Springfield Echelon: A New Era in Modular Handgun Design

If you follow hard-use handguns as we do at Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, you’ll know that not everyone we respect is a fan of Springfield’s pistol lineup – however, that changed dramatically with the introduction of the Springfield Echelon. This new offering from Springfield Armory isn’t just another addition to their lineup; it represents a significant shift in their approach to modern pistols. The days of hearing “friends don’t let friends buy a Springfield” might soon be over, as the Echelon marks a long-overdue clean break from the XD series, addressing the criticisms that have dogged those earlier models and ushering in a new era for the company.

Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5″ 9mm Full Size Semi-Auto Pistol – Black

$$599.99 View Details

While the XD line has been a commercial success for Springfield Armory, finding favor in the U.S. market and competitive shooting circles, it has also faced its share of detractors. The Echelon, however, is poised to silence those critics. In our hands-on experience, it’s clear that this pistol is a substantial improvement over any XD we’ve encountered. It’s not just an iteration; it’s a complete reimagining of what a Springfield polymer-framed pistol can be.

Springfield Echelon – Breaking New Ground

At first glance, the Springfield Echelon might appear to be just another polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm handgun in a crowded market. We see a lot of those here at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo. However, a closer look reveals that this pistol is anything but ordinary. Unlike its XD predecessors, the Echelon is built on a chassis system, bringing it into direct competition with popular models like the SIG P320.

But Springfield hasn’t just imitated; they’ve innovated, taking the concept of modularity to new heights. Frankly, if we were looking at a hard-use reliable 9mm in 2024, we’d put the new Echelon with offerings like the P320 and the Glock. This author has recently switched out his tried and true daily carry H&K VP9 for the Springfield Echelon, if that tells you more about how much we love it. After carrying it daily for many months now, we believe its true strengths lie in its adaptability and the thoughtful engineering that has been used in every aspect of its design.

The Heart of Innovation: Springfield Echelon’s Chassis System

At the core of the Springfield Echelon is its internal chassis, officially termed the Central Operating Group (COG). It’s a lot like what the Sig P320 offers. If you’re not familiar with it, this precision-machined stainless steel component is the true “firearm” from a legal perspective, not the external grip housing. This design philosophy opens up a world of customization options that set the Echelon apart from its competitors.

Modularity Redefined

The Echelon’s chassis system allows for an unprecedented level of customization:

1. Grip Modules: Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), these modules govern the trigger reach and overall grip circumference.
2. Interchangeable Backstraps: Each grip module is compatible with three different backstrap sizes, further fine-tuning the fit.
3. Slide Configurations: The ability to swap slides easily means you can adapt the pistol for different roles without purchasing an entirely new firearm.

This level of adaptability means that the Echelon can truly be tailored to fit a wide range of hand sizes and shooting preferences, addressing one of the key limitations of the XD series.

Springfield Echelon – Ergonomics and Controls

Springfield has clearly put a lot of thought into the Echelon’s ergonomics and controls:

Ambidextrous Design

The Echelon was built from the ground up to be fully ambidextrous. Slide release levers on both sides of the pistol are easily accessible and operate smoothly. This thoughtful design makes the Echelon an excellent choice for left-handed shooters or those who practice shooting with their support hand.

Enhanced Grip Texture

The grip texture on the Echelon strikes an excellent balance between aggressiveness and comfort. It provides a secure hold even in wet conditions, extending to the frame’s indexing points for improved recoil control.

Slide Serrations

The slide features five pairs of broad, shallow grasping grooves forward of the ejection port and three more pairs to the rear. Each set is backstopped by a widened “step” in the slide, with the rearmost forming “ears” reminiscent of the Heckler & Koch VP9. This design ensures positive manipulation of the slide under various conditions.

The Variable Interface System: A Game-Changer for Optics

When you first decide to mount an optic on a pistol, you’re quickly met with a wet blanket. It’s harder and more confusing than it should be. Enter the VIS system. One of the most innovative features of the Springfield Echelon is its Variable Interface System (VIS) for mounting optics. This patent-pending system is, in our opinion, one of the best solutions we’ve seen for integrating red dot sights with pistols.

