Springfield Armory Echelon! Is The Hype Real?

Published on July 28, 2023
Duration: 18:15

The Springfield Armory Echelon is presented as a highly anticipated 2023 pistol that largely lives up to the hype. The review highlights its innovative features, including a unique optic mounting system (VIS) that allows direct mounting of numerous optics without plates, aggressive indexing points on the slide for press checks, and adaptive grip texturing that enhances purchase under pressure. The trigger is praised as superb, and the overall ergonomics and shooting characteristics are deemed excellent, making it a strong contender in the modern polymer-framed pistol market.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory Echelon stands out with its innovative Variable Interface System (VIS) for direct optic mounting without plates, utilizing self-locking pins. Its Adaptive Grip Texturing enhances purchase under pressure, and aggressive indexing points aid in manipulation. The superb trigger and reduced bore axis contribute to excellent shooting performance, making it a highly anticipated and well-received pistol.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & First Impressions
  2. 00:21Taking First Shots
  3. 01:36Standing Out in Polymer Pistols
  4. 02:02Slide Serrations & Indexing Points
  5. 02:41Front Sight & Rear Sight Options
  6. 02:53Picatinny Rail & Included Accessories
  7. 03:13Ambidextrous Controls
  8. 03:30The Name 'Echelon'
  9. 04:07Shooting the Echelon
  10. 04:26Adaptive Grip Texturing
  11. 04:48Indexing Points on Takedown Lever
  12. 05:21Trijicon RMR Experience
  13. 05:43Trigger Performance & Point of Aim
  14. 06:28Variable Interface System (VIS)
  15. 06:45VIS Hand Demonstration
  16. 07:09Optic Mounting Holes
  17. 07:33Central Operating Group (COG)
  18. 07:56Backstrap Swapping
  19. 08:11Takedown Procedure
  20. 08:28Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
  21. 08:43Takedown Pin Heat Observation
  22. 09:26Trigger Pull Analysis
  23. 09:42Double Tap Test
  24. 10:08Holster Mention
  25. 10:08Springfield Did It!
  26. 10:11Comparison to Hellcat Pro & XD Series
  27. 10:37Armor & Sights
  28. 10:55Magazine Capacity & Comparison
  29. 11:16Echelon vs. Glock 19 Size Comparison
  30. 11:31Echelon vs. HK VP9L Size Comparison
  31. 11:39Echelon vs. Old XD Series Comparison
  32. 11:52Bore Axis Comparison
  33. 12:11Echelon vs. XD Series Slimness
  34. 12:26Echelon's Diet
  35. 12:33Grip Design Similarity
  36. 12:48Hex Wasp Optic Dislike
  37. 13:01Wife's Shooting Performance
  38. 13:14Shooting Springfield Guns Well
  39. 13:39Echelon is Different
  40. 14:08Excellent Shooting Performance
  41. 14:11The 'It' Factor
  42. 14:21Most Important Features
  43. 14:38COG System & Sights - Cons?
  44. 15:03A Freaking Shooter
  45. 15:06Malfunction Experience
  46. 15:16Stovepipe Action
  47. 15:21Handling Malfunctions
  48. 15:35Ideal Factory Firearm
  49. 15:54Hype is Real
  50. 16:03Conclusion & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Springfield Armory Echelon's optic mounting system unique?

The Echelon features a Variable Interface System (VIS) that allows direct mounting of approximately 30 different optics without the need for adapter plates. This system uses self-locking pins that exert lateral force to secure the optic, preventing left-to-right movement and ensuring a stable platform.

How does the grip texturing on the Springfield Echelon work?

The Echelon utilizes Adaptive Grip Texturing. It has a tame texture on the surface, but underneath is another layer that engages and provides a more aggressive grip when pressure is applied, such as during a firm shooting stance or when drawing the firearm.

What are the key ergonomic features of the Springfield Echelon?

Key ergonomic features include aggressive indexing points on the slide for press checks, a reduced bore axis for flatter shooting, ambidextrous controls, and adaptive grip texturing. It also offers interchangeable backstraps and a modular trigger group (COG) for customization.

How does the Springfield Echelon's trigger compare to other pistols?

The trigger on the Springfield Echelon is described as superb, with a clean break and a distinct reset that translates well from dry fire to live fire. This performance is a significant factor contributing to the pistol's positive shooting experience.

What are the main advantages of the Springfield Echelon over older Springfield XD models?

The Echelon boasts a significantly lower bore axis, leading to flatter shooting. It's also slimmer and more refined than the older XD series, which were noted as being chunkier. The Echelon's design is more modern and ergonomic.

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