I’ve written about Springfield Armory’s Hi Power, the SA-35 in the past. And, I can’t promise this will be the last installment on the pistol; it’s a great handgun based on an iconic design. It also provided me with a perfect platform to build my dream Hi Power.
I’ve owned Hi Powers since the age of eighteen. It was my first semi-auto handgun. Since then, I’ve been yearning for a custom Hi Power but could never afford another Browning to build and didn’t have the knowledge to “roll my own.” A few years ago, I picked up a FEG Hi Power clone in really horrible shape at a great price and started customizing. If I ruined it at least there wouldn’t be a big loss. Springfield’s release of their Hi Power was timed perfectly with my abilities; The SA-35 would be my starting point to build my dream Grande Puissance.
While some pistols require lots of modifications to transform them into a carry weapon, the Hi Power doesn’t require a lot of reworking, especially for a military design. Plus, Springfield already took care of the majority of the recommended and necessary improvements. The SA-35 cuts down on what needs to be done, shortening the list to what you want to have changed. This is where personal opinion and preference come into play. It’s all about making the pistol fit you.
With my small hands I need more traction on the grips so they’re stippled. I prefer the late model Browning ambi thumb safety – but only use the left side of it. Hammer and slide bite are a concern for me – again, hand size. The backside of the SA-35 hammer was cut down, and the ring was bobbed into a short spur. I need a little longer mag release; the factory piece was extended. A light melt job, blending and contouring all the lines on frame and slide produces a nice feel.
The SA-35’s rear sight is great, but I did some melting on it, especially the front edges to make it more comfortable on the hand when cycling. I run XS sights on almost everything; installing one required just a little mill work on the slide.
As mentioned in previous columns all springs were exchanged with Wolff parts. This is something I do with all Hi Powers. A new extractor was also installed. Other than these parts everything else is Springfield-made. The trigger, hammer and sear turned out great. It’s got a smooth, very crisp 5 ½ pound trigger. (I like a little heavier trigger for defensive pistols.)
I went with a parkerized finish. Parkerizing is a great indicator of the quality of materials you’re working with. On some frames, slides and parts it’s impossible to get a good, consistent parkerized finish. (That’s why there are great products like Gun Kote.). Everything on the SA-35 pistol took the parkerizing well, and looks outstanding.
Springfield’s Hi Power is a great pistol on its own. It’s an improvement over the original Hi Power design, and should be well received by long time “Browning” fans. The SA-35 is also a perfect starting point for a custom carry pistol. Get one ordered; I hear they’re running a little behind. Or, better yet -- get two.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.