The New Springfield Echelon 4.0FC

There are few guns in the firearms world that I am as familiar with as the Springfield Echelon. I have had the privilege of working with every model that has left the Springfield floor, and I have been impressed by each one. One trait of Springfield is its willingness to listen to customer feedback. One design suggestion that had been a constant was a smaller slide with a full-size grip. In standard Springfield fashion, they said, “Hold my beer”. Well, it was more than likely “hold my calculator and drafting pencil,” but the result is the same. Today, Springfield has released the Echelon 4.0FC.

Echelon 4.0FC – New from Springfield

The Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is engineered to merge full-size capacity with a compact slide assembly. The result is a pistol that delivers duty-grade capacity with fast handling in a balanced, do-it-all platform.

Combining the compact and handy slide dimensions of the compact Echelon 4.0C with the capacity and handling characteristics of the full-size 4.5F, the Echelon 4.0FC features a dedicated “FC” grip module. This module has the full grip length of the 4.5F, with the short dustcover area of the 4.0C.

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As with all Echelon variants, at the core of the new 4.0FC is Springfield’s Central Operating Group, providing a serialized foundation for modular performance that can be easily moved between grip modules in seconds. Precision-built from stainless steel, this chassis provides a robust housing for its patent-pending operating system.

Variable Interface System

In addition, the Echelon’s unique Variable Interface System enables direct-mount compatibility with more than 30 optics without the use of adapter plates. Simply configure the available self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for improved sight picture and intuitive alignment.

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Fully ambidextrous and equipped with tritium/luminescent U-Dot sights, the 4.0FC comes standard with one flush-fit 17-round magazine and one extended 20-round magazine. In addition, both 15-round and 10-round versions are available for purchase in restricted locales. Additionally, all three variants are offered through the FIRSTLINE discount program and Gear Pac offerings (which package the pistol with a factory-installed Viridian RFX11 green dot optic, four total magazines, and a range-ready bag).

Premier Duty Grade Handgun

“The original Echelon 4.5F quickly established itself as a premier duty-grade 9mm pistol, followed soon thereafter by the equally capable compact Echelon 4.0C,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With the 4.0FC, fans of the Echelon have a new option that offers a balance of the best features of both these proven pistols.”

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On the Range

While talking points and specs say a lot, the hundred-dollar question is “How does it shoot?” I was once again fortunate to get a pistol to test drive. Out of the box, the fit and finish we expect is everything I have experienced with previous models. The pistol came with a Vortex Defender-ST red dot, and it was a good match. After a quick zero confirmation, rounds started flying.

Then the unique trench cut forward of the action really did give me a solid and comfortable purchase on the slide for the following press check. The gun sat well in my hands with the backstrap that came with the gun. The first shots were good, and at 10 yards, I had a nice single ragged hole made by five rounds. Shooting at 15 yards, it turned into a one-and-a-half in slow fire groups, and at 25 yards, it was two inches.

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At Speed

At speed, the gun performed equally well. While I used the Defender-ST as my aiming tool, the sights sat in the lower third of the optic. If you were to run the gun without an optic, Springfield’s U-Dot sights would serve you well. These sights work extremely well for both fast acquisition and precision aiming in my experience.

At the end of the day, the pile of brass said it was time to wrap up. While not a durability test by any stretch, the 500 rounds I put through the gun all ran without issue and had zero malfunctions.

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Echelon 4.0FC

Overall, I give the new Springfield Echelon 4.0 FC two thumbs up. It is a great balance between size, capacity, and performance. While I have enjoyed previous Echelon models, this new version has moved to the top of my list.

For more information, visit Springfield Armory.

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Echelon 4.0 FC Specs

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