{"id":1246,"date":"2023-07-12T08:36:16","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T08:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1246"},"modified":"2023-07-12T08:36:16","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T08:36:16","slug":"first-look-springfield-armory-echelon-9mm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1246","title":{"rendered":"First Look: Springfield Armory Echelon 9mm"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/841656197?h=c27e92fe78&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/jeremy-tremp\/\">Jeremy Tremp<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">I<\/span>f I were to rate my favorite Springfield Armory releases over the last several years, today\u2019s tops the charts. Springfield Armory has now officially launched the Echelon, a duty-style 9mm pistol that brings a host of innovative and exciting features to the market in a way that only Springfield Armory can.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Echelon is designed from the ground up to reimagine what a duty-style, striker-fired 9mm should be. Image:\u00a0Jesse\u00a0Clements<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>To be frank, releasing a striker-fired pistol these days rarely elicits the term \u201cexciting.\u201d Competent? Yes. Capable? Often-so. But exciting? In this case, I believe the term is quite justified. But with striker-fired pistols having been around now for decades and seemingly refined to the point of diminishing returns, what makes the Echelon so special. In my opinion, not just one singular thing, but a host of things.<\/p>\n<p>And Springfield arrived at the approach underpinning the new Echelon by taking a long view. Coming to the market in 2023 with a fresh offering allowed Springfield to take stock of what the market has seen, and what it might want (or even what it might not yet realize it could have).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A New Direction<\/h2>\n<p>The Echelon is a completely new 9mm duty-grade pistol built from the ground up with serious users in mind. Utilizing years of knowledge and product development of its other popular pistols, Springfield Armory was able to determine not only what would make for a great striker-fired design, but also harness the advantages of cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities to deliver what I think is the best-executed 9mm pistol design in years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44544\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited.jpg.webp 933w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-800x800.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-400x400.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-768x768.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-600x600.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 933px) 100vw, 933px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"933\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited.jpg\" alt=\"springfield echeclon with surefire x300 light\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited.jpg 933w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echeclon-with-surefire-x300-light-edited-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 933px) 100vw, 933px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 9mm Echelon takes striker-fired pistol design to the next level. Shown equipped with a Trijicon RMR red dot and Surefire X300 weaponlight. Image:\u00a0Jake Miller\/Springfield\u00a0Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At the heart of the Echelon\u2019s innovative approach is its \u201cCOG\u201d, or Central Operating Group. The COG is the self-contained serialized part of the pistol that hosts the trigger system and ambidextrous slide lock lever. With this design, the COG can easily be moved between grip modules in seconds (more on that grip module in a moment). Precision built from stainless steel, the chassis provides a robust housing for the operating system of the Echelon.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44545\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group.jpg.webp 1541w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-800x581.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-400x291.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-1536x1116.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-600x436.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1541px) 100vw, 1541px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1541\" height=\"1120\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group.jpg\" alt=\"echelon central operating group\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group.jpg 1541w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-800x581.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-400x291.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-768x558.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-1536x1116.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-central-operating-group-600x436.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1541px) 100vw, 1541px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The COG, or \u201cCentral Operating Group\u201d, is a serialized chassis precision manufactured from stainless steel that houses the trigger and other critical\u00a0components.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The advantages of this system are numerous, not the least of which is the modularity as well as the strength of housing these critical parts inside a rigid steel chassis rather than a polymer frame only. The result is a reliable and repeatable trigger, and I can say that the trigger on the Echelon is excellent. The critical components of the COG are machined from tool steel and highly polished, giving you a smooth and clean take up and crisp break.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting Your Sights<\/h2>\n<p>Beyond the remarkable COG, the Echelon also has another remarkable feature  \u2014  the revolutionary Variable Interface System (VIS) for mounting red dot optics to the Echelon. Machined onto the upper rear portion of the slide and featuring a removable cover, the VIS is designed to accommodate more than 30 currently available red dot optics.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44546\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-800x646.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-400x323.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-768x620.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-600x484.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1130\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting.jpg\" alt=\"echelon optics mounting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-800x646.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-400x323.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-768x620.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/echelon-optics-mounting-600x484.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Variable Interface System (VIS) of the Echelon allows for the direct mounting of more than 30 optics through a movable self-locking pin\u00a0system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Even more significant than the breadth of the adaptability of the VIS is that it is also designed to mount these optics directly to the slide without an adapter plate. Yes, you read that right. By utilizing specific self-locking movable pins and various mounting holes drilled into the slide, the Echelon allows you to direct mount a stunningly wide range of popular red dot optics.