Springfield Armory SA-35
Polished Blued
What's Not To Love?
I’ve had a bit of a spate of “I couldn’t help myself” purchases lately, and I suspect some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. This time, it’s Springfield Armory’s SA-35, their take on the classic Hi-Power, dressed up in a beautiful polished blue finish. And honestly, how could I resist?
This version sports a 4-inch barrel, checkered walnut grips and a forged carbon steel frame and slide. And before anybody asks, yes, these guns are made right here in the USA. I’ve been to Springfield Armory’s factory, held the forgings in my own hands and watched them being machined. No overseas imports being finished up here, folks.
At just under 30 ounces, it’s a bit lighter than its longer-barreled sibling. You’ve also got a white-dot front sight, a nicely serrated rear sight and a 15-round magazine. Best of all? Springfield did away with that pesky magazine safety, so you can actually shoot it with the magazine out, which, of course, means the trigger pull is better.
Naturally, I had to take it shooting. Using Black Hills 115-grain FMJ ammunition at about seven or eight yards, I decided to skip the usual magazine dump. Instead, I tried shooting a face into the target. Was it a masterpiece? Hardly. But it was fun!
Now, here’s the thing. I bought this gun myself. Nobody’s paying me to say nice things about it. I just genuinely like it. In fact, I think this might be the nearly perfect iteration of the Hi-Power. Polished blue finish, shorter slide, classic walnut grips — what’s not to love?
Now, if Springfield would just make one with an alloy frame someday … a fellow can dream, can’t he?
MSRP: $799
Want more videos from American Handgunner delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our FREE weekly email newsletters.
