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DECEMBER 3, 2024

Target Sports USA welcomes Katherine Demo as the new Financial Operations Analyst. Katherine has extensive experience in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, making her a valuable addition to the TSUSA team.
WATCHTOWER Firearms announces its nomination for “The Most Innovative Brand of Year” at the 2025 Gundies Awards. This is no ordinary accolade; it’s a recognition reserved for those who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in their field.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it has filed a supplemental brief with the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in its Paris v. Lara case. Last month, the Supreme Court remanded the case following the Court’s Rahimi decision. The brief can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/lara.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it has filed a reply brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of its petition for certiorari (review) in Snope v. Brown (formerly styled Bianchi v. Brown), the FPC Law case challenging Maryland’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners in a long-running challenge of California’s restrictive gun control policies regarding gun shows have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review in a case known as B&L Productions, Inc. v. Newsom
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it has filed a reply brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of its petition for certiorari (review) in Snope v. Brown (formerly styled Bianchi v. Brown), the FPC Law case challenging Maryland’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.”

RSR Group’s 2024 E-Vault Virtual Show featuring Magpul® starts Tuesday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. ET, and concludes on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This unique online event allows dealers to take advantage of incredible deals and savings on Magpul® products available only at www.rsrgroup.com
The Galco Classic Lite 2.0 Shoulder System is now available to fit the GLOCK 43X – whether or not fitted with an optic. This system includes the holster, harness, double ammo carrier and a set of harness fasteners.
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. announced that the Marine Corps Systems Command has achieved Fully Operational Capability for the MRAD MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle a year ahead of schedule. Originally developed through a Special Operations Command contract, the MK 22 transitioned to the Marine Corps via the "Special Operations Forcesto service" process, with contracting led by the U.S. Army.