<\/p>\n<p>The advantages of this are obvious. Not only are you mounting the optic low to allow in many cases the ability to still see the iron sights, you are also removing failure points and extra attachment points by skipping the whole plate system. It\u2019s almost like you have been given a universal key to the bewildering world of handgun optics.<\/p>\n<p>And although you have the means to put on the optic of your choice, Springfield still makes sure the irons you get are highly capable. The Echelon is offered with the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/understanding-the-hellcat-u-dot\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">U-Dot<\/span> sights we know and love from the Hellcat family<\/a>, made up of a Tactical Rack U-notch unit and a tritium\/luminescent front. The Echelon is also offered with more traditional tritium three-dot sights if you so prefer.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engaging Design<\/h2>\n<p>When creating a duty-style pistol like this, performance in all conditions is paramount to its success. A large part of a pistol\u2019s performance  \u2014  beyond the core elements of reliable function  \u2014  is determined by the handling and manipulation capabilities of the design. Springfield took this mindset and turned it up to 11.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44547\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls.jpg\" alt=\"springfield echelon controls\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/springfield-echelon-controls-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All controls of the Echelon are fully ambidextrous, from the slide lock lever to the magazine\u00a0release.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Echelon provides the user with four distinct engagement surfaces on the purpose-built billet-machined and <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/common-coatings-and-finishes-for-modern-guns\/\">Melonite-finished<\/a> slide. The front of the slide features a forward \u201ctrench\u201d with aggressive serrations as well as a \u201cshelf\u201d located just forward of the ejection port. These are all designed to aid in charging or press-checking the pistol from the front. The rear of the slide, also featuring aggressive serrations, is flared outward at the rear with \u201cwings\u201d. This offers the user multiple means of charging the slide in all conditions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Aiding in the comfort and personalization of the Echelon is the inclusion of three interchangeable backstraps in small, medium and large. Each backstrap includes an integrated armorer\u2019s tool for aiding in the takedown of the pistol. It\u2019s worth noting that the Echelon ships from the factory with the medium backstrap installed.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the Echelon is fully ambidextrous. This includes not only the slide lock levers integrated into the COG, but also the magazine releases. And the mag release is not reversible, it is fully ambi with buttons on both sides.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44548\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-1600x1334.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-800x667.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-400x334.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-768x640.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-1536x1281.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-600x500.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon.jpg.webp 1680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-1600x1334.jpg\" alt=\"left side view of echelon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-1600x1334.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-800x667.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-400x334.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-1536x1281.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon-600x500.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/left-side-view-of-echelon.jpg 1680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Springfield Armory Echelon is a full-featured duty pistol with a flexible optics mount, combat sights and true ambidextrous controls. Shown with extended 20-round magazine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Remember that grip module I mentioned? Due to the modular (and serialized) nature of the Echelon\u2019s COG, the pistol can be easily reconfigured with differing grip modules. While the pistol ships with a medium-size grip module, there will be small and large offerings as well. In addition, the interchangeable backstraps are designed to fit all three sizes of the module.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve held a Hellcat or a <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/springfield-prodigy-torture-test-review\/\">1911 DS Prodigy<\/a>, you\u2019re familiar with <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/hang-on-to-that-hellcat\/\">Springfield\u2019s popular Adaptive Grip Texture<\/a>. The Echelon takes advantage of this pattern as well, providing the user with a superior grip that is as effective in your hands as it is comfortable during concealed carry.<\/p>\n<p>The grip module\u2019s triggerguard is undercut for a comfortable grip and is also oversized for use with gloves. The Echelon also adds the Adaptive Grip Texture to common indexing points on the frame, including the takedown lever, giving you an extra firm grip on the pistol.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Details<\/h2>\n<p>All Echelon pistols feature hammer-forged barrels for strength, accuracy and longevity. They also are Melonite-finished for durability. The standard Echelon barrel length is 4.5\u201d, while the pistol is also offered in a suppressor-ready configuration with an extended 5.28\u201d threaded barrel with a 1\/2\u00d728 thread pitch. That variant features an included thread protector as well as tritium three-dot sights.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44549\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon.jpg\" alt=\"threaded barrel for echelon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/threaded-barrel-for-echelon-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In addition to the standard 4.5\u201d model, the Echelon is also offered with an extended 5.28\u201d threaded\u00a0barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Capacity of the Echelon is also quite impressive. Despite what struck me as a surprisingly slim grip, the pistol features a 17+1 capacity with a flush-fitting magazine, and an impressive 20+1 capacity with an extended floorplate installed. The pistol comes packed with two magazines that feature a black coating over their stainless steel bodies.<\/p>\n<p>Also of note is the fact that the Echelon was designed to not only meet SAAMI drop test parameters, but exceed them. The Echelon\u2019s COG features a unique second sear design to help prevent unintentional discharge should the firearm be dropped. Additionally, field stripping the Echelon is toolless and doesn\u2019t require a press of the trigger.