Springfield SA 35: a deeper dive into the Hi Power clone

The sa-35 doesn't shoot accurately and you can't get targets sights since it doesn't use a normal Browning sight cut it shoot combat sights picture but at 50' it shoots 2" inches under point of aim. 1911 6 o'clock bullseye but Springfield sa-35 you find 12 o'clock then and a inch and your on the bullseye. This is not a good target gun option.

226 for me is better just as good accurate n durable af to but the hi power is great. My Second favorite

Good review and video but I do have to disagree on the original grips. The look, feel and quality are all to my liking and more true to the original. Other than that, I liked what you had to say. thanks.

I like the grips that come with this gun a lot, basically a copy of the Craig Spegel thin custom grips from back in the 90's. Been on the fence on this gun due to the many issues people seem to have had with these. Will keep looking (although WA st is now a 10rd only state...).

No videos any more?

What ever happened DR Drake he's seem to have dropped off the grid?

This man is of higher caliber than to have just walked away from his channel and subscribers without a word. Does anyone know what happened to him? If so please share the info.

Bought mine after waiting a year on the wait list. Changed the grips with Lok palm swell Ridgeback red/black grips. I have a real Browning High Power Mark III since the 1980s so I know my BHP. The SA has made several improvements like deleting the mag disconnect, larger sights, larger safety, one piece barrel, tighter fit and finish, and slightly better trigger. The trigger is about 5.5 pounds, with a bit of creep. I had a gunsmith polish the creep and leave it at that. The multiple linkages between the trigger to the sear is pretty much a PITA to polish down unless you can get it to a real experienced High Power gunsmith.

Leather holsters for 1911s will fit the SA35 but not kydex 1911. It fits my hand well although there is a hot-spot near the upper part of the grip as it curves backward. I would have the edges radiused if I wanted to refinish the entire pistol.

Overall, this is a good pistol following Browning's last design and a worthy successor to the BHP legend.

I have watch most of all the SA 35 reviews and enjoyed this one the best. I have shot a couple IDPA match with my SA 35 and love it. It's a Browning without the little design problems ( mag safety and trigger)

Are you okay? No vids for months.

Seems like the people that say these are as good as a browning obviously don’t or have never owned a Belgium as I have there’s no comparison at all .

Did you close your channel

love HP but the hammer bite not good got a FN HIgh Power awsome

mines been RMA 3 times still doesnt work right 7 months shot it 3 time 3 times RMA

The first pistol I ever fired was a Hi Power :)

Thousasand likes

I just sent mine back to SA for the 4th time. Worst pistol I ever bought new. $1000 for a boat anchor!

Where are you miss your insight hope everything's OK

Got my name on the list at my lgs. Hopefully I'll have it by the end of summer.

Yeah, I am getting concerned about your absence. You better not have vapor locked on us. Get your butt back into the videos Mr.

Haven't seen anything from you for a while. Hope everything's good and you're doing well.

Has the extraction problem been fixed?

The SA35 is my 3rd HiPower pistol. my 1st and 2nd are FN manufactured firearms. Compared to the Girsan and others .. the SA35 maintains all that is good about the old-school HiPower pistol. Plenty accurate, outstanding ergonomics but with a better trigger and more magazine capacity. I'm of course a traditional purist of sorts, and I'm inclined to withold judgment on the new Browing HiPower by FN .. which is of course is a different pistol with an old name (branding is of course econonmic value, however intangable) .. but FN has a reputation for quality firearms and price. But the SA35 hits all the important "boxes" ... of form, fit, and function. 1st production runs produced some problems, so I waited two years .. now quite happy with it.

Just bought one today.

I’d love to own one but IMO they still want to much. Here in central Tx they want anywhere from $700-$850.

My Springfield sa-35 had the worst trigger of any semi auto pistol I’ve ever owned. I hoped it would smooth out with use, ended up taking it to a smith who smoothed it out. I had picked up a girsan mc-35 at the same time, it had a better trigger if you allowed for the “ magazine safety”. Had the smith remove the mag safety off the Girsan. Now my only complaint about the springfield is that it shoots low, but it is smooth. I like it to the point that it will likely replace my beretta px4 storm as my carry gun. update 5/26/23 the springfield is now exhibiting extraction/ejecting problems.

