The Next Echelon Evolution – The Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp

While Springfield has a mountain of successful guns, one of my favorites is the Echelon. The original pistol was a full-size gun and was a departure from others in the past. While the gun was very popular, some found it to be a bit big for EDC. Springfield listened to their customers and took what they said seriously. Their answer was the Echelon 4.0C—a more compact version. But wait- that wasn’t enough for Springfield. Fast forward to today, and they have even taken that a step further with the new Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp.

Building a Fast, Flat Shooting EDC – Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp

Engineered for carry, the Echelon 4.0C Comp retains the key features of the full-size model, with a shorter 4-inch barrel and compact frame for enhanced concealability. The integral compensated slide assembly hosts a single port that redirects gas upward to reduce muzzle rise and improve control. Its revolutionary Variable Interface System provides unmatched direct-mount compatibility with today’s leading red dot sights, complemented by tritium U-Dot irons for fast target acquisition. The serialized Central Operating Group is housed in a compact frame, offering a 15-round capacity with the flush magazine and 18 rounds with the extended magazine.

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The integral compensator featured on the Echelon 4.0C Comp is discreetly designed with a single port on the top of the hammer-forged slide and barrel. Redirecting gas upwards effectively reduces muzzle rise and enhances control. The result is a pistol that delivers faster and more accurate follow-up shots. In addition, the front sight is positioned behind the compensator for an uninterrupted sight picture.

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Variable Interface System

While the gun as a whole is interesting, I was impressed with their optic mounting solution. The Echelon’s patent-pending optic mounting system is concealed beneath the slide cover plate. The Variable Interface System (VIS) allows users to mount over 30 optics directly to the slide without using adapter plates. Simply configure the self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for an improved sight picture. This includes everything from the Trijicon RMR and Shield RMSc to the Steiner MPS. This design provides torque to the mounting and keeps the optic in place. It is an absolutely brilliant design.

The Echelon’s slide features four distinct engagement surfaces. A trench cut forward of the action gives shooters a natural index location for press checks and charging the firearm. The back of the slide is flared for positive purchase, while deep forward and rear serrations are carried through the corners for a firm grip from any angle. Sight-wise, the gun comes standard with the tactical rack U-Notch rear sight and a tritium front sight with a luminescent ring. A tritium 3-dot configuration is also available.

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Hammer Forged Barrel

The Echelon also comes with an excellent 4-inch barrel. Springfield uses the hammer forging process to produce a stronger barrel with a smoother surface for exceptional accuracy and service life. The barrel is then Melonite-coated for corrosion and wear resistance.

The unique texture of the grip caught my eye. “Adaptive Grip Texture” was developed to address the challenges of concealed carry. The Adaptive Grip Texture feels smooth to the touch until you apply pressure and engage the more aggressive texture just below the surface. In short, the unique grip design provides more purchase as you firmly grip the gun. This texture extends beyond the grip and is featured on several common indexing points. The frame also has an oversized undercut trigger guard that fits gloved hands well. Finally, as a tip of the hat to serious shooters, the gun is equipped with an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release for intuitive use.

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Test Drive

I have had the pleasure of testing every Echelon model and was excited to get the comp version on the range. The only addition to the gun was mounting a Trijicon SRO, which was a breeze. My first impressions of the gun were solid. The fit of the gun was good, and it had good tolerance. The aesthetics of the Echelon were pleasing with its bold lines, cuts, and unique grip texture. The optics cut is relatively low on the gun, and the optics were easy to acquire.

One specific area I was curious about, because of its modular nature, was the trigger. On the scale, it broke consistently at four and a half pounds. It is a flat-face trigger with a standard center blade for safety. The movement was smooth, with no grit or grab and a clean break. The grip performed as advertised and provided a solid purchase on the gun, contrary to what its appearance may suggest. With the once-over complete, it was time to hit the range and put the Echelon 4.0C Comp through its paces.

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Ammo Performance

Ammo-wise, I ran First Breach 115-grain ball. As with all the Echelons I have run, the ammo ran flawlessly. At the end of a day of shooting, my steel target had a lead-covered impact area roughly the size of a hand. While I was not surprised, it was very impressive considering the pace at which I was shooting. This is not a slow-fire competition gun, but rather a fighting weapon. In that capacity, it excelled.

Serious Comp

The “new” feature on this model is the comp. There have been many attempts at an integrated comp in the gun world, but Springfield has found the magic sauce. I could attempt to describe the reduction in muzzle flip, but words would fall short. This gun is ridiculously flat shooting and fast. I am not one prone to mag dumps, but the Echelon 4.0C Comp just dared me to go faster. The comp on this gun is the real deal, and Springfield deserves a glass of Scotch for being so dedicated to its function.

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Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp

Having run the Echelon 4.0C, I found the new 4.0C Comp to be superior performance-wise. The new comp version has the added benefit of reduced muzzle rise. You can’t go wrong with any guns in this line, but if you are looking for a good EDC pistol, you just found it.

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Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp Specs