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Echelon Specifications<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Chambering<\/td>\n<td>9mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Barrel Length<\/td>\n<td>4.5\u2033 (5.28\u2033 threaded)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Weight<\/td>\n<td>23.9 oz (24.5 oz. threaded) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Overall Length<\/td>\n<td>8\u2033 (8.8\u2033 threaded)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sights<\/td>\n<td><span class=\"nowrap\">U-Dot<\/span> or tritium three-dot<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Grips<\/td>\n<td>Modular Grip Module<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Action<\/td>\n<td>Striker-fired, chassis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Finish<\/td>\n<td>Black<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Capacity<\/td>\n<td>17+1 flush, 20+1 extended (two magazines included)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>MSRP<\/td>\n<td>$679-$739<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hands-On<\/h2>\n<p>I can honestly say, the Echelon exceeded all my expectations of a duty pistol from Springfield Armory. The grip, texture, angle, low bore axis, trigger and smooth operation left me with a lingering feeling that this was the pistol for which I\u2019ve always been searching.<\/p>\n<p>Let me start off by saying I own just about every single major striker-fired pistol on the market. Until now, I\u2019ve always been left wanting from each one that I have put through the paces. The Echelon and how Springfield approached the design gave them the opportunity to take the striker-fired gun to the next level, and I think they accomplished that goal.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44550\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon.jpg\" alt=\"shooting the echelon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-echelon-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author ran the Echelon on the range and was impressed with not only its ergonomics, but its rock-solid\u00a0reliability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>From the \u201cbig\u201d things like handling and performance, down to the tiny details, the Echelon just feels \u201cright.\u201d Also, I think a chassis design for the operating group is the way of the future for pistols. I am so glad that Springfield chose that design for the COG. Owning one pistol with unlimited configuration possibilities is pretty appealing to me. The COG\u2019s design also ensures superior operation of the critical components of the trigger.<\/p>\n<p>Shooting the Echelon feels great. The low bore axis and the ease of fitting the pistol to your hand ensures you keep a solid grip. The recoil is smooth and has a great return to zero for fast follow-up shots, and manipulating the slide is practically impossible to mess up. From the forward trench and flared rear slide to the aggressive serrations, you\u2019ll get a grip anywhere on the slide in any condition if you do your part. The pistol swallowed up all the ammo I ran in it without a hiccup, and accuracy was impressive.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44551\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-1600x1215.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-800x608.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-400x304.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-768x583.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-1536x1167.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-600x456.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol.jpg.webp 1680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1215\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-1600x1215.jpg\" alt=\"right side of echelon pistol\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-1600x1215.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-800x608.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-400x304.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-768x583.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-1536x1167.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol-600x456.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/right-side-of-echelon-pistol.jpg 1680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 9mm Echelon handgun carries 17+1 rounds in the flush-fitting magazines, is equipped with an accessory rail and has a \u201cgrippy\u201d surface that locks in the\u00a0hand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For my testing, I utilized the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/trijicon-rmr-type-2-review\/\">Trijicon RMR Type 2<\/a>. Installation was extremely easy with the new VIS mounting system, and the optic was rock solid the entire time. It never lost its zero thanks to the VIS\u2019 remarkably solid interface. The slide doesn\u2019t just host multiple mounting holes for various optics, it also includes posts and pins that create a superior lock-up, keeping the red dot firmly in place. I also greatly appreciated the low mount of the optic to the slide, which allowed me to see the iron sights.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>If you could not tell, I\u2019m very taken with the new Echelon pistol. Springfield has been releasing some amazing offerings these past few years, like the <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/ayoob-springfield-hellcat-pro-review\/\">Hellcat Pro that is my current CCW gun<\/a>. And with the new Echelon, it\u2019s proven it\u2019s staying on the cutting-edge of firearms design.<\/p>\n<p>I can\u2019t wait to take some classes and put this pistol through even more rigorous testing. So far, I feel like I have finally found a pistol that checks every box for me, even ones I didn\u2019t know I had. I would encourage you to head to your local gun store and see if you can get your hands on the Echelon. It just might be that pistol you\u2019ve always wanted, but didn\u2019t know existed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/15560\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-two\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-echelon \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/echelon-series-handguns\/echelon-handguns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/EC9459B-U.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/EC9459B-U.png\" alt=\"Echelon\u2122 Series\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Echelon\u2122 <span>Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.trijicon.com\/products\/subcategory\/trijicon-rmr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-top: 3rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/product-rmr-type-2.jpg\" alt=\"Trijicon RMR Reflex Sights\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Trijicon <span>RMR Reflex Sights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/first-look-springfield-armory-echelon-9mm\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Jeremy Tremp If I were to rate my favorite Springfield Armory releases over the last several years, today\u2019s tops the charts. Springfield Armory has now officially launched the Echelon, a duty-style 9mm pistol that brings a host of innovative and exciting features to the market in a way that only Springfield Armory can. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1246\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}