Outtech announces its partnership with Xpedition Archery, a dynamic brand committed to pushing the boundaries of archery technology with innovative and purpose-driven products. With this partnership, Outtech is poised to help Xpedition Archery reach new heights as a leader in the competitive archery market.
AMMO, Inc. announced that it received an expected deficiency notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of the Nasdaq on November 20, 2024. The Notice indicated that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) as a result of the Company’s failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as described more fully in the Company’s Form 12b-25 Notification of Late Filing filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2024.
NSSF® revealed that the FBI’s NICS completed 613,380 background checks related to firearms for the week leading up to, and including, “Black Friday,” one of the busiest shopping days of the year. That figure is down from 2023’s total of 680,671 for the same time period. The 2024 total is a 9.8 percent decrease from the 2023 figure.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) announces an opening for a Field Representative in Alaska. This pivotal role is designed for an enthusiastic individual committed to promoting the Friends of NRA’s mission through volunteer management and community engagement.
Springfield Armory announced the release of the Echelon 4.0C 9mm, a duty-grade compact pistol engineered for carry. The new Echelon 4.0C is a solid modern striker-fired pistol, but with a shorter 4" barrel and compact frame for enhanced concealability.
NEXTORCH North America announces the NEXTORCH ND30B Civilian Electronic Distraction Device. The ND30B, a powerful distraction device, is designed to deliver intense light and sound for tactical applications. The ND30B provides a non-lethal means to create a tactical advantage.
Beretta USA unveils two exclusive knives crafted in collaboration with Tops Knives™: the Borah Peak and the Crater Moon. These remarkable blades epitomize the perfect blend of cutting-edge innovation, superior quality, and outstanding performance, making them ideal for everyday carry (EDC), self-defense, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Camfour announces the launch of new Camfour Exclusives Heckler and Koch MP5 & HK416 Rifles in Black and FDE. The MP5 is chambered in 22lr, fixed stock, 16.1” barrel with shroud, and a single stage trigger. The HK416 is chambered in 22lr, the classic HK brown finish, aluminum receiver, pistol grip with storage compartment, adjustable flip up sights and more.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms says: “the weekend pardon of convicted firearm felon Hunter Biden by his father, President Joe Biden—who had repeatedly vowed not to exercise this executive power—was a despicable exercise of the political double standard for which the Bidens and other political elitists are infamous.".
The latest episode of the HeadHunters NW Podcast features a fascinating conversation between host Shaylene and Joshua Boomgaarden, owner of Breek Arms. Known for its innovative firearm accessories, Breek Arms has been making waves in the firearms industry with its signature products like the Warhammer and Sledgehammer charging handles.
Davidson’s has received the last shipment of its very limited production run of the exclusive PPK/S “Exquisite”. This limited production of 1,000 units has been completed after the initial partial shipment sold out quickly. Just in time for the holidays, Davidson’s has received its final inventory of this exclusive and, once they’re gone, they’re gone.
FightLite® Industries, a division of ARES Defense Systems® Inc. is pleased to announce that the second US Patent for their HERRING® Model 2024™ – Modern Lever Action Rifle has been granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
German Precision Optics USA (GPO) announces an incredible promotion that aligns with its commitment to excellence in optical technology. When you purchase any CENTURI riflescope with a zero-stop turret, you will receive in the box a certificate for a FREE additional custom-engraved zero-stop turret produced by Kenton Industries.
Silencer Central extends its exciting Black Friday offer through Cyber Monday, and beyond – but you need to act fast! These savings only last while supplies remain. For a limited time, when you purchase any BANISH suppressor priced at $849 or higher, you’ll receive a FREE BANISH 22K-V2 rimfire suppressor, valued at $465.
The holidays are here, and time is running out on the FN Season of Savings rebate program, which features cash-back offers on purchases of most new models in the FN 509®, FN 510®, FN 545® and FNX™-45 series. Be sure to act quickly as the rebate program ends December 31, 2024.
GUNS Magazine hit newsstands in 1955, breaking ground as the first magazine dedicated to firearms. Editor Brent T. Wheat and the GUNS team revisit seven decades of the guns — including a pair of “Great Western revolvers” gracing the cover — history and trends that shaped the magazine’s reputation among enthusiasts and the firearms community at large.
SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range announces the industry-leading manufacturers who have committed as partners for the upcoming 2025 Industry Day at the Range event at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada, on Monday, January 20, 2025.
GunBroker.com announces the "25 Days of Guns" Sweepstakes, an extraordinary event that will captivate firearms enthusiasts this holiday season. Every day from December 1 to December 25, participants will have the chance to enter to win a new firearm, with a special grand prize firearm revealed on Christmas Day.
 

It had to happen, it seemed to me; if you name something “F4.5,” naturally a “C4.0” follows. Or so I’d hoped.

The Echelon was fine and I had no complaints with the F4.5C – the compensator version of the Springfield Armory service 9mm pistol. Both worked 100%, were more accurate than they needed to be, were quite handy and ergonomic – no complaints.

Springfield Armory photo.

But I’m retired from service. A full-sized service pistol would see little use in my world. What I needed was a compact Echelon.

Here it is. Like previous versions, the gun has a billet machined slide, Melonite finished, that is optics ready. The ½” shorter Compact barrel is hammer forged steel, likewise Melonite finished. The 1.2” wide grip surface is compact and well formed, with proper “grippy” stippling. Weighing in at 24 ounces, the gun has my much-preferred tritium/luminescent front sight and “Tactical Rack” U-Dot rear sight. It’s furnished with a pair of 15-round magazines – or with a 15-round flush magazine and an 18-round spare magazine.

Just in case.

The gun ships with the Springfield Armory double-zipper case too.

Like the Echelon F4.5/F4.5C, the new gun is tested to exceed industry-standard drop testing. If that’s not enough, the “central operating group” (their fire control parts component) has a “second sear” design. For some a critical component of a new service or carry pistol is the ability to disassemble the piece without pressing the trigger. The Echelon Compact, like its predecessors, meets that standard.

It should go without saying that, if you drop the pistol you need to let it go to the ground. Don’t try to catch it before it hits the ground. An improper grab can get a digit inside that trigger guard and closing the hand predictably presses that trigger, firing the gun.

