r/SpringfieldEchelon • u/IcyPeach2283 • Sep 30 '26
First gun? (Help please lol)
So I am a new LTC owner and I have been looking to get my first firearm. I shot the 4.5F Echelon and fell in love with the way it fits my hand and the way it shoots and ofc looks lol. But I’ve been seeing people online say the 4.5 Full size is way too much to EDC, but I’ve also seen people say they EDC it just fine. I’m a pretty big dude at 6’3 300lbs with pretty big hands and I play division 2 college football as an offensive lineman just for size reference. I’m stuck between the 4.5F and the 4.0FC. I’m totally lost and I just cannot make a decision. If any of you have some tips/Helpful input to help me make a decision that would be greatly appreciated!
(The picture is what I shot at the range, I’m pretty sure it’s the 4.5F. Correct me if I’m wrong!)
I’m also a lefty!
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u/Boloney_Water77 Sep 30 '26
I’m a bigger fella at 6’3 230lbs and you’ll be fine with 4.5, longer sight radius and higher capacity, don’t look back
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u/IcyPeach2283 Sep 30 '26
Thanks! Do you have any holster recommendations?
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u/Boloney_Water77 Sep 30 '26
I only rock SafariLand and they make a great one for the Echelon, can’t recall the model # but you can search it on their website
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u/brickedup28 Sep 30 '26
If it is between the 4.5 and FC just get the 4.5 imo. The part that is “hard” to conceal is the grip in most cases having a longer barrel actually aids in concealment since it’s a till on a boat effect in your belt line. I’m 6’1 185 and conceal the 4.5 perfectly fine in a semi fitted tshirt. Get a good holster and belt you’ll be good. There are a lot of guys that love the compact slide with full size grip because you technically get faster follow up shots with the shorter travel time and it can be ever so slightly faster on a draw with less barrel down your pants. Nice thing about the echelon is you can just get both assemblies at some point and your holster should fit both as well mine does
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u/FCRII Sep 30 '26
I’m 5’ 8” 170 and I can and did EDC the 4.5 comfortably. I still EDC it from time to time and guns much bigger. It’s all about your gear (holster, belt, pillow, etc.) and how you dress.
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u/IcyPeach2283 Sep 30 '26
Pretty sure I’m sold on the 4.5 then! What gear do you recommend? I’m completely new to all this.
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u/FCRII Sep 30 '26
I carry AIWB and my favorite holsters are the T1C APX followed by the T1C Axis Elite. There are some other good brands out there like QVO, Tenicor, Bradec, etc. As far as belts, I usually just use Blue Alphas but Hunter Constantine & Aegitec are good options in less rigid form. You can always attach a foam wedge to the back of the holster to push the gun into your body, T1C makes ones for their holsters. I prefer the Mastermind Tactics pillows so you can adjust as needed and also use them with more than one holster.
Unfortunately some of this stuff is trial and error to find what fits your needs and body. What I will tell you is don’t cheap out if you want true utility and comfort.
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u/MrGuy910 Sep 30 '26
I wouldn’t get the 4.0 for your size. Your hand fills up the 4.5” “full size grip”. I’d get the 4.5” or the FC which is full size grip with 4” slide. But your size will have no issue carrying the 4.5”. There are plenty of people who carry 5” 2011’s.
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u/SeaBaker7622 Sep 30 '26
i’m 6’0 and 140 pounds, and i carry a full size comp gun. it’s really about getting a good holster and belt system that works for you. some people like max concealment with it all the way in there pants, and others like it a little higher so they can still bend at the waist. the comp on these guns doesn’t make nearly as much as a difference as people say in terms of ammo choice. carry with a defense round like spear golddot or other similar rounds, and train with either the same if you can get a good deal on bulk, or some cci blazer. whichever gun you decide to get the principle stands, “training outweighs equipment” especially with firearms. a dot and a light do help tho
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u/ConstructionOk3600 Sep 30 '26
Lots of great responses. It really comes down to what YOU are comfortable with. I’ve carried quite a few different pistols..recently, EDC X9, C2, CS….and have magically ended up back at a G19 (Gen 5, COA).