Direct Mounting Without Plates

The VIS eliminates the need for adapter plates, which have long been a weak point in pistol-optic integration. Instead, it uses a series of movable pins that lock into recesses on the slide’s top. This design allows for direct mounting of over 30 different current optics without intermediate plates.

Benefits of the VIS

1. Increased Reliability: By eliminating adapter plates, the VIS reduces the risk of screws shearing or loosening – a common issue with carry optics.
2. Lower Mounting: Optics can sit lower in the slide, allowing for the use of standard-height iron sights as backups.
3. Versatility: The ability to mount such a wide range of optics without additional parts is a significant advantage for users who may want to experiment with different sights.

Performance on the Range

In our testing, the Springfield Echelon has proven to be an impressive performer:

Accuracy and Reliability

The Echelon demonstrates excellent accuracy, thanks in part to its 4.55″ hammer-forged, Melonite-coated barrel. In our range sessions, it has shown consistent reliability with a variety of ammunition types.

Trigger

The trigger on the Springfield is what made us make the switch from our VP9. The trigger on the Echelon is a standout feature. It’s crisp and clean, with a positive reset that facilitates fast, accurate follow-up shots. In our opinion, it outperforms many of its competitors in this price range, including some more expensive options.

Recoil Management

The Echelon’s design, including its grip texture and overall ergonomics, contributes to excellent recoil management. This makes it a joy to shoot for extended range sessions and allows for quick, accurate strings of fire.

Customization and Accessories

Out of the box, the Springfield Echelon comes well-equipped:

• Three backstrap options
• One 17-round magazine and one 20-round magazine
• Tritium/luminescent front sight and U-Notch rear sight

For those looking to further customize their Echelon, the pistol’s design allows for easy addition of accessories. A light or laser can be mounted on the Picatinny rail, and as mentioned, the VIS makes adding a red dot sight a breeze.

Who Is the Echelon For?

The Springfield Echelon’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of users:

1. Duty Use: Its reliability, capacity, and modularity make it an excellent choice for law enforcement or military personnel.
2. Concealed Carry: While it’s a full-size pistol, its ergonomics and customizability can make it work well for concealed carry for some individuals.
3. Home Defense: The ability to easily mount lights and optics, combined with its reliability, makes the Echelon a strong contender for home defense.
4. Competition Shooting: Its accuracy and customization options could make it popular among competitive shooters.
5. New Shooters: The ability to adjust the grip size can make this an excellent “grow with you” option for those new to shooting.

Growing Aftermarket Support

As the Springfield Echelon gains popularity among shooters, we’re seeing a rapid expansion in the availability of Springfield Echelon accessories. This growing aftermarket support is a testament to the pistol’s success and the confidence manufacturers have in its longevity. In addition to extra magazines, which are always in demand, we’re now seeing specialized accessories designed to enhance the Echelon’s performance and ergonomics.

Two notable Springfield Echelon accessories that have caught our attention are the Tyrant Designs Springfield Echelon Extended Magazine Release and the Tyrant Designs Springfield Echelon +5 Magazine Extension. These high-quality additions allow users to further customize their Echelon to suit their specific needs and preferences. The extended magazine release can improve reload speeds, while the magazine extension increases capacity for competition or extended range sessions. As more manufacturers develop Springfield Echelon accessories, we anticipate even greater customization options in the future, solidifying the Echelon’s position as a versatile and adaptable platform.

Final Thoughts

The Springfield Echelon represents a significant step forward in handgun design. Its innovative features, particularly the Variable Interface System and the level of modularity it offers, set it apart in an increasingly crowded market.

While it may feel like a newcomer compared to some more established models from Glock, SIG, or H&K, the Echelon holds its own and, in many areas, surpasses its competitors. The overwhelmingly positive reviews, even from critics who have been skeptical of Springfield products in the past, speak to the quality and performance of this pistol.

At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we’re impressed with what Springfield has achieved with the Echelon. For anyone in the market for a new 9mm pistol, especially one that offers unparalleled customization options, the Springfield Echelon should be near the top of your list. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter looking for your next competition or duty pistol, or a newcomer seeking a firearm that can adapt to your developing skills, the Echelon is worth serious consideration.

We invite you to visit our shop and get hands-on with the Springfield Echelon. Experience for yourself the innovation and quality that have us excited about this new entry in the world of modern handguns.