is needed.
Even with two barrel lengths available, the Springfield Echelon 9 mm is a full-size weapon and thus not ideal for those seeking a compact, concealed-carry weapon. And while there are a number of holster options available, as a new arrival to the 9 mm pistol scene, holster choices are more limited (for now) when compared to other legacy models.
Springfield Echelon: At a Glance
The Springfield Echelon is available in two models: the 4.0C and the 4.5F. The main difference between the two models is their barrel lengths and overall size. The 4.0C features a 4-inch barrel, giving it better concealability. The 4.5F has a 4.5-inch barrel, providing a full-size option offering a larger grip and more magazine capacity.
Both models share similar features, such as the VIS for optics compatibility and a Central Operating Group (COG) for fire control.
| Springfield Echelon 4.0 | Springfield Echelon 4.5 | |
| Caliber | 9 mm | |
| Barrel Length | 4.0” | 4.5” |
| Weight | ~24 ounces (unloaded) | |
| Length | 7.25” | 8.0” |
| Height | 5.13” | 5.5” |
| Width | 1.2” | 1.3” |
| Sights | Three-dot tritium iron sights, U-Dot tritium / luminescent iron sights, and available suppressor-height sights | |
| Magazine Capacity | 10, 15, and 18 (+1) | 10, 17, and 20 (+1) |
| Trigger | Striker-fired | |
| Trigger Pull | 4.5 to 5 Lb. | |
| Frame | Polymer | |
| Optics Mounting | VIS | |
Springfield Armory Echelon Features
| Design & Ergonomics | Full-size grip with aggressive but comfortable texture Ambidextrous controls out of the boxInterchangeable backstraps (small, medium, & large) Slide cuts and front / rear serrations provide positive slide racking Stealthy, duty-focused aesthetics |
| Optics Mounting System – VIS | Accepts 30+ red dots directly. Gamechanger when compared to Modular Optic Systems (MOS) because no separate adapter plates are needed Using optics provides easy co-witness capability with iron sights |
| Shooting Performance | Trigger provides flat-face, clean wall, and short reset Low bore axis reduces felt recoil and enhances recovery between shots Textured wraparound grip improves control Reliably cycles a wide variety of bullet weights / types without jamming or stovepiping Easily produces 2-3 inch shot groups at 25 yards |
| Modularity & Chassis System | Enclosed COG is the serialized component Contains second sear for enhanced safety Allows for different grip modules and easier customization |
Springfield Armory Echelon Review from a Law Enforcement Officer’s Perspective
One of our readers, Colonel Jim Smith, provided us with his thoughts on the Springfield Armory Echelon. Colonel Smith brings decades of public safety and law enforcement experience. He specializes in firearms selection and training, use-of-force procedures, and has investigated numerous firearm-related incidents. A prolific shooter and gun owner, here is what he had to say about his Echelon:
When I heard about the Springfield Amory Echelon 4.0C, my first thought was “not another 9 mm striker-fired, polymer, semiautomatic pistol.” As I have grown older, it takes a lot to convince me to make any changes in duty firearm choices. I am an above-average shooter but not an expert or an exceptionally high scorer on the range. My main concern with duty pistols is that they are lightweight, reliable, and easy to use. However, after some research, I was piqued with the features of the Echelon 4.0C, such as its COG which could be transferred to another lower assembly.
Because of experience with other Springfield Armory weapons I own as well as the company’s reputation in the industry, I knew that I had to give the Echelon a try. Apparently many other shooters had a similar interest; when I went to purchase the 4.0C, it was on backorder.
Upon receiving the Echelon, one of the first features I noted was the deep seriations on the slide, both front and rear. This allowed for easy manipulation of the slide. Finger pads were located on the frame, allowing easier indexing of the trigger finger. Conveniently, the slide release is ambidextrous. Magazines come in a variety of capacities, and I selected the 15- and 18-round magazines.
The under-barrel rail allows for installation of a tactical light and/or laser. The pistol has an aggressive grip with a stippled finish. To verify functionality of the grip and slide serrations under adverse—e.g., slippery—conditions, I poured a generous amount of baby oil on the weapon. To my surprise I was still able to fully manipulate and operate the pistol. This ensures that I can use the firearm when my hands or the weapon are wet with perspiration, water, or blood.
The VIS for mounting optics is another real plus. With no adapter plate required, in about 20 minutes I mounted a Trijicon RMR dual-illuminated reflex sight with a 9.0 MOA amber dot. The trigger pull for my Echelon 4.0C was measured at 4.8 pounds. As an inveterate Glock pistol user, I found the trigger pull crisp and consistent.
The magazine release required some adjustment of my hand movement to use effectively. The pistol comes with an assortment of backstraps to allow individualization of the grip. What I did discover was that the “low left” shooting issue I sometimes experience with Glock pistols disappeared. I likened shooting the Echelon 4.0C to my 1987 1st Generation Glock 17 where the low left grip issue was not present.
