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

[@maxmccain8950]

The Hi Power points like no other. I’ve always loved them.

[@tedknight1676]

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

[@noahcount7132]

Changing the grips on your SA 35 was a good move (in my opinion) for the reasons you mentioned, Dave. Making the pistol look better and also feel better in your hand definitely gets my vote. Hogue grips and Mec-Gar mags are as-issued equipment on many reputable brands of handguns and there's no way I can fault either Hogue or Mec-Gar. Ya done good.

[@hallhall5777]

I bought the Hogue aluminum grips. I agree, the factory grips seemed cheap. But I do love my SA-35.

[@jamesorth1521]

Better yet would be better quality wood grips. JMB, after all his creations, considered this his favorite.

[@GeorgeMoilanen]

Thanks for the great review. What serial number range is yours? Mine I just got is 28XXX. Initial report after only 90 rounds Perfect. Trigger pull was 5.5 lbs now 4.5. Accuracy great. Perfect functioning so far. Thanks. George

[@noahcount7132]

@@GeorgeMoilanen You need to direct this question to Dave, not me. Dave posted the review.

[@kbjerke]

Good to see you again, David! Love both my 1911s AND my Hi-Powers! LOL Happy New Year to you!

[@bruceperkins6844]

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.

[@craigbenz4835]

Glad to hear that it worked out so well for you. I'll keep looking for one.

[@bigwhisky6157]

Thanks Dave! I've been on the fence about getting one. You sold me on it!

[@mikewithers299]

I was too but I went for it and I'm real happy with the SA 35. It shoots better than my MkIII. Better materials and machining means it will last.

[@hirampritchard5588]

Very good review thanks, looking forward to your take on the Girsan HiPower clone.

[@CapnMic]

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.

[@LUVDOGS1954]

Are you okay? No vids for months.

[@PaulBoss351]

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

[@PaulBoss351]

I'm back almost 10 monhs later, and still no word from this gentleman. Tried using his email link, but nothing happens when I try to submit the Captcha confirmation. Certainly hope he's okay, always enjoyed his content.

[@mr.wingmaster3645]

@@PaulBoss351 one year and no posts : /

[@daniellong2100]

Mine was a disaster. Now ready for 3rd trip to fix. Also,the front sight insert fell out. Poor repair experience. Still does t pick up rounds and feed problems. Beware

[@carlboren2299]

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)

[@MrJdog1987]

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

[@mikewithers299]

They fixed the extractor issues after serial number 10,000 I believe. Mine is 14xxx and no issues whatsoever

[@mikedurant6146]

I have a sa35 , love it. I also changed my grips also to a more comfortable ones.

[@Strutingeagle]

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.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Curious were he's been also, probably got covid and died.

[@Strutingeagle]

I sure hope not. Odd he has not made any comments or replies let alone any new videos. @@brianhoxworth3881

[@scottwoodby9814]

Definitely miss his videos! Hope all is well.

[@HD-J.R.]

He attempted to start a dialog on ways to limit mass shootings. He was ruthlessly attacked by the gun community for even wanting to discuss it. He's always been pro 2 A and pro gun; he just wanted to discuss how to keep people from committing these crimes. That's the way of the internet and the world these days. We eat our own. I didn't agree with all the ideas presented by everyone, but I continue to subscribe because I respect him, and I hope he comes back.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

@@HD-J.R. that's what did him in?

[@phileasler5401]

No videos any more?

[@jackschmac]

i didn't realize that it's been more then a year since he dropped a new video.

[@markchoate9021]

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.

[@charlesroberts6965]

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

[@b0lobattali0n78]

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.

[@kipkaniper4679]

Where are you miss your insight hope everything's OK

[@ms.annthrope415]

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.

[@josephmcdermott5503]

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.

[@leeadams5941]

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

[@Jerry-p7n8s]

Did you close your channel

[@TheFlutecart]

I'm a 1911 guy, never wanted a Hi Power because I've heard the trigger sucks and it's 9mm, meh. But this version of it looks to be a big improvement. Modern 9mm ammo is improved from the old days. I'll talk myself into it before too long.

[@stonefree1911]

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...).

