The Echelon Design
For those not familiar with the Echelon, Springfield first imported this 9mm handgun in 2023. Like the XD, Hellcat, Hellion, and Kuna, the Echelon is manufactured by HS Produkt in Croatia.
The Echelon is a modular handgun designed to accommodate the modern shooter’s need to accessorize. The modularity of the handgun is centered on the Central Operating Group, or COG. This serialized frame insert is the actual firearm component of the handgun. Much like the P320 or Ruger RXM, this insert allows the serialized handgun part to easily move among different grip modules, allowing easy and stress-free changes in frame size.
The other major advantage of the Echelon is the inclusive optic cut. Most modern handguns opt for one specific screw pattern and optic cut, but the Echelon’s Visionary Optics Integration is designed to accommodate more than 30 different optics. With a large plate cut and several different screw patterns, it is much easier to find the optic that best fits you.
Echelon 4.0C Comp
The newest addition to the Echelon lineup has an integrated compensator. The Echelon’s 4-inch barrel features a compensation cut machined in the top of the barrel that aligns with a similar cut in the slide.
These cuts work together to redirect gas upward, applying force to counter the recoil. This compensation results in a flatter-shooting handgun, making it easier to acquire the sights for faster follow-up shots.
The evolution of the handgun has been moving toward compensation cuts to drive muzzle flip down, as that is one of the biggest trends currently. I recently changed my EDC to the SIG Sauer P365 AXG Legion because of the compensated slide, and when I received the Echelon 4.0C Comp, it joined my EDC rotation, too.
Shooting Notes
Before shooting this handgun, I did not have much experience with the Echelon line. I am not a big fan of the Springfield XD series, but the Echelon surprised me. It feels great in my hands, from the grip texture to the modularity of the handgun. Luckily, my local FFL has a range, so when I picked up the gun at 2 If By Sea Tactical, I was able to shoot it immediately. That is where the Echelon won me over.
As I stated before, I have converted to being a compensated handgun shooter. The Echelon 4.0C Comp is comfortable to shoot, and the compensation cut enhances the ease and accuracy of the handgun. Each shot drives the muzzle down, and you can feel the snap taken out of the recoil. While the comp cut does create more flash and one more surface to snag, I think the benefit of a flatter-shooting handgun outweighs the cons.
After putting a few hundred rounds through the gun in its raw form, I added a Vortex Defender red dot and a Streamlight TLR7X – both essentials for all my carry guns. The mounting process for the optic was smooth and easy, and the aesthetic of the loaded-out Echelon is a vibe in and of itself. After about 1,000 rounds, zero malfunctions, and shooting some tight groups, I can say the Echelon 4.0C Comp passes with flying colors.
Summary
Everyone is looking to maximize their purchases these days, and the Echelon is one of the most feature-rich handguns on the market. Now with a compensator, what’s not to like? I am madly impressed with the Echelon 4.0C Comp. It would make a great EDC for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and flat-shooting handgun.