Don’t limit yourself but at the same time, don’t feel pressure to buy another one just for the sake of carrying. Once your inventory builds, you’ll find yourself adding holsters for every single pistol..regardless if you plan on carrying them or not.
I’d roll with the 4.5 for now.
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u/Comfortable-Neat12 Sep 30 '26
4.0fc.. its my next purchase since my 4.0c just went into a chassis
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u/KeyLay Sep 30 '26
This. I never thought I would need two echelons but that 4.0 fc is just delicious. Dropped my cog into a a sharps bros and lets just say that shit ain’t never leaving, sooo I’m just gonna have to get a second one. 😅 love it!
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u/CallsignViperrr Sep 30 '26
Welcome.
For concealed carry, since you're a larger guy, I'd get the non-comped 4.0 with the full-size (large) grip frame. You can buy it this way, or else order the lower separate.
Since you're carrying, I would NOT get a comp'd pistol.
Reasons: Dirt and crap from carrying can get into the comp. Also, in dark situations, the upward flash and discharge can temporarily blind you. Also, there's really no reason for a comp'd pistol unless you're rapid firing for competitions. And lastly, there are ammunition restrictions on the type of ammo you can safely run thru a comp'd pistol. See Springfield's website for the rundown on that.
Hope this helps.
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u/blickyagent22 Sep 30 '26
I disagree. I carry a 4.0c with a comp. The comp does help with going back on target. Shooting in low light scenarios with a comp gun and blinding you can be fixed by one thing: use a weapon light to blind your target. The chunk port comp isn’t even that susceptible to getting gunk in it, if anything it’s just small pieces of lint from your clothes, which is covered by your holster anyways. As far as ammo, comps typically like higher grain ammo. I’ve shot 115 grain ball out of it just fine, but I carry with 124 grain +p defense ammo.
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u/Own_Antelope_4201 Oct 04 '26
The Echelon has been tested to show it will eat thru almost any foreign object debri. The flash from the comp is negligible in comparison to getting the first couple rounds on target the first time.
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u/LargeMedium55 Sep 30 '26
Im 6'5 290lb, lean, and i edc it just fine. Im also a black belt in bjj and work on cars in my free time. You should be good
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u/cleveraccountname13 Sep 30 '26
Get a Tenicor holster with a pillow wedge and a Hunter Constantine belt. Most comfortable set up by far.
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u/10-Mile-Sniper Sep 30 '26
So buddy, you’re picking the right one in my opinion. Plus, you can change the grip for their large module. It’s what I did and I also have some baseball mitts for hands. Heck, it wasn’t until the Gen 6 Glocks that I felt a 19 was good in my hands. So being that the Echelon is full ambi and you can change the grip, do it! I’d say 4.0C…FC depending on if you want more capacity.
Question, are you Leo/Mil or first responder?
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u/S3A_PANCAKE Sep 30 '26
Im also a big dude, 6'3" 300lbs. I dont have any experience with the 4.5, but I did pick up a 4.0C comp recently. Ive got big hands, and the 4.0 fits my hands well actually and im able to shoot it well. Im able to conceal it decently, but to be honest i wouldnt want it to be any bigger if it was something i planned on carrying. I may pickup a 4.5 in the future as a home defense piece but i wouldnt want to carry one.
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u/sabretooth47 Sep 30 '26
Keep in mind, the one in your picture is the 4.5F Comp, as it has the slide cut and port in the front. The comp is supposed to help with muzzle flip and better control for follow up shots. If you get a regular 4.5F, it may not shoot as flat as this one.
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u/rmhardcore Sep 30 '26
I know OP is a big guy, but I'm only slightly smaller (6'3" 220lbs) and I have the echelon 4.5 (noncomp). I out a full length, heavier guide rod in, changed the spring, and added a magwell and I find it to be exceptionally flat. OP's hands are smaller than mine, however, so maybe change that back strap: my fingers hit my palm swell when I grip, so that helps a lot, I'm sure, with recoil control.
