The holster was provided to the author by Springfield Armory for this article.
By any measurement, the Springfield Armory Echelon is one heck of a handgun.
Its been a well-deserved hit from day one in my opinion.
The Crossbreed Reckoning holster, adaptable to both inside- and outside-the-waistband carry, is a great option for the Echelon 9mm. Image: Michael Anschuetz
Of course, one significant consideration for any new firearm is third-party support.
Many shooters look to customize a firearm for their specific needs.
When it comes to handguns, people often look for quality holsters in tandem with a pistol purchase.
The Reckoning facilitates carry of a full-size pistol like the Echelon 9mm. Note the special-edition Boxer Outdoors Apogee Tactical Belt with Springfield Armory logo. Image: Michael Anschuetz
This is where Springfield Armory demonstrated notable forethought with the Echelon launch.
When the gun was announced, numerous holster manufacturers were ready with rigs for the Echelon at launch.
Specifically, the rig features a top-grain leather backer onto which a rigid Kydex pocket is mounted.
The backing of the holster is comfortable black cowhide. Note the multiple adjustment points of the Reckoning. Image: Michael Anschuetz
The Kydex ensures the gun is securely held, while the leather slab offers comfort against your body.
In my opinion, this style of holster often called a hybrid offers the best of both worlds.
The one available from the Springfield Armory Webstore that I tested features the black cowhide option.
Hardware to easily convert the Reckoning from inside- to outside-the-waistband mode is included. Image: Author
I appreciate good craftsmanship, and this quality is very evident in this holster.
The Kydex molding is precise without having burrs or edges.
The belt clips are likewise well made and contoured with the companys logo.
The Reckoning can be positioned for appendix carry, in addition to strong side or crossdraw positions. Image: Author
All of the screws are top notch fasteners that did not back out at all during my testing.
For Whom?
With any product I evaluate, I attempt to understand who the target market is.
The holster is designed to accept the Echelon with optics mounted, such as this Trijicon RMR. Image: Michael Anschuetz
The Reckoning is obviously designed for the concealed carry market.
Duty-sized handguns, like the Springfield Echelon, arent the typical choice for CCW.
A lot of people opt for a smaller pistol like the Hellcat.
While this is not a duty-style “retention” holster, the friction retention system of the Reckoning is highly effective and well-suited for CCW use. This is not a duty holster. Image: Michael Anschuetz
There are, however, a number of people who still opt to carry a full-sized handgun.
Earlier in life, I spent many years as a uniformed cop.
You would be correct but not totally.
In both IWB and OWB modes, the Reckoning performed quite well. If you want one rig that can perform in both carry modes, it’s one of the few capable choices available on the market.
If you have your tools and parts ready to go, the process will take about five minutes.
To avoid cross-threading the screws, I strongly recommend taking your time.
Again, the process is not difficult, but just requires a little bit of time and attention.
The Reckoning features multiple points of adjustment for cant and orientation, making it extremely adaptable.
It can be worn IWB on strong side, appendix or crossdraw positions.
As mentioned, it’s possible for you to also set it up for OWB carry.
Each prong of the clip has a ledge that hooks under the belt to anchor it.
In my testing, the belt clips seemed to anchor the gun well.
Throughout normal carry, the gun stayed in place.
I did extensive dry fire with the Echelon, including drawing the gun from the Reckoning holster.
The Reckoning stayed put.
I did not need to readjust it during this practice.
Also, I should note that the holster as tested was not compatible with threaded-barrel models of the Echelon.
Remember, the primary benefit of a hybrid design like the Reckoning is comfort.
The leather backer contours against the body, making it comfortable for extended wear.
However, have no illusions carrying OWB is still more comfortable than IWB.
When concealment isnt critical, I prefer to wear this in the OWB mode.
Retention
To safely hold the gun in the holster, the Reckoning uses a friction-fit mechanism.
Two screws near the trigger guard are user adjustable tighten them to increase the friction and retention.
I found the system worked well and had no problems with it.
The reckoning features multiple points of retention adjustment.
As part of this, you could also tighten the screws mounting the Kydex pocket to the leather backer.
This is one designed for secure, but low-profile carry.
Concealability
The Reckoning Holster offers good concealability under a loose shirt or light jacket.
It has a fairly minimalistic design without undue bulk.
One of the features common to many CrossBreed rigs is their tuckable nature.
With smaller guns like the Hellcat, this works well.
For the Echelon, however, I found that it was not ideal.
A smooth draw is critical in an efficient presentation of a pistol in a personal protection scenario.
Echelon Compatibility
Out of the package, my Springfield Echelon fit right into the holster.
I tightened the friction screws slightly for a bit more retention.
As mentioned above, the holster allowed me to get a full firing grip when drawing the Echelon.
Also important is that the rig allows for full-size red dot optics on the pistol.
Any holster for this gun should accommodate those in my opinion, and the Reckoning does.
Final Thoughts
Traditionally, Ive had good experiences with CrossBreed holsters.
Each one Ive tested exhibited quality workmanship and was comfortable to wear.
As a result, I give the company a nod of approval.
Specifically with the Reckoning, the rig performed as I expected; which is to say, very well.
For IWB carry, I think I like the companys original SuperTuck slightly better from a comfort perspective.
But, the SuperTuck is more of a one-trick pony.
The Reckoning makes carrying in the appendix position possible, something the SuperTuck isnt going to help with.
If you want to appendix carry your Echelon, the Reckoning is an excellent choice.
As OWB rigs go, the Reckoning works well.
Frankly, not many holsters offer an opportunity to convert to a different mode of carry.
In both IWB and OWB modes, the Reckoning performed quite well.
I have no reservations in recommending this rig for your consideration.
