Springfield Armory Echelon 9mm vs Walther PDP Full Size 9mm

These two land almost on top of each other: the same 4.5" barrel, the same 8.0" overall length, both optic-ready, both with two magazines, and close in weight, 23.9 oz for the Springfield Armory Echelon 9mm against 24.0 oz for the Walther PDP Full Size 9mm. The PDP holds one more round at 18+1, stands 0.1" shorter (5.4" vs 5.5") and is 0.14" wider (1.34" vs 1.2"). Listed trigger pulls are 5.5 lb and 5.6 lb. The sights differ: a tritium front with a Tactical Rack U-Dot rear on the Echelon, a 3-dot white polymer front with an adjustable rear on the PDP. The PDP lists a 6.9" sight radius; Springfield does not publish one for the Echelon. MSRP is $710 and $699.

Pick the Springfield Armory Echelon if:

• You want the narrower gun at 1.2" against 1.34"
• You want a tritium front sight and a rear you can rack one-handed, both from the factory
• You are carrying a full-size duty gun concealed, where 0.14" of width shows

Pick the Walther PDP Full Size if:

• You want 18+1 instead of 17+1
• You want an adjustable rear sight rather than a fixed one
• You want interchangeable backstraps to size the grip, and a loaded chamber indicator

Barrel, overall length, weight and listed trigger pull are effectively tied, and the MSRPs are $11 apart. It comes down to the PDP extra round, adjustable rear and backstraps against the Echelon narrower 1.2" width and tritium front sight.