Back in 2023, Springfield Armory announced the launch of a striker-fired pistol called the Echelon (read our article here). The pistol is now available in Europe via the importer Ferkinghoff International. A good reason for all4shooters.com to take another closer look at the gun. It comes with a range of modern features that should make it particularly adaptable, ergonomic and rugged for use in a wide variety of conditions. The new pistol is manufactured by the renowned manufacturer HS Produkt in Croatia. The two companies have been working together for some time, combining the research and development expertise of U.S. manufacturer Springfield Armory with the recognised design and manufacturing capabilities of HS Produkt.
Technical details: Springfield Armory Echelon – a high capacity striker-fired pistol
The Echelon's grip is streamlined and features a fine stipple texturing. The grip accommodates a double-stack magazine, yet the pistol has a slim design. The magazine well is slightly flared for faster magazine changes. The gun comes to the customer with three interchangeable backstraps: Small, Medium and Large. They allow customisation to the shooter's hand. The armorers tool for changing the grip is integrated directly into the backstraps.
The Echelon's fire control unit is a special feature. Springfield Armory calls it the "Central Operating Group" (COG). It is a self-contained module and contains all the important components and the integral slide guide rails. All major components are made of tool steel and are highly polished to ensure a clean trigger travel, a precise release point and a short and positive reset. As an additional safety feature, the COG has a unique design with a trigger bar to prevent unintentional firing.
The slide has special serrations that not only give the model its name, but are also designed to ensure safe manipulation of the gun, even under stress. A trench cut forward of the action, which also has the function of enabling the shooter to operate the gun cleanly, is particularly striking and ideal for shooters who charge or press check their firearm from the front. You can find out how the design of the slide and the name of the Echelon are connected in the video below by Springfield Armory.
Manufacturer video by Springfield Armory: more information on the name and features of the Echelon
Springfield Armory Echelon: the Variable Interface System (VIS) for simple and low MRDS mounting without adapter plates
Another special feature of the Echelon is the "Variable Interface System" (VIS). This is an optics mounting interface that enables over 30 different mini red dot sights (MRDS) to be mounted directly on the slide. The VIS is designed to make expensive adapter plates obsolete and facilitate direct, low mounting of the optics. Among other things, this leads to a more intuitive alignment of the gun. When using the system, only self-locking mounting pins are configured for the base of the desired optic.
Controls and magazine capacities of the Springfield Armory Echelon in the 4.5-inch and 5.28-inch variants
The controls such as the slide stop and magazine release are suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The pistol can be field stripped without tools and without pulling the trigger. The scope of delivery includes two double-stack sheet steel magazines with a scratch and wear-resistant surface finish: one 17-round magazine, which is flush with the grip, and a second with an extended base pad, with a 20-round capacity.
The Echelon is available in two "full size" versions: one variant with a 4.5-inch (114 mm) long standard barrel and another with a 5.28-inch (134 mm) long silencer barrel, fitted with a ½x28 UNEF muzzle thread. This variant is currently not yet available.
Springfield Armory Echelon specs and prices for both barrel lengths at Ferkinghoff International
| Manufacturer: | Springfield Armory |
| Model: | Echelon |
| Calibre: | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length: | 4.5″ (114 mm) / 5.28" (134 mm) with muzzle thread (½ x 28 UNEF) |
| Twist Rate: | 1:10" |
| Capacity: | 17+1 or 20+1 rounds |
| Sights: | Tactical Rack U-Dot rear fixed U-notch white with visor grain green and dot yellow edging, tritium / luminescent front |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 203x31x140 mm / 223x31x140 mm (each with flush magazine) |
| Weight: | 677 g / 694 g (both with empty 17-round magazine) |
| Price: | 875 euro / 975 euro |
Good news: an example of the Springfield Armory Echelon has already arrived at the editorial office and is currently being tested. As soon as our results are finalised, you will of course find them here on all4shooters.com as usual.
