(Image courtesy of Springfield Armory)
January 20, 2026
By Springfield Armory Press Release
GENESEO, ILL. (01/20/26) – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the Echelon™ 4.0FC 9mm pistol, engineered to merge full-size capacity with a compact slide assembly. The result is a pistol that delivers duty-grade capacity with fast handling in a balanced, do-it-all platform.
Combining the compact and handy slide dimensions of the compact Echelon 4.0C with the capacity and handling characteristics of the full-size 4.5F, the Echelon 4.0FC features a dedicated “FC” grip module. This module has the full grip length of the 4.5F, with the short dustcover area of the 4.0C.
As with all Echelon variants, at the core of the new 4.0FC is Springfield’s Central Operating Group™, providing a serialized foundation for modular performance that can be easily moved between grip modules in seconds. Precision built from stainless steel, this chassis provides a robust housing for its patent-pending operating system.
In addition, the Echelon’s revolutionary Variable Interface System™ enables direct-mount compatibility withmore than 30 optics without the use of adapter plates. Simply configure the available self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for improved sight picture and intuitive alignment.
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Fully ambidextrous and equipped with tritium/luminescent U-Dot™ sights, the 4.0FC comes standard with one flush-fit 17-round magazine and one extended 20-round magazine. In addition, both 15-round and 10-round versions are available for purchase in restricted locales. Additionally, all three variants are offered through the FIRSTLINE discount program, as well as Gear Pac™ offerings (which package the pistol with a factory-installed Viridian RFX11 green dot optic, four total magazines and a range-ready bag).
“The original Echelon 4.5F quickly established itself as a premier duty-grade 9mm pistol, followed soon thereafter by the equally capable compact Echelon 4.0C,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With the 4.0FC, fans of the Echelon have a new option that offers a balance of the best features of both these proven pistols.”
