To be frank, releasing a striker-fired pistol these days rarely elicits the term exciting.
In this case, I believe the term is quite justified.
In my opinion, not just one singular thing, but a host of things.
The Echelon is designed from the ground up to reimagine what a duty-style, striker-fired 9mm should be. Image: Jesse Clements
[Be sure to read Massad AyoobsSpringfield Echelon reviewfor an additional look at the pistol.]
And Springfield arrived at the approach underpinning the new Echelon by taking a long view.
At the heart of the Echelons innovative approach is its Central Operating Group.
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: Jake Miller/Springfield Armory
Precision built from stainless steel, the chassis provides a robust housing for the operating system of the Echelon.
Yes, you read that right.
The advantages of this are obvious.
The “Central Operating Group” is a serialized chassis precision manufactured from stainless steel that houses the trigger and other critical components.
Its almost like you have been given a universal key to the bewildering world of handgun optics.
The Echelon is also offered with more traditional tritium three-dot sights if you so prefer.
Springfield took this mindset and turned it up to 11.
The Variable Interface System of the Echelon allows for the direct mounting of more than 30 optics through a movable self-locking pin system.
The Echelon provides the user with four distinct engagement surfaces on the purpose-built billet-machined andMelonite-finishedslide.
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 wings.
All controls of the Echelon are fully ambidextrous, from the slide lock lever to the magazine release.
This offers the user multiple means of charging the slide in all conditions.
Each backstrap includes an integrated armorers tool for aiding in the takedown of the pistol.
Its worth noting that the Echelon ships from the factory with the medium backstrap installed.
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.
In addition, the Echelon is fully ambidextrous.
And the mag release is not reversible, it is fully ambi with buttons on both sides.
Remember that grip module I mentioned?
In addition to the standard 4.5” model, the Echelon is also offered with an extended 5.28” threaded barrel.
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.
If youve held a Hellcat or a1911 DS Prodigy, youre familiar withSpringfields popular Adaptive Grip Texture.
The author ran the Echelon on the range and was impressed with not only its ergonomics, but its rock-solid reliability.
The grip modules triggerguard is undercut for a comfortable grip and is also oversized for use with gloves.
The Details
All Echelon pistols feature hammer-forged barrels for strength, accuracy and longevity.
They also are Melonite-finished for durability.
The 9mm Echelon handgun carries 17+1 rounds in the flush-fitting magazines, is equipped with an accessory rail and has a “grippy” surface that locks in the hand.
That variant features an included thread protector as well as tritium three-dot sights.
Capacity of the Echelon is also quite impressive.
The pistol comes packed with two magazines that feature a black coating over their stainless steel bodies.
Additionally, field stripping the Echelon is toolless and doesnt require a press of the trigger.
Let me start off by saying I own just about every single major striker-fired pistol on the market.
Until now, Ive always been left wanting from each one that I have put through the paces.
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 Central Operating Group.
Owning one pistol with unlimited configuration possibilities is pretty appealing to me.
The Central Operating Groups design also ensures superior operation of the critical components of the trigger.
Shooting the Echelon feels great.
The pistol swallowed up all the ammo I ran in it without a hiccup, and accuracy was impressive.
For my testing, I utilized theTrijicon RMR pop in 2.
It never lost its zero thanks to the Variable Interface Systems remarkably solid interface.
Conclusion
If you could not tell, Im very taken with the new Echelon pistol.
And with the new Echelon, its proven its staying on the cutting-edge of firearms design.
I cant wait to take some classes and put this pistol through even more rigorous testing.
It just might be that pistol youve always wanted, but didnt know existed.
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