Inserting magazines in the flared magazine well was easy and intuitive. Overall, I scored well with the pistol at the range. I found that at seven yards with both eyes open, if I could see the amber dot from the Trijicon sight anywhere on the target, I was making torso hits on the FBI Q target. If I took the time to put the amber dot center of mass, I was making “snow men” with double taps. This did not hold true as I moved to the 15- and 25-yard lines where aimed fire was essential. The stock, three-dot tritium sights were co-witnessed with the Trijicon sight, and I found them adequate.
The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C is light and easily concealable. I use it both as a duty weapon and off-duty and find it comfortable to carry. For my duty holster, I use the Blackhawk T – Series L2C, and when off-duty, I use holsters from Blackhawk, Relentless Tactical, and Black Scorpion.
Since the Echelon 4.0C is close in size to other similar 9 mm pistols, magazine pouches were widely available. Like any new pistol used in law enforcement, the learning curve was steep. Thus, I did not feel comfortable carrying it for duty use until I had expended at least 500 rounds at the range. I am now as comfortable and confident with the Echelon as with any of my Glocks. Breakdown and cleaning are very straightforward.
Based on my experience with the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 C, I certainly will carry this pistol for the foreseeable future.
Springfield Echelon vs. the Competition
In a very crowded firearm space, we compared the Springfield Echelon 9mm to the top contenders and here is what we found:
| Springfield Echelon | |
| Overview: Striker-fired duty pistol with a modular chassis and optics-ready slide. High emphasis on modern ergonomics and adaptability. | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Modular Central Operating Group (COG) similar to SIG P320, legally considered as the firearm Excellent trigger out of the box — clean break, short reset Optics-ready with the VIS plate system High capacity magazines and aggressive slide serrations Better-than-average stock sights Ambidextrous controls | Newer platform — fewer aftermarket parts and holsters than Glock or SIG Bulkier than some may prefer for concealed carryLimited field history compared to the others |
| Glock 17 Gen5 | |
| Overview: The gold standard for striker-fired duty pistols. Renowned for reliability and simplicity. | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Legendary reliability and huge aftermarket support Ambidextrous slide stop and flared magwell in the Gen5 Marksman barrel offers improved accuracy over Gen4 Widely accepted by law enforcement — proven track record | Ergonomics are polarizing — some find the grip angle unnatural Factory trigger is mushy and spongy compared to rivals No optic cut unless using the MOS version Sights are typically cheap polymer unless upgraded |
| SIG Sauer P320 | |
| Overview: Modular fire control group, adopted by U.S. military (M17 / M18). Highly adaptable and customizable. | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Fire control unit can be swapped into different frames / slides Optics-ready options availableSmooth trigger with good feel and predictable break Excellent factory night-sight options on higher trims | Reported drop safety issues in early models (fixed in newer versions) Slightly bulkier and heavier than Glock or Echelon Slide serrations are not as aggressive |
| Walther PDP | |
| Overview: Performance duty pistol with best-in-class ergonomics and trigger. | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Best stock trigger in this category — short, crisp, tactile Superb ergonomics — grip texture and contouring stand out Fully optics-ready on all models Outstanding slide serrations and shootability | Slightly larger grip may not suit smaller hands Less holster compatibility than Glock or SIG Recoil impulse can be a bit more pronounced due to lightweight slide |
Accessories for the Springfield Armory Echelon
Because it is new to the market, accessories for the Springfield Armory Echelon are not as plentiful as some of the more established models. However, there are still numerous choices to customize the weapon to suit your needs.
Optics
As mentioned, the VIS can accommodate 30+ red dot sights such as:
Trijicon RMR Type 2
Weapon Lights / Lasers
On the under-barrel rail, shooters can install numerous makes and models of lights and lasers such as:
Streamlight
Surefire
Holsters
Springfield Armory sells a variety of holsters directly from their site. Other suppliers include:
Other Accessories
Springfield Armory also offers a nice range of other Echelon accessories including:
The Final Word on the Springfield Armory Echelon
In a crowded field of modern striker-fired pistols, the Springfield Echelon stands out as a bold, innovative entry which truly earns its place among the best. With exceptional ergonomics, a crisp and consistent trigger, a cutting-edge modular chassis, and optics-ready flexibility straight from the box, the Echelon combines performance, reliability, and adaptability in a way that appeals to both seasoned professionals and first-time buyers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a duty-ready sidearm, a dependable home-defense weapon, or a smooth-shooting range companion, the Echelon delivers. If you are in the market for a serious pistol that’s built for today and ready for tomorrow, the Springfield Echelon deserves a spot at the top of your list. Try one out—like Colonel Smith, you might just find your new favorite handgun.
FAQ
The Springfield Echelon is made in Croatia by HS Produkt. The pistols are then assembled in Geneseo, Illinois.
The Echelon typically sells for $5-600 depending on the model.
The Echelon is generally considered a good gun. People like its excellent ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy.
The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 C is the compact version of the full-size Echelon pistol. The Echelon 4.0C has a shorter barrel and compact grip compared to the standard Echelon.
