Will Dabbs spent years believing Army aircrews needed something more capable than a service pistol if they went down behind enemy lines. Decades later, Springfield might've finally delivered. He took the 5.5-inch, 32-round 9mm Springfield SAINT Victor PDW to the range to test its recoil, control and reliability.

The original Echelon had already set a high bar. Then Springfield shortened the slide to four inches and mounted an Aimpoint COA deep in the A-CUT. Three 9mm loads would show whether this carry-focused version gave anything up.

Competitive shooter Julie Golob discusses self-discipline, competing, and the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC.

Polymer-framed, optics-ready pistols have become the concealed-carry default. Brad Fitzpatrick carried and range-tested the opposite: 29.8 ounces of forged steel, walnut grips and a single-action trigger. Five 9mm loads at 25 yards would show whether the shortened SA-35 still earns room in a modern holster.

Will Dabbs bought the first Echelon he ever picked up. Springfield has since mated that full-size frame to a compact slide, and what came out is a duty pistol you can hide under a t-shirt without giving up a single round.