The Springfield SA-35 is a modernized, forged-steel evolution of the Browning Hi-Power—retaining its single-action operation, 15-round magazine capacity, and classic ergonomics while addressing key shortcomings of the original design.
It uses a 4.7-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, improved feed ramp geometry for modern JHP reliability, an extended thumb safety, recontoured hammer to reduce bite, and tuned trigger without the magazine disconnect.
Available in forged carbon steel or 2025 Cerakote variants, the SA-35 offers a durable, American-built update to one of the most iconic steel 9mm pistols ever made.
What Is the Springfield SA-35 and Why Does It Matter?
The Springfield SA-35 is a revitalized take on the legendary Browning Hi-Power, built for shooters who want the timeless feel of forged steel with modern performance upgrades.
The SA-35 matters because it brings back a historically significant single-action pistol that had been discontinued globally, delivering a reliable, modern alternative that supports today’s defensive ammo and sighting expectations. Springfield Armory engineered it as a faithful yet practical successor—one suited for defensive carry, range use, and collecting.
The manufacturer behind the SA-35, Springfield Armory (Geneseo, Illinois), has a long history of recreating classic service firearms with contemporary materials and machining.
With the Hi-Power lineage stretching back to John Browning and Dieudonné Saive, the SA-35 stands as a modern continuation rather than a simple reproduction. By eliminating the magazine disconnect, strengthening components, and improving ergonomics, Springfield closed the gap between nostalgic value and practical utility.
The intended audience includes concealed carriers wanting a refined steel pistol, Hi-Power enthusiasts seeking reliability improvements, and new shooters looking for a high-quality SAO handgun with Old World feel.
What Are the Springfield SA-35’s Specifications?
The Springfield SA-35 uses full-steel construction, a tuned single-action system, and a magazine-disconnect-free trigger that offers a crisp, predictable break. This blend of modern machining and historical architecture keeps the SA-35 both authentic and capable.
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Caliber(s): 9mm Luger (+P rated), optimized for modern defensive loads.
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Barrel: 4.7 inches, cold hammer-forged, 1:10 twist.
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Overall Length: Approximately 7.8 inches.
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Height: ~4.8 inches.
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Width: Slim profile consistent with Hi-Power pattern.
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Weight: 31.5 oz unloaded.
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Construction: Forged carbon steel slide and frame with matte blued or Cerakote finishes.
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Magazine Capacity: 15+1 rounds, using Mec-Gar steel double-stack magazines compatible with original Hi-Power mags.
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Sights: White dot front with U-notch Tactical Rack rear; drift-adjustable.
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Controls: Extended thumb safety, single-action trigger, rounded hammer with anti-bite contour.
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Other Features: Beveled magazine well, G10 or walnut grips, improved feed ramp geometry for JHP reliability.
These specs position the SA-35 as a high-quality, steel-frame single-action 9mm that stays true to its heritage while supporting modern ballistic and ergonomic expectations.
How Is the SA-35 Designed and Built?
The Springfield SA-35 is built entirely from forged components—slide, frame, and barrel—giving it exceptional structural durability compared to cast or MIM-heavy clones.
Forging increases density, resists deformation, and improves long-term reliability. This approach maintains the rugged feel that Hi-Power shooters value, while Springfield’s machining ensures tighter tolerances and cleaner fitting than many surplus originals.
Materials and Ergonomics
The forged steel frame delivers a balanced, confidence-inspiring weight that absorbs recoil. The grip shape follows the original Hi-Power contour, offering one of the most naturally pointing profiles of any service pistol.
Checkered walnut or G10 panels give traction without abrasiveness. The grip angle remains ergonomic and fast, supporting instinctive sight alignment.
Controls
The SA-35’s extended thumb safety is a meaningful upgrade over the tiny, hard-to-manipulate safety levers of most legacy Hi-Powers. It offers a firm, positive click and supports modern defensive manipulation techniques.
The slide stop is robust and easy to reach without shifting grip. The magazine release maintains the original low-profile design but benefits from modern machining for a smoother feel.
