The video opens on the range at Takeame Training and Range with Clint and Ka finishing a target and introducing a comparison between the Sig P320 and the Springfield Armory Echelon. To keep the test fair, they use a base full-size Sig P320 rather than Clint’s usual VTAC model, and a base Echelon. Both pistols are equipped only with a SureFire X300 weapon light so they will lock into their holsters. The holsters used are an Alpha Mega Kydex holster and a Safariland holster, and both guns fit and lock into each holster. The goal is to compare these two modular 9mm pistols in a straightforward configuration without optics or additional accessories beyond the shared light.
Clint notes that the Alpha Mega Kydex holster is molded specifically for the P320, so the Echelon’s more aggressive forward slide serrations can be felt scraping slightly when holstering. Because retention is primarily on the SureFire X300, the Echelon still fits and locks in, though there is a bit of play that can be reduced by tightening the holster. The P320, by contrast, fits the holster very precisely. They then compare slide serrations: the Echelon’s forward serrations are cut deeper and are noticeably more aggressive than those on the P320. This design keeps the hand away from the ejection port during press checks and benefits shooters who like to press check near the front of the slide.
The discussion moves to frame texture and ergonomics. Both pistols feature full-size accessory rails and modular designs, but the grip textures differ. The Echelon’s factory stippling feels finer yet similar to higher-grit sandpaper, providing more bite than the P320’s texture. Ka mentions that his personal Echelon has been hand-stippled for even more traction, but the stock texture is already solid. Additional textured areas on the Echelon, such as index points for the trigger finger, are highlighted, including their outward angle that aids control. Overall, they consider the Echelon a step up over the P320 in terms of ergonomics and overall feel in the hand, while acknowledging that both offer usable stippling and control surfaces.
They clarify what modularity means in this context by focusing on the Springfield Echelon’s fire control unit, which Springfield calls the COG. Ka removes the chassis from the frame to show that this internal fire control module is the only serialized component, with the serial number visible on the unit itself. Once the chassis is out, the rest of the grip modules and external parts are non-serialized and can be purchased and swapped separately. They note that this concept is very similar to the Sig P320’s modular fire control unit design, which led to initial jokes that the Echelon looked like a P320. The emphasis is that, unlike traditional designs, the legally controlled “gun” is the removable chassis, enabling easy configuration changes without replacing the serialized part.
Before shooting drills, they address two Echelon features they consider important: the optics mounting system and the ambidextrous magazine release. The Echelon’s mag release is naturally ambidextrous, with controls on both sides that do not require reversing the button. In previous use with another shooter, they were able to drop magazines cleanly without the opposite-side control interfering with the firing hand. The Echelon’s optics cut uses a patented system with adjustable locking pins that can be configured to accept over 30 different red dot footprints, including patterns like RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, and RMSC-style optics. By contrast, the base P320 used here has no optics cut, though other P320 variants do. To keep the comparison even, both pistols are run without optics during the drills.
Clint begins live fire with the Sig P320, firing several rounds at roughly 10 to 15 yards. He describes it as a basic 9mm handgun that feels good to shoot, with nothing unusual in its recoil or behavior. Ka then shoots the Echelon and has a similar reaction, calling it essentially a standard-feeling 9mm pistol in terms of recoil and general handling. They anticipate that any meaningful differences may become more apparent once they switch guns and pay closer attention to felt recoil and control. Magazine capacities are mentioned: Ka’s Echelon magazine holds 17 rounds, and he also has an extended magazine around 20 rounds, while Clint references the 21-round extended magazines commonly associated with M17 and M18-style P320 variants.
They set up a simple drill to compare performance under a bit of time pressure. Using 17-round magazines, they plan to fire five rounds as quickly as possible from a low-ready position, aiming to complete the string in about two seconds. With the P320, Clint runs the drill and records a time of 2.19 seconds for five shots. Ka then runs the same drill with the Echelon and posts a 1.99-second time but with one miss, showing slightly faster shooting but at the cost of accuracy. After these runs, they swap pistols so each can evaluate the other platform under similar conditions. The focus remains on basic recoil control, shot-to-shot recovery, and how each pistol tracks during rapid fire rather than on complex movement or advanced tactics.
After switching guns, Clint shoots the Echelon and immediately prefers its trigger, describing it as snappier and suggesting the pistol may be slightly lighter overall. He notes that the trigger feel stands out compared to the P320. Ka, who has limited experience with the P320, then shoots it and finds the recoil and general behavior similar to what he experiences with the Echelon. When comparing details, he states that he likes the Echelon’s sights better and feels that the P320 is just slightly less snappy in recoil. Both agree that the Echelon’s trigger is notably different and viewed as an advantage, while the overall recoil characteristics of the two 9mm pistols remain close, with only subtle differences in how each gun feels during rapid strings.
Loading...