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Springfield Armory Echelon Review – A Modular Masterpiece
Springfield Armory typically generates a sizeable amount of buzz when it comes to upcoming new releases, and this one has been no different. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Springfield on T&E for the last several new releases, but I have to say, this pistol was the hardest to keep quiet about, so I’m glad the day is here that I can finally talk about it!
Everywhere you look on the Echelon you’ll find an upgraded feature it seems.
Meet the Echelon. A modern and modular 9mm that features a Central Operating Group (COG), which allows you to quickly and easily swap grip modules. With multiple patent-pending features, it’s a huge new offering for Springfield.
You may be asking, what the heck is an Echelon? Well, I’ll tell you.
Back in 371 BC, a new military formation was created, where the troops staggered themselves diagonally, as opposed to one behind the other. The innovative formation ultimately led to them defeating the Spartans. So, since Springfield’s new pistol has so many innovative features, it demanded a name that embodied innovation.
With the DualPoint holster from BlackPoint, you can have 38 rounds on you just in case of you know, zombies.
Enough with the history talk, let’s take a look at what sets the Echelon apart from the competition.
FEATURE PACKED & IMPRESSIVE SPECS
There is no shortage of impressive features on the Echelon.
At the heart of the gun lies the COG. The COG is self-contained and serialized, so it doesn’t get much easier to swap between grip modules. As an added safety feature, a second sear design helps to reduce the possibility of unintentional discharge, in the event the Echelon is dropped.
The COG is easily removed without the need for any tools.
Adding to the versatility is the Variable Interface System (VIS). With this new optic mounting system, you can mount over 30 optics directly, without any adapter plates.
Photo courtesy of Springfield Armory.
This is accomplished by a set of self-locking pins that can be configured to fit your required footprint. I’ve always hated using optic mounting plates, so this is a big deal to me. See how that Trijicon RMR Type 2 is directly mounted to the slide? That is possible thanks to the VIS.
You won’t find any mounting plate underneath that optic!
You’ll notice the rest of the slide has some pretty unique features too. The rear of the slide is flared for easy racking, there are aggressive serrations on the front and rear of the slide, and there is a forward trench cut for easy press checking. Aside from maybe some porting, there really isn’t anything I’d change about the slide.
Now that’s an impressive slide. I also like that it’s subtle at the same time.
On top of it all, Springfield made sure to add ambidextrous controls, textured indexing points, and a nice undercut and oversized trigger guard. Oh yeah, and it comes with a 20-round and 17-round magazine, so you’re covered with plenty of rounds.
It’s always nice to have a flush mag for concealed carrying and an extended mag for the range or home defense.
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 20+1, 17+1
Barrel Length: 4.5 Inches
Overall Length: 8 Inches
Width: 1.2 Inches
Height (flush mag): 5.5 Inches
Height (extended mag): 6.5 Inches
Weight (flush mag): 23.9 Ounces
Weight (extended mag): 24.3 Ounces
Sights: Tactical rack U-notch rear with a tritium/luminescent front
RANGE REPORT – ACCURATE & RELIABLE
Inside of that trigger guard, resides one of the best triggers I’ve experienced from any Springfield pistol. It’s a very consistent and light trigger pull with a crisp break and quick positive rest.
Something as simple as an undercut can make such a noticeable difference.
Pairing that trigger with the longer 4.5-inch barrel and RMR Type 2, results in a very accurate pistol. It can definitely outshoot me. Within 25 yards, it made easy work of the various targets while keeping consistently tight groupings. I didn’t have the chance to shoot it outdoors yet, but that’s coming soon!
Those are actually six shots in the background, just so happened to place some in the same holes.
From an accuracy perspective, you can go ahead and check that box as well. I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks, but I’ve been able to put 400 various rounds through it. I’ll let you guess how many failures I had…okay, I’ll tell you. Zero.
Hornady defensive rounds and Blazer Brass FMJs fed the Echelon during testing.
All of the following loads shot perfectly through the Echelon:
- 115-grain Blazer Brass FMJ
- 115-grain Hornady Critical Defense Flex Tip
- 115-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJ
- 115-grain Hornady Zombie Max
- 135-grain Hornady Critical Duty Flex Lock
Any drills I ran, any speed I shot at, any random alternating ammo I put in the magazines, proved to be no problem for the Echelon.
The Echelon is an extremely flat-shooting pistol.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Extremely modular thanks to the Central Operating Group
- Direct mounting capability of over 30 optics
- Accurate and reliable
- Adaptive grip texture is fantastic
- No tools needed to field strip
- Aggressive slide serrations and flare in the rear of the slide
- High capacity – comes with a 17 and 20-round magazine
Cons:
- Taller iron sights would have been appreciated
- Undersized slide-stop lever
CONCLUSION
While there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to guns, the Echelon’s modularity and versatility get it pretty close. At the end of the day, only you can decide if a certain gun is right for you, but I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t be disappointed in the Echelon.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, innovative, and feature-packed 9mm, I’d suggest at least heading to your local range and renting an Echelon if they have one. Just make sure to bring a card or cash, because there is a good chance you’ll want to leave with one.
