Thoughts on the new SA-35

[JohnRippert]

Just a couple thoughts on Springfield's SA-35.

First, I am a bit disappointed that they left the edges of the beavertail so sharp. I read another review online that mentioned this. I expect that with modern CNC machines they felt there would not be any need to add a extra step in the manufacturing process as a cost saver. Looking at both my FN and Browning badged Hi Powers, both have soft edges and well rounded corners on their beavertails. Definitely going to have to stone the sharp bits down this weekend and cold blue. Should have spent the time to do that Springfield.

Second thing I noticed is they seem to have set the recoil springs of these up as if everyone will be using +P ammo in theirs. I did have a couple mags not lock back on a empty during my first range session. The recoil springs on this SA-35 are noticeably longer than both the Browning spring and the BHSpringSolutions replacement springs I have purchased in the past. Set them all next to each other and the SA spring is a half inch longer than both the others. I stuck one of my 17lb BHSpringSolutions replacements in and tossed the SA recoil spring into the pistol box. Will see if that helps on my next visit to the range.

 

[Tim Tom]

Following this thread

 

[AJ]

Interested to see what else comes to light.

 

[S&W Fan]

Sorry to hear of the issues you're having. I too have one and the fit in my hand is perfect, no sharp edges that I've noticed in the one outing last weekend of 200 rounds. I have 3 of the Springfield 15rd mags with another one the way. All of the 3 "snick" in to place and drop free without issue.

I will say the fit and finish on my example is top drawer. I love the sights though I'll eventually replace the front with a night sight with orange or green/yellow circle around the dot. The trigger does feel a bit lighter after the range session than at the beginning. I'm very happy with the accuracy of the pistol. I'll be running it again this weekend as it's just so much fun to shoot.

I don't have a Browning to compare springs to and I tested 115gr fmj Browning ammo and some Gold Dot 124+P. Didn't notice any feel of it being oversprung with the lighter fmj range ammo. I do like to keep spare springs on hand, will be ordering a Wolff set and will report back if there's a difference in the recoil spring.

Over on 1911addicts some guys have mentioned that the thumb safety can be moved up just enough when the hammer is down to interfere with racking the slide and one received one without a checkered mag release button but he said SA apologized and sent the proper part. Thankfully mine doesn't have the safety issue and the mag release is properly checkered.



Here's the safety with the hammer down, won't budge and though I didn't intentionally get a shot of the frame you can see it appears to be rounded at the edges. I haven't noticed any gouging or problems with it:

 

[JohnRippert]

From what I have seen of Wolff springs for the Hi Power I would not be surprised if that is what SA is using. I found the Wolff springs to also be longer than older stock recoil springs.

It may be that my couple of issues with the slide not locking back on a empty mag were more from the factory lube. I did not clean and lube the pistol before taking it to the range. I like to see how they run out of the box first. It did go bang, eject and load every round with no problems. It is definitely more accurate than me. I am the weak link with that for sure. Looking at your beavertail things seem to be just like mine. It is the very tip with the extremely small round that gives me the most grief. Not everyone has the same grip or hand size so it will not be a issue for all.

With regard to the longer recoil spring, the SA spring is much harder to put back into the slide because it tries to roll or kink because of the extra length. When I first pulled the slide off the pistol there was a obvious bow downwards towards the frame with my gun. That is why I compared the length of it to another Hi Power spring. I think I will send SA a email and ask if they are using Wolff springs and whether the extra length over original spec was intentional.

 

[BB57]

I may get one eventually to round out the HI-Power and Hi Power clone collection. But like almost all new to market firearms I’ll wait 6-12 months for them to work out the bugs in both the manufacturing processes and in the QA processes.

The QA comments I am reading here are typical issues for a company still developing and refining work flow and QA issues.

 

[RobertK3026]

I agree with BB57.
I never buy a new firearm when it reaches the market until I read enough good comments from forum members that use their firearm extensively.
So far, I have never had buyer's remorse.

 

[squidsix]

I am very suspicious of these (and I already ordered and paid for one).
Girsan hit the street with their new P35 recently also.
So….
How exactly SA is getting these “made” in the US is still probably nonsense. Their “made in USA” 1911 pistols were ALL from brazil made forgings and finished here for many years. There was a massive thread years ago on the 1911 forum with a couple of Springfield employees verifying all that. Rough forgings from overseas and finishing in the US.
I strongly suspect the same here.
Again, I immediately went out and placed a paid special order for a SA35 when I heard they were available, but only because I am comfortable with all that. I am very familiar with the HiPower pistol, and any issues mine has when I get it will likely be easy fixes.

