January 29th, 2024
6minute read
Adaptability.
You never know from where or when an attack may come.
Adapting for self-defense can also include modifying your carry gear based on the political realities of where you live.
The new 15-round version of the Springfield Armory Echelon opens the gun to residents of jurisdictions where normal capacity magazines are restricted.
As such, the gun was designed with standard 17- and 20-round magazines.
One of the misguided restrictions placed on some lawful citizens is the requirement for reduced-capacity magazines.
For example, weve seen the newSpringfield Armory California compliant pistols.
The Springfield Echelon handgun shares all of the same features with the 17-rounder, regardless of the magazine capacity.
15-Round Magazines
Without a doubt, the Echelon is an impressive handgun.
Loaded with features, the 9mm pistol is a real standout in a market filled with good options.
You might be wondering if any features were deleted from the gun for additional legal compliance concerns.
The 15-round magazine for the Echelon has witness holes to help you identify how many rounds are currently loaded.
None of the guns features were neutered, modified or deleted.
[ReadMassad Ayoobs review of the Springfield Armory Echelon.]
Spare Magazines
Springfield ships this Echelon model with two 15-round magazines.
The 15-round magazines worked flawlessly for the author in his testing and evaluation.
For many people, that is enough.
However, I like to have no fewer than five magazines for any handgun I own.
The company does offer additional 15-rounders.
As seen here, there is no difference in dimensions between the 15-round and 17-round Echelon magazines.
Even though they required additional development and tooling, Springfield does not charge you extra to cover that cost.
The suggested retail price is the same for all Echelon magazines.
The Guns
Springfield Armory has two Echelon variants that will be shipping with the new 15-round magazines.
If you are saddled with a magazine capacity limit of 15 rounds, the new Echelon models will meet your needs.
One model uses the companysexcellent U-Dot sightswhile the second model uses three-dot tritium sights.
Both pistols are chambered for the 9mm cartridge.
It makes perfect sense that a company would launch a new pistol chambered for this round.
While the lower capacity requirements imposed by various government jurisdictions are very frustrating, don’t let them impact your decision to protect yourself.
These are full-sized handguns.
The 4.5 barrels are, in my opinion, a perfect size for both duty and defensive use.
Springfield Armory uses steel barrels that are hammer forged with a 1:10 twist.
Springfield Armory continues to support citizens in all jurisdictions, and the new 15-round Echelon pistols are an example of this commitment.
[Read gun coatings here.]
The same Melonite finish is used on the billet machined slide.
But thats not the most interesting thing about the slide.
In my opinion, the best feature is the Variable Interface System for attaching optics.
Ive tried this system with a range of optics, and it works exactly as advertised.
Central Operating Group
Another fascinating feature of the Echelon is the use of the Central Operating Group.
This is a collected group of parts that is self-contained and includes the primary operating components of the handgun.
It is also the part considered the firearm by the BATFE.
Currently, there are small, medium and large grip modules.
All are in black, and each module has an accessory rail for a light or laser.
Grips in different colors, cuts and textures would be a welcome addition to the line.
In Control
Springfield made the wise decision to use its Adaptive Grip Texture on these guns.
This is the same texture that proved to be an excellent performer on the Hellcat line of pistols.
Ive found the texture really grips your hand without feeling harsh.
As a former cop in Florida, I spent a lot of time in the rain.
Even if it wasnt raining, it was almost always hot and humid.
These allow shooters to operate the gun equally well regardless of which hand is their primary.
And, the guns are truly ambidextrous.
These Echelon pistols have all of the controls on both sides of the gun.
Beyond the standard controls, Springfield included new controls, of a kind, in the slide.
At the rear of the slide are flared shelves.
Similar to the grip texture, these parts increase your ability to reliably trigger the gun under pressure.
Final Thoughts
These pistols are the best new duty gun on the market in my opinion.
Even so, there are political challenges that this gun and all guns face.
Arbitrary restrictions on firearms promise a panacea for crime to the uninformed.
Actual solutions require a lot more work and will be politically difficult for many.
Until Americans demand better, we are saddled with various and sundry restrictions on our arms.
As I stated earlier in the article, Springfield is committed to supporting lawful gun owners in all jurisdictions.
If you live in one of these jurisdictions, this pistol is an amazing option for your consideration.
