Battle of the Baby Hi-Powers : Springfield Armory SA-35 4" vs Girsan MCP35 LW

Published on April 30, 2026
Duration: 29:28

This video provides a detailed comparison between the Springfield Armory SA-35 and the Girsan MCP35 LW, both modern interpretations of the classic Browning High Power design. It covers their historical context, design differences, features, shooting impressions, and disassembly procedures. The SA-35 is presented as a more traditional option, while the MCP35 LW offers modern upgrades like an optics-ready slide and ambidextrous controls. Both firearms are chambered in 9mm and are suitable for concealed carry.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory SA-35 offers a traditional Browning High Power experience with an all-steel frame and classic aesthetics, while the Girsan MCP35 LW is a lighter, aluminum-framed variant featuring modern upgrades like an optics-ready slide and ambidextrous safeties. The SA-35 demonstrated superior accuracy in testing, but the MCP35 LW provides more modern features for customization.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: SA-35 vs MCP35
  2. 01:19History of the Browning High Power
  3. 02:07Origin and Import Details
  4. 02:33Comparing the Models
  5. 03:03Design Philosophy: Traditional vs. Upgraded
  6. 03:40Magazine Disconnect and Capacity
  7. 04:04John Moses Browning's Last Design
  8. 04:44Slide Length Comparison
  9. 04:57Frame Material: Alloy vs. Steel
  10. 05:08Springfield Armory SA-35 Finish and Features
  11. 05:33SA-35 Safety and Slide Release
  12. 05:47SA-35 Sights and Grips
  13. 05:59SA-35 Hammer Bite Solution
  14. 06:27Girsan MCP35 LW Upgrades
  15. 06:35MCP35 LW Controls and Grips
  16. 06:57MCP35 LW Beaver Tail and Hammer Bite
  17. 07:17MCP35 LW Sights and Finish
  18. 07:48Trigger Guard Undercut and Feed Ramps
  19. 08:03Barrel and Receiver Forging
  20. 08:11Aluminum Frame Benefits
  21. 08:27MCP35 LW Reliability and Features
  22. 08:46Takedown Lever Comparison
  23. 09:14Caliber and Action Type
  24. 09:18Single-Action Operation Explained
  25. 09:55Safety Detent and Carry
  26. 10:48MCP35 LW Optics Ready Feature
  27. 11:15Overall Design Comparison
  28. 11:32Finish Quality Comparison
  29. 12:15Extractors and Feed Ramp Improvements
  30. 12:41Trigger Pull Comparison
  31. 13:31Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  32. 13:51Weight Comparison: Steel vs. Aluminum
  33. 14:13Shooting Impressions
  34. 15:24Shooting the SA-35
  35. 16:00Recoil and Handling Differences
  36. 16:15Reliability and Overall Feel
  37. 16:26Fiber Optic Sight Advantage
  38. 16:45Trigger Feel Revisited
  39. 17:05Slide Hold Open Functionality
  40. 17:17Controls and Ergonomics
  41. 17:39Aesthetic Appeal
  42. 18:07Accuracy Test Results
  43. 18:40Optic Sighting Tools
  44. 19:10Disassembly Procedure
  45. 20:38Girsan MCP35 LW Disassembly
  46. 21:46Internal Finish and Frame Comparison
  47. 22:08Reassembly Procedure
  48. 23:14Function Check
  49. 23:16Cleaning Equipment Sponsors
  50. 23:43MSRP and Pricing
  51. 24:23Pros and Cons Summary
  52. 24:43Upgrades vs. Tradition
  53. 25:01Parts Compatibility
  54. 25:10Trigger Analysis Revisited
  55. 25:31Magazine Disconnect and Magazines
  56. 25:59Hammer Bite and Solutions
  57. 26:22Optics Ready Advantage
  58. 26:43Final Verdict: Classic vs. Upgraded
  59. 27:02Conclusion: SA-35 and MCP35

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Springfield Armory SA-35 and the Girsan MCP35 LW?

The SA-35 offers a traditional Browning High Power experience with an all-steel frame and classic aesthetics. The MCP35 LW is a lighter, aluminum-framed variant featuring modern upgrades like an optics-ready slide, ambidextrous safeties, and a flat-face trigger, making it more suitable for customization.

Which pistol is more accurate, the SA-35 or the MCP35 LW?

During testing, the Springfield Armory SA-35 demonstrated superior accuracy, producing tighter groups. The Girsan MCP35 LW showed a bit more spread, though both were considered adequate for combat accuracy.

What are the advantages of the Girsan MCP35 LW's optics-ready slide?

The MCP35 LW's optics-ready slide, compatible with the Shield RMSC footprint, allows for the easy mounting of micro red dot sights. This significantly enhances target acquisition speed and is a major advantage for modern defensive and competition use.

How do the triggers compare on the SA-35 and MCP35 LW?

The SA-35 has a traditional curved trigger with a pull weight around 4 lbs 12 oz, offering a smooth take-up and break. The MCP35 LW features a flat-face trigger, averaging around 3 lbs 15.9 oz, which provides a crisper break but has a slight hesitation before release.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from sootch00

View all →