 

[stansdds]

I strongly suspect that Squidsix is correct on Springfield's "made in USA" claim. They have a long history of doing this with their line of 1911's and if anyone remembers their P9 pistol, it was marked "Geneseo, IL", yet these were Tanfoglio TZ-75 Series 88 pistols, parts made in Italy, final machining, finishing, and assembly in Illinois. As long as they are using high quality raw parts, I have no problem with them performing the final machining, finish, and assembly, but it is a little misleading. At least Browning marked their Portuguese assembled Hi-Powers as "assembled in Portugal".

 

[mscampbell2734]

I fully agree on the rough forgings finished in the US theory. I'm good with that also.

As for the spring, SA and a couple other manufactures are well know for putting in extra heavy recoil springs because they know the vast majority of gun owners will not replace the springs when they should. Starting with an extra heavy spring the overall affect will be the gun will function for a much longer period of time, without battering itself to death.

 

[oysterer]

I am very suspicious of these (and I already ordered and paid for one).
Girsan hit the street with their new P35 recently also.
So….
How exactly SA is getting these “made” in the US is still probably nonsense. Their “made in USA” 1911 pistols were ALL from brazil made forgings and finished here for many years. There was a massive thread years ago on the 1911 forum with a couple of Springfield employees verifying all that. Rough forgings from overseas and finishing in the US.
I strongly suspect the same here.
Again, I immediately went out and placed a paid special order for a SA35 when I heard they were available, but only because I am comfortable with all that. I am very familiar with the HiPower pistol, and any issues mine has when I get it will likely be easy fixes.

Oh 100%. There is no made in usa for 699. Final assembled or even only packaged in the USA. Plus I don't trust our great 'Springfield Armory' anyway. Not an armory but a clever repurpose of an obsolete brand name and then pulling wool over people's heads for years in different ways.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I am not that skeptical because the claim that they are made in the US would be much too easy to verify. I think this will turn out to be the best rendition on the market and there are several things that I think are an obvious improvement on the original. I want one but need them to come out with an ambi safety as an option. I like the shape of the safety so I hope they do otherwise I will have to get one from Cylinder and Slide or put the SFS system in it.

 

[Telecaster]

That long spring will likely shorten over time, to probably match the length of a well used recoil spring.

 

[S&W Fan]

From what I have seen of Wolff springs for the Hi Power I would not be surprised if that is what SA is using. I found the Wolff springs to also be longer than older stock recoil springs.

It may be that my couple of issues with the slide not locking back on a empty mag were more from the factory lube. I did not clean and lube the pistol before taking it to the range. I like to see how they run out of the box first. It did go bang, eject and load every round with no problems. It is definitely more accurate than me. I am the weak link with that for sure. Looking at your beavertail things seem to be just like mine. It is the very tip with the extremely small round that gives me the most grief. Not everyone has the same grip or hand size so it will not be a issue for all.

With regard to the longer recoil spring, the SA spring is much harder to put back into the slide because it tries to roll or kink because of the extra length. When I first pulled the slide off the pistol there was a obvious bow downwards towards the frame with my gun. That is why I compared the length of it to another Hi Power spring. I think I will send SA a email and ask if they are using Wolff springs and whether the extra length over original spec was intentional.

What you say makes a lot of sense especially about running it right from the box. Also I agree with hand size. I have medium sized with out much extra flesh at the web so perhaps that's why I haven't noticed.

I've been very impressed with SA's 1911s, my usual carry is a Ronin Commander in 9mm that I had a local smith improve slightly with a Harrison Design HD-120 ignition kit and Cylinder & Slide medium length solid trigger. I also added an EGW extended mag release and Wilson Bullet Proof slide release. This pistol is accurate and 100% reliable and a lot of fun at the range.

I have no concerns over the quality of the Hi-Power clone and it is on the path to be one of my favorite pistols. Years ago I had one of the FN/Portugal Practical models. While that was a great pistol, this new one is every part it's equal at this early stage and I have no doubts it'll stay that way.

Here's my range report from 11/26:
New SA-35 first range outing!

 

[glenwolde]

If it's marked "Made in the U.S.A" I'm sure Springfield Armory is in compliance with the current FTC definition for that designation. They heavily enforce that due to prior widespread shenanigans. SA would get caught and fined to a fare-thee-well, not to mention the legal and reputational costs.

Decide for yourself. Here's the definition:

Complying with the Made in USA Standard | Federal Trade Commission

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

On another board a member noted that since the Browning was never made here this is not a "homecoming."

 

[sipowicz]

It’s possible they are made in the USA but If they are made in Springfield there is know way of telling where in the USA as we have learned from watching the Simpsons.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I’m on a waiting list for one.

 

[AJ]

Maybe in a year or so. After it has been finessed a bit by the factory due to any complaints.

 

[Greyman50]

FWIW, there was a pretty good review on a tactical site about the SA Hi Power. The guy usually has little or nothing bad to say about any “ piece” he tests and reviews( as expected). Will wait and see how owners/ shooters talk about them in a year.