[@fpav4049]

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.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

The Girsan is the reason I got a Springfield instead. I didn’t want the exact copy of the BHP, as that’s what the main complaints were about that gun: -Mag disconnect -Crunchy trigger -Heavy trigger -Average barrel -Crap iron sights -Horrible thumb safety. The SA-35 updated all those issues.

[@fpav4049]

@@colt10mmsecurity68 The Match version doesn't have a mag. disconnect, has a nice flat trigger, extended Beaver tail, G10 grips.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

@@fpav4049 nah, when I realized that I could afford the SA-35 over the Turkish Girsan, I bought two of them.

[@paulkuras18]

Thanks for the review my friend

[@Strutingeagle]

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

[@PaulBoss351]

I wish he'd at least make a short video to let everyone know he's okay. I've always enjoyed this channel. He's a class act. He even had Anthony Imperato on a couple years ago, and you know Anthony wouldn't appear on just "any old channel".

[@judahmourns2995]

LOVE THOSE GRIPS

[@mondaymotivator_]

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

[@ms.annthrope415]

I believe the first batches had extraction problems due to burrs left in the extractor track of the slide. I have my SA35 with serial number in the 25,XXX. I haven't had any failures of any kind though I haven't shot too many rounds out. Price of ammo is a bit high even for FMJ. Across KZbin, it seems that later productions have debugged.

[@mondaymotivator_]

@@ms.annthrope415 I’ve always heard it’s first batch guns that are crap, and then the later productions are fixed

[@mikewithers299]

​@@mondaymotivator_that's almost normal anymore. Sig 320 and 365 had their "teething issues" too. My SA35 has no issues at all. (14xxx)

[@spartanj2957]

Thanks for the review ! I'm only interested polished blued . Looking for a Belgian new in box now.

[@dougmoore5252]

Thank you Sir!

[@rusharley2080]

Just bought one today.

[@dennisl4000]

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.

[@flaco5581]

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

[@RTek1986]

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.

[@jonweston2521]

I would love to own this weapon and this a very good weapon.this is good for self defense, and as and armed guard.

[@Briantheitguy2]

I have a Minnesota question, the newly elected state legislature is promising gun legislation, any idea what we should stock up on ahead of the madness?

[@drdrake63]

If you don’t have an AR, and you’ve ever wanted to get one, this might be a good time. Ammo wise, 22, 9 mm, 45 ACP, and 2 23/556. All disappears the first.

[@Briantheitguy2]

Any recommendations for 1st time AR, I was thinking maybe a 308, AR10, 18 inch barrel, but maybe I'm just over thinking it and I should just go with 556 AR15 for my 1st AR style rifle?

[@Scannerhead]

Move, lol.

[@donaldramey1896]

​@@Briantheitguy2 Ammo is a lot cheaper with the AR 15. And it will do just as well scaring the libs in your neighborhood.

[@raltgaither]

Everything!

[@stevejorgensen5274]

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.

[@mikedurant6146]

I only put 10 to 12 rounds in my magazine because it gets difficult to force any additional rounds in it

[@biglazybilly]

I bought sa-35 I like it I also own 1911s like them both

[@wheeler71]

Thx for the review 👍🔫🇺🇲

[@mrsnickers2003]

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.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

It’s not the springs, it’s the extractor. Drop in the Cylinder & Slide hardened HiPower extractor and spring. It’s a $30 part and will outlast you. Problem solved.

[@mrsnickers2003]

The "kit" came with a new extractor.

[@mikereese15]

Nice pistol

[@jimmyclements1327]

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.

[@ms.annthrope415]

I have small hands and the CZ75 safety is too far to reach. I think the safety pivot pin is too far forward so that my thimb can reach far enough to push down effectively. The double action trigger is far forward. I'm not a fan of double action pistols to I would need to carry it cocked and locked so the safety reach is a must. I have both the SA35 and an original Browning HP. The SA35 is a significant improvement especially deleting the magazine disconnect, improved safety, improved sights, improved trigger feel. The rear of the grip right below the beaver tail is a bit sharp and needs to he radiused to feel really comfortable.

[@jimmyclements1327]

@@ms.annthrope415 I can definitely understand the issues you've pointed out with the CZ 75B.