I am not a Springfield for anything. I did buy one and regret it. Just to keep rounds o n paper at 25 yards it had to get the C&S barrel and work over. I have 2 original HP35s. They both shoot way better than the Springfield. I would not buy another one. I hate the grip panels. They get replaced.

Do give the Girsan MC P35 a look. I have one, and in my opinion it's an excellent pistol. I also changed the grips, but in my case the polymer grips that Girsan installs have an ergo ridge in just the wrong place for me - I end up pinching it instead of my fingers settling around it. Found some inexpensive checkered wooden grips which seem to have done the trick.

I want one so bad.

I had high hopes for this pistol but was very disappointed. Extractor problems notwithstanding, the finish looks terrible and the sharp edges of the tang and safety chew my hand up when I shoot it. Its a shame too because it is a tack driver. I plan on selling mine and getting a Girsan Ops.

Saw one in a shop a few weeks ago for $699. I got mine right off the bat and works great too. If after many rounds it starts to fail I'll send it back.

Thank you Sir!

I’ve read that Springfield kept the cost down by having Girsan in Turkey produce the frame and slide for them to 80% or so, then they are completed and marked in the USA.

I'd suggest getting the Girsan Match P35. It isn't expensive and has a few really good upgrades from the base model. Girsan makes the truest High Power clone of the 3 gunmakers IMO. I have it and it's a beautiful firearm. Shoots pretty good. 100% so far @ 280rds.

I put the BH Springs Solutions reliability kit in mine since i began to have extraction problems. I would think Springfield took care of that problem by the time yours was produced. Mine is a mid 4000 number. Haven't had any issue since. I also deburred the extractor channel.

Glad to see another great content video..have missed your videos..hope all is well.😊🇺🇸👌

Oh hell yeah!!! I can see you standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom playing double barrel flint lock nipple lazers with yourself when you hear an intruder breaking into your house. You run to the bedroom to retrieve your Springfield SA 35 from under your pillow and carefully proceed to the door where the commotion is coming from. You draw your firearm and pull the door open only to find your sister in law standing there firing her nipple lazers at you. You break out in great laughter and invite her in for a hot toddy.

I've heard there were serious QC issues with the gun, any recent updates on if SA fixed them?

Not 1911... Cz75

LOVE THOSE GRIPS

Awesome thanks 👍

I'm in the market for this gun. I just handled it for the first time today. But I'm really not impressed with that reset. I feel like it is almost a full release and the tactile feel is very minimal.

Trigger is decent and the action feels pretty good. Overall the pistol is nice. That reset made me rethink its uses for my own personal, but may pick it up regardless.

Nice review and I do really like the G10 grips that you have on it. I think that Springfield did a nice job on it for the price point. The sights are great, but there is an after market similar setup with a high visible night sight available. I have a 1970s BPH so this is solely a range gun. My trigger brakes a 5.4 pounds and is very consistent. There are 2 upgrades that I may do at some point. The first is improving the safety as I do not find it to be very positive. Since I am not using it as an EDC this is a maybe, but not difficult nor expensive to do. The second upgrade that I am probably going to do at some point is installing a wide flat trigger. But as I said originally this is a very nice gun for the money.

The whole time you’re talking about the trigger and I’m trying to listen to the reset etc you’re jabbering away. How about STFU during that part of the video! Otherwise 👍. I’m looking for one for home defense, not carry. Hard to find where I’m at right now. Love the 1911 and for me this a 4/5 scale 1911-ish style gun carrying 15 in 9mm, the perfect nightstand go-to.

Would you recommend having an ambi safety on a hi power?

You could've waited until the gun reaches the 800 round mark coz that's when the apparent extraction issues starts with these new Hipower clones by SA.

Thanks for the review my friend

Good review on a great weapon, like you I am looking forward to seeing what they come out with, make me happy if they came out with one with a 3 inch barrel

I was hesitant on buying one of those because I heard there were some issues coming to light I am glad yours is doing well

I have a 1911 but never had a hi power. I also have an older CZ 75 B. And I've heard it said that it shares some design similarities to the Browning. I absolutely love the CZ 75 B. Have you ever had the opportunity to check out one ? If not I highly recommend you get hold of one . In my opinion, it's one of the best handguns ever produced. The only negative comments I've seen about it is that it's made for people with big hands. Small hands will struggle somewhat to reach the slide release. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this weapon.