Springfield Armory SA-35 Hi-Power, once scarce, now "Plentiful"...

[canoeguy]

I have been lusting after a Springfield Armory SA-35 Hi-Power since they first came out a couple of years ago. Like most desirable guns when first offered, they were hard to get. I noted they were listed as "In Stock" at Midway USA, so asked my local shop to order one for me. He found a distributer with some in stock, and before you know it, several other distributers e-mailed him with offers if he bought multiples of them. Sign of the times, gun sales slow in general? Anyway, he got it for me at $699, no shipping or transfer fee, I picked it up today:





I ran about 70 rounds through it this afternoon, some 115 grain FMJ and my pet cast lead hand load. It really likes the cast lead for accuracy, so I'll be loading up a bunch more for it. No real accuracy report to make right now, but the trigger feels nice, pistol points like a laser beam in my hand, I am anticipating fun times ahead. I ordered a Bianchi "Pistol Pocket" IWB holster for it and several spare magazines, so will go afield with it next week when the holster arrives.

My dealer said he hadn't sold but one gun (a hunting rifle) in the last month, and he's the only shop within 30 miles of me. He sells guns as a side business from a convenience store, so gas, cigarettes and beer are keeping him going till the next run on guns.....

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I was thinking about buying one of the new SA pistols but just bought a 1960s era Browning Hi Power so that itch is scratched. This pistol is like new...so possibly buying a SA version for a shooter is a possibility. The Hi Power...at least to me...is the most elegant pistol designed and made. The 1911 is purposeful looking...the Hi Power is a work of art in steel.

 

[LVSteve]

Seems like there is a gun glut at the moment, judging from the screaming deals I keep seeing in my email. I see the LE surplus turn-in Glock 22s are down to $270 again, just as they were immediately before COVID.

 

[Norton 750]

I have to admit, even as a long time 1911 guy, nothing fits my hand better than the classic Browning Hi Power. Looks like a nice version!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

They're just lovely machines.........

Browning HP/Portugal assembly/custom grips

 

[cruiserdan]

As a footnote the SA35 15 round magazines function just fine in my 1985 Hi Power.

 

[moonsterman]

My understanding is the 15rd mag are mec gar with the stabilizing legs cut off to fit in the extra two rds.....I might be wrong on that , as you cant believe everything you read.

 

[cruiserdan]

My understanding is the 15rd mag are mec gar with the stabilizing legs cut off to fit in the extra two rds.....I might be wrong on that , as you cant believe everything you read.

They do have "Made in Italy" stamped in them. The finish is polished dark blue throughout. Which doesn't match the Browning (or SA for that matter) finish.

 

[lihpster]

When I finally ran across one it had come in with several more. I asked if they had 2 with consecutive serials. When he said yes, this happened. Some new grips to keep the originals in perfect shape and a left hand holster, to go with the right hand I already had, and I'm ready to hit the town in style.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

When I finally ran across one it had come in with several more. I asked if they had 2 with consecutive serials. When he said yes, this happened. Some new grips to keep the originals in perfect shape and a left hand holster, to go with the right hand I already had, and I'm ready to hit the town in style.

You just need a Lone Ranger rig for them.

 

[moonsterman]

I looked at them , but owning three HP already I decided to put the funds elsewhere. Though if they would make a run in the practical finish (which to me is the best looking HP) I might reconsider it.

 

[Ameshawki]

Got one when they first came out. Just lucked into it at a local shop. I like it, I like a lot. In fact I sold my Browning (at a modest profit). Catching up with demand finally. Gun sales around here are holding up but certainly nothing like panic level. More a case of getting back to normal volumes.

 

[rockquarry]

I was thinking about buying one of the new SA pistols but just bought a 1960s era Browning Hi Power so that itch is scratched. This pistol is like new...so possibly buying a SA version for a shooter is a possibility. The Hi Power...at least to me...is the most elegant pistol designed and made. The 1911 is purposeful looking...the Hi Power is a work of art in steel.

I've always liked the looks of a P38, but the original Hi Power is certainly the classiest looking of all 9mm handguns. By comparison, makes the striker guns look like simple garden tools.

 

[Skyhunter]

The more you shoot that pistol, the more you're gonna love it.
I've always admired the Browning HP. Problem was they left me bloody after shooting only one magazine (13 rds.), even with the different hammer styles. So, I never bought one.
Springfield's version was/is a bucket list dream come true for me. I've had mine for about 4 months now and I really enjoy shooting it. Especially since it "doesn't leave a mark!" on me. LOL!

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[CZU]

I was thinking about buying one of the new SA pistols but just bought a 1960s era Browning Hi Power so that itch is scratched. This pistol is like new...so possibly buying a SA version for a shooter is a possibility. The Hi Power...at least to me...is the most elegant pistol designed and made. The 1911 is purposeful looking...the Hi Power is a work of art in steel.

Nice looking FN Capitan!!

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Just got an email from a local chain of gun shops . They also put on gun shows all over Fl. They advertise it for $749 , might just have to go look at them . But then I don't know if my S&W's will let it stay in their safes .

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

MidwayUSA has the SA-35 on weekly special at $699.99 right now.

 

[gunbarrel]

I recently traded for a 1961 Browning Hi-Power made in Belgium, the last year they had the internal extractor. I sent it to BHSpringsSolutions in Indiana to have them go through it and replace any worn internal parts, starting with the springs. IMHO, they are the experts in HP's, bar none. I set aside the original magazine with the aluminum follower, and bought a couple of Mec-Gar magazines made in Italy. Can't wait to get it back; it's John Browning's last design and it fits my hand like a glove. When JB passed, his understudy at FN took over the project, finally completing it in 1935.

Browning Hi-Power, 1911, CZ75, Makarov Home

 

[gunbarrel]

MidwayUSA has the SA-35 on weekly special at $699.99 right now.

WOW! Heck of a price.

 

[Valmet]

Hi-Powers are an old favorite of mine. I’ve handled the SA-35 and like it, however I’d really love it if they introduced an aluminum framed model.