Where is the muzzle directed in that circumstance? We’ve had people injured – and, I’m told, killed – by such attempts to prevent finish wear. The people at Springfield Armory tested the gun for drop safety. The best bet is to let it go –

The Echelon Comp F4.5 is under the Echelon Compact C4.0 in this image.

I wondered about the potential difference in velocity between the Compact and the previously evaluated Echelon Comp – full-length barrel, with a comp cut into the barrel and slide.

The results follow:

Load

Echelon Comp

Echelon Compact

Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain FTX +P

1,158 fps

1,136 fps

Federal Personal Defense 124 grain Punch

1,154 fps

1,144 fps

Remington Golden Saber 147

969 fps

982 fps

The difference is negligible. Shooting one gun against the other with the same load – using old stock Cor-Bon 90gr. JHP +P ammo, I found that -- except for blast which was greater in the F4.5 Comp -- it was virtually indistinguishable.

The new gun is shorter, making it every-so-slightly quicker to the first shot out of a holster; this is likely an inconsequential increment.

Trying the Compact on some handling drills, I found I was slow. This is more likely the human component and is no indictment on the new pistol. All hits were in the scoring rings.

Sometime later, I was able to get to a “sort-of” accuracy component with the smaller Echelon. This hurried trip featured heavier projectile 9mm loads, just what I grabbed on the way out the door.

As the range was still soggy from recent (and welcomed) precipitation, I confined myself to the more civilized bullseye bay and shot from 25 yards in a standing “with support” barricade position. While my groups weren’t small, I found the Vortex Defender ST PMO was very helpful in minimizing visual fatigue.

Shooting groups of five- and ten-shot strings, I found that the groups averaged around 4 ½” – but the best three- and best four-hits in each were considerably smaller and what one would expect from a machine rest. The “best” of these were rounded, without a noticeable tendency to stringing vertically. The “old stock” Cor-Bon 147gr. Performance Match ball ammo clustered into around 2 5/8”. The Remington Golden Saber 147gr. Brass-Jacket HP showed a 2 ¼” best effort.

The Hornady 147 grain XTP load slightly bested the others in this gun with a 1 ¾” result.

While just getting a feel for the gun, I shot on the ten-inch plate from fifty yards and hit it four times out of four attempts.

Shooting at distance with the Echelon, using the Vortex optic, made life easy.

Finally, I got to hit the range on a cold day before the holiday break. I shot the Compact on a B-8 center, starting at seven yards, moving to ten and fifteen yards. Up close, I shot one-handed with the nondominant hand. Trying to target the “X,” I conveniently forgot the offset of the dot over the bore. Not much, but it pushed the first two hits into the low “10” ring.

Moving back to seven, I tried five hits with the dominant hand only. Finally, at fifteen yards, I could use two hands. I ended up with a pair of disappointing hits in the “9” ring, but I found the Vortex optic sure made the hits easier to get. Moving to a pistol without optics – and using a timer – I had trouble staying on a larger target at similar distances. The fit, feel and frame texturing all contributed to the performance – even with low-cost Monarch-branded ammo from Academy Outdoors.

This new gun gave me the chance to try the Cipher holster from Henry Holsters. Meant for the Echelon F4.5, the longer holster body is an advantage for the Compact version. It still holds the gun capably and the longer holster body prevents the heavy-when-loaded pistol butt from tipping out away from the body.

Like certain other very good AIWB holsters, I found that I had some issues with it. That’s more of a personal issue than a holster issue, because this thing is well-thought out and well executed. Looking at the price tag tells you a lot, but looking at the finish and the extras provided with the rig fills in the remainder.

It’s slim, can be configured for left- or right-hand use and it uses the excellent Discreet Carry Concepts clips.

The mid-height sweat guard is a plus and optics pose no problems with the Cipher.

It is apparent a lot of thought went into design. It’s a good fit for the Echelon, itself a well-considered, solid service grade pistol.

— Rich Grassi

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