New Product Highlight: Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C
The Springfield Echelon just got a hefty price cut. See what’s changed, what’s the same, and who this new pistol is for.
PPT Editor. Marine vet, hunter, and long-range shooter. Articles in 10+ major publications
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
When money is tight, your pistol-buying options get limited. A few manufacturers have your back, though.
The latest budget-friendly pistol is actually a familiar face, because the new Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C is making the Echelon family significantly more accessible to shooters on a budget.
Judging by the spec sheet, this looks like a steal. Check it out!
Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.25”
- Weight: 24 oz
- Country of Origin: Croatia
- MSRP: $599 ($649 California-compliant)
Features
- Variable Interface System
- Serialized trigger group
- Simplified slide contour
- Polymer optic cover plate
Let’s start with what’s new.
Springfield trimmed costs by simplifying the machining process for adding slide serrations. These look plenty grippy to me (actually, they remind me of the Walther PDP slide serrations I’ve praised for years).
The optic cover plate is now polymer instead of metal. That’s no biggie because -- let's be real -- it’s just there to look nice until you install a red dot.
The last cost-cutting measure is to include one magazine instead of two. I always recommend having more, but you can add them later. Maybe buy one per paycheck until you’re satisfied.
The standard Echelon Alpha 4.0C comes with a 15-round magazine, but a reduced-capacity 10-round version is also available, as is a specific California-compliant model. The Echelon is already my top pick for California-compliant handguns, so this is great news for Golden State gun buyers.
Aside from that, this is the Echelon we know and love.
The Variable Interface System is the way all pistols should mount a red dot. The trigger group is serialized, so you can swap out grip modules if you get the modding bug. The pistol’s shape, grip texture, and gas-pedal-style takedown lever make it one of the most ergonomic guns on the market.
Making it more affordable is just icing on the cake.
Springfield Armory lists an MSRP of $599 for the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, or $649 for the California-compliant model.
What do you think of the new Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C? Let us know below. For more affordable CCW options, check out our guide to the Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400!