An Easy Springfield Armory Echelon Grip Module Swap

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When Springfield Armory came out with the Echlon 4.5F, I bought one because it’s a great all-around gun with a useful feature set. I shot it a fair bit and wasn’t disappointed, but then I had the opportunity to review the 4.0C compact version that followed. I liked it more.

The appeal for me wasn’t the 4.0C’s shorter barrel but rather the small grip module as opposed to the medium module that comes on the 4.5F. Even with the small backstrap installed in my 4.5F’s medium grip module, the 4.0’s small module fit me better, and I shot it better.

I quickly decided I wanted small grip module for my 4.5F, but for a long time these were available only in black. I’ve had my fill of black-on-black guns, so I waited, and Springfield recently began selling the small 4.5 modules in OD green and flat dark earth. I picked up the former.

They cost $65 and come with all three sizes of backstraps. The magazine release is integral with the module. They do not fit Echelon models with a manual safety.

Simple Instructions

Switching the Echelon’s Central Operating Group between grip modules is simple, and the manual does a great job of explaining it. There’s also a QR code on the module packaging that takes you to an instructional video, and I discovered a handy YouTube video courtesy of XD Man that got me over the hump on reinstalling the takedown lever.

When I reviewed the 4.0C, I initially installed the small backstrap in that small module. But now that I have the luxury of time with my new 4.5F small-module setup, I’m starting with the medium backstrap.

I measured circumferences with a cloth tape and other dimensions with a caliper. The small module/medium backstrap configuration reduced the circumference at the top of the grip by about a quarter-inch and the front-to-back distance at this spot by 0.125 inch compared to the 4.5F’s medium module/small backstrap.

Measuring the point where my little finger lands on the grip, the circumference on the new configuration is almost a half-inch less, with a front-to-back reduction of about 0.05 inch.

Gun Fitment

Taken as a whole, these differences make a significant change in how the gun now fits. Not only do I like the feel, the smaller configuration has improved my trigger-finger position. My finger naturally lands on the trigger where I want it to—and at the correct angle, with no drag on the frame.

Based on my drill times, I shoot it better, too, and that’s the real proof in the pudding. My plan is to shoot and dry-fire it this way for a while, then switch to the small module/small backstrap combo and see how it compares. And since the backstraps are universal, I’m already thinking about installing a black one from the original module in the new OD green module for a cool bit of contrast.

If you like your Echelon but think it could fit a bit better, small, medium and large modules are available for both the 4.5F and the 4.0C models. These replacement modules are an economical way to create a pistol that’s just right for you.

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