In our latest "I Carry" video, we're taking a closer look at one of the latest versions of the Springfield Armory Echelon, Springfield's modern striker-fired pistol. But that's not the only thing that's modern. This pistol is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster. Check out the details of the full kit in the video above.
"We're taking a look at the new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 FC. Now the FC means that it has a full size grip with a compact slide," American Rifleman Executive Editor Jay Grazio said. "This is a configuration that, well, goes all the way back to the Colt Commander, where you have a full size grip but a slightly shortened slide to make it a little easier to conceal with the full size grip. It comes with a flush-fit 17-round magazine, and there's also this extended 20 round magazine available."
Long a popular combination for carry guns, the full-size grip allows for confident control when shooting, while the abbreviated barrel and slide provides a bit more comfort when carried inside-the-waistband, as there's less of the gun protruding below the belt line. Unloaded, the Echelon 4.0FC weighs 24 ounces.
"This Echelon does not have the Variable Interface System for attaching optics. It has a very specific A-Cut for the Aimpoint COA red-dot optic. In all other respects, it’s a standard Echelon, except for the optics cut," Grazio said. "This is a purpose-built pistol for the Aimpoint COA. Speaking of the Aimpoint COA, you'll notice there's a cut up front that it fits into and levers down, and then it's bolted in place with this plate. Very simple, very easy to get it all squared up."
Once installed, the Aimpoint COA can remain secure inside its dovetail, because accessing the CR2032 battery does not require removing the optic. Instead, the battery can be accessed through a side door on the right side of the optic housing. On the left side of the optic, a simple control layout allows users to select from 12 different brightness settings.
"One of the big things that comes up whenever anyone talks about red dots, is, 'Well, what if the battery dies?' Grazio said. "What if the battery dies? Well, you have a purpose-built little tunnel you could look through for rough sighting. And by the way, the sights very smartly co-witness."
This optic-equipped handgun fits nicely into the JM Custom Kydex Quick Ship Appendix Wing Claw 2.5 kydex holster. This holster is available to fit dozens of different firearm models, and JM Custom Kydex offers nine different belt-mounting options, as well as other options, such as color, style of guard, hole pattern and optic cuts and more.
"This is a standard molded taco-style holster. We've chosen the DCC monoblock [clip]. That happens to be my personal favorite," Grazio said. "They're very low profile. They don't stick out very much. It does make it a little harder to take off and put on, but it's super secure once it's in place. And if you have a duty belt, it just it's rock solid and it's really nice. There's this this claw right here. Helps tuck it into the body for extra concealment. They're just super sturdy. They work really well."
For more information on the Echelon 4.0FC, visit the Springfield Armory website here. For more details on the Aimpoint COA red-dot optic, check out the Aimpoint website here. And finally, take a closer look at the JM Custom Kydex holster we've used by visiting the company's website here.