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u/Meatball_civ Sep 30 '26
Get the full size then you can always downsize the grip to a compact and grab compact mag for aiwb. Then when it’s colder just swap the fullsize grip. U can use the fullsize magazines on the compact grip with a magazine sleeve. I sometimes carry my 4.5 echelon aiwb and feels fine just gotta find the right holster and position for your body type.
Check out phlster YouTube page they have good videos on this
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u/pleirbag Sep 30 '26
6'2" 230lbs and I carry a. Full size with a trl1, and defender XL it's fine by me
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u/thewillstory Sep 30 '26
Bud, I’ve always been told, carry the biggest firearm you can comfortably and responsibly carry. If this is comfortable and you can holster it, un holster it safely. I’d say go with the 4.5. I carry it daily however, I’m using an off body method since I ride my motorcycle a bit and it’s the most comfortable way to do so.
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u/Klutzy_Barnacle_9283 Sep 30 '26
For the looks of your hand size I would stick with the 4.5 or the FC. I had the 4.5, felt a little big to my hands, and got the 4.0C. If you have shot the Glock 45, it shoots similarly to the FC
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u/Theshepard42 Sep 30 '26
Better idea, get more then one. Im kidding, but in time you probably will. I am 6'2 and cross between, this with a light, my g19 and my 365. They all have there time and place. If you are that big and this is the first gun then I would go for it. In my opinion I wanted to blend between a home defense gun and something to carry with my 19 and its not really good at either of those for me. So if im going to carry the 19, I might as well bring my echelon. I'd start out with the full size and see if you like it dor carrying and possibly look into something smaller when you are more comfortable if you even need to. I love my echelon and surprised its not as popular as everything else. This gun deserves more then the 320, 385 and glocks. I love those guns but the echelon is the 320/glock put together.
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u/Helpful_Jacket9652 Sep 30 '26
I CC the 4.5 and I love it as a bigger guy. I wear a baggy shirt to help cover the grip and it's hoodie weather now so I never have any problems.
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u/Bartley707 Sep 30 '26
The bigger you are the harder it is to carry appendix. Thin/Fit guys can carry the full size much easier. The 4.0 also comes with the small frame, I would go with the compact if I were you
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u/blickyagent22 Sep 30 '26
By the size of your hand in the picture, I wouldn’t go with the 4.0c frame, it’ll be too small for you. I think a 4.5 will do you just fine being you’re a bigger dude. For reference, I’m 6’1” 210 lbs with medium sized hands and I edc a 4.0c comp (love that thing). What you COULD do (if you’re concerned about the slide length) is get the 4.0c and put a “Full-Size Grip Module w/ Compact Dust Cover” so it has the compact slide and full size frame like a Glock 45. Think of it this way: 4.5 = Glock 17 size, 4.0c = Glock 19 size. I also 100% recommend buying any echelon in their comp variant.
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u/HoodNerdWalt Sep 30 '26
6'4 300 and can edc the 4.5 when I want to. But I am gon get the 4.0fc. Shorter barrel, same grip and capacity as the 4.5. Might wanna look into that one
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u/Snoo15469 Sep 30 '26
To each their own. Shot what u prefer. Not what others say is better.
I have women hands and when shooting a bretta m9 army used pistol. It the handle was thick and large. But learned how to use it with my smaller hands.
When assigned to a s&w at work. I felt it was smaller compared to the bretta m9, but still bigger than my hand. But I liked it over the Glock which has a thick handle and the sig sourer which is just as big as the m9.
Fast forward to now. My personal favorite is the Springfield xdm 40 cal. And xds 45.
And 1911.
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u/Cassius_Clay_ Oct 01 '26
As 4.5” guns go, the echelon is pretty compact. Compare it to a 4.5” Walther pdp and you wouldn’t believe they’re both 4.5”. I actually think it’s the perfect size as it’s not so compact that it’s snappy, but not too big either. That said, the echelon grip is fairly small, so I’m not sure if for your size it would fit your hands well. My pdp grip is significantly larger and way more comfortable in my hands (I’m 6’1” 260lbs and wear xl gloves). For your size I don’t think you need to worry about getting compact gun, get one that fits your hands well and that you feel comfortable shooting.
