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Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp Review: A Top 9mm Contender
When Springfield Armory first dropped the Echelon, it turned heads for its modular chassis, direct-mounting optic capabilities, and out-of-the-box performance. But now, with the new Echelon 4.0C Comp, the bar has been raised even higher. Thanks to the integral compensator, you now have an even higher-performing pistol that can still utilize the same accessories and holsters.
Curves in all the right places.
Even without understanding the intricate details of what the Echelon 4.0C Comp has to offer, you can see from a quick glance that it checks most boxes. Optics-ready slide? Check. Ergonomic frame with texturing in all the right places? Check. Accessory rail to host your favorite light? Check.
But what’s under the hood is what’s really impressive, so stick around and see what this pistol is all about. I’ve spent the last few weeks running the 4.0C Comp through drills and side-by-side tests with the original model to see if it’s more than just marketing hype.
“First Impressions”
I put first impressions in quotation marks because I already have the 4.5F and 4.0C, so this 4.0C Comp feels identical. It feels incredible in the hand thanks to the Adaptive Grip Texture and the set of interchangeable backstraps it comes with, and the oversized trigger guard allows shooting with gloves. From medium to extra-large hands, you’ll likely find it as ergonomic as I do.
Respectable magazine capacity for a compact.
It comes with a 15 and 18-round magazine, just like the standard 4.0C, which, in my opinion, places it in the category of concealed carry without the need for carrying a spare magazine.
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Springfield Echelon 9mm 15 Round Magazine
16 reviews
Original price was: $44.99.$34.99Current price is: $34.99.
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Springfield Echelon 4.0C 9mm 18 Round Extended Magazine
32 reviews
Original price was: $44.99.$34.99Current price is: $34.99.
Features
From the muzzle to the bottom of the grip and everything in between, you can tell Springfield paid close attention to all of the details.
The most obvious star of the show with the 4.0C Comp is the integral compensator. With a single port on the top of the slide and barrel, it effectively reduces muzzle rise by redirecting the gases upwards. It’s not going to drastically improve your accuracy or feel like you’re shooting a brand new gun, but any additional control definitely helps. I can attest to my groupings being slightly tighter with the 4.0C Comp over the standard 4.0C.
If you look closely, you’ll notice the front sight is actually placed behind the port, and that’s by design, to keep an uninterrupted sight picture. See? Attention to detail.
The other two biggest features to draw attention to are the Central Operating Group (COG) and Variable Interface System (VIS), which make the Echelon one of the more modular and versatile on the market.
With the COG being the serialized portion of the pistol, you can swap between the various grip modules with ease and without the need for an FFL to order them. Then, you can have different setups for different purposes and swap your frames, slides, and accessories quickly.
The modularity is a huge selling feature.
And if you’re like me, constantly getting new optics to test, you’ll appreciate the VIS. The VIS allows you to mount over 30 optics directly to the slide, without an adapter plate, using a series of self-locking pins. From your Trijicons to your Holosuns, you can mount the majority of the most popular models.
Be careful not to lose those pins!
As I mentioned earlier, the ergonomics are simply on point from every angle. The Adaptive Grip Texture isn’t overly aggressive but provides solid purchase, the slide cuts and flare make it extremely easy to manipulate, and the controls are ambidextrous to appeal to all shooters. Now that I think of it, I honestly may prefer a reversible mag release over an ambidextrous one, but I haven’t had any accidental mag drops or anything to note.
My favorite grip texture in the game, and the indexing points are a huge bonus.
Range Time
Admittedly, I didn’t put as many rounds through the 4.0C Comp as I typically do when testing a new gun. Why? Because I’ve already put 600+ rounds through my 4.0C and have had zero malfunctions, so I knew what to expect. Regardless, I’ll still take any reason to hit the range, so I put a quick 250 rounds through the 4.0C Comp with the same results…no malfunctions.
Some much needed outdoor range time with the 4.0C Comp.
Shooting them side by side, there is a noticeable reduction in muzzle rise, but it’s not going to make you a competition shooter from that alone. The flat-face trigger has a very crisp break and a short reset, making it consistent and repeatable for easy follow-up shots. When you combine the trigger, compensator, and upgraded sights, you have a recipe for accuracy. Between 7 and 25 yards, there wasn’t a target that could evade my 124-grain Blazer Brass rounds.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 Round, 18 Round |
| Barrel Length | 4 Inches |
| Overall Length | 7.25 Inches |
| Width | 1.20 Inches |
| Height w/ Flush Magazine | 5.13 Inches |
| Height w/ Extended Magazine | 6.13 Inches |
| Weight w/ Flush Magazine | 24 Ounces |
| Weight w/ Extended Magazine | 25 Ounces |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Modular and customizable
- Extremely flat shooting
- Impressive 15 and 18-round magazine capacities
- Accurate, reliable, and ergonomic
- VIS allows for the direct mounting of over 30 optics
- Clean and crisp trigger
- Ambidextrous controls
Cons:
- Limited holster availability
- Lack of aftermarket magazine options
Final Thoughts
In an already saturated market of compact pistols, the Echelon 4.0C Comp still manages to stand out. Given its capacity, accuracy, and modularity, there is no doubt in my mind that we’ll see the popularity continue to rise and more models to come.
As for the aftermarket support, it’s not at the level of your Glock 19s or M&P M2.0s, but it’s getting better, and I’m here for it! The Echelon 4.0C has been in my carry rotation for the last several months, and now it’s looking like this one will too. Thankfully, since it features an integral compensator, you can use all of your current holsters without issue.
The CVRT from TXC Holsters is becoming one of my new favorites.
If you’re in the market for a compact 9mm and favor ergonomics and modularity, this is one you’re definitely going to want to check out.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