[@mikewithers299]

​@jimmyclements1327 the Hi Power was cloned by so many companies but CZ took some attributes from it and made their own design. I've never owned one, but I own both the SA35 and a Browning Hi Power and love that platform. With slimmer grip panels I'm sure it will work on smaller hands.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

According to some data, the CZ75 is the most-used LE handgun in the world. I would have suspected some sort of Glock given how old the CZ design is, relatively-speaking, but its continued popularity speaks to the virtues of the pistol. They are often used by competitors who have them worked over as "race guns" thanks to the inherent accuracy of the barrel and slide, which ride inside the frame and not outside of it as normal for most designs of the type. They also excel as military-issue sidearms, and have been used in that role as well. They feel heavy to some of those accustomed to polymer-frame pistols, but for those who cherish wood-and-steel firearms, they feel just fine. Legendary design by a legendary company.

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome thanks 👍

[@MrJch24]

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

[@kylewood8327]

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

[@jamesorth1521]

I agree. I will own one, but they are overpriced for what they are. The trigger is not acceptable to me.

[@cmdredstrakerofshado1159]

Must not have the mag safety. every high-power I've try with the mag safety average trigger was 12 to 20 pounds. The trigger pull is the major reason why I have never bought a High-power

[@mikewithers299]

Springfield took it out. I love their trigger compared to my MkIII Browning with the disconnect

[@tacticalbt1023]

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

[@22jeepmojave75]

I want one so bad.

[@rexhanson2197]

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

[@edprince9079]

Has the extraction problem been fixed?

[@mikewithers299]

Yes. Just make sure the serial number is above 10k

[@guydodge9845]

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

[@YTBEN1045]

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.

[@stevewhisperer6609]

The extraction problem on mine started just after a little over fifteen rounds fired. My SA35 s/n is in the very high end of the 3k range. I sent it back to SA under an RMA. After just under two months there, they replaced the barrel and extractor. Extraction issue resolved, so we'll see how it does from here on out. Still have an occasional dead trigger issue to work out though. It's a great feeling and shooting pistol so I'll keep working at it.

[@YTBEN1045]

@@stevewhisperer6609 good luck I hope it continues to function well for you. Whether it's the Springfield or the Girsan clone, I will get mine eventually.

[@576103]

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.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

FUD. Completely false.

[@jasonkorby]

The sights are not browsing cut and it shoots 12 o'clock plus one inch combat sight picture . Not a nice 6 o'clock sight picture like most guns you can't even get a set of target sights for these guns to fix the point of aim.

[@ButchRichardson-d8s]

That's not what springfield says

[@ericw3229]

Guess this channel is now dead but I thought I'd comment anyway. Last night October1st was the VP debate Senator J.D.Vance and Tampon Tim. How did you folks elect a guy like Walz? Since you made that fateful video saying maybe we should give our guns I suspect you might have.

[@Coltpython1981]

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 .

[@jasonkorby]

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.

[@nursesteve12]

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

[@risby1930]

Looks like a good clone. Just won't support Springfield in anyway. Enjoy your channel.

[@jamesorth1521]

Get over it. It's not as if it was produced by China. . . .

[@YellowFellow86]

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

[@drdrake63]

No

[@breckfreeride]

Not 1911... Cz75

[@Edmundo75]

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.

[@giannilavezzi7026]

Thousasand likes

[@MyronNoland]

Resets like a revolver.

[@tonyhorsch9559]

Question for you, does anyone make a 1911 in 10mm? Oh and by the way I'm a fellow Minnesotan.

[@drdrake63]

There are a number of companies making 10 mm 1911s. Colt, Rock Island to name a few

[@tberkoff]

Weird question. Try doing a simple Internet search. Ever heard of Google?

[@tonyhorsch9559]

@@tberkoff Hey thanks for being a Smart ass

[@tonyhorsch9559]

@@drdrake63 Thanks

[@tonyhorsch9559]

@@localfixx4184 🤣🤣🤣

[@tritontr20bass]

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.

[@jamesorth1521]

Check out a CZ75. You will like it more.

[@tritontr20bass]

@@jamesorth1521 CZ75 is an awesome gun. But it’s not a JMB ;)

[@jamesorth1521]

@@tritontr20bass I agree. I am a 1911 collector, too.

[@tritontr20bass]

@@jamesorth1521 My IWI 941 compact (all steel) is very similar to the cz. Also an awesome gun.