A tough sell is not, however, an impossible one.
Dont believe me and want some proof?
[Dont miss Massad AyoobsSpringfield Echelon review.]
The Echelon has what it takes to serve in a serious duty role — and the NTOA’s MTR “gold” rating for it reinforces this fact.
What Is the NTOA?
As a former police officer and trainer, Ive seen the NTOAs training and after-action reporting over the years.
This is not an organization that overlooks flaws or covers for anyone.
With its high levels of adaptability and performance, the Echelon 9mm makes for an outstanding duty-grade pistol.
One of the NTOA programs that gets a lot of attention is its MTR program.
After the reviews are complete, the NTOA compiles the data and returns the feedback to the manufacturer.
It also provides an aggregate score from the reviewers for an overall rating of the product.
The Variable Interface System allows for easy direct-mounting of popular red dot optics like the Trijicon RMR shown here.
I want to be clear on this: the rating is not an endorsement by the organization.
That carries a lot of weight with me.
Earning the highest rating level from reviewers like these is impressive.
The pistol is equally as suitable in use for uniform patrol duties as it is with a tactical team.
Heres how the cumulative score was achieved.
Each of these areas was assigned a score.
These scores were then averaged for an overall score from each reviewer.
As part of the testing, NTOA members put the Echelon through a very rigid set of test protocols.
After tallying the results from all reviewers, the final overall score as noted was 4.66 out of 5.
Some areas of the evaluation and scoring were particularly impressive.
For example, accuracy received a perfect score of 5 from all the reviewers.
The Echelon’s ability to accept practically every available type of duty-grade optics and weaponlights makes it a terrific platform for serious LE duty.
Another reviewer stated, I was also impressed by the accuracy.
It felt good in my hand, said one reviewer.
The grip module has interchangeable backstraps for different hand sizes, which helped make the feel perfect.
Springfield Armory built the Echelon 9mm pistol for duty use. It can be adapted to a wide range of hand sizes, includes all ambidextrous controls and a near-universal mount for red dot sights.
The texture areas throughout the grip module also just felt right … .
The Echelons reliability was perfect with all reviewers.
The Pistol
If you are not already familiar with the pistol, let me catch you up.
Shown with a Trijicon red dot sight, the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol offers departments an upgrade path to continue using its preferred accessories.
The Springfield Armory Echelon is a full-sized pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge.
A citizen or department can buy these without the need to buy new optics or special mounts.
[For the full story read Justin Opinions article on theSpringfield Echelon red dot mounting system.]
This chassis is the serial numbered part, so additional grip modules can be purchased easily.
Just find the one that fits your hand best and have it shipped right to your front door.
Springfields grip modules for the Echelon also have interchangeable backstraps to further customize the guns ergonomics.
From small hands to large, the Echelon will work well for you.
The grip modules also incorporate an oversized triggerguard for winter gloves.
Additionally, the pistol is offered in anextended threaded barrel model.
As another benefit for an agency, the Echelons controls are fully ambidextrous.
No waiting for a department armorer to do the work.
Departments are obligated to provide suitable gear for officers of all sizes.
It certainly checks many of the boxes individual officers and agencies have when picking a service pistol.
I spoke with Fred Mincks, the Law Enforcement Sales Manager for Springfield Armory.
He also stated other agencies added the Echelon to their lists of approved firearms for individual officer purchases.
From California to New Jersey, law enforcement agencies are adopting the Echelon.
Mincks explained that Springfield Armory performed extensive reliability testing with the Echelons prior to their release.
He also stated that some of the durability testing pistols had more then 40,000 rounds through them.
In addition, he let me know that the Echelon is part of Springfields FIRSTLINE program.
[Read the full story on theSpringfield Armory FIRSTLINE.]
Complete Package
Many people maintain that tactics can win a battle, but logistics wins wars.
In a way, this adage applies to the adoption of a new handgun by police departments.
One of the most important aspects of a handguns adoption is the availability of a suitable duty holster.
I believe the Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS is one of the best duty holsters available.
A lot of police departments issue this rig to their officers, and I understand why.
It offers exceptionally good security against gun grabs while remaining exceptionally fast on the draw.
In fact, this holster is available from the Springfield Armory Webstore.
Safariland makes the Model 6360 for the Echelon in a variety of configurations.
My Thoughts
Springfield Armory is no stranger to producing high-quality firearms suitable for duty use.
My own experiences with the Echelon mirror those from the NTOA evaluation.
All my time in police work was in uniform patrol.
I liked the nature of the work and spent much of my career as a field training officer.
I refused to use anything less than the best equipment.
I picked up an Echelon shortly after it was released.
For me, reliability is mandatory for any duty or defensive firearm.
With nearly a year of time with my Echelon, Ive experienced no malfunctions.
Ive lost count of how many rounds I have put through the handgun.
It keeps running no matter what kind of 9mm ammo I run through it.
Bottom Line
Is the Echelon ready to serve and protect?
Based on what Ive seen and experienced, yes.