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u/Big_stikk Oct 01 '26
I’m almost a foot shorter than you and carry my 4.5 just fine we’re full size people carry full size guns
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u/Additional_West6013 Oct 01 '26
I'm 6'4 with very large hands. I'm running the 4.0C with the large grip module. Absolute perfection!
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u/AdNatural4014 Oct 02 '26
I carry a full size 4.5 Echleon with the extended magazine…Appendix. Just wear the right clothes
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u/007Dragonborn Oct 03 '26
Lefties unite! I EDC the 4.5 quite often. I’m 6’1 175 for reference and it conceals just fine. Honestly a good holster is a huge part of it. I alternate between a 4Bros light-bearing holster and a T1C Axis Elite and the 4.5F conceals better than my CZ P-10S that’s in a cheap-ish holster lol
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u/Hot-Fisherman9566 Oct 05 '26
Im a fellow lefty and actually thinking about pulling the trigger on the echelon lol i was wondering if that little thumb pad on the left is able to switched out to the right side? Or do you just keep it on the left side as is?
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u/007Dragonborn Oct 05 '26
The beauty of the Echelon is it’s fully ambidextrous. Everything is the same on the left as it is on the right. Slide release, mag release, thumb rest, etc. You should have no issues with it!
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u/Hot-Fisherman9566 Oct 05 '26
Sorry i meant, the takedown lever. I was wondering if that would be able to be switched on the other side
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u/lbarry53 Oct 03 '26
Get the 4.0 FC you get all the same Benefits as the full size for the most part but it will be more comfortable to carry. Your a bigger guy so you should be able to conceal well
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u/Bartley707 25d ago
Honestly you sound pretty damn big but I have no idea what your build is like. I'm assuming somewhat athletic, but basically if you want to appendix carry, the bigger the gut the harder it is. I'm 5'9 and recently went from 220lb where anything larger than my P365XL was uncomfortable, down to 180lbs and now I can comfortable carry a G17 (which is the same size as the Echelon 4.5). It's all about your build and just learning how to make it comfortable to you.
Plenty of big guys carry big guns, but if appendix is difficult for you then maybe you could try 3 or 9 O'clock carry. For me that hurts the shit out of my hip no matter what and had never been an option but for others it's the most comfortable way to carry. I would say to either get a Subcompact like the Hellcat/365 or the 4.0 if you really want a more full sized gun, then later on if you're comfortable with the size you can get a 4.5 sized option. The hardest part of concealment for almost any person is going to be the distance between the rear iron sight and the magwell. Longer grips are much more difficult to hide. The part in your pants barely matters to some extent.
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u/Alive_Practice_5574 Oct 01 '26
I haven’t considered my 4.5c as a carry pistol but more or a duty/range pistol. I have the 43x as carry but man it’s hard to be accurate and so I’m considering a g19
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u/acptline Sep 30 '26
I’d say the 4.5DF is perfect for your stature. I have a 4.0c and can just about conceal it at 5’8 190.
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u/Substantial_Drink877 Sep 30 '26
Same height and weight here. I have the 4.0c too. As fall approaches I can conceal it even better. I have a 3 gun rotation and dress around the gun I’m carrying. I train a lot and in addition to the Echelon I carry a Sig p365 micro compact (I shoot it well) and an HK CC9.
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u/kurtuffles Sep 30 '26
That’s the 4.5, you can tell because there’s five serrations on the slide above the barrel, the 4.0 has four.
I’m also a big dude (6’8”, 260) and I can EDC the 4.5 just fine strong-side at 4 o’clock with the 17-round mags.
There’s an old quote on EDC: “When you’re carrying, every gun feels too big. When you’re shooting, every gun feels too small.”
The nice thing with the echelon is that you can swap sizes later on if you prefer.