For a long time, I never quite understood the logic behind combining a compact slide with a full-sized frame. Plenty of manufacturers have leaned into this “crossover” trend, but the appeal eluded me. When Springfield Armory sent over the Echelon 4.0FC, I expected a high-quality, modular firearm that would handle exactly like the standard Echelon 4.0.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 FC
Live Inventory Price Checker
I was wrong. The Echelon 4.0FC handles differently than its predecessors, and in ways I didn’t anticipate. Before diving into the range performance, let’s break down the gun piece by piece.
The Build: Modular by Design
The 4.0FC (Full-sized Carry) mating of a compact slide to a full-sized frame provides a unique silhouette. Out of the box, the gun includes two magazines: a flush-fitting 17-round magazine and a slightly extended 20-round version.
One of the innovative features of the Echelon series is the Variable Interface System (VIS) for optics mounting. This system has already seen a bit of copy/paste by other manufacturers and for good reason.
It allows users to mount a multitude of optics directly to the slide without the need for a plate system. Instead of fixed recoil bosses, the VIS uses a series of removable pins to accommodate different footprints, including:
- RMSc
- RMR
- Leupold DPP
For those running ACRO or Docter footprint optics, an optional plate system is available. Because the VIS allows most optics to sit so low, you can typically co-witness with the standard iron sights.
At the heart of the gun’s modularity is the Central Operating Group (COG). This is a self-contained, serialized chassis system. It is easily removable, allowing you to drop the entire firing mechanism and slide into different grip modules.
For instance, a 4.0FC owner could move their COG and slide into a compact grip module for a smaller footprint. Springfield even offers small, medium, and large variants of their frames to ensure a perfect fit for any hand size.
Ergonomics and Controls
The Echelon is one of those rare handguns that is fully ambidextrous. Unlike many “ambi” guns, where you have to swap the magazine release to the other side, the Echelon’s release is truly ambidextrous out of the box. While some ambi releases can feel stiff, the Echelon’s are remarkably smooth. The slide release is also accessible from both sides.
The Adaptive Grip Texture covers almost the entire grip. It is aggressive enough for a secure hold but remains comfortable when carried against the body. The grip itself feels svelte and ergonomic, featuring a deep undercut at the trigger guard and a slight beavertail to encourage a high, controlled purchase on the weapon.
While the ergonomics are excellent, I’d personally love to see an additional knuckle carve-out on the trigger guard for the support hand. However, since the grip modules are relatively inexpensive, that is a modification “Mr. Dremel” and a file can easily handle. The package is rounded out by a flat-faced trigger with a safety dingus and a standard accessory rail.
Range Performance: Speed and Precision
To truly understand the 4.0FC, I shot it side-by-side with a full-sized Echelon. I discovered that while the smaller, lighter slide makes the gun feel a bit “snappier,” it actually feels like it shoots flatter.
My sights returned to the target faster, which measurably shortened my splits. At seven yards against an 8-inch circle, I moved from .23-second splits to .20-second splits by swapping from the full size to the 4.0FC. I even managed a .18-second split, though the second shot drifted just outside the circle. (Note: These were shot from a ready position without draw or movement.)
The sights seem to rock back into place with less jarring. My theory is that the shorter slide moves faster and, due to its lighter weight, doesn’t produce as much wobble at the end of its cycle.
Combining that fast slide with the leverage of a full-sized grip creates a very controllable platform. The larger grip also makes it easier to achieve a master grip before the draw, and for high-level shooters, the shorter barrel could potentially allow for a faster rotation upward during the draw.
Reloads and Manipulation
The longer grip is a massive benefit during reloads. I didn’t have to worry about the fat of my hand getting in the way of the magazine well. Even when reloading from a front pants pocket (having forgotten my mag pouch), I was able to jam the magazine in and go. The magazines drop free with authority, almost as if they want to escape the gun the moment you hit the large, accessible release.
I did occasionally run into an issue pinning down the slide lock with my thumb. This is a common occurrence for me with most modern handguns outside of a USP or 1911. While I wish the slide lock were slightly larger, the aggressive serrations on the front and rear of the slide make it very easy to sling-shot the action manually.
Accuracy and Reliability
In terms of precision, the 4.0FC is more than capable:
- 15 Yards: Created a tight, 2ish-inch group.
- 25 Yards: Went 7-for-8 on a reduced-size IPSC target.
- 50 Yards: Initially went 6-for-8 on an IPSC steel silhouette, then 8-for-8 after a slight adjustment to the red dot.
The trigger pull is light and smooth with a very distinct wall. While some have complained about a mushy reset, it didn’t bother me; I don’t ride the reset, so it didn’t impact my performance.
During a 500-round test using remanufactured 9mm, I experienced two malfunctions. Both were failures to fire. Upon inspection of the second round, the primer was fully indented, leading me to believe these were ammunition-related issues rather than a fault of the gun.
One interesting note: I noticed a significant amount of carbon blowing back onto the optic lens. I’m not certain if this was a result of the cheap ammunition or the gun’s porting/timing, but there was a notable amount of fouling.
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC is another successful result of the partnership between Springfield and H.S. Produkt. This experience has genuinely made me see the appeal of the crossover configuration and has forced me to rethink my assumptions about what kind of gun I carry.
The real beauty here is the modularity. While the 4.0FC officially releases on January 20th, the ability to eventually swap between a full-sized duty frame and a compact frame for deeper concealment makes this a highly versatile system.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner, a lifelong firearms enthusiast, and now a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He holds an NRA certification as a Basic Pistol Instructor and is the world’s Okayest firearm’s instructor.
After reading the review, I still fail to see any advantage in a short slide/barrel, on a full size frame.
Was it really quicker back on target, or did you just have more practice?
My question is totally outside of the subject matter of this article, but this is important. I got my American Rifleman and the attached voting package, last night. The question is who can we trust? Who to vote for? Seems like there are three groups: First, those candidates nominated by the NRA nominating committee; candidates backed by Friends of Elect a New NRA; and The Members’ Committee for a Strong NRA. The NRA Nominating Committee is unworthy of trust, at least in the past, and the other two could be false flag operations. Where is that Jeff Knox when a… Read more »
Off topic, but who won the New Year’s ammo giveaway?