Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Review: Your Next CCW?

I’ve been enjoying the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F (full-size) for the last year and a half or so, and wondering if and when a compact model was going to be released. Well, I’m happy to say that today is the day!

The Echelon 4.0C shares all of the premium features of the 4.5F but has a 4-inch barrel and a shorter grip. This reduction in overall size puts it right in line with your Glock 19, positioning Springfield for a serious chance to run for more of the concealed carry market share.

I’ve only had the 4.0C for a couple of weeks at this point, but having put so many rounds through my 4.5F and now a couple of hundred rounds this one, I have a pretty good feeling I know exactly how it will fare during long-term testing.

Before we jump into the review, I’d like to extend a shout-out to Springfield for sending the 4.0C out to make this review possible. As always, I like to remain transparent and remind you that all of the opinions below are my own!

With that out of the way, let’s go.

The 4.0C has accompanied me on two range trips so far, both of which have been indoors. The Outpost Armory’s range features 25-yard lanes that provide just enough space to really get a good feel for your pistol.

Sure, I enjoy “pushing my skills” and shooting farther outdoors, but I mostly do my first rounds of testing indoors and within defensive-type distances.

Despite the shorter barrel, it shoots very similarly to the 4.5F. It’s a well-balanced gun, and the trigger is crisp with a quick reset. And since you can use the extended magazines from the 4.5F, you don’t HAVE to sacrifice capacity if you don’t want to…you’ll just have the magazine sticking out further than the grip.

Reliability

I’ve put a total of 225 rounds through the gun so far, which consisted of 100 rounds of 115-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics, 100 rounds of 124-grain Blazer Brass, and 25 rounds of 115-grain Hornady Zombie Max.

Each type of ammo proved no issue for the 4.0C, and I did not experience any malfunctions. I plan to put a few hundred more rounds through it sooner rather than later and will update the review if any issues arise.

Accuracy

While the gun felt familiar, given my experience with the 4.5F, the Vortex Defender-ST was brand new to me, so it did take a bit of adjusting and getting acquainted with.

That’s to be expected anytime you run a new optic, so the fact the first several shots were pretty low is not surprising.

After making the tweaks to the reticle, the 4.0C performed just as well as my other similar-sized pistols, and it could outshoot my skills (I’m admittedly no competition shooter). With the clean, repeatable trigger and solid ergonomics, I quickly found my groups tightening.

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Variable Interface System (VIS)

Whether you currently run an optic or not, you will want to be able to do so if you choose. The patent-pending Variable Interface System allows the direct mounting of over 30 optics. Say goodbye to the days of wasting time looking for the right optic plate.

Through a series of self-locking pins, you can configure the footprint to accept many of the most popular optics, such as the Trijicon RMR, Holosun EPS, and, as you’ve seen already, the Vortex Defender-ST.

Central Operating Group (COG)

The other star of the show is the Central Operating Group. The self-contained and serialized COG allows you to swap grip modules quickly and easily to change the feel of your pistol completely.

Best of all, since the COG is serialized, you don’t have to go through an FFL when ordering your other frames!

Adaptive Grip Texture

Springfield’s Adaptive Grip Texture is one of my favorite factory grip textures. Period. I would take it over any stipple job, aftermarket grips, or tape any day.

It uses a series of tall pyramids with a flat top and short pyramids that come to a point so that you can carry without snagging your clothes but still achieve a very secure grip once pressure is applied.

The texturing continues down to the magazine base pad and essentially over to the slide-stop lever.

Other Fancy Features

Of course, the features don’t stop there. You’ll also find an accessory rail, ambidextrous controls, and up to an 18+1 capacity via the extended magazine.

The slide is one of the nicest factory offerings in its class, with a forward trench, aggressive serrations, and a flare in the rear.

Don’t forget that Variable Interface System is up there too!

Specifications

Reliability (10/10)  

Not to my surprise, I had zero malfunctions.

Ergonomics (9/10)

With the various backstrap sizes, excellent grip texture, and an easy-to-manipulate slide, the Echelon 4.0C is one of the more ergonomic in its class.

Customization (9/10)

The Echelon 4.0C will host most of your favorite optics and lights, and you can switch up the backstraps and grip modules.

Appearance (8.5/10)

The unique slide and Adaptive Grip Texture give the Echelon a strikingly good aesthetic.

Value (9/10)

The value is easily justified with all of the upgraded features and its strong performance.

Vortex Defender-ST

The Defender-ST is built like a tank and fits the Echelon like a glove. It features a 3 or 6 MOA dot, 10 brightness settings, and motion activation/shutoff. The Fast-Rack Texturing on the face of the optic is not only functional for racking the slide on virtually any surface but adds to the aggressive aesthetic of the Echelon. I really like how they complement each other.

If you’re looking for a durable and reliable pistol optic with excellent glass clarity and a good-sized window, I recommend you check out the Defender-ST.

Safariland Incog X IWB Holster

A holster is NOT something you want to go cheap on. You want it to be comfortable, adjustable, and, in my case, able to accommodate an optic. The Incog X checks all of those boxes.

It’s a collaboration between Safariland and Haley Strategic Partners, and you can tell a lot of time was spent on the design. The over-the-belt clips secure the holster exceptionally well, and the microfiber suede exterior is smooth and comfortable.

While the compatible model list may be a tad on the short side, you can now order the Incog X in a left-hand configuration, too, which helps to broaden the appeal.

In order to determine whether a gun is worthy of officially joining my concealed carry rotation, I usually like to get a minimum of 500 rounds through it first.

However, given the superior performance I’ve seen from my 4.5F, and my time with the 4.0C so far, I don’t have any reservations that it will likely join the select few I carry often.

If you’re in the market for a compact and reliable 9mm loaded with features that doesn’t break the bank, I suggest you head to your local range and see if they have an Echelon 4.0C to rent and test for yourself. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much you like it.

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.