Custom Compact, Carry Piece - Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 9mm

You may have noticed that Springfield Armory has sprinkled some extra nomenclature to all of their Echelon handguns (referred to as 4.5F models meaning full-size and a 4.5” barrel). The rationale for this is that they have had something under wraps that was on the way, and it has finally arrived. The new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 9mm handgun is here.

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

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• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Comp AOS 5” 9mm

Specifications - Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 9mm

This compact iteration of the Echelon sports a 4” barrel while retaining all of the desirable attributes of its larger counterpart. Its full specification listing can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

• Cartridge: 9mm
• Barrel: 4" Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
• Slide: Billet Machined, Melonite® Finish, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Black Polymer
• Sights: Tritium / Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Dot™ Rear
• Recoil System: Captive
• Grip Width: 1.2"
• Magazines: (1) 15-Round, (1) 18-Round
• Weight: 24 oz w/ Flush Mag | 25 oz w/ Extended Mag
• Length: 7.25"
• Height: 5.125" w/ Flush Mag | 6.125" w/ Extended Mag

Permutations of the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 9mm

Straight out the gate, this new version is going to be offered in 5 unique permutations based on magazine capacities that may be legal where you live as well as if you want to don a threaded barrel or not.

• Echelon 4.0C 9mm | SKU: EC9409B-U - MSRP $679
• Echelon 4.0C 9mm, 3-Dot Tritium | SKU: EC9409B-3D - MSRP $719
• Echelon 4.0C Threaded 9mm, 3-Dot Tritium | SKU: ECT9409B-3D - MSRP $739
• Echelon 4.0C 9mm, 15-Round | SKU: EC9409B-U-15 - MSRP $679
• Echelon 4.0C 9mm, Low Capacity | SKU: EC9409BLC-U - MSRP $679

A Word from Springfield Armory on the Echelon 4.0C 9mm

As with any new firearm or announcement, Springfield Armory is very excited to finally unveil this project. They share their jubilation via their press release statement below:

“Engineered for carry, the Echelon™ 4.0C retains the key features of the full-size model, with a shorter 4-inch barrel and compact frame for enhanced concealability. Its revolutionary Variable Interface System provides unmatched direct-mount compatibility with today's leading red dot sights, complemented by tritium U-Dot irons for fast target acquisition. The serialized Central Operating Group is housed in a compact frame, offering a 15-round capacity with the flush magazine and 18 rounds with the extended magazine.”

Pocket or Pass?

The real question that remains is if this is something you would be willing to pocket: would you buy it and carry it? Or, would you pass on it? My current everyday carry (EDC) is a Springfield Armory handgun, and we will have a full review of the Echelon 4.0C 9mm going Live later today. Check in later to see if this new pistol replaces my current EDC handgun. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the new Echelon 4.0C 9mm in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.