Springfield Armory is expanding the Echelon family of pistols as fast as possible, and I’m here for it. The more options, the better!
The latest addition is the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC. It’s a bit of a parts-bin special, in the best kind of way.
Let’s take a closer look at why this mashup is so compelling.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 17+1, 20+1
- Optic Ready: Yes, Variable Interface System
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.25”
- Weight: 24 oz (flush magazine), 25 oz (extended magazine)
- Country of Origin: Croatia
- MSRP: $710
Features
- Full-size grip module, compact-length slide
- Variable Interface System
- Central Operating Group
- Tritium front sight, U-Dot rear sight
The recipe is simple: stack a compact slide on top of a full-size frame to provide more agility and concealability than a full-size pistol, and better grip and capacity than a compact pistol.
We’ve seen all these components before, but not in this combination.
The full-size grip is the same one we tested in our original Echelon 4.5F review (although, back then, it was just called the Echelon).
It’s great ergonomically, thanks to adaptive grip texture, a gas-pedal takedown lever, ambidextrous controls, and three sizes of backstrap inserts.
Magazine options include 17-round flush mags and 20-round extended mags. The Echelon 4.0FC comes with one of each.
The slide comes to us from the Echelon .40C we reviewed.
A 4-inch barrel makes it CCW-friendly. Tucking this pistol into an IWB holster or AIWB holster will be totally doable.
The tritium front sight, U-Dot rear sight, and ergonomic slide serrations performed great in our testing, but Springfield’s Variable Interface System steals the show.
This clever approach to mounting optics opens up your options to a huge range of pistol red dots and eliminates the need for an adapter plate. It’s super convenient, and keeps most optics low enough that you can co-witness with the factory sights.
As someone who’s spent too much money on plates and suppressor-height night sights, this is music to my ears every time I handle an Echelon.
Springfield Armory lists an MSRP of $710 for the Echelon 4.0FC.
The combination of a full-size grip and a compact slide isn’t for everyone, but it happens to be one of my favorite configurations. It feels like a great way to squeeze a duty pistol into a concealed carry role.
Think of the Springfield Echelon 4.0FC as a direct competitor to the Glock 45 Gen5 MOS.
What do you think of the new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC? Let us know below. For more of our favorite do-it-all handguns, check out our guide to the Best Striker-Fired Pistols!
2 Leave a Reply
I just received the medium grip setup from Springfield for my 4.0c and magically the one drawback for us large fingered folk went away. Took me exactly 45 seconds to swap out the grip due to the amazing serialized internals. I did need a mag change out, as the 17 and 22 are the mags that fit this grip. The 15s do not. Only Springfield has the mags right now at $45 each :( - not good. However I love the extra control from the full hand grip, and it became somehow more comfortable than the old short one IWB. Shooting is improved than the already great characteristics of this EDC. The extra grip, and angle offset on recoil is nice. The red dot sight aligns great with my existing low sights. This is the EDC weapon to beat in the 9mm category. Hands down.
Glad you're enjoying your Echelon! I agree that it's an excellent platform. The full-size grip/compact slide is my favorite configuration, so I'm glad Springfield started offering it from the factory. Thanks for reading and chiming in!