Accessory Compatibility
Like classic Hi-Powers, the SA-35 does not include a rail or optics cut. This positions it more toward traditional iron-sight shooting rather than modern duty customization, but aftermarket companies offer sight upgrades and some milling shops provide optic-cut services. Suppressor-height sights are uncommon, but the drift-adjustable U-notch rear makes fine tuning feasible.
Overall, the SA-35’s design faithfully respects the Hi-Power architecture while fixing its most persistent flaws: hammer bite, weak factory safeties, finicky JHP feeding, and a heavy magazine-disconnect-based trigger.
What Variants of the Springfield SA-35 Exist?
Springfield has expanded the SA-35 line with new finishes and grip options. While the base mechanical design remains constant, these variants allow shooters to choose a preferred aesthetic and texture.
Current Model Variants
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Matte Blued (Walnut Grips): The original 2021 release, closest to the classic Hi-Power aesthetic.
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Tactical Gray Cerakote (G10 Grips): A modernized look with more durability against moisture and abrasion.
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Coyote Brown Cerakote (G10 Grips): Additional colorway introduced in 2025 with the same mechanical features.
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Lipsey’s Exclusive Coyote Brown: Limited distribution with premium finishing.
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Case-Hardened Limited Edition: A collector-oriented variant with traditional color-case-hardening.
How Does It Compare to Other Pistols?
Compared to the Original Browning Hi-Power:
The SA-35 is more reliable with modern ammunition, has a better safety, superior trigger, and improved ergonomics. It maintains historical charm while functioning as a serious defensive pistol.
Compared to Polymer Striker Pistols (Glock 19, P365, etc.):
The SA-35 is heavier, lower in capacity, and lacks modern modularity or optic cuts. However, it provides a premium metal-frame feel, cleaner trigger, and greater shootability for those who prefer steel guns.
Compared to Steel 9mm Pistols (CZ 75, Shadow 2, etc.):
The SA-35 is slimmer and lighter, better suited for carry, but not as feature-rich for competition. Its strength lies in balance, aesthetics, and heritage rather than pure performance optimization.
How Does the Springfield SA-35 Perform?
Accuracy
The SA-35 is highly accurate for a single-action steel pistol. Range tests consistently show sub-2-inch groups at 7 yards with premium defensive ammo and excellent cohesion at 15–25 yards.
The fixed barrel lock-up and refined trigger make it easy to shoot tight groups with controlled, consistent breaks.
Recoil Control
Recoil is soft, thanks to the 31.5-oz steel frame and natural grip geometry. Shooters transitioning from polymer compacts note that the SA-35 returns to target quickly and absorbs heat better during prolonged strings of fire.
Reliability
Early production models had occasional extractor or feeding issues, but Springfield’s warranty and later production improvements significantly elevated reliability. Post-break-in testing frequently shows 1,000–2,000 rounds with no stoppages. The improved feed ramp geometry supports modern hollow-points that original Hi-Powers struggled with.
Trigger Quality
The SA-35’s single-action trigger, free of the magazine disconnect, is crisp and tactile. It typically breaks around 4.5–5.0 pounds with minimal creep. The reset is positive, making rapid follow-up shots natural and predictable.
Overall, the SA-35 delivers excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and strong reliability once broken in—making it an enjoyable and capable full-steel 9mm.
What Ammunition Works Best in the SA-35?
Because the SA-35 is +P rated, it supports a wide range of defensive 9mm loads. Ideal grain weights fall between 115 and 147 grains, depending on purpose.
Defensive Loads
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124gr +P JHP offers the best combination of expansion, feeding reliability, and recoil management.
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147gr JHP provides smooth recoil impulse and consistent accuracy.
The improved feed ramp ensures reliable cycling with modern JHP designs that older Hi-Powers could not handle.
Practice and Competition Ammo
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115gr FMJ works well for cost-effective training with predictable recoil.
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124gr NATO provides a hotter, duty-like practice experience.
