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.”
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!
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
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
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