Springfield Armory has launched another Echelon, and this one is the Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9mm. It pairs a full-size grip module with a compact slide assembly and an integral compensator, aiming for duty-grade capacity, quick handling and a flatter-shooting pistol in one package.
Another Echelon: Springfield's 4.0FC Comp Joins the Family
I have to admit it is getting hard to keep up. Since the Echelon launched in 2023, the family has grown into full-size, compact and hybrid versions, Pro models, Comp models, 15- and 10-round restricted versions, plus Gear Pac and FIRSTLINE packages. That is great if you want a pistol set up exactly your way, but it does mean a buyer needs a cheat sheet to tell them apart. It must be frustrating for gun shops as well, to keep up and to keep stock.
The closest relative is only a few weeks old. TFB recently covered the three Echelon Pro Comp pistols, which included a Pro version of the same 4.0FC configuration. The Pro is the dressed-up one, with Springfield's laser-formed LightForged Badlands grip texture, a Springfield Grey Cerakote billet slide, a machined steel flared magwell, a captive stainless guide rod and three extended magazines. The new 4.0FC Comp takes the same idea of full-size grip, compact slide and integral comp, and puts it into the standard Echelon at a lower price.
Under the skin, it is pure Echelon. The serialized Central Operating Group is built from stainless steel, is entirely self-contained and can be moved between grip modules in seconds. Springfield's Variable Interface System sits under the slide cover plate and lets you mount more than 30 optics directly to the slide without adapter plates.
The 4 in (10.2 cm) barrel and compact slide carry an integral compensator that sends gas upwards to reduce muzzle rise, and the front sight sits behind the comp, so the sight picture stays clean. The slide has four distinct engagement surfaces: a trench cut ahead of the action as an index point for press checks and charging, a flared rear for a positive grip, and deep forward and rear serrations that wrap around the corners. Controls are fully ambidextrous, and the sights are tritium and luminescent U-Dot.
Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing at Springfield Armory, describes the 4.0FC Comp as a combination of features from the full-size, compact and compensated models, equally at home at the range or as an everyday carry gun.
The standard model ships with a flush-fit 17-round and an extended 20-round magazine, with 15- and 10-round versions for restricted areas. All three carry an MSRP of $784, compared with $899 for the Pro Comp versions. The weight is 24 oz with the flush and 25 oz with the extended magazine.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9mm at a glance:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Configuration: full-size grip module with compact slide assembly
- Barrel: 4 in (10.2 cm) with integral compensator
- Front sight positioned behind the compensator
- Sights: tritium and luminescent U-Dot
- Central Operating Group: serialized, stainless steel, self-contained
- Variable Interface System: direct mounting of over 30 optics without plates
- Fully ambidextrous controls
- Slide: trench cut, flared rear, deep front and rear serrations
- Magazines: one 17-round flush and one 20-round extended
- Restricted versions: 15 and 10 rounds
- Models: EC9409BFC-U-COMP, EC9409BFC-U-COMP15, EC9409BFCLC-U-COMP
- MSRP: $784
Which Echelon would you buy if you could only have one?
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