https://www.springfield-armory...qXZywmmI6gGUg.THiEKg

quote:

With an MSRP of $599, the new Echelon™ Alpha 4.0C 9mm offers a more accessible entry point into the modular Echelon ecosystem. Built around the robust Central Operating Group™, a serialized stainless steel chassis, it delivers a rock-solid foundation for a modern defensive handgun. The Variable Interface System™ enables direct-mount capability for today’s most popular optics, while purpose-driven ergonomics deliver performance where it counts. The Echelon Alpha is ready to perform today and evolve with you over time.

If advertising slogans and buzzwords were on a bingo card, it would check every box. And "ecosystem"? This overshadows what otherwise looks like a nice gun. I do question the ambidextrous magazine release. No matter which hand you shoot with, it looks liable to pop and drop your mag while shooting.

"ecosystem"?

Leave it to SA, Inc

They didn't even bother to label the Grip Zone on this model.

Sorry, I mean Grip Ecosystem.

Marketing departments are a blight on retail sales.

No GripZone no want

I don't want to seem callus, but what does this design do that I can't get from a P320 or Ruger RXM? What is SA's big innovative design with this thing?

The modern striker fired handgun market has been that way for at least a couple decades... At any given time there will be a small handful of popular models and innovators, alongside a slew of "also-rans" with mostly similar features just hoping to get a sliver of the market.

When it comes to making the sale it often comes down to price, brand opinion, and/or personal preference on how the grip feels in hand.

SAI seems to be banking on "Look here, we're marginally cheaper than most of our competitors" as the main selling point here. With a $599 MSRP, street price will likely be around $400ish, since their other Echelon models have a ~$700 MSRP and are running $450-$500 street price.

That undercuts most of their competitors' price point by a little, and puts them in direct competition with the Ruger RXM whose street price is also ~$400, though the RXM has basically the same features but with a much broader aftermarket support since it's basically just a chassified Gen 3 Glock.

But it's got a COP and a VIR !

I guess you have to click on the link to understand the point you're raising. and, yeah, I can't imagine the customer they're talking to.

Maybe they're trying for the gun sommelier character in the John Wick movies.

If an Echelon 4.0C w/ Tritium NS & two mags is currently $449, what will be the street price for an Alpha w/ contrast sights & a single mag, low $300s?

https://www.bereli.com/ec9409b-3d/

quote:

Originally posted by JonDaddy82:
No GripZone no want

LOL

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
I don't want to seem callus, but what does this design do that I can't get from a P320 or Ruger RXM? What is SA's big innovative design with this thing?

Better ergos, better grip texturing, better slide serrations, better sights, far superior optics mounting system, arguably better trigger, metal mags (vs glock), fully ambidextrous, looks better (if that matters), won't shoot you in the dong like the 320 (if you're a believer)...

^^^ The slide serrations did sort of jump out at me.

Well, someone out Sigma’d Smith and Wesson

I'm seeing "ecosystem" turning up, namely in some YouTube videos. One has an apparently live narrator, but with his face covered up by a giant picture of a handgun. I don't care to go back and look; take my word for it.

"At any given time there will be a small handful of popular models and innovators, alongside a slew of "also-rans" with mostly similar features just hoping to get a sliver of the market."

An echosystem.

"Form follows function," they say, but...

I don't know how I could bear looking at myself in the mirror if I carried a gun that ugly.



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Edited to correct poor spelling.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: vthoky,

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
I don't know how I could bear looking at myself in the mirror if I carried a gun that ugly.

Kel-Tec, Taurus, & Ruger would like to have a word w/ you.

Challenge accepted!

I've had a Kel-Tec, and I've got some kind of weird Ruger loyalty...

Let's hit the memory bank:

SP101 and GP100: NOT ugly.
P85 and LCP: not particularly ugly.
Security 9: "Moderately hideous."

Maybe I should be glad I've not (yet) had a Taurus?