Launching into a crowded field already full to bursting, the Springfield Armory Echelon has a high bar to clear if it aims to impress “gun guys.” After going hands-on with his test model for the January issue of GUNS, Will Dabbs, MD claims, “I can honestly report it cleared the bar by a wide margin. The Echelon flirts with ballistic perfection.”

Of its many attractive and modular features, this latest 9mm entrant from Springfield comes standard with a tactical rack U-notch rear sight, aggressive slide serrations, a flared rear to assist with racking, three interchangeable backstraps and a flush-fitting 17-round magazine (or state-compliant versions for places like New York and California).

Is the snub-nosed revolver mechanically accurate enough to make long-distance hits? Clayton Walker believes so — but not without some serious practice. In “Snubbies — It’s Not Just You: They Are Hard To Shoot!” he considers the practicalities (and limitations) of the short-barreled platform. Ultimately, he argues, “they can be mastered, and the journey can even be fun!”

The Jan. Firearms Package Giveaway sets an exciting tone for 2024, featuring a Red Arrow Weapons 300 Blackout pistol package. The pistol is chambered in .300 AAC and sports a 10" chrome-moly barrel, 9" M-LOK Battle Rail handguard, Magpul K2+ pistol grip and 30-round Magpul P-Mag. The winner will also receive a Protac 2.0 Rail Mount Long Gun Light from Streamlight. Valued at $1,696, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing by visiting GunsMagazine.com/giveaways.

Other points of interest in the Jan. issue include Editor Brent T. Wheat’s honest admission to a notorious habit among many shooters: hoarding. In GUNS Insider, Wheat recalls a comical series of events that may have finally convinced him to stop playing packrat. Erick Gelhaus discusses shooting stances and their evolution in the Make Ready column. From Weaver to isosceles and bladed to balanced, what works for some isn’t always what works for most but they all begin from the same starting point.

Discover more content at GunsMagazine.com and download GUNS Magazine Podcasts, including, “Gun Data Is Your Friend!” Follow the GUNS team on YouTube: youtube.com/guncranks and youtube.com/fmgpubs. Purchase the January issue of GUNS or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.