First Look: Echelon Alpha 4.0C

Admittedly, the Echelon had a steep hill to climb. At its launch in mid-2023, the then-new Echelon faced a packed market of duty-style, polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistols. To say there was a plethora of choices would be a remarkable understatement. As a result, the Echelon had to bring som...

By Scott Conditt

Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C vs. Echelon 4.0C

Springfield Armory just dropped the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, and I got hands on with one ahead of the launch. The short version is that this is the most affordable entry into the Echelon ecosystem to date. MSRP is $599. The standard Echelon 4.0C currently runs $720. That gap is the entire reason this ...

By Luke McCoy

Cabot Guns: Damascus Bedside 1911

This content is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express permission of GunsAmerica.com and BAAANG Media LLC. Cabot Guns: Damascus Bedside 1911 But unlike a lot of flashy “safe queen” guns, Cabot is clearly pitching this one as a serious defensive firearm. The posting Cabot Gu...

By Larry Z

Custom 1911 From Auto-Ordnance Celebrates America at 250

With the nation's 250th birthday arriving this July, Auto-Ordnance has released a commemorative 1911 to mark the occasion. The USA 250th Anniversary 1911 (model 1911TCAC19) is chambered in .45 ACP and built on the company's Stainless 1911 platform, dressed up with patriotic engraving an...

By Eric B

Review: Craft Holsters Lynx for the Hellcat

There’s no time like the present to take a critical look at the Craft Holsters Lynx IWB holster, which I tested with my Springfield Hellcat. But first, a little background info. Craft Holsters was formed in 2009 with a vision of offering holsters that are more than just interchangeable pieces o...

By Clayton Walker

Review: Radian Raptor-LT Ambi Charging Handle

You might be wondering why Springfield Armory chose to equip the latest generation of SAINT Victor AR-15 rifles and pistols with Radian Raptor-LT charging handles. While it won’t help you to shoot tiny groups, it excels is all that necessary procedural stuff that’s done to ready the rifle to ...

By Robert A. Sadowski

What Is the Echelon Gear Pac?

Have you ever found yourself contemplating a new pistol or pistol system, only to end up stressing over the minutiae? Questions start piling up quickly: Which optic should I get? Do I need more magazines? What kind of carry or range case makes sense for this setup? If that sounds familiar, y...

By Yamil Sued

Review: Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec .45

I recently had the chance to test the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec pistol in .45 ACP, positioned in the manufacturer’s line as a very reasonably priced basic service pistol — yet one that still features a rugged forged frame and slide. Except for its taller sights, it shares the silhouette of ...

By Massad Ayoob
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