Springfield Armory has introduced four California-legal versions of its Echelon modular 9mm pistol family!
The lineup includes two full-size and two compact variants: the 4.5F (4.5-inch barrel), the 4.5F Comp (4.5-inch with an integral compensator), the 4.0C (4.0-inch compact), and the 4.0C Comp (4.0-inch compact with an integral compensator). All four ships with California-required safety features and a 10-round magazine capacity.
Central to the Echelon is a serialized, self-contained chassis Springfield calls the Central Operating Group. That chassis is removable and transferable between grip modules, and the pistol ships with three interchangeable backstraps. Springfield specifies the 4.5F models include a medium grip module, and the 4.0C models include a small grip module with additional grip modules in different sizes and colors sold separately.
Every Echelon pistol also uses the Variable Interface System for optics. The system employs self-locking pins that are intended to apply lateral pressure on an optic’s mounting surface as the mounting screws are torqued, which Springfield says reduces left/right movement. The pins can be positioned to fit more than 30 common optic footprints, allowing a direct-mount interface between slide and red-dot.
The Echelon optic system has proven to be robust and easy to use in our testing.
The Echelon also ships with U-Dot iron sights (U-notch “Tactical Rack” rear and a tritium/luminescent front dot).
Controls on the Echelon are fully ambidextrous. Magazine release and slide release are both totally ambidextrous from the factory and can be used right-handed or left-handed without switching parts or changing setup.
All four California models include a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnect to comply with state requirements.
“The Echelon quickly set a new standard for modern, striker-fired duty pistols at its launch,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With these new 4.5F and 4.0C variants, California residents now have access to this unparalleled 9mm pistol.”
- Echelon 4.5F 9mm CA Compliant MSRP: $694
- Echelon 4.5F Comp 9mm CA Compliant MSSP: $765
- Echelon 4.0C 9mm CA Compliant MSRP: $694
- Echelon 4.0C Comp 9mm CA Compliant MSRP: $765