In this Sharps Bros. Echelon aluminum grip module review, Scott Conditt installs and tests the capabilities of this unit with a Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F pistol. How easy is it to install? How well does it shoot? These are two of the questions the author sets out to answer. The grip module was provided by the company for review.
I have been running the Echelon 4.5F semi-automatic pistol hard for more than a year now. With thousands of rounds through it and more range sessions under my belt than I can count, it’s safe to say it has become my go-to sidearm during training.
I have told numerous friends and family that, out of the box — from its exceptional ergonomics to its overall reliability and performance — the stock gun is one of my favorite polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols. Hands down.
That being said, the fact it features the Central Operating Group serialized chassis makes customizing and changing the gun downright simple. Just pull the Springfield Echelon chassis out, and you can fit your Echelon out with a new polymer grip module in a range of sizes and colors.
Up to this point, the most I had done with the grip was to change out the various backstrap size options (the pistol comes with three — small, medium and large) and apply an adhesive-textured grip enhancement from Talon Grips. Although I did appreciate the extremely aggressive feel of the grip enhancement tape, my conclusion was that the Echelon’s Adaptive Grip Texture on the grip module is hard to beat for stock grips in terms of control, comfort, and overall retention in hand.
[For additional information on the pistol, read Massad Ayoob’s Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F review.]
I thought the pistol was about as good as it could get, until Springfield came out with a new variant: the Echelon 4.5F Comp. Featuring an integral compensator with a single port cut into the hammer-forged slide and barrel, this reduces muzzle rise and allows for faster, more accurate follow-up shots on target. I had to try it out, so I put in an order for one.
The feeling of enhanced control and being able to regain your target more smoothly and quickly is indeed noticeable with the Echelon 4.5F Comp. This seemingly small design change-up produced an immediate and significant difference for me during training, and served as an example of how such incremental design improvements can elevate an already exceptional design further.
A New Option
If you train often and take it seriously, you know you are always looking for those incremental differences that will increase your capability when it comes to accuracy, speed and control.
As noted, the Central Operating Group of the Echelon makes the design very modular, with it extremely easy to swap out parts. This, in turn, opened the door for all sorts of grip modules and third-party options. I recently had a chance to try out one of the aftermarket options that is available on the Springfield Armory Store, and I am glad I did.
That option is the Sharps Bros. Grip Module for the Echelon. This sleek and aggressively designed grip module with separate grip panels is machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum. It is currently offered in three variations from Sharps Bros.
There is the SBGM18 version with black aluminum grips and a Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish on the module, the all-back SBGM17 variant with an anodized black finish and black aluminum grip panels, and the SBGM16. It is this last one that is available on the Springfield Armory Store, and the one I ordered. Pricing is $325.95. This version features a black anodized finish on the grip module, and is accented with attractive Brazilian Cherry wood grips.
The Details
One of the first things I noticed, aside from the stunning look of this module, was that the Sharps Bros. module had a decent heft to it. Weighing in at 8 oz. with the wood panels, the aluminum grip module is roughly double the weight of the OEM polymer grip module from Springfield. But this is not a negative in my opinion. To the contrary, it would make the pistol’s minimal recoil even easier to control.
However, I do want to point out that there is more the Sharps module than simply a change in construction and materials. The Sharps Bros. module features a steeper grip angle than that of the standard Echelon polymer frame, and also has unique texturing on the front- and backstrap areas. Adding to this tactile experience is the fact that the very attractive wooden grip panes have a bordered area of checkering, with small sections of smooth wood at the top and rear of the panels.
Like the original Echelon grip module, the Sharps unit features ambidextrous textured thumb ledges forward of the takedown lever area, but with a checkered pattern. The Sharps module also features an accessory rail on the dustcover area with three cross slots, ensuring you can fit a wide range of lights and lasers easily on the pistol.
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To ensure fast and effective reloads, Sharps Bros. also offers an optional 7075-T6 aluminum flared magazine funnel. As this was also available on the Springfield Armory Store, I ordered this along with the grip module. Pricing is $49.95.
