How does the 100 year old design hold up today? Springfield Armory SA-35 4" review

Published on April 19, 2026
Duration: 11:45

This review of the Springfield Armory SA-35, a modernized clone of the 100-year-old FN High Power, highlights its historical context and how its design holds up today. While appreciating its classic aesthetics and potential as a carry gun, the review points out ergonomic challenges for modern two-handed shooting techniques, particularly concerning the safety lever and grip comfort for larger hands. It also notes quirks in magazine seating and trigger reset, contrasting it with contemporary designs like the CZ75 and Springfield Prodigy.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory SA-35, a modernized FN High Power clone, offers classic aesthetics but presents ergonomic challenges for modern two-handed shooting. Its single-sided safety lever and grip profile can hinder support hand placement for larger shooters, impacting recoil management compared to contemporary designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Springfield SA-35
  2. 00:30History of the High Power
  3. 01:15Design Philosophy: One-Hand vs. Two-Hand Shooting
  4. 02:33SA-35 Modernizations
  5. 03:20Ergonomics & Modern Shooting Grip
  6. 03:47Safety Lever Issues
  7. 05:00Slide Racking & Modern Handling
  8. 05:20Grip Comfort & Comparison to CZ75
  9. 06:07Magazine Reloads
  10. 06:54Grip Texture
  11. 07:15Trigger Performance & Reset
  12. 08:14Comparison to Modern Pistols
  13. 08:52Comparison to Springfield Prodigy
  14. 09:20Comparison to Kimber KDS9C
  15. 09:54Overall Impression & Nostalgia
  16. 10:24Carry Gun Potential
  17. 10:40Further Modernization Ideas
  18. 11:11Conclusion: Cool Pistol, Know What You're Getting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Springfield Armory SA-35?

The Springfield Armory SA-35 is a modernized clone of the classic FN High Power pistol, originally designed by John Moses Browning. It features a 4-inch barrel and retains many of the High Power's iconic design elements while incorporating some contemporary updates.

How does the SA-35's design compare to modern pistols for two-handed shooting?

The SA-35's design, rooted in one-handed shooting principles, can present challenges for modern two-handed grips. Issues like the low-profile, single-sided safety lever can interfere with the support hand's placement, impacting recoil management compared to pistols with more ergonomic, ambidextrous controls.

What are the ergonomic challenges of the Springfield SA-35 for larger hands?

Shooters with larger hands may find the SA-35's grip less accommodating. The safety lever's position can conflict with the support hand, and the overall grip profile, while favored by some, might not seat as deeply or comfortably as on some contemporary designs like the CZ75.

Does the SA-35 have any issues with magazine reloads?

Yes, the SA-35's steel magazines can sometimes bind in the steel grip, especially when attempting rapid reloads by indexing off the front. It's recommended to align the flat part at the back of the magazine with the back of the pistol frame for more reliable seating.

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