Editor’s Note: The Springfield Echelon 4.0C is a new entry into the highly competitive compact handgun market. While the Echelon 4.0C does not break any truly new ground, its features are well thought out and well executed. Notably, the universal optics mounting system allows for the direct mounting of over 30 different optics without the need for plates. Additionally, the fire control group is serialized and can be easily swapped into a different frame with a different slide configuration. These features, coupled with the ambi controls, make this gun feature-rich and very modular. The Echelon 4.0C should not be overlooked as a potential concealed-carry gun or do-it-all pistol.