Springfield Armory’s Echelon 4.0C: It’s a Keeper!

Springfield Armory's Echelon 4.0C: It's a Keeper!

I have the opportunity to test-fire new firearms, and sometimes I say a little prayer before I head to the range, "Dear Lord, please don't let me like this pistol, so I feel compelled to purchase yet another gun." Apparently, the good Lord wasn't listening when I took Springfield Armory's Echelon 4.0C to the range. 

When I first put the Echelon 4.0C with its tritium U-Dot irons and Vortex Optics Defender-ST 3 MOA red dot in my hands, I had doubts about not liking it. The pistol fit so well in my hands, plus, with two other sized backstraps I could swap out, I knew it would fit anyone's hands that wanted to shoot it. Also, the Echelon is fully ambidextrous – with a slide catch lever and magazine release on both sides. To learn everything I loved while just handling it in my living room, including the texture, trigger and serrations, read my previous article, "Echelon 4.0C: A First Look at Springfield Armory's New Carry Pistol." 

Range Time with the Echelon 4.0C

I always begin my time on the range with some dry fire, and this time was no exception. I wanted to practice bringing the red dot into my line of sight, learn the trigger press and get comfortable with the grip. As I mentioned in the previous article, aside from when I wanted to see the red dot, I keep my eyes closed so I really feel the gun in my hand. 

Next, I prepped a magazine with the mixture of ammunition I had in the bottom of the ammo can. Then, I moved my target between 10 and 25 feet, shooting a few rounds at each to begin my warm-up. I emptied the magazine without rushing, but not super slow. Boy, not only did I enjoy shooting the Echelon 4.0C, but I also REALLY liked using the red dot. It was nice not to have to squint my eyes to see the sights, even though I could if I needed to. However, truthfully, the iron sights are so out of focus at this point that I did not even struggle between the two. 

Now, with my warm-up complete, I was ready to test four different types of ammo. With my target set at 7 yards, I began by putting one shot in the designated quadrant on the target offhand, then followed with four more. I called my one dropped shot in the top left section. It was the fifth shot, and I didn't follow through. I wasn't going to make that mistake again. 

As you can see from the above photo, my groups were all very similar. I dropped the farthest shot, then measured the longest distance and shortest from the centers to determine the average.

Hornady American Gunner, 115gr XTP©: longest distance – 1.62, shortest distance – .25, average – .94

Hornady Critical Defense, 115gr FTX©; longest distance – 1.62, shortest distance – .18, average – .90

New Republic Training and Range, 115gr; longest distance – 1.88, shortest distance – .25, average – 1.07

Remington UMC, 115gr – longest distance – .62, shortest distance – .12, average – .37

Once I finished the ammunition testing, I prepped another magazine using the bottom of the can mismatched ammo. This time, I set the target out to 10 yards and aimed for the center. I swear, there was an anti-bullet force on that orange dot!

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned above, I did not want to love the Echelon 4.0C, but I think I do want to continue this new relationship. I'm excited that I can share it with anyone on the range, regardless of hand size and dominant hand. Also, I have always liked a flat-faced trigger and I am pleased with its clean break. Because of its size, I don't think I would carry it concealed, but maybe off-body. However, this is an excellent option for home defense, training and those who like a larger handgun for carrying concealed.

Visit Springfield Armory's website to find out all the variations of the Echelon 4.0C available. 

MSR: $679 to $719

Source: Springfield Armory's Echelon 4.0C: It's a Keeper!