The Springfield Armory Echelon series has been making serious waves, and now the 4.0C Comped model brings a compensated compact pistol into the mix. I’ve already spent a good amount of time with the Echelon lineup—just about every version except the threaded-barrel and manual safety models—and I can say up front: this platform has grown on me fast.
From the universal optics mounting system that doesn’t require plates, to the aggressive front and rear serrations and trench cut, Springfield clearly designed the Echelon to go toe-to-toe with any modern striker-fired pistol. The 4.0C Comped takes that foundation and adds built-in compensation to help tame recoil in a compact package.
Springfield doesn’t skimp here. The Echelon 4.0C Comped ships with a soft range case, a couple of extra backstraps, a speed loader, and of course, two magazines. And speaking of magazines—yes, they’re cross-compatible across the Echelon line, which is a huge plus for anyone already invested in the platform.
The Echelon is one of the rare pistols that’s fully ambidextrous right out of the box. No swapping parts, no half-solutions—just mirrored controls that make it work for right- or left-handed shooters. Springfield also gave this model ramped index points along the frame for your support hand thumb, which makes a noticeable difference in keeping the gun stable during strings of fire.
Now, let’s talk grip. It’s solid, but I wouldn’t call it aggressive. Think closer to a Glock texture than a Canik Mete MC9 Prime. Personally, I’d love to see Springfield push this further—something closer to the almost “prickly” aggression you get on the Canik or Platypus. Still, it’s a comfortable, controllable frame that works well in the hand.
The comped slide and barrel setup do exactly what they’re supposed to: reduce muzzle rise and help you get back on target quicker. In rapid fire, you’ll notice the pistol staying flatter than the standard 4.0 Compact.
The trigger is what I’d call service-grade—good, predictable, but not a glass-rod break. Reset is positive, and with practice, it’s plenty fast. Between the comp and the ergonomics, the 4.0C Comped feels like a pistol you could carry daily but also run hard on the range without fighting recoil fatigue.
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The Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comped is a smart addition to the lineup. It takes what’s already a forward-thinking striker-fired design and adds a comp that actually works without adding bulk. For anyone already in the Echelon ecosystem, the shared mags and optics system make this an easy choice.
Is it perfect? No. I’d like to see more aggressive texturing, and of course, time will tell how Springfield expands aftermarket support. But as a compact compensated carry pistol straight from the factory, it’s one of the strongest options out there right now.
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