When Springfield Armory launched the Echelon in 2023, the pistol seemed too innovative and feature-rich to remain a single offering in the brand’s lineup.
Now we have a compact version and clues that more might be on the way.
The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C is a scaled-down version of the full-size original, complete with all the clever features that made its predecessor a hit. This new platform bridges the gap between Springfield’s full-size Echelon and subcompact Hellcat Pro, and there are several configurations available at press time.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic striker-fire
- Capacity: 10+1, 15+1, 18+1
- Sights: Tritium front, tritium or U-dot rear
- Optic-Ready: Yes (Variable Interface System)
- Barrel Length: 4”, 4.7” threaded
- Overall Length: 7.25”, 8”
- Weight: 24 oz, 25 oz
- MSRP: $697 (starting)
Features
- Variable Interface System works with most optic footprints
- Includes one 15-round flush magazine and one 18-round extended magazine
- Multiple sight, barrel, and state-compliant configurations
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Compared to the full-size Echelon, this one is 3/8-inch shorter in height and 3/4-inch shorter in length. It ships with one 15-round flush magazine and an 18-round extended magazine.
Everything else is the same as the Echelon we tested. The central operating group, slide serrations, optic interface, and backstrap options remain unchanged.
Springfield’s Variable Interface System is a huge selling point. I can’t overstate how nice it is to drop in a few self-locking pins instead of hunting down an adapter plate for the optic I want to use.
At launch, factory upgrades include a threaded barrel and tritium three-dot sights. State-compliant versions are available with either two 15-round magazines or two 10-round magazines.
I’m interested in more than the features on the spec sheet, though. Notice anything about the model name?
Springfield doesn’t just divide the Echelon submodels into full-size and compact; the model names specify both frame size and barrel length. Does that mean there’s mixing and matching afoot? Could we see a compact barrel on a full-size frame, a la Glock 45?
I guess we’ll have to wait and see. SHOT Show 2025 is just around the corner.
Springfield lists a starting MSRP of $679 for the Echelon 4.0C.
Need a holster? Safariland already announced an Incog X for the Echelon 4.0C.
What do you think of the new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C? Let us know below. Looking for something more budget-friendly? Check out our guide to the Best CCW Guns Under $400.
1 Leave a Reply
I have the full size Echelon. I love it, but it's too large to be a CCW. I tried it for 2 days, and it's just not practical. The new "compact version" is still a large gun. If you desire a threaded barrel, its 4.7" and OAL of 8". It's still has a lot of height. Plus, somehow it's .3 oz. heavier than my FS. That's not a CCW. I doubt that Springfield will go any smaller on the Echelon since it would encroach on the Hellcat's territory. They'll probably add a me-too compensator on it sometime. I'm still looking for a good CCW. I don't want any of the microcompacts. I've tried them and they are incredibly snappy and unpleasant to shoot IMHO. Despite all the fan boys of the SigSauer P365 and variations. I want something with decent size and weight that will conceal well, but that you could really practice with. I'm looking at the HK VP9SK and the Beretta Storm compact carry 2 with the rotary barrel. I'm trying them out next week. They've been hard to find as a rental model.