Springfield Armory’s proven Echelon series just received a few performance enhancements that are sure to excite Echelon fans. The new Springfield Echelon Pro Comp, which I tested in the full-size 4.5F, pairs a laser-textured grip, an integrally compensated slide, a flared magwell, and a tritium front sight.
The name “Echelon” is taken from the military tactic that describes diagonal placement of units behind and to the right or left of one another. Origins of this military formation date back to 371 BC and the Battle of Leuctra, when the outnumbered Thebans educated the Spartans to this maneuver.
Now you might ask yourself, “Why did the folks at Springfield Armory decide to name a pistol after a battle plan?” The staggered troop formation turned out to be a superior approach on the battlefield, at least for the Thebans that day. The Echelon is Springfield Armory’s superior approach to a modern fighting pistol.
What the Echelon Pro Comp Adds
Since its release in July 2023, the Echelon has received high marks and has been adopted by multiple law enforcement departments across the US. With the success of the Echelon, Springfield added a few performance enhancements and named this version the Echelon Pro Comp.
The Pro Comp maintains the same Central Operating Group (COG) serialized chassis of the original Echelon, which can be swapped with various Echelon slides and grip modules.
Sights and Optic Mounting
The Variable Interface System (VIS) also keeps optic mounting simple, allowing direct mounting of over 30 optics. When deciding on attaching a red dot to this pistol, my first thought was, “Great, now I have to figure out what adapter plate I need to mount a dot on this pistol.”
Not to worry, the VIS design makes it easy. Just remove the slide cover plate, and the Trijicon RMR fits right in the milled void of the slide. Place the self-locking pins to match the footprint of your optic, tighten two screws, and you’re done.
The iron sights on the Echelon Pro Comp are very good. The tritium front is encased by an orange luminescent ring that is fast and easy to acquire, especially in low light. The serrated black rear U-notch also aids in rapid acquisition. The last pistol issued to me in the Border Patrol had sights like these, and I like them. They are rugged and easy to see.
Grip, Slide, and Magazines
The black grip frame and the Gray Cerakote slide give the Echelon Pro Comp its two-tone look. The two meld well for a business-like appearance.
The deep slide serrations are easy to grab, and while that might seem like a simple in concept, it is very important for the shooter to be able to gain positive contact on the pistol’s slide in any situation. Think gloved, non-gloved, cold hands, wet hands, and all the other situations a law enforcement professional might find themselves working in.
The same goes for the Badlands pattern on the Echelon Pro’s grip frame, created with the LightForged Grip Texture. It adds to the unique look of the pistol, but more importantly, it provides a solid and secure grip.
Owners will be pleased to know the pistol comes with three extended magazines. On the 4.5F, each holds 20 rounds, so you can have 60 rounds ready for disposal at all times. The flared magwell makes smooth reloads a snap, and it is removable if you want to run flush-fit magazines.
Barrel, Trigger, and Controls
The hammer-forged barrel is finished in Melonite for resistance to wear and corrosion. The integral compensator in the barrel and slide redirects gas upward to lessen muzzle rise. This pistol also has a stainless-steel guide rod.
The short reset of the trigger also aids in fast follow-up shots. This trigger breaks at about 5 pounds. The ambidextrous slide lock and mag releases are friendly for us left-handers, and both are easy to manipulate.
Handling and Range Results
Ergonomics and Red Dot
It’s obvious the ergonomics of the Echelon Pro were well thought out. The pistol feels good in the hand, and the sights rise naturally to the eyes.
The angle of the grip works for me. Same goes for the Trijicon RMR. I do not shoot red dots often, but I had no trouble finding the dot with this pistol. I’ve had to search for the dot with other guns in the past, and the proper grip angle seems to play a role in this.
As far as I’m concerned, Springfield Armory got it right with this pistol.
Accuracy at 15 and 25 Yards
I fired customary accuracy groups from the bench at 15 yards with a variety of Hornady ammunition in 115, 138, and 147 grains.
Groups at 15 yards averaged 1.19 inches, with the smallest from the Subsonic load measuring just over half an inch, if I eliminate the self-imposed flyer. Another came in at 0.84 inches with the Critical Defense. Groups at 25-yards averaged 2.79 inches. This Echelon Pro is plenty accurate.
Steel at 50 and 100 Yards
Moving on from the monotony of firing groups for accuracy, it was time to use the pistol as it was intended. To do this, I moved onto the range and took on steel torso targets out to 50 yards. The pleasing clank of bullet meeting metal rang with consistency. The short trigger reset and the compensated barrel make rapid follow-ups a cinch.
This pistol/red dot setup also performed well at 100 yards on steel, if the shooter did his part.
Who the Echelon Pro Comp Suits
With my law enforcement days behind me, a striker-fired pistol is rarely a part of my daily apparel. That doesn’t mean I don’t see the value of a good handgun like this Echelon Pro. To me, it sure seems to be a good choice for duty carry. Many others have already agreed with this notion by adopting the Echelon as a service pistol.
Departments and agencies often get it wrong with one-size-fits-all issued handguns. The large migration to the 9mm cartridge by law enforcement might help the masses a bit due to lessened recoil compared to the dethroned .40 S&W and .45 ACP, but a handgun must fit the hand properly to be shot towards its pinnacle of accuracy.
The modular capabilities of the Echelon series pistols make sense and allow the guns to be tailored to the individual and the assignment. The Echelon Pro comes in three sizes: the 4.0C compact, the 4.0FC hybrid, and the 4.5F full-size I tested.
Having said that, it’s important to note that these pistols easily fit into functions other than law enforcement. They are good candidates for shooting competitions, home defense, personal protection, and just plain shooting fun.
The Echelon Pro Comp is accurate, easy to handle, and versatile. These attributes make it a great choice for anyone wanting to add a good 9mm to their firearms stable.
Setup: Trijicon RMR, Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X, and a Safariland Holster
To further the multifunctional aspects of the Echelon Pro Comp, I attached Streamlight’s TLR-1 HL-X light to it. The light mounts easily to the rail of this pistol, providing 1,000 lumens of bright light for any situation.
I never carried a weapon-mounted light during my career, but others did. I see this as a great setup for a house gun. The Echelon Pro Comp and this light are ones my wife can easily operate. The duo provides plenty of firepower and bright light to identify the threat in a serious situation.
The Echelon Pro Comp equipped with the Trijicon RMR and Streamlight rides securely in Safariland’s 6390RDSO ALS Mid-Ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster.
Final Thoughts on the Echelon Pro Comp
Readers who follow my scribblings will be quick to point out that this Echelon Pro Comp isn’t my usual style of handgun of choice. They are correct. Most often I lean towards wheel guns and have a strong regard for the single-action variety. But I know a good gun when I see it, and a man needs to dabble with a variety of firearms in the writing trade.
There’s always something new to learn. In this instance, I spent time with a pistol I’ve never held before, let alone fired. I tried it, and I like it. With an MSRP of $899, the Echelon Pro Comp offers a lot of handgun for the price.
