The Brand New Springfield Armory Echelon

Introduction and Echelon Overview

The video opens with a comparison joke to the SIG P320 before revealing the pistol as the new Springfield Armory Echelon. The hosts from Classic Firearms, Clint, Ka, and Sarah, explain that Springfield Armory sent the pistols ahead of release with a request not to discuss them until a specific date. They note that many channels are covering the Echelon on the same day and question whether the pistol justifies the attention. Early impressions from Sarah and Ka are positive, with Sarah mentioning a general preference for Springfield pistols and describing the Echelon as shooting well straight out of the box. Ka adds that Springfield appears to be targeting the law enforcement market with this model, particularly in terms of holster support and duty-ready configuration, while emphasizing that their review is not scripted or conditioned by Springfield.

Modular Fire Control Unit and Grip Frames

The discussion shifts to the Echelon’s modular design. The pistol uses a removable fire control module as the serialized component, visible through the frame, similar in concept to the SIG P320 and other modular pistols like the Zev OZ9. When the gun is disassembled, the fire control unit can be removed without tools and transferred into different grip frames offered by Springfield Armory. The frames themselves are not serialized. The hosts mention three frame sizes—small, medium, and large—with the example on the table identified as the medium frame. The pistol also includes interchangeable backstraps, allowing further adjustment of grip size and shape. This combination of frame options and backstraps is presented as a way to fit a wide range of hand sizes while keeping the core serialized module consistent.

Ergonomics, Sights, and Slide Features

They highlight the Echelon’s ergonomic and slide features. The pistol has ambidextrous controls, including mag release and slide catch or slide release, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters without needing to swap parts. On the slide, Springfield Armory has added forward and rear serrations along with shaped grooves intended to improve grip during press checks and help keep the support hand away from the ejection port. The sights on this example use Springfield’s U-shaped rear sight, sometimes called a “teacup,” paired with a bright green front sight that is easy to pick up visually. They note that the Echelon is available with different sight configurations, including U-notch and three-dot options, and that some versions use taller sights. The hosts emphasize that the forward slide serrations support press-check techniques while maintaining control and safety.

Trigger Characteristics and Ambidextrous Controls

Ka disassembles the pistol on camera to show the skeletonized fire control module and then reassembles it to focus on the trigger. The Echelon is a striker-fired 9mm pistol with a blade safety in the trigger shoe, a common safety feature on modern striker-fired designs. They describe a short take-up followed by a crisp break. The reset is characterized as not especially loud or sharply tactile, which may matter to shooters who rely on a very distinct reset feel for rapid follow-up shots. The hosts suggest that regular dry-fire practice can help shooters become accustomed to the reset characteristics. They reiterate that the pistol includes fully ambidextrous slide releases and magazine releases that work from either side without needing to reverse or replace buttons, underscoring the pistol’s user-friendly configuration for different shooting styles and handedness.

Optics Mounting System and Accessory Rail

Attention turns to the Echelon’s optics-ready slide. The pistol uses a patented mounting system that can accept over 30 different red dot footprints without the need for separate adapter plates. Under the mounted RMR-style optic, there are multiple threaded holes and small plugs that can be configured to match various optic patterns. The hosts point out that eliminating adapter plates removes an extra interface that can loosen or fail and also helps keep the optic lower on the slide. They contrast this with plate-based systems that add height and additional screws. The pistol’s accessory rail is a true Picatinny rail rather than a proprietary slot, allowing straightforward mounting of weapon lights such as the SureFire unit shown in the video. This setup is presented as practical for duty or defensive use, combining a robust optics interface with a standard rail for lights and accessories.

Magazine Options and Initial Shooting Impressions

The hosts show the Echelon with different magazine configurations. They reference 20-round magazines and a flush-fitting magazine, noting capacities such as 18+1 and 20 rounds depending on the magazine used. The extended magazine gives the pistol a full-size appearance, while the flush magazine offers a more compact profile. On the range, Clint fires his first rounds through the Echelon and comments on the feel of the controls, particularly the intuitive magazine release. He notes that the pistol feels good in the hand and that the recoil impulse is soft and manageable for a 9mm. As he becomes more comfortable with the gun, he remarks that the pistol tracks well in recoil and that the overall handling inspires confidence. The team agrees that the initial shooting impressions align with their earlier dry-handling observations about ergonomics and control layout.

Recoil, Balance, and Mixed Ammunition Testing

They explore how the Echelon feels with and without a weapon light attached. Removing the SureFire light from the Picatinny rail produces a noticeable but not dramatic change in front-end weight. The hosts describe the difference as subtle and not likely to bother most shooters, though the added weight of the light slightly alters the balance and perceived recoil. Clint continues shooting and remarks that the pistol remains comfortable and controllable in both configurations. Ka mentions deliberately loading magazines with a mix of different 9mm brands and bullet weights, including 115-grain and 124-grain loads, to see how the pistol handles varied ammunition. While detailed results are not fully discussed in this segment, the implication is that the Echelon cycles reliably and maintains a flat shooting character across the mixed ammo, reinforcing their earlier comments about its soft recoil and stable performance.