{"id":4797,"date":"2025-03-21T19:47:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T19:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=4797"},"modified":"2025-03-21T19:47:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T19:47:59","slug":"springfield-armorys-echelon-4-0c-a-new-compact-powerhouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=4797","title":{"rendered":"Springfield Armory\u2019s Echelon 4.0C – A New Compact Powerhouse"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The world of 9mm mid-size pistols is ever-growing. The introduction of the venerable Glock 19 set the standard for what was to become the compact pistol market: 15+1 capacity and a 4-inch barrel. I don\u2019t know how many pistols I\u2019ve handled that meet those criteria, but I found one that got it right\u2014the new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This gun is a shortened version of the full-size Echelon and comes with one flush 15- and one extended 18-round magazine. It is what I and a few other writers call a \u201cGoldilocks\u201d gun\u2026 not too big, not too small but just right. <\/p>\n

This size pistol makes sense from a carry perspective, as its four-inch barrel is long enough to develop decent ballistics and aid in handling recoil while the grip is just right for getting all your fingers around. But its compact nature makes it easy to conceal.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Some of the gun\u2019s features include\u2026<\/p>\n

DEEP Slide Serrations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Press-checkers will be happy to know that Springfield has some serious serrations cut into the slide, both fore and aft. They make it easy to grab the slide to check the chamber or to rack it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tritium Sights<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The model that was sent to me has three-dot tritium night sights installed, with a tactical ledge (I think that\u2019s what it\u2019s being called now) on the front edge of the rear sight so you can use it to rack the slide on a belt, table, or whatever. With the new variable interface system optics mounting system, below, red dots sit low enough (no plate needed) to enable co-witnessing. This is a long-overdue solution to the red dot mounting problem. This will work until the industry agrees on one mount for all sights. I\u2019m not holding my breath\u2026<\/p>\n

Variable Interface System Optics Mount<\/strong><\/p>\n

This plate-free system consists of pins that, when placed as needed, allow the mounting of 30 red dot sights.<\/p>\n

Central Operating Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Echelon has a serial-numbered fire control unit that will work with other grip frames and slides. First Sig, then Ruger promoted having one FFL-registered fire-control piece with extra grips and slides available. It makes sense, and Springfield has jumped on the bandwagon.<\/p>\n

The modules are ready now<\/a>, for $65. You can get modules in small, medium, or large sizes in one of three colors. Also available are three different backstrap sizes for $20. Go here<\/a> to see all the accessories available for the Echelons.<\/p>\n

Polished Feed Ramp<\/strong><\/h6>\n

This is something I don\u2019t see in a lot of reviews, but I like to check the feed ramps of the pistols I look at. A non-polished feed ramp is not really a deal breaker \u2013 it\u2019s easily done \u2013 but if it is polished, so much the better. I\u2019ve always been impressed with Springfield feed ramps \u2013 you can literally see yourself in them if you could get your face in there. In the photo below, you can see the strings of LED lights in my light box reflected in the ramp. Nice!<\/p>\n

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Two Extra Backstrap Inserts Included<\/strong><\/p>\n

The gun\u2019s grip is adjustable via three backstrap inserts that help customize the fit for almost any hand size.<\/p>\n

Ledge For Your Support Thumb Or Trigger Finger<\/strong><\/p>\n

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I am growing to appreciate the two textured ledges molded into the frame at the forward end of the trigger guard. These ledges are there to help you to maintain a consistent grip. I find myself feeling for the ledge with my support hand thumb when I pick the gun up. And, if you need to keep your finger off the trigger, the pad on the other side works for that. Grip consistency is a great thing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Undercut & Textured Trigger Guard<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Your support index finger is greeted under the trigger guard by a small relieving cut and texturing. It feels great.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Two Magazines Are Included<\/strong><\/p>\n

You get a flush-fit 15-round and an extended 18-round magazine with the gun.<\/p>\n

Specs<\/h3>\n