When people talk about "duty-grade" guns, they're referring to the fact that the firearms typically carried by law enforcement tend to have been held to strict standards by the individual agencies. So when Springfield Armory launched its Echelon 4.5F in 2023, that initial entry in the Echelon line was a full-sized duty-grade pistol (the "F" is for "full-sized"). Now, in the last month of 2024, Springfield announces its all-new Echelon 4.0C 9mm ... and that "C" stands for "compact." Engineered for concealed carry, the new striker-fired Echelon 4.0C keeps its duty-grade roots, but with a shorter 4" barrel and compact frame for enhanced concealability.
That concealability is, of course, the headline news for armed citizens, whose primary concern tends to be whether or not the gun can be discreetly carried in public. However, the most exciting part of the Echelon 4.5C is its adaptability for the individual using it. The self-contained steel chassis allows the gun to be switched between available grip modules in seconds. (The pistol comes standard with the small grip module and three interchangeable backstraps, while medium and large grip modules can be purchased separately.)
The Echelon 4.0C is "strong enough for a cop," but it's offered in several civilian-friendly variants. Shooters have a choice of either U-Dot—with a U-notch rear sight and a tritium/luminescent front dot—or three-dot tritium night sights. Additionally, the pistol is offered in reduced-capacity models with U-Dot sights in 15- and 10-round capacities for restricted locales. Lastly, the Echelon 4.0C is also offered in an extended threaded barrel variant with tritium three-dot sights.
Further adding to the pistol’s adaptability is its truly innovative Variable Interface System, which employs patent-pending self-locking pins that ensure consistent and reliable point of aim/point of impact. In addition, the pins can be positioned to fit the footprints of a wide range of popular optics. This allows for an unparalleled direct-mount fit between the pistol’s slide and optic.
The Echelon 4.0C comes standard with two magazines—a flush-fit, 15-round magazine; and an extended, 18-round variant. Both magazines feature a scratch- and wear-resistant blacked-out coating for rugged durability and hard use. MSRP $679-$739; Springfield-Armory.com.
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