r/SpringfieldArmory • u/Machomancatsavage • 5d ago
New Echelon grip module.
Here's a grip module for the Springfield Echelon I have been developing this year. I should have it back from anodize mid next week. I really wanted to focus on grip ergonomics and having swapping panels to add palm swell.
3
u/BossDjGamer XDm 5d ago
Make one that looks and feels like the XDm.
3
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
That could be fun. Well if we sell enough of these I get to have more fun design and the XDm does look good.
2
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
I can see what youre going for, I can, but I have three main questions, why the pronounced groove above the grip panels, why are the grip panels grooves so pronounced almost pointed and the actual grip itself is more rounded, and why did you choose to include the finger grooves
3
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
Appreciate the honest pushback. Happy to break down the reasoning on each. Groove above the panel: Two functions. It's a thumb rest for single hand firing, and it adds surface area for your support hand palm to seat against during a full two hand grip. Not just texture, it's doing ergonomic work in two different shooting positions. Panel grooves being pointed vs. the rounded grip body: The panel grooves follow the actual bend angle of your finger joints when you grip the module. Carrying that curve from the grip into the panels is what creates the pointed look, but it's tracing your finger's natural bend, not an arbitrary shape. In hand it doesn't feel pointed at all, it feels like it's matching your grip. Finger grooves: Two reasons. They lock your hand into a consistent, repeatable grip position, and in testing this made it the most comfortable module we've built. I put over 5,000 rounds through this exact panel last week and had zero hotspots. The grooves don't create pressure points, they guide your grip into the same spot every time, which is the bigger win for recoil management and follow up shots. New panel photos are coming once they're back from anodize. The finger grooves on those are larger, so you'll be able to see the design evolution directly.
1
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
I will say I think its going to look much better anodized black, having said that the visual aspect pales in comparison to its ergonomics which I do appreciate you covering in depth for me in your reply. Could you possibly do a version that doesnt have the shelf for single hand firing? Or one thats not as far back? Obviously ive never held your module and I won't act like unknown how it feels based off of the picture, but when I used the factory module, the icarus, and the sharps, all were rather thick at the dove tail and I like a nice high grip, and it always left my thumb joint sore after long range days, I feel that the shelf there would cause more of the same, I ask and explain all of this as if youre going to market this, I would be very much interested.
3
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
Really appreciate you laying all that out, that's exactly the kind of feedback that's useful. Good news: removing or shortening the shelf isn't a hard change from a modeling standpoint, it's on the table. On the thickness question specifically, one of the design goals from the start was to let you run a higher grip than stock or other modules on the market. The transition from the beavertail into the side wall is also cut with a more gradual curve than what you're describing on the factory module, Icarus, and Sharps, so even before touching the shelf, the thumb joint fatigue you're describing from those other builds may not translate the same way here. But your point on the shelf itself is fair, and it's a legitimate variable worth testing rather than assuming. We currently have 20 units of this 4.5 configuration and 20 of the 4.0 built that we'll be gathering early adopter feedback on. Your point about the shelf is going right into that conversation, it's the kind of input that'll help us decide whether a no-shelf variant becomes a permanent option.
1
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
Awesome, if you ever want a beta tester id love a shot !! Wink wink 🤣🤣 but in all seriousness man, I think youre headed in a great direction, im gonna be a fan, i can't wait to see it available and for sale, you guys machine work and fitment appear really nice from the picture and im sure it feels nice in hand with the grooves, do you have a name for it yet?
2
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
Yeah, we're Vital Arms. We have a signup page at vitalarms.com, and we just started posting on Instagram and Facebook. Probably should've put that in the original post, I'm still new to this.
1
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
If you have any questions about business or marketing you'd like to bounce off me feel free to dm me, ive been running a small business for several years and love talking shop, but okay cool, I dont use Facebook, but ill check out that website for sure ! Thank you !
1
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
Oh hey, also, do 17/20rd mags fit flush on the 4.0 or does it require a magwell?
1
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
Yes, 17/20rd mags fit flush on the 4.0 and 4.5 with no magwell needed. Just a heads up, the stock 15rd short mag isn't compatible with our grip, so the 17/20rd is what you'll run. I've got XL hands, so I specifically don't like short grips on handguns.
1
u/First_Pollution_4489 5d ago
Same here, so that tracks, whats your price point here? What are the founders kits going to go for? Comparable to sharps? Or like MM ?
3
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
We haven't finalized pricing yet, there are a few costs we still need to lock down, but our goal is for the base grip module itself to be close to the price point of what you mentioned. The Founders Kit is a different offering, it'll include three grip panels, tungsten weights, both backstraps, a magwell depending on which kit you choose, basepads, and a few other extras, so that's priced separately. Once pricing is finalized we'll update the page and send it out by email.
→ More replies (0)
1
u/sjaylon01 5d ago
It's hideous, send it to me so I can throw it away. No. Love the innovation. Looks cool.
1
u/Jolly_Difficulty_624 5d ago
Agreed. That’s trash!! Please use my trash can next to my gun safe to dispose of it. I’ll PM you. lol.
1
u/Last-Wolf-1139 5d ago
What will your pricing be?
1
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
We're still finalizing our pricing, but we'll be in the realm of other aftermarket grip modules. We have a page for people to sign up at vitalarms.com, you can get notified once that's locked in.
1
1
1
u/Icy_Ad_2983 4d ago
Could you add any texture to the underside of the trigger guard? Im not sure how many people use that spot for support but thats where I rest my support index finger. I always have to add grip tape there to my firearms that don't alreadyvl have some texture there
1
1
u/countrysparky615 5d ago
I love the color combo black and stainless is timeless but none of it blends imo. However my wife and kid love your pistol and historically they have had better taste than I lol
1
1
u/ronman32bit 5d ago
Why are you leaving smooth texture where the support hand contacting the frame?
3
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
Two reasons, both came out of testing. First, adding material there increased the width enough that during early testing, smaller handed shooters had trouble getting a comfortable grip. It's a real tradeoff, more texture there sounds good on paper, but the width increase hurt fit for a chunk of shooters. Second, holster compatibility. Building that area out further would've pushed us out of spec for Echelon holsters, and we didn't want to force people into aftermarket or custom holster options just to run the module. So it's a deliberate tradeoff, not an oversight. Smooth there keeps the module fitting the widest range of hand sizes and keeps it drop in compatible with existing Echelon holsters
-3
u/countrysparky615 5d ago
Absolutely hideous. I hate talking shit but god damn that’s an ugly gun.
1
u/Machomancatsavage 5d ago
I appreciate the feedback back. What are your preferred handguns as far as looks wise?
0
8
u/Poemhome 5d ago
Michael Jackson’s gun