Julie Golob, the NRA Shooting Sports Journal editor and all-around firearms ambassador, has dropped a comprehensive review of the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC that’s got the gun world buzzing. In her hands-on breakdown, she dives deep into this optic-ready striker-fired pistol’s evolution, highlighting the Variable Interface System (VIS) that lets it mount over a dozen red dots without plates— a game-changer for modularity. Golob praises its crisp 4.0-pound trigger, ergonomic grip texture that molds to your hand like it was custom-fitted, and the ambidextrous controls that make it a dream for lefties and righties alike. But she doesn’t sugarcoat: the FC model’s factory-installed Holosun 507K X2 optic integration shines in speed drills, clocking faster splits than legacy setups, though she notes the flush-fit mags (17+1 capacity) demand a firm grip to avoid malfunctions under rapid fire.
What elevates this beyond a standard range report is the Echelon’s implications for the 2A community amid escalating anti-gun rhetoric. Springfield’s pushing boundaries here, blending military-grade durability (think 20,000-round torture tests) with civilian-friendly features at a street price under $800—democratizing high-end tech that once gated behind premium budgets. As states like California tighten optic-ready restrictions, the 4.0FC’s no-plate mounting sidesteps compatibility headaches, empowering everyday carriers to stay ahead of the curve. Golob’s endorsement isn’t just hype; it’s a nod to how innovations like this fortify our rights by making reliable defense tools accessible, forcing regulators to play catch-up rather than stifle progress.
For 2A enthusiasts, this review screams upgrade candidate. Pair it with the Echelon’s DSP suppressor-height sights for low-light supremacy, and you’ve got a duty-grade rig that outperforms Glocks in ergonomics without the platform fatigue. If you’re building a go-to pistol for home defense or concealed carry, Golob’s intel positions the Echelon as a frontrunner—proving American ingenuity keeps delivering despite the hurdles. Check her full piece for video demos; it’s the spark your next range day needs.
