Review: Springfield Armory SA-35 4″ – The Classic Hi Power Refined

Overview

When Browning ceased production of the legendary Hi Power in 2018, many feared the era of one of history’s most influential fighting pistols had ended. Springfield Armory has revived this legacy with the SA-35, a modern take on John Browning’s final pistol design, and the new 4-inch-barreled version is designed for the shooter who wants the iconic ergonomics and single-action reliability of a Hi Power in a package small enough for daily concealed carry.

Specs at a Glance

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Capacity: 13 rounds
• Weight: Not specified (lighter than standard)
• MSRP: Under $800

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Features and What Sets It Apart

The SA-35 4″ is not a radical reinvention but rather a surgical refinement of the standard SA-35. Springfield Armory has reduced the barrel and slide by approximately 0.7 inches compared to the 4.7-inch model, creating a more compact profile suited for carry. It retains the forged carbon-steel frame and slide with a classic blued finish. Notable features include the inclusion of a Commander-style hammer, which specifically addresses the notorious “hammer bite” that plagued original Hi Power iterations. Furthermore, Springfield has wisely omitted the much-despised magazine-disconnect safety found on some modern clones, a move that preserves a cleaner, more consistent trigger pull—a hallmark of the single-action design.

Ergonomics and Handling

The ergonomics of the Hi Power platform are arguably its greatest selling point. The double-stack magazine and pivoting trigger provide a “famously friendly” grip feel that many modern striker-fired pistols struggle to match. While the 4″ model is 1.7 ounces lighter and shorter than its predecessor, the difference feels significant in the hand. The pistol features a strong-hand manual thumb safety and practical sights consisting of a white-dot front and a notched-and-serrated all-black rear sight.

Range Performance

During testing at 10 yards, the SA-35 4″ proved itself remarkably capable. Using various factory loads, the pistol averaged less than 1.5 inches, which is above average for a carry-ready pistol in this class. However, it truly shined with Hornady Critical Duty ammunition, producing average groups of under an inch over five-shot strings, though this load produced the most felt recoil. In practical drills involving over 175 rounds, the pistol performed with zero stoppages. The trigger remained superb, though users should note that the shorter sight radius resulted in multi-shot engagement times that were roughly 15 percent slower compared to the full-size version. Additionally, shooters with very large hands who utilize a high-grip- may still occasionally experience minimal hammer bite, a trait exacerbated by the slightly more aggressive recoil impulse of the 4″ frame.

Pros and Cons

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Pros

• Iconic, ergonomic grip and superb single-action trigger.
• Commander-style hammer reduces hammer bite risk.
• No magazine-disconnect safety for better performance.
• Excellent accuracy with high-quality 9mm loads.

Cons

• Shorter sight radius slows down multi-shot transitions.
• Potential for hammer bite for large-handed shooters.
• The shortened profile may look “odd” to Hi Power purists.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

The Springfield Armory SA-35 4″ is a compelling offering for those who value the 90-year-old lineage of the Hi Power. While the “chopped” look might be a turn for some purists, its reliability and accuracy make it a logical choice for a self-defense tool. If you prefer the manual, single-action feel over modern striker-fired systems but need something concealable, this pistol is an excellent addition to any sidearm. For those looking for a reliable fighting pistol under $800, check current availability at BT Gun Company. You can also find more insights by visiting our section for latest firearms news.