No widespread ammunition-specific feeding issues are reported in current-production SA-35 models.
How Suitable Is the SA-35 for Different Use Cases?
Concealed Carry
As a steel single-action pistol, the SA-35 can serve well as a concealed carry firearm for those comfortable with Condition 1 carry.
It is heavier and larger than modern micro-compacts, but its slim profile, crisp trigger, and reliability make it viable for IWB setups. Shooters with experience carrying 1911-style pistols will find it familiar.
Home Defense
The SA-35 is well suited for home defense thanks to its predictable trigger, solid accuracy, and compatibility with defensive JHPs. Its steel mass reduces felt recoil, making follow-up shots stable.
Competition (IDPA, USPSA)
While not a purpose-built competition pistol, the SA-35 performs well in IDPA SSP-style roles. Its crisp SAO system supports precision shooting, though capacity and lack of optic support limit top-tier competitiveness.
Range and Recreational Use
The SA-35 shines as a recreational shooter. Its all-steel balance, low recoil, and nostalgic ergonomics make it extremely enjoyable for high-round-count sessions.
Professional or Duty Use
Though overshadowed by modern duty pistols, the SA-35 offers adequate performance for those who prefer SAO designs. However, its absence of a rail or optics cut reduces modern tactical viability.
What Are the Best Holsters for the Springfield SA-35?
A reliable Springfield SA-35 holster should support its slim steel profile and single-action manual safety. It’s worth noting that the SA-35’s steel frame benefits from secure retention and comfortable padding, especially for daily carry.
A quality SA-35 holster enhances concealment, access, and long-term comfort due to the pistol’s weight.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
This inside-the-waistband SA-35 holster emphasizes comfort through flexible backing and solid retention. It allows deep concealment while supporting the SA-35’s steel weight effectively.
Belt Holster
A belt-mounted Springfield SA-35 holster offers stability and fast access for open carry. Its rigid build distributes weight evenly, making it ideal for range use or casual carry.
OWB Paddle Holster
This model provides quick on/off capability with a secure paddle attachment. It suits shooters wanting an OWB option without threading into a belt each time.
Swivel Drop Leg Holster
Designed for mobility and rapid access, this drop-leg SA-35 holster places the pistol in a natural draw position. It’s useful for competition stages or field applications.
Chest Holster
A chest-mounted system secures the SA-35 high on the torso for hiking or backcountry use. It keeps the firearm accessible while avoiding interference with backpacks or hip gear.
Hook & Loop Holster
This adaptable system mounts inside compatible bags or soft panels. It is a discreet option for off-body carry setups.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
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Forged steel construction for durability
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Excellent accuracy and soft recoil
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Crisp SAO trigger without magazine disconnect
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Improved reliability with modern JHP ammunition
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Natural, classic grip ergonomics
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Attractive walnut/G10 grip options
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Modern safety lever and anti-bite hammer
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Strong value for a steel single-action pistol
Cons
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No optics-ready options or accessory rail
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Heavier than modern polymer carry guns
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Some early QC concerns reported
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Finish wear appears early on hard-use samples
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Limited aftermarket compared to striker-fired pistols
Is the Springfield SA-35 Worth It?
The Springfield SA-35 is an excellent choice for shooters who want a modern, dependable interpretation of the Browning Hi-Power with meaningful performance improvements.
It offers outstanding accuracy, a refined trigger, upgraded reliability, and forged steel construction—all at a price point far lower than most surplus or boutique Hi-Power clones. The SA-35 is especially compelling for range enthusiasts, classic-metal-gun fans, and collectors seeking an American-made continuation of a historic design.
For concealed carriers comfortable with SAO pistols, the SA-35 can absolutely serve as an EDC firearm with the right holster. For home-defense or recreational shooters, its reliability and controllability make it a joy to run. Long-term ownership looks promising thanks to durable construction and growing ecosystem support.
The SA-35 is not the most modern 9mm pistol on the market—but for many shooters, it is among the most satisfying.