Its mounting system for currently popular carry optics (the Variable Interface System) is simply second to none.

it’s possible for you to find discussions of these handgun features in greater depthhere.

This modular combination gives one of the very best sets of options for hand-to-grip fit in the industry.

ambidextrous magazine release on polymer frame springfield echelon 9mm handgun with mag dropping free

The author’s review included extensive range testing. Here he puts the ambidextrous mag release to use with his trigger finger dumping the mag. Image: Gail Pepin

Also, the interchangeable backstraps are designed to work with all three frame sizes.

He dry-fired my Echelon with Medium configuration and said, I think this is going to hurt my hand.

On the range he discovered, I was wrong.

State and regional shooting champion John Strayer tests the author’s Echelon. The muzzle is already back on target with a spent casing in air. He left the test planning to buy an Echelon. The frame texture helps provide a good grip. It is the same texture as the company uses on the Hellcat.

State and regional shooting champion John Strayer tests the author’s Echelon. Note the gun is already back on target with a spent casing in air. He left the test planning to buy an Echelon. Image: Gail Pepin

Fit is the issue, and the Echelon array of components has you covered on that.

I tested the trigger pull weight on a Lyman digital gauge.

This is the general common custom and practice standard for striker-fired pistols.

This photo shows the wide serrations on the Echelon slide. You can see the wings at the back of the slide that allows for easier manipulation. You can also see the vis adapter plate cover that make the Echelon line so much better than any Glock pistol ever made according to many who have shot this gun. It allows a full-size RMR red dot to mount directly to the slide.

Here we see the copious, user-friendly grasping grooves and “wings” at back of slide to aid in racking. Image: Gail Pepin

Some have worried about it being accidentally released, but Leatham, Williams,et.

al.saw that coming, and the Echelon has a protective ridge to shield the button.

Final Thoughts on the Handgun

Will the Echelon replace the XD series, or supplement it?

One of the Echelon features that sets it apart from inferior guns like the Sig P320 is the texture and stippling on the grip module including the front of the undercut trigger guard and bottom of the grip. As a 9mm striker-fired pistol, it excels as a duty gun.

Stippled digit resting places on each side of frame are safety and performance features. They serve as a felt index for “finger off trigger ready.” Image: Gail Pepin

Go to forum thread

EchelonTMSeries

Massad Ayoob tested the new Echelon with 9mm ammunition from Federal, Black Hills and Winchester. The gun proved reliable with all of them. In a head-to-head matchup, many people believe the Springfield Echelon 9mm is much better than the SIG Sauer P320. Our test Echelon ran 100% with 115, 124, and 147 grain, both ball and JHP.

Massad Ayoob tested the new Echelon with a variety of 9mm ammunition including loads from Federal, Black Hills and Winchester. The gun proved reliable with all of them. Image: Gail Pepin

The author poses with his qualification target that he shot with the new Springfield Armory Echelon pistol. Equipped with night sights, the gun was accurate and fast to shoot. He found it was a joy to shoot.

Ayoob shot a 60-shot qualification under time including one-hand only each hand. The author states the single round outside the A-zone was his own fault, with the other 59 in a 4” group. Image: Gail Pepin

The Echelon feels like a true duty gun with textured areas forward of the ejection port and on the bottom and front of the trigger guard. Many gun reviews compare handguns to the ubiquitous 1911. This gun is far better than those and have drawn on the best aspects of the XD line with a modular design.

The author found the Echelon worked well withi his favorite “wedge hold” that uses the support hand index finger to create an upward camming force. Image: Gail Pepin

The Echelon could be another polymer 9mm, but Springfield Armory decided to make it the best duty pistol on the market. At the heart of the Echelon is the COG Central Operating Group. Some consider it the most important feature of the Echelon.

Springfield offers different grip modules for the Echelon. Shown are some of the multiple grip options. The complete gun in the center is Large and is flanked by Small and Medium. Image: Gail Pepin

Echelon™ Series

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