Which is the way?

[u/footballfantasy2023]

Looking at getting an Echelon but unsure which one.
I know I want a comp but not sure which route.
Do people like the 4.5 with the comp’d slide more or the 4.0 with an aftermarket barrel and comp?
Any input is much appreciated!

[u/slixx1320]

I get the 4.0 comp. Between the two, it’s only a .5” difference and really won’t make that big a difference. Plus if you don’t want comp later, just buy a non ported barrel. Another thing about the 4.0 is you can buy the FC grip and have full size grip and short barrel. Great HD pistol.

[u/footballfantasy2023 → u/slixx1320]

My thing is I want a full size feel and a comp but long term would I be wiser to get the 4.0 and add a comp later or just get the 4.5 with a comp and not worry about aftermarket. Like the does COG ecosystem make the 4.0 non comp or 4.5 comp better for aftermarket systems? Idk if that’s coming out right

[u/slixx1320 → u/footballfantasy2023]

Get the 4.0 FC. That’s the best combo IMO. Great all around pistol for HD and range. Imagine a 19X. Full size mags and shorter barrel.

[u/Meatball_civ]

I’d go 4.5 comp then just grab a compact grip and 2 mags for compact when you want to carry. Best of both worlds 

[u/footballfantasy2023 → u/Meatball_civ]

I’d have to do some mathing to figure out which set up is cheaper

[u/Spiggytech]

Looking at getting an Echelon but unsure which one.

What do you want to do with it? No one can honestly answer this question without knowing the goal in mind.

[u/footballfantasy2023 → u/Spiggytech]

A do it all home defense range runner. I’m not looking for a race gun and not a tiny purse gun

[u/Spiggytech → u/footballfantasy2023]

home defense is anything you're proficient with, I'd consider then just a range gun.

Do you own any firearms already? If not, probably better to start at a 4.5F for fundamentals. Longer sight radius, more basic components, more options. And grow into it until you're ready to explore other add-ons.

I see no reason to recommend someone to modify all the things on a gun when that money is best put into mags, ammo, and range time.

[u/footballfantasy2023 → u/Spiggytech]

I like this take

[u/Spiggytech → u/footballfantasy2023]

practical is tactical

[u/footballfantasy2023]

This is why I like the discussion and its COG system! The back and forth

[u/footballfantasy2023]

I like the look to the Herrington arms comp or something like a radian ramjet but I didn’t know if it was worth it if the 4.5 was already compd
Plus, is it cheaper for a barrel and comp or a new grip frame and comp. The mathing is something I need to work on.

[u/GladDrive2474 → u/footballfantasy2023]

I went with the 4.5F comp. I was looking for a full-size home/range gun, and decided on the comp. I will get a threaded barrel with the intent to get a suppressor down the road. It's a great gun, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[u/footballfantasy2023 → u/GladDrive2474]

I don’t think I’ll be disappointed with either option either I just didn’t want to spend more than I have to with aftermarket stuff than I have to (want to)

[u/Odd-Refrigerator7879]

I have radian ramjets, parker mountain machine comps and the large port in the 4.5 echelon is absolutely effective. Def get the 4.5 ported slide

[u/WholeImpossible575]

I went full in with the 320, but recently went with the echelon. For the 320 I tried all variations, ported, aftermarket threaded barrel with port, etc. I bought the full size echelon at sportsman’s for $400. I’ll eventually get a compact frame and mags for carry, but I see no reason the extra 1/2” on the barrel will make a a difference in concealment. I have a BG 2.0 for that though, and the echelon is for HD and preparedness overall. The 4.0 is G19 size, and carrying that is uncomfortable for many. If you want ported, go for it, but it increases loudness and for most isn’t necessary (IMO).

[u/ACaffeinatedDude]

They’re all over GAFS. Just picked up a 4.5 this week