Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very soft recoil impulse
- Add an optic without adapter plates
- Excellent control layout and grip texture
- Serialized trigger group
Cons
- Lagging aftermarket support
- They're making us wait for more color options
The Bottom Line
The Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp is one of the best-performing and most well-rounded CCW pistols you can buy right now. It excelled during every aspect of our initial 500-round shakedown.
The compact pistol market is incredibly crowded. If manufacturers don’t do something special, they’re going to get overlooked.
In the case of the new Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp, there’s plenty to get excited about. A features list longer than a CVS receipt sure makes a compelling argument for this being your next carry gun, but is it really as good as advertised?
We put more than 500 rounds through the Echelon 4.0C Comp (on top of our previous testing with various Echelons) to see if it should be your next concealed carry pistol.
The results are hard to argue with; let’s take a look.
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Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 15+1, 18+1
- Optic Compatibility: DeltaPoint Pro, Shield, RMR footprints
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.25”
- Weight: 24 oz
- Country of Origin: Croatia
- What’s Included: Echelon 4.0C Comp, 15-round magazine, 18-round magazine, extended base pad, small/medium/large backstrap inserts, VIS pins/screws, speed loader, lock, soft case
Features
- Ported barrel and slide
- Variable Interface System – no adapter plates!
- Excellent ergonomics
- U-Dot, tritium, or white dot sights
Springfield Echelon Backstory
The Echelon dates back to 2023. It took the aging XD’s place as the company’s flagship duty pistol, but several versions of the XD are still available.
During our 2024 Springfield Echelon review, it won us over in a hurry. It was fast, accurate, and reliable through 1,000 rounds that included 500 rounds at a burn-down pace. Fantastic ergonomics allowed us to shoot faster and more accurately than we normally would.
Then came the compact version. During our 2025 Echelon 4.0C review, Springfield earned high marks again. This time, the bar was a little higher because the compact market is red-hot and every manufacturer seems to be focusing on this do-it-all category of pistols.
One way to keep up with the times is to turn out updates and new features as soon as you have them, and that’s what we’re looking at now.
The Echelon 4.0C Comp is simply a ported version of the Echelon 4.0C. Same great pistol, less muzzle flip.
Shooting the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp: Accuracy & Reliability Analysis
The Echelon 4.0C Comp feels great in the hand and looks good on the bench, but let’s see how it performs.
Accuracy
I was particularly interested to see how the Echelon 4.0C Comp handled AAC 115-grain FMJ, Blazer Brass 124-grain FMJ, and Federal HST 124-grain JHP – three loads that performed well in our 9mm ammo test.
All three loads printed respectable groups. I’ll even take the blame for one stray each with Blazer and Federal, given how tight the rest of the shots are.
Furthermore, I shot this test after putting 500 rounds through the pistol, just in case the barrel needed some breaking in. I was prepared to re-shoot it after a cleaning if the results seemed underwhelming, but that wasn’t necessary. It drove tacks even with some grime in the system.
The bottom line is that the Echelon 4.0C Comp is a very accurate carry pistol. If you do your part, it’ll do the rest. You can save money on training ammo without suffering in the accuracy department, and it’ll have your back with good defensive ammo.
I wrapped things up with Lena Miculek’s 100-round self-defense training evolution from the SG Drills App. Give it a try for yourself!
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So, did the ported barrel help? Absolutely. Not only did this pistol shoot softer than the base Echelon 4.0C, it felt flatter than a lot of full-size pistols. I achieved quicker times in my Bill drill, failure drill, and transitions with this pistol.
The biggest surprise of the test happened when I shot one-handed. After shooting with each hand, I was surprised to see that my times on the SG Timer GO were basically the same for left and right. I credit that less to my ability and more to the Echelon being super user-friendly.
This was partially due to the pistol’s smooth return to target, and partially due to the ambidextrous controls. Manipulating the magazine release and dropping the slide was easy with either thumb.
