The Springfield Echelon we got from Brownells a few weeks back brings a fresh approach to optics mounting with its innovative system, allowing shooters to mount a variety of red dot sights without the need for additional adapter plates. This advancement in design has garnered attention from both casual shooters and professionals alike, particularly those seeking modularity and ease of use when equipping their handgun with a red dot.
At the heart of the Echelon’s optic mounting system is its patented Variable Interface System (VIS). The VIS is a multi-footprint optic mounting platform that can accommodate a wide range of red dot sights by adjusting to different optic footprints directly on the slide. Instead of relying on a universal plate or a series of different plates to accommodate different optics, the VIS features a cut with multiple mounting positions. These mounting positions are strategically placed to match the common hole spacing of popular red dot sights. This means that the optic is secured directly to the slide, without adding height or the extra complexity associated with an adapter plate.
Traditional handgun optics systems often require the use of adapter plates that sit between the pistol and the red dot. While this method works, it comes with a few downsides. First, it adds extra height to the optic, raising the bore axis of the red dot, which can affect sight alignment and the overall handling of the gun. Additionally, more components, such as adapter plates, mean more potential points of failure, especially under heavy recoil or prolonged use. Springfield’s VIS eliminates this problem by creating a direct mounting solution, which maintains a lower profile and offers a more secure attachment.
The Echelon’s VIS system is designed to be versatile and future-proof. With optics technology continually evolving, Springfield recognized the need for a mounting system that could adapt to newer optics without requiring an entirely new slide or gun. The VIS’s flexibility ensures that the Echelon can be compatible with the vast majority of optics currently on the market and many future designs.
The material and construction of the slide play a critical role in the effectiveness of the VIS. Springfield machines the Echelon’s slide from high-quality steel, ensuring that the mounting positions are both durable and precisely manufactured. Each mounting hole is reinforced to handle the stresses of recoil, making sure that optics remain securely attached, even after thousands of rounds. The direct mounting of the optic into the slide also helps preserve the structural integrity of the gun, avoiding the need to modify the slide with additional hardware.
In terms of user experience, the VIS system simplifies the optics mounting process. Instead of searching for the right adapter plate or worrying about compatibility, users can simply select their preferred optic, align it with the correct mounting positions, and secure it directly to the slide. This ease of installation makes the Echelon more accessible to shooters of all experience levels, whether they’re seasoned professionals or those mounting a red dot for the first time.
The Springfield Echelon’s optic mounting system reflects a broader trend in the firearms industry towards modularity and user-friendly customization. By eliminating the need for adapter plates, Springfield has created a solution that reduces complexity, enhances durability, and offers greater compatibility with the wide variety of optics available today.