Per the Sharps Bros. website, only use this extended magwell if you are planning a full-size 4.5F Echelon build (that uses the 17- or 20-round magazines). Without the funnel, the grip module can seat the 4.0C’s shorter 15-round magazine flush.
Installation
As noted, removing the Central Operating Group and changing out the OEM polymer grip module is very easy. After fully ensuring the pistol is clear and safe, lock the slide to the rear. Rotate the takedown lever clockwise until it rests in the vertical position, and then — while maintaining control of the slide assembly — release the slide catch and pull the slide assembly forward and off of the frame.
Remove the disassembly lever by pulling it outward halfway, then rotate it counterclockwise while pulling outward until the lever is removed.
To remove the Central Operating from the module, press up on the slide catch levers and push the chassis forward. Once the slide catch and chassis move forward just a little bit, press the trigger and the entire assembly should be freed up to remove it from the grip module.
To remove the magazine release, which you will re-install on the new frame, you will need to use a punch. Lucky for you, the Echelon comes with an armorer’s tool built into each of the grip module’s included three interchangeable backstraps. Lightly tap and push out the pin above the magazine release, and the spring, locking mechanism and magazine release button should all dislodge. The module is now disassembled.
Now it’s time to install the Echelon parts in the Sharps Bros. module. I recommend installing the mag release assembly in first, as it can be very difficult to get into place if you don’t do this at the front end of the process.
Place the spring into the recessed area in the module, then pass the button through the side of the module followed by the locking mechanism on top of the spring in the center of the button. Push this mechanism down until the pin holes line up, which will allow you to reinsert the pin through those holes. Check the ambidextrous mag release by pressing the button on both sides, checking for proper release.
Now, it’s time to reinsert the Central Operating Group. Insert the front of the module into the recessed grooves and press downward on the rear of the chassis. As you press down on the Central Operating Group, depress the trigger and the chassis should slide into place.
The takedown lever holes should now be aligned with the frame. To install the takedown lever, begin by inserting it in the vertically opened position so that the angled cut on the lever is facing the trigger bar linkage. Gently rotate it back and forth while providing pressure, and it should pop back into place with just a little pressure. Line up the takedown lever with the opposite hole, and then rotate it around the thumb ledge clockwise until it reaches the horizontal position. Now, press it into place.
Rotate the takedown lever to the open position and then reinstall your slide, and lock the slide fully back with the slide lock. Next, rotate the takedown lever down and release the slide forward. You should now test the empty pistol to ensure cycling is smooth and consistent, the trigger resets properly, and the slide locks back on an empty magazine without issue. The entire process shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
To round out the package, I installed a Streamlight TLR-1 HL. I also found that the gun with the new grip module still fit my QVO Tactical holster perfectly.
Range Time
After completing the swap-out, I hit the range with my newly enhanced Echelon in the Sharps Bros. grip module. I was really looking forward to comparing the new experience with using the OEM module.
My first impression was how “substantial” the gun felt in hand. This was not only due to the added heft, but it was the combination of the Sharps Bros ergonomics, the added weight of the new aluminum frame, and the deeply textured sections along select portions of the frame. Additionally, the palm swell design and the textured-and-raised thumb ledges fit my hand perfectly. Thanks to the magazine funnel, inserting magazines was smooth and fast. Additionally, the magazine seated flawlessly.
Taking aim downrange and firing, I noted that the added heft of the Sharps module along with the integral compensator of the pistol made the sensation of felt recoil nearly non-existent. I spent the next hour running a few hundred rounds through the pistol, doing mag swaps and various drills. I experienced zero issues or malfunctions throughout the session.
Conclusion
Shooting is a very personal experience. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, little tips and tricks, and modifications they like to show off and compare with buddies at the range. In brief, the Sharps Bros. Grip Module is an enhancement to an already excellent shooting experience with the Echelon.
One of the coolest things for me about modular firearms systems like the Echelon is the ability to keep everything that runs well intact while easily modifying things such as the grip and control surfaces. The Sharps Bros. Grip Module is a great option for this. For my money, it’s a great way to dress up your Echelon pistol.
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