Reliability
During several trips to the range, the Echelon 4.0C Comp seemed to enjoy its varied diet of ammo.
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After 500 rounds, I experienced zero malfunctions.
The barrel didn’t seem to have a preference for 115-grain or 124-grain bullets. That makes shopping for ammo easy.
| Average Muzzle Velocity | Average Muzzle Energy | Standard Deviation | Extreme Spread | |
| AAC 115gr FMJ | 1,189 fps | 361 ft-lbs | 11 fps | 35 fps |
| Bazer 124gr FMJ | 1,055 fps | 306 ft-lbs | 11 fps | 31 fps |
| Federal HST 124gr JHP | 1,124 fps | 348 ft-lbs | 22 fps | 53 fps |
The muzzle velocity extreme spread from Federal HST was a little wider than I expected based on the results of previous testing, but muzzle velocity and energy were solid.
Ergonomics: Fit & Feel
Ergonomics are subjective, but I think Springfield built a pistol that just about anyone can gain confidence and proficiency with.
Grip and Grip Texture
This pistol has the same grip module as the non-compensated Echelon 4.0C. That means you get a short reach to the trigger (which is great for smaller hands), a generous beavertail to prevent slide bite, and three backstrap inserts to tailor that fit to your hand.
People with larger hands might benefit from running the extended magazine. The trigger guard has a deep undercut, but the grip is still fairly short (and CCW-friendly). I have medium-sized hands, and my pinky still hangs off the bottom – barely.
I’ve never touched a grip texture I thought was too aggressive, and I’m a big fan of this one. That said, it’s not the cheese-grater that comes on the TRP.
The Echelon’s texture bites harder the more you squeeze it, so the grip kind of matches your energy. It achieves that by nestling small, sharp texturing in between larger, more rounded texturing. It looks like skateboard tape, only more sophisticated.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Controls
The Echelon’s front and rear slide serrations are very generous, which I consider an important feature. If you have wet hands, are wearing gloves, or shoot in the cold, these are still easy to grip.
The slide stop and magazine release are both ambidextrous. That’s not just good news for lefties, it’s useful for training with your non-dominant hand, too. More on that in a minute.
The gas pedal takedown lever is one of those features that makes me wonder, “Why doesn’t every pistol have one of these?”
It’s a simple feature, but it makes a big difference in establishing a consistent grip and managing recoil. I wish it were ambidextrous, too. Maybe the aftermarket or an industrious left-handed shooter with a 3D printer will make one.
The trigger isn’t exceptional, but it’s better than the average striker trigger. Five pulls with a Lyman digital trigger gauge indicated weights of 3.25 to 4.5 pounds, with an average of 4.2 pounds.
Compensator
The ported barrel is one of the last updates this pistol needed (can’t wait for the FDE and OD versions that I’m sure are on the way), but there are lots of pistols doing that.
Some, like the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp, use a similar ported barrel and slide (although the Echelon’s is far more aggressive). Others, like the Walther PDP Pro-X have a compensator added to the end of the barrel that mates with the slide.
Both methods work. The Echelon’s approach is best for concealed carry since it keeps the overall length and barrel length unchanged.
I’m also inclined to compare the Echelon 4.0C Comp to Springfield’s own Hellcat Pro. They’re similar in size, capacity, and function, but they got there in different ways.
The Hellcat Pro is a micro-compact that grew into a compact pistol. The Echelon 4.0C is a full-size pistol that trimmed down to be compact.
The skinny Hellcat Pro is my go-to CCW pistol at the moment, but the Echelon is a more versatile platform and it’s much nicer to shoot. I’d lean toward recommending the Echelon 4.0C Comp if you’re looking for one pistol to do it all.
Ease of Use
Forgive me while I kick this dead horse. Springfield’s Variable Interface System is how all optics should attach to a pistol.
No waiting for manufacturers to restock the adapter plate we need (du weißt wer du bist), no more glitchy third-party components, no more sky-high red dots that make us buy suppressor-height sights. Just optics and sights that work out of the box.
