Browning Hi Power VS Springfield SA 35

Harry Callihan · Dec 9, 2022

I just purchased a new SA 35 yesterday. Been wanting one for a while but wasn't going to pay stupid money for it. I found this at a local GS at a good price and bought it. I compared it to my original HP bought new in 1969. Springfield did a pretty good job nailing down the similarities.

Rock185 · Dec 9, 2022

I agree. I've had I don't know how many FN/Browning Hi Powers since the '60s, and I think SA has done a good job with their SA-35. Had mine for several months now, and have something over a thousand rounds through it. Thus far, no issues.

Ameshawki · Dec 9, 2022

Owned both. Sold the Browning. The Springer was tighter, more accurate and had a better trigger.

Grayfox · Dec 9, 2022

I own both plus FEG and FM clones. The SA-35 is the original Hi-Power plus the most desired upgrades right outta the box. So its the better pistol.
But to be honest, my favorite is the FM Detective. I just love the size of it. I hope Springfield has plans to build a Detective version. I WILL buy one.

Farmer17 · Dec 10, 2022

I have a mid 80s MK III High power that I really love but if I could get stupid money for it would probably sell it and get the Springfield. I've heard great things about them but I wish they would have put a more traditional looking rear sight on it.

skwchock · Dec 10, 2022

Browning hi power is the gold standard..

SnidelyWhiplash · Dec 10, 2022

I’ve always been a 1911 fan but while “Old Slabsides” is a very purposeful looking pistol…the High Power is simply pure elegance in form.

Richard Simmons · Dec 10, 2022

Perhaps it’s just the angle of the photos but the Springfield looks thicker through the grip frame.

6518John · Dec 10, 2022

I got a kick out of a recent thread where I believe the Canadian military was replacing all it’s Hi-Powers with some problematic new polymer pistol. I thought, “this is an easy solution, stick with the Hi-Power! And if yours are worn out, order a bunch from Springfield.” Bet they would be glad to have the contract.

huthike · Dec 10, 2022

Wish my pre ordered Springfield would arrive…only one I’ve actually seen was at the NRA show in Houston.

Wyo · Dec 10, 2022

Richard Simmons said:
Perhaps it’s just the angle of the photos but the Springfield looks thicker through the grip frame.

Yeah, that’s just the photo. The SA-35 is not thicker through the grip frame. I have both and I prefer the SA-35 for shooting, as opposed to collecting. Springfield solved all of the Hi Power’s old problems - sights, lousy trigger and tiny safety - right out of the box, and it’s a better gun. They’re finally getting into stores now too. I was in 4 gun shops yesterday and 3 of them had SA-35’s in stock, all priced at $679. I’m tempted to buy another.

Hair Trigger · Dec 10, 2022

I've seen a couple of the SA-35's, they look really nice but I've not shot one yet. I'd be very interested in one, but I don't care all that much for 9mm, I only own one pistol chambered for it and rarely shoot it (and it is a SA pistol). I like that SA kept to the original design and also decided to delete the magazine disconnect. Had it not been for the French, the original wouldn't have had one either.

I do have a BHP, though, a MkIII chambered in .40S&W and absolutely love it. I shoot it frequently, it's the most accurate semiauto I have. I removed the disconnect from mine.

LVSteve · Dec 10, 2022

skwchock said:
Browning hi power is the gold standard..

I've known a few British servicemen who would get a good laugh out of that statement.

otis24 · Dec 10, 2022

I heard that they have a few bugs, maybe feeding problems. I’m waiting to see if they come out with a stainless version or a shortened “detective “ version.

Or perhaps it was extraction problems.

moralem · Dec 10, 2022

Good bad or ugly the hi power is iconic.

hyena · Dec 10, 2022

First, my Hi Power was the first handgun I ever bought, back around 1976. So it would be my sentimental choice. Second, I don't like Springfield Armory, and don't plan to ever buy any of their products. Not a huge 9mm fan anyway. I only own the one.

31FordA · Dec 10, 2022

I got my SA-35 back in April, have put close to a thousand rounds of ball and hollow point thru it since then. Never had a single jam so far, it’s accurate, I’m very pleased overall. Everyone who has shot it has been impressed with it. Several friends would buy one if they could find one, but availability seems to have gotten worse instead of better.

biku324 · Dec 10, 2022

LVSteve said:
I've known a few British servicemen who would get a good laugh out of that statement.

I know quite a few US mil that aren't enthusiastic about the 1911. Whatever someone makes you carry isn't always your favorite.

ISCS Yoda · Dec 10, 2022

biku324 said:
I know quite a few US mil that aren't enthusiastic about the 1911. Whatever someone makes you carry isn't always your favorite.

Oh, so very, very true!!!!

I coveted a BHP after I saw the movie "Serpico" during my misspent youth. I finally obtained one a couple of years ago. And then, later, just for grins, I bought an Israeli Kareen replica of the BHP.

Just because..........

iscs-yoda-albums-pistols-all-brands-picture18276-browning-hi-power-portugal-assembly-israeli-kareen-grip-switch-right.jpg

I bought new, wooden grips for the BHP and put its grips on the Kareen and got rid of the rubber.

CajunBass · Dec 11, 2022

I've owned a couple of FEG's and an FM over the years, but never an actual Browning (or FN). I haven't seen a Springfield yet, but I did buy a Girsan a few months ago. It's not as pretty but seems to shoot well, and was priced right, at just over $500.00 out the door.

The only "problem" I've had is I had to take a sight pusher and move the front sight over. It was clocked to the left, but it's in a dovetail, so correcting it wasn't a problem. It scratches my itch for a HP type pistol.

Browning Hi Power VS Springfield SA 35

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