First Thoughts on the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round
The Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round is an extended capacity magazine designed specifically for the Springfield Echelon pistol. Boasting a robust stainless steel construction and a 20-round capacity, this magazine promises enhanced firepower and reliability for both range and tactical applications. With a price point under $40, it immediately piqued my interest as a potential upgrade for my Echelon.
Having carried and trained with various sidearms for over a decade, I’m always looking for ways to improve my gear. More specifically, I needed a higher capacity magazine for my Echelon that I could trust for competition and home defense. I was excited to get my hands on this magazine and test its performance.
Upon unboxing, the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round felt solid and well-built. The black finish was even and the stainless steel body inspired confidence. It had a reassuring weight that spoke to the quality of the materials used.
Compared to the factory 17-round magazine, the extended length was immediately noticeable. I considered aftermarket magazines from companies like Magpul but opted for the Springfield OEM magazine for guaranteed fit and function. My first impression was positive; this magazine felt like a significant upgrade in capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round at my local indoor shooting range. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid fire and magazine changes. I wanted to see how the magazine would perform under simulated stress.
The magazine performed flawlessly. Loading was surprisingly easy, even getting to the 20th round without needing a speed loader. The magazine seated positively every time and fed rounds smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round continues to perform admirably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. It easily outperforms some of the aftermarket magazines I’ve used in other pistols.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth and some solvent keeps it in top condition. The magazine body has held up exceptionally well against scratches and dings. Compared to some other pistol magazines I own, this one seems to be built for the long haul.
Breaking Down the Features of Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This ensures compatibility with the most common pistol cartridge in use today.
- Firearm Fit: Springfield Echelon. This magazine is specifically designed for the Springfield Echelon pistol.
- Capacity: 20rd. This offers a significant increase in firepower compared to standard capacity magazines.
- Color: Black. A sleek, non-reflective finish that blends well with the pistol.
- Material: Stainless Steel. Provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Style: Extended. The extended length allows for the increased capacity.
- Total Rounds: 20. The maximum number of rounds the magazine can hold.
These specifications highlight the magazine’s design for durability and increased capacity. The stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand rigorous use. The extended design directly addresses the need for more rounds, especially in competitive or tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round excels in its primary function: feeding ammunition reliably. It consistently feeds rounds without any jams or malfunctions. This reliability is paramount in a defensive firearm.
The magazine is easy to load and seats securely in the pistol. It meets my expectations for an OEM magazine and exceeds expectations for aftermarket options. There are no notable weaknesses in its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The stainless steel feels robust and the black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The magazine adds a slight amount of weight to the pistol but not enough to significantly impact handling.
The design is intuitive and requires no learning curve. It is as easy to use as the standard capacity magazine. This makes it a seamless transition for any Echelon owner.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the stainless steel construction, this magazine should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed.
The robust design suggests it can withstand considerable abuse. It’s clearly made to endure the wear and tear of regular use. This makes it a reliable choice for both range and carry purposes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round itself doesn’t require accessories, as it is a standalone component. However, it enhances the Echelon’s functionality when paired with other accessories. These include weapon lights, red dot sights, and custom holsters designed to accommodate the extended magazine.
There aren’t direct customization options for the magazine itself, apart from aftermarket baseplates. However, it integrates seamlessly with other Echelon upgrades. This allows for a fully customized and optimized pistol setup.
Pros and Cons of Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers a significant increase in firepower with its 20-round capacity.
- Reliable Feeding: Consistently feeds rounds without malfunctions.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel body provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Easy to Load: Surprisingly easy to load all 20 rounds without a speed loader.
- OEM Quality: Guaranteed fit and function as a Springfield product.
Cons
- Extended Length: The extended length may make it less concealable for some users.
- Price: While reasonable, it’s more expensive than some aftermarket alternatives.
Who Should Buy Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round?
The Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical users, and anyone looking for increased firepower in their Springfield Echelon. It’s also ideal for home defense, where a higher capacity magazine can be a significant advantage. Law enforcement officers and security personnel could also benefit from the increased round count.
This magazine might not be the best choice for those prioritizing maximum concealability. Users with smaller hands might find the extended magazine less comfortable. Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper aftermarket options acceptable.
A must-have accessory to accompany the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round is a quality magazine pouch designed for extended magazines. Also, practicing reloads with the extended magazine is crucial to ensure smooth and efficient magazine changes.
Conclusion on Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round
Overall, the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round is an excellent upgrade for any Springfield Echelon owner. Its increased capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the quality and performance. Considering the cost of aftermarket magazines that may not function as reliably, the Springfield OEM magazine is a smart choice.
I would absolutely recommend the Springfield Magazine Echelon 9mm 20 Round to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their Echelon. It offers a significant improvement in firepower without sacrificing reliability. Upgrade your Echelon today and experience the difference!