The stock sights are equally good. A tritium front sight wrapped in a high-visibility ring settles nicely into a rear U-Notch. They’re reasonably low, but the lack of an adapter plate means that you should be able to co-witness regardless of which pistol red dot you choose.
Finally, since not all of us are subject to the same laws, Springfield is kind enough to offer state-compliant models with 10- and 15-round magazines. You can get two usable mags with your pistol, regardless of where you live.
As standard, it comes with one flush 15-round mag and one extended 18-round mag.
Improvements We’d Like to See
Springfield has been great about offering different sights, threaded barrels, and a few colors across the Echelon series. I don’t have any complaints, but I’d love to see more control given to the customer in the form of a pistol configurator a la Sig Sauer’s “Build Your Own” web tool.
If someone wants to order a full-size Echelon grip in OD green with a compact, ported slide in black, I say go for it. Let people get weird in the parts bin.
Icing on the cake would be a central operating group with an upgraded trigger. I’m happy with the Echelon’s trigger, but I’d also pay extra for something special.
Who is the Echelon 4.0C Comp For?
Simply put, this pistol is for everyone. Like others of its size, the Echelon 4.0C Comp is small enough to carry and big enough to defend yourself with. It’s capable enough for the pros and affordable enough for the rest of us.
Duty, EDC, nightstand gun; it does it all.
I think the people who would benefit most, though, are those who don’t already have a compact CCW pistol.
When people shop for their first carry gun, they usually do what’s known in the car world as spec-sheet racing. Line up two lists of features side by side, and see who wins in black and white.
In that context, the Echelon 4.0C Comp crushes it. There’s practically nothing it lacks, and there are no common deal-breakers.
By the Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
No problems whatsoever.
Ergonomics: 5/5
From the grip modules and backstrap inserts to the controls to the adaptive texture and slide serrations, this pistol feels like an extension of my hand.
Accuracy: 5/5
If you miss, it’s on you. This pistol performed great regardless of ammo selection during testing.
Customization: 4/5
Aftermarket support is still catching up with the Echelon, but adding the essentials is a piece of cake.
Value: 4.5/5
The Echelon is more expensive than some of its peers, but it backs that up with a lot of nice features.
Overall: 5/5
We’re used to nitpicking around here, and everyone is entitled to their preferences, but there really isn’t anything I’d change about the Echelon 4.0C Comp.
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Upgrades & Accessories
Springfield pretty much gave us what we need with this pistol. I wouldn’t change it, but there are definitely some accessories I recommend.
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First up is an optic. In this case, I used a Vortex Defender-ST with the new green dot. The factory sights are good, but an optic is better. The Defender series has been rock-solid in my testing since its debut, and the price is right.
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I recommend putting a light on any defensive pistol. The Streamlight TLR-7 fits the Echelon 4.0C (Comp or not) nicely, has intuitive controls, and performs well. If you want to spend more or less, check out our pistol light guide.
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This is a carry pistol, so you’re going to need a holster. The Safariland Incog X is a favorite around here with one caveat: it’s strictly for appendix carry. If you want to carry strong-side or in an off-body CCW bag, we can help with that, too!
While you’re at it, pick up a good belt to bring the whole system together.
Testing Procedures
As always, I started testing by stripping the Echelon 4.0C Comp down, giving it a thorough cleaning, and getting familiar with the pistol inside and out. Before taking it to the range, I got plenty of dry fire reps.
Live-fire testing included 500 rounds of varied target and defensive ammo.
- AAC 115gr FMJ
- AAC 124gr FMJ
- Blazer 115gr FMJ
- Blazer 124gr FMJ
- Federal HST 124gr JHP
- Norma 65gr frangible
- Underwood Xtreme Defender 90gr +P copper
- Winchester American Eagle 115gr FMJ
I shot the Echelon 4.0C Comp for accuracy and speed at distances ranging from 5 to 25 yards, using paper bullseye, cardboard silhouette, and steel C-zone targets.
