If you’re overlooking the Echelon, don’t.

[JBLee]

I picked up a Springfield Armory Echelon at Marksman Shooting Sports last month, the price was great and it was in excellent used condition. I didn’t have super high hopes for it because it is basically Springfield’s P320 / G19, but boy was I wrong. With its exceptional trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy this is a gun that is quickly putting my other pistols on hold. This is not your father‘s XD series. This is a whole new pistol from Springfield and it works wonderfully, if you get a chance to buy one, do so, I know you will like it. It came with a Vortex Defender CCW heads up sight (shown) that was a better fit for my Smith & Wesson Equalizer (another nice snag), so I swapped it out with a SwampFox Justice 2 big screen RMR that is not shown in the photos below. The combination is outstanding.

 

[TLHelmer]

I love mine! Enjoy!

 

[ECS686]

I ran a couple mags through a rental and it was quite nice. I would get one if I ever decide to get another striker

 

[92FSTech]

I didn’t have super high hopes for it because it is basically Springfield’s P320 / G19

What's wrong with either of those? Both are solid platforms. I have been wanting to try an Echelon, though...not that I'm going to switch at this point, but I'd just like to see how it is. I've never shot the XD well, but I'm curious to see what improvements SA cooked into the new hotness.

 

[ECS686]

What's wrong with either of those? Both are solid platforms. I have been wanting to try an Echelon, though...not that I'm going to switch at this point, but I'd just like to see how it is. I've never shot the XD well, but I'm curious to see what improvements SA cooked into the new hotness.

To me it was everything that was wrong with a Glock (grip angles etc). Corrected. Sort of like a Shadow Systems but different if that makes sense

 

[jwamplerusa]

I keep waiting for a 4 inch 15 round compact to drop, but nothing I've seen so far hints at a version in the Goldilocks size.

 

[devildog178]

I picked up a used one and like it far better than I anticipated. It combines the best attributes of a Glock and a Sig 320. Plus it can direct mount 30+ optics without using plates!

 

[firecadet613]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Back the truck up. I've read it here, there, almost everywhere. Springfield is no good.

Seriously though, I've heard nothing but good things about the Echelon. A bit surprised they haven't released different versions of it yet, but I'm sure it's selling well and folks are happy with it (haven't seen any in the INGO classifieds).

I really don't need one as they are similar enough to XDm's, but the itch is there and will likely get scratched...

 

[bloodandgutsmurphy]

I bought one within the last year and it is phenomenal. I can shoot it faster and more accurately than any other gun I own, even a 1911

 

[JBLee]

What's wrong with either of those? Both are solid platforms. I have been wanting to try an Echelon, though...not that I'm going to switch at this point, but I'd just like to see how it is. I've never shot the XD well, but I'm curious to see what improvements SA cooked into the new hotness.

I’m not bad mouthing either one of those I love them, I guess I was just trying to say since I have a few of each I didn’t expect it to be all that different and the last thing I really needed was another full size 9 mm. But it turns out I really did need one so it’s a win-win.! And if you live on the north side of Indy and you want to try one out that can be arranged.

 

[JBLee]

I picked up a used one and like it far better than I anticipated. It combines the best attributes of a Glock and a Sig 320. Plus it can direct mount 30+ optics without using plates!

Exactly, that’s why I put the SwampFox Justice 2 on mine it’s 30mm. It’s just like having a big screen TV up there. The only bad part is when a commercial comes on when you’re in the middle of a stage! I’m hoping that the Justice 3 will have streaming capabilities.

You can find them for much less than suggested retail.

Justice II 1x30 Dot Sight | Swampfox Optics

Discover Justice II, with a 30mm window, RMR footprint, Shake 'N Wake, and multi-reticle options. Ideal for competition with versatile illumination settings.

www.swampfoxoptics.com

 

[SmokingTrigger]

Springfield is currently having a rebate on these with free mags and a range bag.

 

[Noble Sniper]

Any mag issues? I got one when they first came out…. Fantastic pistol!!! But shortly after I got mine they started talking like the baseplates were blowing off and puking the spring and ammo. I sold mine…. Always thought they were very nice though!!!

 

[WebSnyper]

Any mag issues? I got one when they first came out…. Fantastic pistol!!! But shortly after I got mine they started talking like the baseplates were blowing off and puking the spring and ammo. I sold mine…. Always thought they were very nice though!!!

Some of the mags did not get assembled properly (the OEM extensions and the metal tabs were not properly installed). There was some info on what to watch for.





I haven't had any issues with my Echelon mags.

 

[firecadet613]

Any mag issues? I got one when they first came out…. Fantastic pistol!!! But shortly after I got mine they started talking like the baseplates were blowing off and puking the spring and ammo. I sold mine…. Always thought they were very nice though!!!

Any first hand issues with yours or just "stories on the web"?

 

[Noble Sniper]

Any first hand issues with yours or just "stories on the web"?

I had none but I watched several reviews before and after and saw the issue actually happen and evidently it wasn’t isolated.

 

[Noble Sniper]

I picked up a used one and like it far better than I anticipated. It combines the best attributes of a Glock and an Sig 320. Plus it can direct mount 30+ optics without using plates!

Yeah you nailed it!!!! They definitely out glocked Glock lol…. Much nicer and felt good in the hand. Their optics setup is genius!!! NO PLATES!!!

 

[Magneto]

I have had the strong urge to get one. Unfortunately I don't have any money saved up and the wife isn't just going to let me drop $600+ with the medical bills we have right now. I don't need it, but dang I want it. After the first of the year looks promising though.

 

[firecadet613]

It seems to me, if you have an Echelon taking up space in your safe, you'd get it sold real quick...

 

[birdsong62273]

I picked up a Springfield Armory Echelon at Marksman Shooting Sports last month, the price was great and it was in excellent used condition. I didn’t have super high hopes for it because it is basically Springfield’s P320 / G19, but boy was I wrong. With its exceptional trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy this is a gun that is quickly putting my other pistols on hold. This is not your father‘s XD series. This is a whole new pistol from Springfield and it works wonderfully, if you get a chance to buy one, do so, I know you will like it. It came with a Vortex Defender CCW heads up sight (shown) that was a better fit for my Smith & Wesson Equalizer (another nice snag), so I swapped it out with a SwampFox Justice 2 big screen RMR that is not shown in the photos below. The combination is outstanding.

I want to get one as my first Handgun, is it still a good go to for car, carry, home defense?