Springfield Echelon Comp 9mm Review | Yeah, it’s good!
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Review of the Springfield Echelon Comp
The Springfield Echelon Comp is a refined evolution of the already impressive Echelon series, introduced in 2023. With the addition of an integral compensator, this pistol is designed to enhance performance by reducing muzzle rise, delivering faster follow-up shots, and maintaining the versatility that made the original Echelon a hit among shooters. I’ve had the chance to put this pistol through its paces, and it’s clear Springfield Armory aimed to craft a duty-grade handgun that excels in both practical and tactical scenarios.
Right out of the box, the Echelon Comp feels solid and well-balanced. The 4.5-inch barrel paired with a full-size frame (denoted as “4.5F”) gives it a substantial yet manageable presence in the hand. The adaptive grip texture is a highlight—smooth to the touch but grippy when you need it, making it comfortable for extended range sessions while ensuring control during rapid fire. The ambidextrous controls, including the slide stop and magazine release, are intuitively placed and easy to manipulate, a boon for both right- and left-handed shooters.
The standout feature here is the integral compensator, a single port cut into the top of the hammer-forged slide and barrel. This design redirects gas upward, noticeably taming recoil and keeping the muzzle flatter than the standard Echelon. During testing with a mix of 115-grain and 147-grain 9mm ammo, the difference was palpable—follow-up shots landed quicker and with less effort, especially in drills like double taps or failure-to-stop sequences. The front sight, positioned just behind the comp, remains unobstructed, preserving a clean sight picture.
Springfield’s Variable Interface System (VIS) for optics mounting continues to impress. This patent-pending setup uses movable pins to directly mount over 30 red dot optics without adapter plates, keeping the optic low and often allowing co-witness with the factory U-Dot sights. I slapped a Trijicon RMR on mine, and the setup was rock-solid after hundreds of rounds, with no shift in zero. The tritium front sight and tactical rack U-notch rear provide a fast, reliable backup if the optic fails.
Reliability was flawless across 500+ rounds of mixed FMJ and hollow-point ammo. The pistol cycled everything I fed it without hesitation, and the 17-round flush-fit magazine and 20-round extended option offer plenty of capacity for defensive or range use. The trigger is crisp, with a clean break averaging around 4.5-5 pounds, though it’s not the lightest in its class. It’s consistent and predictable, which matters more for real-world applications.
At 23.9 ounces unloaded with the flush mag, it’s not the lightest carry option, but the compensator’s benefits make it a compelling choice for duty or home defense. The Melonite finish on the slide and barrel adds durability, shrugging off sweat and holster wear. My only nitpick? The compensator does increase muzzle blast slightly, though it’s not a dealbreaker—especially if you’re wearing ear protection.
Compared to competitors like the Glock 17 or SIG P320, the Echelon Comp holds its own with superior ergonomics, modularity (thanks to the serialized Central Operating Group), and that recoil-reducing comp. At an MSRP of $749, it’s priced competitively for what you get—a versatile, optics-ready pistol that shoots flat and fast.
Specifications (Springfield Echelon Comp 4.5F 9mm)
Caliber: 9mm Luger (9×19 Parabellum)
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches (hammer-forged steel with integral compensator)
Overall Length: 8 inches
Height: 5.5 inches (with flush 17-round magazine); 6.5 inches (with extended 20-round magazine)
Width: 1.3 inches (at grip); 1 inch (slide)
Weight: 23.9 oz (unloaded with flush magazine); 24.3 oz (with extended magazine)
Frame: Black polymer with stainless steel chassis (Central Operating Group)
Slide: Billet machined steel with Melonite finish
Sights: Tritium front sight with luminescent ring; Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight
Optics Mounting: Variable Interface System (VIS) for direct mounting of 30+ red dot optics
Capacity: 17+1 rounds (flush magazine); 20+1 rounds (extended magazine)
Trigger: Striker-fired, approximately 4.5-5 lbs pull
Controls: Fully ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release
Grip: Adaptive texture with interchangeable backstraps (small, medium, large included)
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Echelon Comp 4.5F 9mm is a winner for shooters who value precision, speed, and adaptability. The compensator delivers on its promise of flatter shooting, the VIS system makes optics a breeze, and the build quality inspires confidence. Whether you’re a duty professional, a competitive shooter, or just someone who appreciates a well-engineered handgun, this pistol checks all the boxes. If you’re in the market for a full-size 9mm with a performance edge, the Echelon Comp deserves a hard look—it’s a step above the standard fare.
