For a very long time, I by no means fairly understood the logic behind combining a compact slide with a full-sized body. Loads of producers have leaned into this “crossover” pattern, however the attraction eluded me. When Springfield Armory despatched over the Echelon 4.0FC, I anticipated a high-quality, modular firearm that might deal with precisely like the usual Echelon 4.0.
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 FC
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I used to be improper. The Echelon 4.0FC handles in another way than its predecessors, and in methods I didn’t anticipate. Earlier than diving into the vary efficiency, let’s break down the gun piece by piece.
The Construct: Modular by Design
The 4.0FC (Full-sized Carry) mating of a compact slide to a full-sized body gives a novel silhouette. Out of the field, the gun consists of two magazines: a flush-fitting 17-round journal and a barely prolonged 20-round model.
One of many revolutionary options of the Echelon sequence is the Variable Interface System (VIS) for optics mounting. This technique has already seen a little bit of copy/paste by different producers and for good motive.
It permits customers to mount a mess of optics on to the slide with out the necessity for a plate system. As a substitute of mounted recoil bosses, the VIS makes use of a sequence of detachable pins to accommodate completely different footprints, together with:
For these operating ACRO or Docter footprint optics, an optionally available plate system is on the market. As a result of the VIS permits most optics to take a seat so low, you possibly can sometimes co-witness with the usual iron sights.
On the coronary heart of the gun’s modularity is the Central Working Group (COG). This can be a self-contained, serialized chassis system. It’s simply detachable, permitting you to drop your entire firing mechanism and slide into completely different grip modules.
For example, a 4.0FC proprietor might transfer their COG and slide right into a compact grip module for a smaller footprint. Springfield even provides small, medium, and enormous variants of their frames to make sure an ideal match for any hand measurement.
Ergonomics and Controls
The Echelon is a kind of uncommon handguns that’s totally ambidextrous. Not like many “ambi” weapons, the place it’s a must to swap the journal launch to the opposite aspect, the Echelon’s launch is really ambidextrous out of the field. Whereas some ambi releases can really feel stiff, the Echelon’s are remarkably clean. The slide launch can be accessible from either side.
The Adaptive Grip Texture covers nearly your entire grip. It’s aggressive sufficient for a safe maintain however stays comfy when carried in opposition to the physique. The grip itself feels svelte and ergonomic, that includes a deep undercut on the set off guard and a slight beavertail to encourage a excessive, managed buy on the weapon.
Whereas the ergonomics are wonderful, I’d personally like to see an extra knuckle carve-out on the set off guard for the help hand. Nevertheless, because the grip modules are comparatively cheap, that may be a modification “Mr. Dremel” and a file can simply deal with. The bundle is rounded out by a flat-faced set off with a security dingus and a typical accent rail.
Vary Efficiency: Velocity and Precision
To actually perceive the 4.0FC, I shot it side-by-side with a full-sized Echelon. I found that whereas the smaller, lighter slide makes the gun really feel a bit “snappier,” it truly feels prefer it shoots flatter.
My sights returned to the goal quicker, which measurably shortened my splits. At seven yards in opposition to an 8-inch circle, I moved from .23-second splits to .20-second splits by swapping from the total measurement to the 4.0FC. I even managed a .18-second break up, although the second shot drifted simply outdoors the circle. (Word: These had been shot from a prepared place with out draw or motion.)
The sights appear to rock again into place with much less jarring. My idea is that the shorter slide strikes quicker and, as a result of its lighter weight, doesn’t produce as a lot wobble on the finish of its cycle.
Combining that quick slide with the leverage of a full-sized grip creates a really controllable platform. The bigger grip additionally makes it simpler to attain a grasp grip earlier than the draw, and for high-level shooters, the shorter barrel might probably enable for a quicker rotation upward in the course of the draw.
Reloads and Manipulation
The longer grip is a large profit throughout reloads. I didn’t have to fret concerning the fats of my hand getting in the way in which of the journal properly. Even when reloading from a entrance pants pocket (having forgotten my magazine pouch), I used to be capable of jam the journal in and go. The magazines drop free with authority, nearly as in the event that they wish to escape the gun the second you hit the massive, accessible launch.
I did often run into a difficulty pinning down the slide lock with my thumb. This can be a widespread incidence for me with most trendy handguns outdoors of a USP or 1911. Whereas I want the slide lock had been barely bigger, the aggressive serrations on the entrance and rear of the slide make it very simple to sling-shot the motion manually.
Accuracy and Reliability
When it comes to precision, the 4.0FC is greater than succesful:
15 Yards: Created a decent, 2ish-inch group.
25 Yards: Went 7-for-8 on a reduced-size IPSC goal.
50 Yards: Initially went 6-for-8 on an IPSC metal silhouette, then 8-for-8 after a slight adjustment to the purple dot.
The set off pull is mild and clean with a really distinct wall. Whereas some have complained a few mushy reset, it didn’t trouble me; I don’t trip the reset, so it didn’t affect my efficiency.
Throughout a 500-round take a look at utilizing remanufactured 9mm, I skilled two malfunctions. Each had been failures to fireplace. Upon inspection of the second spherical, the primer was totally indented, main me to imagine these had been ammunition-related points moderately than a fault of the gun.
One attention-grabbing notice: I seen a big quantity of carbon blowing again onto the optic lens. I’m not sure if this was a results of a budget ammunition or the gun’s porting/timing, however there was a notable quantity of fouling.
Remaining Ideas
The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC is one other profitable results of the partnership between Springfield and H.S. Produkt. This expertise has genuinely made me see the attraction of the crossover configuration and has pressured me to rethink my assumptions about what sort of gun I carry.
The actual magnificence right here is the modularity. Whereas the 4.0FC formally releases on January twentieth, the flexibility to ultimately swap between a full-sized responsibility body and a compact body for deeper concealment makes this a extremely versatile system.
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About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner, a lifelong firearms fanatic, and now an everyday man who likes to shoot, write, and discover methods to mix the 2. He holds an NRA certification as a Fundamental Pistol Teacher and is the world’s Okayest firearm’s teacher.
