Springfield SA-35 Polished Blued: A Modernized Classic
We began here at UN12 with a focus on some of the wildest…
We began here at UN12 with a focus on some of the wildest…
There’s something to be said for the combination of traditional materials and modern…
Springfield Armory isn’t sleeping on the Echelon. They have now announced the introduction…
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Here’s something new that we’ve been anticipating for a while now—a compact Springfield Armory Echelon with an integrated compensator. Tailored and engineered for EDC use-cases, the Echelon 4.0C retains all the key features of the full-size Echelon—albeit with a shorter 4-inch barrel and a compact frame for enhanced concealability.
Critically, the Echelon 4.0C Comp features a compensator integrated into the slide with a single, aggressive port to redirect gas upward to reduce muzzle rise and enhance control. This is a feature derived from the full-size Echelon Comp that will undoubtedly help with control on the more diminutive compact pistol.

Additionally, the Echelon 4.0C Comp features Springfield Armory’s Variable Interface System to provide direct-mount compatibility with today’s leading red dots—at release, more than 30 different optics. This direct-mount Variable Interface System is complemented by tritium U-Dot iron sights for competent co-witness and improved targeting and target acquisition.
As with the non-comp model and their full-size Echelon bigger brother, the Echelon 4.0C Comp is configured around Springfield’s serialized Central Operating Group (patent pending) housed in the frame, making it a wholly modular pistol system and opening up wide avenues for customization to tailor the pistol for an individual fit.

To dive a little deeper, the Echelon 4.0C Comp is based on a compact black polymer frame, which houses the Central Operating Group. An oversized trigger guard and textured indexing points are standard features on the frame. The slide is hammer-forged, billet-machined steel with a black Melonite finish. The front iron sight is positioned behind the compensator cut for an unobscured sight picture.
As part of the Echelon nameplate, the Echelon 4.0C Comp carries forward with Springfield Armory’s innovative slide design with four distinct engagement surfaces. The “trench cut” forward of the slide’s action imparts a natural indexing location for press checks and manually cycling the slide.
Second, the rear of the slide is flared for positive purchase at the slide’s back. Third and fourth, deep forward and rear slide serrations are carried over the slide’s top corners for a firm grip at any angle.
The Echelon 4.0C Comp ships with two magazines, a flush-fit 15-rounder, and an extended magazine with an expanded 18-round capacity, along with a premium zippered carry case. Alternatively, the Echelon 4.0C Comp is also available with two 15-round magazines, or as a state-compliant platform with two 10-round magazines.
Look out for a custom Springfield Armory Echelon build in an upcoming issue of UN12, and keep your eyes on this space for more on the Echelon 4.0C Comp.
In the meantime, check out Springfield Armory’s official launch video below:
Specifications
Caliber: 9×19
Capacity: 15 + 1 (standard), 18 + 1 (extended mag)
Barrel: 4.0-in. forged steel, Melonite, 1:10
Slide: Hammer-forged billet, Melonite
Frame: Black polymer, small grip module
Recoil System: Captive
Sights: Tritium/Luminescent
Grip Width: 1.2 in.
Height: 5.125 in. w/flush mag, 6.125 in. w/extended mag
Overall Length: 7.25 in.
Weight Unloaded: 24 oz. w/flush mag, 25 oz. w/extended mag
Springfield Armory
Echelon 4.0C Comp
MSRP: $749
URL: springfieldarmory.com
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