When Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, it was a modern and modular striker-fired pistol with innovative features, like the Variable Interface System (VIS) that allowed for the direct mounting of most compact red dot optics on the market. The popularity of the Echelon lead to Springfield expanding the lineup, with compact models and finish options. As built-in compensators become more popular with everyone from competitors to concealed carry practitioners, Springfield has added an integrally compensated option to models from the Prodigy to the Hellcat. This year, Springfield is offering this option on its compact Echelons with the new-for-2025 Springfield Echelon 4.0C Comp.
While the Echelon was introduced as a full-sized duty pistol, the 4.0C compact model, was added in 2024. The new 4.0C Comp mimics the dimensions of the original 4.0, with an overall length of 7.25” and height of 5.13” with a 4” barrel, and weighs in the same at 24 ozs. It uses a flush-fit 15-round magazine. The 4.0C Comp is sold with the options of two 15-round magazines, one 15-round and one extended 18-round magazine, or two 10-round magazines.
The Echelon 4.0C Comp has an integral compensator that consists of a single port in the top of the barrel that interfaces with a port machined into the slide. The front sight is mounted behind the slide port. The compensator is designed to direct gases upward to control muzzle rise and allow for quicker follow-up shots.
The rest of the Echelon 4.0C Comp’s features are standard for all Echelons. These include a modular Central Operating Group fire control unit, bilateral controls for full ambidexterity, a Melonite finish on metal components, an optics-ready slide that uses the VIS system, and a tritium front sight and Tactical Rack U-notch rear. The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp has an MSRP of $749. For more information, see the company’s website.
