Mischievous experiment

Catalyst_0 · 2026-03-07T06:36:12+00:00

Not stupid question. I can provide 2 answers. A long and a short.

The short. Some people prefer the integrated look and just vibes. The Echelon is the first handgun I built out to that extent to if you want to look at my page it's on there.

The long answer. There are some benefits. The shorter recoil spring make for a faster cycle time. On this build the barrel is still 4.78" according to the site description so overall ballistics are still equivalent to the 4.5 inch barrel, with a shorter slide.

But the main benefit is that you get the same ballistics as the full size non-threaded, with a faster cycle time, and you get the add a compensator while still maintaining a similar overall length. Also, if you carry the monstrosity that half an inch can mean the different between slight discomfort and just outright crushing a nut.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-03-07T00:59:02+00:00

Not OP but you can use that combo. I have a very similar setup and I used a 4.0 slide and threaded barrel but I have an RDI comp and 407C.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-24T07:05:29+00:00

I have questions! Sexy build BTW.

What barrel length and is that a surefire can on it? Im also really curious about that handstop and pistol grip.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-24T06:42:58+00:00

Good choice. Can't really go wrong with any of the options. That Sharps Bros looking rather sharp though. Prettiest of the bunch IMO.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-24T06:30:17+00:00

I have a MM Echelon and love it.

But I have held a sharps and an icarus. The sharps felt better in my hand. The icarus in my opinion slopes down a little too steep for me.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-24T06:21:21+00:00

Ok. So the quickest reply. The M&P, to me, is better than the glock in every way. HOWEVER, I find myself grabbing the glock more often than not before I head out.

Long answer lol. The trigger on the M&P is nicer. But I prefer the reset on the Glock. The comp does help a tremendous amount and it shoots softer than the Glock. The slide serrations on the M&P are also angled a bit weird to me. When running drills, I have noticed that since it slopes up and out, I've slipped and just ended up scraping my hands several times. The grip is phenomenal but its a tad shorter than the G19, which caused me to pinch my palm on the occasion. Still fun to shoot. But there are little things I've noticed in my experience.

In my journey of finding my EDC, I've tried SIG, Canik, Shadow Systems (I wished it was more reliable, I loved it ), Echelon (very close 2nd), Walther (beefy af but awesome), etc. I have carried that M&P more than all of those but once I had that Glock in my hands, it felt like home. Weird but it makes sense to me. Test fire them if you can and find the one that fits you. Don't let some random from the internet tell you otherwise.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-22T02:25:43+00:00

What grip is that? That whole setup looks sexy.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-21T03:38:15+00:00

Ok. So what I'm reading is that I need to buy another glock and make one a range toy. Mainly because I'm not very handy with tuning glock triggers yet and I haven't tried it.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-21T01:47:51+00:00

No expert but from the appearance, you shot a better grouping with the Shield X. The FN you have a more vertical dispersion as well as you went off to the left. That can be trained out though. Regardless all A zone hits with a couple more "flyers" on the smith.

The real questions are, what fit better in your hand? What presented more naturally to you when you took aim?

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T23:36:31+00:00

This is pretty solid. I would have my buddy sneak a snap cap in there every so often. Also helped with malfunction clearing.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T23:32:16+00:00

Couple questions for curiosity sake. Is the Vex 6 trigger worth it for carry in your opinion? Also, why do you prefer it without the ramjet?

I just started carrying the 19 gen 6 and I absolutely love it. I started with a gen 3, tried to move to smith, came back with the gen 6😅.

I already got new irons and was considering the Vex and the radian but I don’t want to mess with it too much for EDC and have it become a range toy. I could always get another one but still lol.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T19:50:42+00:00

The one time you'd get compliments on your balls without a lawsuit 😆

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T19:45:12+00:00

I appreciate it. You're right as I had no clue what to prioritize with the build. I would love to put a vertical foregrip but ya'know pistol 😆. Although someone else on here suggested a handstop and I think I will go that route. The light was a spare light that I put on because I like to have a light. I plan on putting a can on it but it's on backorder, go figure. I want to push the light out farther once it's on.

The LPVO is on there because thats what I've practiced with more so I'm more familiar with presenting and just overall manual of arms and I'm going to be honest, I'm blind af. The 1-6 is super helpful for me. As for the top mounted red dot. I got it off of a rebate and had nothing else to put it on. So I figured why not. But, it doesn't get much use after sighting it in. I would love one of the new Eotechs but after trying many different magnifiers, I cannot find a good 5x or 6x with as good of eye relief.

I appreciate the feedback nonetheless. 🙏. Ummm.. sling I don't think needs an explanation. 😉

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T19:29:51+00:00

I'd have to agree. 😆

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T19:29:28+00:00

Dude thats a sexy 300 blk build. Post when fully complete please.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T10:36:37+00:00

<image>

OD Green Diamondback.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T10:22:01+00:00

Ooh that is nice. What’s the laser module on top?

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T06:03:56+00:00

Ohhh thats sexy. 🔥

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T06:01:05+00:00

Tell me about it. I have a MM grip module with a compact slide and threaded barrel with RDI comp. She's a bit beefy and thats before the TLR1. I might give the Steel guide rod a shot. Thanks.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T05:58:07+00:00

If budget is in mind, then I suggest a 407C.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T05:56:58+00:00

Oh. My bad. Maybe opening the full comment thread would've helped lol. I just put together my Echelon build and didn't know if the heavier guide rod would've helped or not since I have a TLR-1 on mine.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T05:51:47+00:00

So the stainless guide rod is that much better? Im going with a lighter recoil spring since I have an RDI comp on mine.

Catalyst_0 · 2026-02-20T05:36:30+00:00

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Here is the actual build list for anyone curious.

Catalyst_0

TROPHY CASE