With the Echelon, Springfield Armory has a modern polymer pistol in its catalog that consistently combines ergonomics, modularity and accuracy. We already had the opportunity to test the full-size version of the Echelon in detail some time ago.
The technical heart of the pistol is the Central Operating Group (COG) made of stainless steel – an independent trigger chassis with continuous slide guides. The COG bears the serial number and makes the polymer grip legally a licence-free accessory: grip modules can be adapted to suit hand size and use. The Springfield Armory also features the Variable Interface System (VIS), an interface for direct mounting of numerous optics without the need for an adapter plate. The VIS keeps the sight low over the bore, leaves the mechanical sights as a backup in many setups and reduces potential sources of error caused by adapter plates.
Ergonomically, the Echelon is based on a modular grip with a non-slip texture, slightly flared magazine well and interchangeable backstraps inserts in sizes S, M and L. Indexing points, an enlarged trigger guard and the ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release support fast, repeatable manipulation – whether for sporting use or for professional gun carriers. In addition to black, Desert FDE and OD Green are also available as color options. Night-3-Dot or Tac-U-Dot sights are available depending on the model, optionally with manual safety (MS), as well as variants with threaded barrel (TB) for silencers or compensators. Prices (MSRPs in the US) range from $694 to $765.
Focus on manoeuvrability: Springfield Armory Echelon Compact
With the Echelon Compact, Springfield Armory offers a more compact version of the platform. It retains the action of the 4.5" models, but shortens the barrel to 4" frame for better manoeuvrability. Alternatively, there is a 5.28" version with a muzzle thread for a silencer or compensator. The familiar COG assembly is located inside. The Compact is also fully ready for optics: the VIS also allows for direct mounting of leading red dot sights without an adapter plate. For the grip, the Echelon Compact relies on the modular Echelon ergonomics with a lightly flared magazine well for quick magazine changes and three backstrap options (S/M/L).
Springfield Armory Echelon model list
Here is the list of the main model variants of the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol:
Springfield Armory Echelon Fullsize
| Model/Variant | Barrel Length | Sights | Special Features |
Echelon Black 4.5" Tac U-Dot | 4.5" | Tac U-Dot | – |
Echelon Black 4.5" Night 3-Dot | 4.5" | N-3-Dot | – |
Echelon Black 4.5" Tac U-Dot w/M.S. | 4.5" | Tac U-Dot | Manual safety |
Echelon FDE 4.5" Tac U-Dot | 4.5" | Tac U-Dot | Desert FDE color variant |
Echelon OD Green 4.5" Tac U-Dot | 4.5" | Tac U-Dot | OD Green color variant |
Echelon Black 4.5" w/Comp Tac U-Dot | 4.5" | Tac U-Dot | Factory-fitted compensator |
Echelon Black 5.28" TB N-3-Dot | 5.28" | N-3-Dot | Threaded barrel (TB) |
Springfield Armory Echelon Compact
| Model/Variant | Barrel Length | Sights | Special Features |
| Echelon Black 4" Compact Tac U-Dot | 4.0" | Tac U-Dot | – |
| Echelon Black 4" Compact N-3-Dot | 4.0" | N-3-Dot | – |
| Echelon Black 4.75" TB Compact N-3-Dot | 4.75" | N-3-Dot | Threaded barrel (TB) |
Springfield Armory Echelon: "Custom-ready" out of the box
The Echelon not only comes in many model variants, it can also be seen as a platform-like base. The COG chassis and VIS interface form the supporting pillars, along with the interchangeable grip and backstrap system. Whether compact or full-size, the Echelon family covers a wide range of applications and can be quickly adapted to the shooter, task and discipline. This is not only ensured by the grip modules already available. Despite the young age of the Echelon, a broad market for aftermarket parts and a corresponding tuning scene has already been established in the United States in particular.
This allows shooters to customise every detail of their pistols to their own wishes and requirements. This includes everything from small parts like pins up to add-on parts and entire grip modules made of aluminum from third-party suppliers. But also parts such as custom jet funnels, triggers or even cover plates for the VIS interface in all the colors of the rainbow.
