This article will highlight the five best holsters available for the Echelon right now.
One of those is the Leather Wing from BlackPoint Tactical.
BlackPoint Tactical uses a Kydex shell to hold and protect the Echelon.
The author examines five of the top holsters for theSpringfield Armory Echelon, including rigs for both duty and CCW use.
Attached to each side of the shell are a pair of leather wings with belt loops.
In practice, I found this to be true.
The polymer belt loops on my rig were very strong.
The BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing combines a Kydex shell with leather “flaps” that allow it to conform more closely to the body.
I found that the Kydex shell did an excellent job securing the Echelon during normal carry.
I believe that any pistol optic should work fine with this holster.
The MSRP on the holster starts at $98.99.
The author found the leather wings worked well on the BlackPoint Tactical holster.
The design is well-considered.
It completely covers the trigger guard to eliminate one potential area of unintended discharges.
[Dont miss the fullCrucial Concealment Covert OWB Holster Review.]
The Crucial Concealment Covert OWB holster is a straightforward design that is easy to work with and master.
When holstering the Echelon, I got an obvious click that I could hear and feel.
The retention was excellent for common activities.
Although the design is simple, it does allow for some minor customization.
The belt loops used by Crucial Concealment can be reversed to change the holster tilt.
The user-adjustable belt loops are designed at an angle.
I tried each and settled on the neutral draw, low ride position.
The MSRP for this holster is $65.99.
DeSantis Gunleather offers a high-quality rig with rugged stitching and a cutout to accommodate nearly any pistol optic.
DeSantis Thumb Break OWB
DeSantis Gunleather is one of the most respected holster makers in the industry.
The companys designs stretch back decades and are trusted by many shooters.
The Thumb Break Scabbard is a great example of the companys craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The thumb break has a metal reinforcement to ensure positive engagement when drawing the pistol.
When carrying concealed on the hip, I like the forward tilt as it seems to conceal better.
For me, I think a well-molded leather holster can succeed without a thumb break.
However, I prefer one as leather can soften over time.
The N8 Tactical Xecutive holster is sleek and set up perfectly for carrying in the appendix position, inside the waistband.
The MSRP for the DeSantis Thumb Break scabbard is $89.99.
It uses an excellent design and is one of the most affordable rigs on the market.
A strong metal clip anchors the rig to your belt.
The Mod Wing, shown here, helps to keep the Echelon tucked close to the body when carried in the N8 Tactical holster.
The holster is cut to accept virtually any optic that you are able to mount on the Echelon.
I tested several different optics with the holster; each fit perfectly.
[Be sure to read Adam Scepaniaks review of theN8 Tactical Xecutive AIWB holster here.]
The Safariland 6360RDS is the premier duty holster for law enforcement and security work. There are none better.
On my Xecutive holster, I got the optional Mod Wing.
As with most Kydex rigs, the holster gives a clear click when the gun is seated.
Holster retention is accomplished through friction and is adjustable using a Philips screwdriver.
The Safariland 6360RDS integrates an optics cover to protect your red dot from the daily wear and tear of the job.
Mine was slightly looser than I like, and I dialed it in with no issues at all.
The system is available on the Springfield Armory Store with the Mod Wing.
At less than $50 in total, this combination is a great value.
I worked as a street cop for about 15 years before transitioning to the shooting industry full-time.
I double hatted as a field training officer and academy instructor.
Real-life encounters and regular training taught me the importance of quality gear especially holsters.
Having worked with a broad range of duty holsters, the undisputed winners always bore the name Safariland.
They are incredibly rugged and reliable.
For the Echelon, Safariland offers a number of holsters, including its 6360RDS Level III duty holster.
It features the ALS and SLS features.
The system is rated as Level III retention.
[All retention ratings are not the same.
Read our articleUnderstanding Holster Retentionfor more information.]
The MSRP starts at $208.50, and it is worth every penny.
If you carry a gun professionally, do not skimp on your duty rig.
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Echelon may become one of the most successful pistol launches in history.
For shooters like you and me, this is a great position to be in.
Competition keeps prices reasonable and drives innovation.
With a wildly popular gun like the Echelon, I expect to see a lot of holster competition.