To get some objective metrics, I measured shot groups at 7 yards and clocked multiple loads with the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.
Meet the Experts
At the helm of this article is editor Scott Murdock, who got his start shooting in the Marine Corps. In addition to qualifying on rifle and pistol and training with crew-served weapons, Scott competed in the Western Division Matches intra-service shooting competition. Since then, he’s expanded his knowledge with training that includes courses at AMTAC Shooting, Full Spectrum Warrior, and Vortex Edge. Before joining Pew Pew Tactical, Scott reviewed guns, gear, and vehicles for a wide range of publications.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers and edited this review. She is an NRA-certified Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Verdict on the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp
Choosing a CCW pistol can be daunting, but this one needs to be on your short list.
The Echelon 4.0C Comp is undeniably accurate, unflinchingly reliable, and it’s smooth enough to take your fast-paced shooting up a notch. You definitely get what you pay for.
I’ll give Springfield every writer’s favorite feedback: “Good job. No notes.”
What do you think of the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp? Let us know in the comments. Interested in other EDC-worthy pistols? Check out our guide to the Best Compact 9mm Handguns!
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With the ported barrel and slide, can the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C be fitted with a can? Being the barrel and slide porting is designed to assist in recoil and help control the gun jumping upward when fired. The porting would allow the pressure and gunpowder exploding sound to escape to the atmosphere before it inters the can.
Good question, Jerry. As it comes from the factory, no, this one can't accept a suppressor. Springfield does sell a threaded barrel with no port that you can install on this pistol if you want to shoot suppressed. The ported slide isn't a problem from a compatibility standpoint, it'll just function like a normal slide. If using a suppressor is your main priority, they offer a normal Echelon 4.0C with a threaded barrel from the factory.
Thank you for the feedback on ambidextrous shooting.
We're here for you, Greg!
Those U-Dot sights sure look like someone was thinking of us old folks.
I find them very natural and user-friendly. Wait, does that mean I'm getting old?
SA builds a great firearm, but can it compare to any of the Staccato C-series? The Nighthawk Custom T4?
All good, except for one thing: the AAC and Blazer ammo both suck, perhaps the dirtiest ammunition made. If you don’t mind spending more than an hour cleaning your firearm, enjoy.
Springfield also released mag sleeves so if you have or want factory 17, 20, or aftermarket 22-round mags, you can use them with the compact frame without worry of over-insertion. Springfield's aggressive texture grips are great, hopefully they'll have some for the compact soon. It's a shame Springfield doesn't sell stand-alone complete slides, I'm sure third-party companies don't want to mess with the VIS patent so they haven't made their own yet.
There's definitely a lot of potential with this platform. I hadn't thought about the patent issue but you could be onto something, there.
Not one in need for the comp, I prefer threaded barrels for suppressed home defense. Unscrew and back to ccw duty. I do love my echelon 4.0c but recently bought the RxM and although it does not have interchangeable back straps it is a bit more comfortable in my hands. Similar sort of direct optics mount system, but a huge after market availability with Glock parts. And it is lower in price but shoots just as good and reliable. It pained me to realize that I like the RxM better than the Echelon.
Hey, nothing wrong with liking what you like. Glad you found something that works for you!
One wonders how it stacks up against the Canik METE MC9 Prime
One wonders indeed. Patience, grasshopper.
Great article. I now want another gun. As a side note while doing gun reviews, it would be helpful to see the cost of extra magazines for the various guns. Some guns I’ve seen have a decent price for the actual firearm, but it cost a fortune to buy an extra mag or two. Thank you, sir.
Good point, William, and thanks for reading! Springfield sells Echelon magazines for $45 and retail prices are usually around $35. You can also buy the pistol as part of a Gear Up package or a retailer bundle with five magazines for a nice discount. Keep an eye on Springfield's store, too. They run sales pretty often.