Echelon 4.0C: A First Look at Springfield Armory’s New Carry Pistol

In the late summer of 2023, Springfield Armory released the Echelon and touted it as a new standard for modern, striker-fired duty pistols. Now, just in time to relieve yourself of holiday stresses and/or to start planning for your income tax return check, Springfield Armory introduces the Echelon 4.0C. Find out why you might want to add this 9mm handgun to your “my next gun” list.

The Echelon 4.0C is the concealable version of the full-size Echelon. Its compact frame and shorter barrel include all the same key features as the original. The version sent to me has tritium U-Dot irons and arrived with a Vortex Optics Defender-ST 3 MOA red dot. 

In the Box

It’s so beneficial when you have a pistol that fits your hands. I liked that the Echelon 4.0C comes with three different sized backstraps, just like the full-sized version. These small, medium and large backstraps have been designed with integrated armorer tools and are very easy to switch out. The medium size worked best for my hand size. 

Along with the backstraps, Springfield Armory includes two magazines – a 15-round flush magazine and an 18-round extended. (Although everyone wants to carry the most amount of bullets possible, sometimes we have to sacrifice a few rounds for the concealability of a flush mount.) 

As with most pistols from Springfield Armory, the box also contains a logoed gun lock, case and magazine loader. 

About the Echelon 4.0C

I spent some time handling the Echelon 4.0C in my living room (empty chamber on the gun, of course) with my eyes closed. It’s amazing what you can learn about a pistol this way. I do this to get a feel for the gun in my hands. When I take out my sense of sight, I find features of the gun that appeal to me and may help with my grip and how I manipulate it. Here is what I found:

• Grip – As with other Springfield Armory pistols, the grip’s angle allows me to line the sights up in front of my eye naturally. There is no tilting of my wrists. The middle finger of my dominant hand tucks easily up to the bottom of the trigger guard where there is a slight indentation. At the same time, the pointer finger of my support hand fits along a grooved section of the trigger guard. Also, as I mentioned above, having different-sized grips makes the grip feel even more perfect. 

• Texture – I use a high thumbs forward grip when I shoot. My support-hand thumb immediately set on a textured index point along the slide. The same textured area is also on the other side of the frame, which is the perfect index for my trigger finger when it’s not on the trigger. These also work the same for a left-handed shooter. 

• Serrations – Talk about aggressive. The serrations at the front and rear of the slide are deep. I like them! My fingers make solid contact with the slide, whether I am using the “pinch-and-pull method” or “grip-and-rip” to charge the gun or press check.

• Trigger – The trigger press is so lovely. It begins with a solid feel of the wall when I press through the slack. Then, I can proceed straight to the rear with no mushiness. I cannot wait to shoot this gun.

My son Colton, a former competitive shooter, stopped by my house and saw the Echelon 4.0C sitting on my counter. After confirming it was empty, he looked over the gun and went right to dryfiring. When I asked him what he thought, he said, “I really like the feel of the trigger press; it seems lighter and crisper than other stock guns. The stippling feels good in my hands; it’s just enough, not too much texture. I’m impressed with the serrations on the slide. These are especially great for someone wearing gloves or with sweaty hands. This gun has a lower bore axis than other guns I’ve shot; I bet it’s a flat shooter!”

Specs

• Weight – 24oz with flush mag, 25oz with extended mag
• Grip width – 1.2 inches
• Length – 7.25 inches
• Height – 5.125 inches with flush mag, 6.125 inches with extended mag
• Barrel – 4-inch hammer forged steel, Melonite finish

Final Thoughts

I am highly impressed with the Echelon 4.0C because it feels so natural in my hands. I have very high expectations before even heading to the range. That’s at the top of my New Year’s must-do list.

Read more about Springfield Armory’s Echelon 4.0C here.

MSRP: $679 through $739

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  About Michelle Cerino

  Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino →