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Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Review: A Compact Contender For Your CCW
A little over a year ago, Springfield Armory released the Echelon. Its modularity and upgraded features were met with superior performance, so it quickly became a popular pistol. I’ve been shooting mine a ton since then, and apparently, many others have, too.
Why do I say that? Well, Springfield saw its success and is now offering the Echelon in a compact model with a 4-inch barrel, which is conveniently called the Echelon 4.0C.
Aggressive but clean lines make the Echelon one good-looking pistol.
With its new compact footprint and impressive capacity, does it stand to take market share away from its competition? Today, we’ll look at what it offers to help you decide if it may be your next CCW.
Before we dive in, I would like to thank Springfield for sending this pistol out for review. That said, I’ll always keep my reviews honest and informative, so don’t worry!
First Impressions & Features
I know this section is titled “First Impressions & Features,” but it’s more like a second impression since I already have the full-size Echelon 4.5F. Just like the full-size Echelon, the 4.0C feels excellent in hand and is very well-balanced.
The 4.0C shares all of the same impressive features as its full-size sibling, such as the Central Operating Group, heavily upgraded slide with Variable Interface System, and a hammer-forged barrel, to name a few.
Variable Interface System (VIS)
There are so many impressive pistol optics available today that it’s hard to pick just one. Thankfully, Springfield’s Variable Interface System allows you to mount over 30 optics directly without the need for an adapter plate.
Be careful not to lose the locking pins!
You can configure your slide to accept several different footprints through a set of self-locking pins. Want to mount your Trijicon RMR? No Problem. Are you a Holosun EPS fan? Don’t worry; you can mount that too.
Central Operating Group (COG)
Modularity is a huge selling feature for any firearm, so the fact that you swap the COG between a variety of grip modules makes the Echelon that much more appealing. The COG is self-contained and serialized, so you don’t have to worry about going through an FFL to order a new grip module and completely change the feel of your pistol.
This is the 4.5F broken down…but you get the idea.
Impressive Capacity
Similar to the Glock 19 or M&P M2.0 Compact, the Echelon 4.0C comes with a flush-fit 15-round magazine. However, it also comes with an extended 18-round magazine, which is great for those colder months when you can conceal a larger footprint a bit more easily.
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You can also use the 20-round magazine from the Echelon 4.5F.
The magazines feature a steel body with textured polymer base pads, and you’ll find rear-facing witness holes to help with capacity checks.
Other Noteworthy Features
The slide not only plays host to the Variable Interface System, but it features a forward trench, aggressive serrations, and is flared in the rear for easier manipulation. The amount of attention and detail paid to the slide is clearly evident.
You’ll also find the same Adaptive Grip Texture that the Hellcat Pro and full-size Echelon have, along with ambidextrous controls and an oversized/undercut trigger guard. Kudos to the designers.
Echelon 4.0C vs. Echelon 4.5F
Either model will serve you well in a variety of roles.
Specifications
| Comparison | Echelon 4.0C | Echelon 4.5F |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 4 Inches | 4.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | 7.25 Inches | 8 Inches |
| Grip Width | 1.2 Inches | 1.2 Inches |
| Height | 5.13 Inches (Flush Mag) | 5.5 Inches (Flush Mag) |
| Magazines | 18 Round, 15 Round | 20 Round, 17 Round |
Range Report
I haven’t had a ton of time with the 4.0C, but luckily, The Outpost Armory had open hours around the holiday, so I was able to get some trigger time.
This gun felt extremely familiar since I already had put a ton of rounds through the 4.5F. Despite the reduced barrel length, the recoil is still very well mitigated and honestly doesn’t feel a ton different than the 4.5F.
I’ve been having a blast with the 4.0C…pun intended.
I’ve tested three ammo types so far that include 115-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJs, 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJs, and 115-grain Hornady Zombie Max JHPs. I’m happy to report that I’ve had no malfunctions out of the 225 rounds I’ve managed to send down range.
The Echelon 4.0C was not picky with its ammo.
This was my first trip out with the Vortex Defender-ST, and it needed only minor adjustments to start, which was expected, but after the first magazine or two, it was smooth sailing. The 4.0C proved to be more accurate than I am, and I would not hesitate to rely on it within defensive distances and beyond.
The first several shots were low, but all that was needed was some tweaking to the Defender-ST.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Direct mounting of over 30 optics
- Adaptive Grip Texture
- Modular
- Accurate and reliable
- Accessory rail
- 18+1 capacity with the extended magazine
- Interchangeable backstraps
Cons:
- Limited holster availability
Your New CCW?
With this compact model, Springfield definitely positions itself perfectly to gain some market share in the concealed carry category. Although I can and have carried the Echelon 4.5F, it is larger than I prefer from a pure comfort standpoint. This Echelon 4.0C will likely be entering my concealed carry rotation, but I still need more time before I can tell if it will become my primary…time will tell
You never want to skimp on your holster. The Safariland Incog X is a great option to consider for the Echelon 4.0C.
For now, it’ll be joining me at the range often and then start getting some carry time. If you’re on the fence about picking one of these up, I would advise you not to be. Shoot one for yourself, and I’m assuming you won’t be on the fence any longer, either.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
