SHOT Show 2026 is spinning up and that means lots of new and exciting products from a range of manufacturers. This year, Springfield Armory has released a new addition to the Echelon family of polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistols: the Echelon FC.
What exactly is the Echelon FC? In my humble opinion, it’s the best of both worlds. It combines the slide and barrel from the Echelon 4.0C with the frame of the Echelon 4.5F, but with a shortened dust cover to accommodate the shorter slide and barrel.
When Springfield Armory first released the modular Echelon in 2023, I fell in love immediately. I took it to every training session I attended. Before I knew it, I had over 2,000 rounds of factory range ammunition through it. That’s when I decided it was time to field strip and clean it…not because it needed it, but because it was just a good idea.
The modular Echelon is built around the central operating group. This is the actual serialized component of the pistol. Although the slide and barrel are also serialized to match the COG, they can be easily interchanged.
One of the most impressive features of the Echelon platform is its versatility. Shooters have nine grip configuration options. There are three frame sizes—small, medium, and large (small and large sold separately)—and three backstraps (small, medium, and large) included with the pistol. Swapping them is as easy as field stripping the gun.
Now let’s talk about the Echelon FC specifically.
I’ve been carrying the Echelon 4.0C as my EDC (Everyday Carry) for several months. It fits my IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster perfectly and offers excellent concealment and comfort. The 4.0C ships with a small frame, while the medium and large frames are sold separately. My perfect setup has been the small frame with the small backstrap—the same configuration I used with the Echelon 4.5F.
Over the past year, I heard from shooters who felt the 4.0C grip was too short, even with the medium or large backstraps. They preferred the longer grip of the 4.5F. Some even modified their frames with a Dremel tool to make it work. While creative, most of the examples I saw looked downright awful.
When I got my Echelon FC, I immediately swapped the backstrap for the small one. Even then, the grip still felt large due to the pistol shipping with the medium frame. That means a small FC grip is in my future.
The Echelon FC ships with a “U” rear sight featuring a white outline and a tritium front night sight.
It also includes Springfield’s excellent Variable Interface System for mounting optics.
For my first test, I installed a Vortex Defender-ST with a 3 MOA red dot. Installation was easy thanks to the supplied pins and self-locking screws, which accommodate nearly every optic configuration.
My first test was zeroing the pistol. I used Federal’s 100-round Practice & Defend combo pack, which includes 50 rounds of Syntech Training Match ammo and 50 rounds of HST JHP. I chose the 147-grain load, as I prefer heavier bullets.
I torqued the optic to manufacturer specifications using the Real Avid Torque Wrench Kit. After zeroing, I rechecked the torque to ensure nothing loosened during recoil.
I fired all 50 rounds of Syntech ammo, then 10 rounds of HST to confirm reliability. After one final torque check, I performed a quick cleaning. When carrying for EDC, I always want a clean and inspected pistol.
Next came the EDC comfort test.
Would the longer grip be uncomfortable? Would it print more? There was only one way to find out. I used several holsters made for the Echelon 4.0C, and the pistol fit perfectly. After carrying it daily for over a week, I noticed no difference between the 4.0C and the FC. The only change was two extra rounds in the magazine and a slightly longer grip.
Even though I never really felt I needed a longer grip, I did appreciate the extra capacity. That said, I’ll still be switching to the small grip—after getting used to it, the medium feels awkward in my hands.
I also tested another optic: the Viridian RFX-11 green dot, designed specifically for the VIS system. This optic doesn’t use the standard mounting pins. Instead, it has molded posts that fit directly into the slide. After re-zeroing, I was ready to go.
The biggest difference is size and weight. The RFX-11 is smaller and lighter due to its polymer construction, yet it feels just as durable as other optics on the market.
So what’s the verdict on the Echelon FC? It is definitely a keeper.
Once I swap to the small grip and small backstrap, it will match every other Echelon I own. It fits all my 4.0C holsters, so I’m good to go. The combination of the Echelon FC and the Viridian RFX-11 is hard to beat.
As soon as the small grip arrives, the Echelon FC will enter my EDC rotation. I never thought I’d say this, but I finally found a pistol that can replace my Echelon 4.0C.