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Springfield Armory’s new SA‑35 Polished Blued brings a traditional, high‑luster finish to its modernized take on the legendary Browning Hi‑Power.
A Polished Take on a Familiar Platform
Springfield Armory built the SA‑35 as an updated interpretation of the P‑35, retaining the original pistol’s feel while addressing long‑standing shortcomings. This new Polished Blued variant leans into the wood‑and‑steel aesthetic with a deep, reflective hot‑salt blue finish.
Unlike the original matte‑blue SA‑35, Springfield applies a dedicated polishing process before bluing. That extra step creates a finish closer to early postwar Hi‑Powers, offering a more traditional look without changing the underlying pistol.
Upgrades Over the Original Hi‑Power
While the appearance nods to the past, the SA‑35 is built with several functional upgrades over the original FN/Browning Hi‑Power.
Springfield machines the frame and slide from forged carbon steel, improving strength and long‑term durability compared to many legacy guns. The pistol also uses a cold hammer forged 4.7‑inch barrel, enhancing consistency and service life.
The SA‑35 eliminates the magazine disconnect, allowing magazines to drop free and giving the pistol a cleaner trigger feel. Springfield also recontoured the hammer geometry to reduce the risk of hammer bite, a common complaint with older Hi‑Powers.
Controls see thoughtful updates as well. An extended thumb safety improves accessibility, and the sights move to a modern setup with a white‑dot front and serrated Tactical Rack rear, replacing the small, low‑contrast sights of earlier designs.
Capacity receives a quiet improvement. The included flush‑fit magazine holds 15 rounds, up from the original’s typical 13‑round standard.
Handling and Practical Use
The SA‑35 keeps the slim grip profile that made the Hi‑Power famous, aided here by checkered walnut grips that complement the polished blue finish. At 31.5 ounces, the all‑steel pistol balances naturally and manages recoil well during sustained range sessions.
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The beveled magwell subtly eases reloads without altering the external profile. Combined with improved feed‑ramp geometry, the pistol is better suited for modern defensive ammunition than many vintage examples.
A Practical Revival, Not a Museum Piece
Springfield positions the SA‑35 Polished Blued as more than a cosmetic update. It preserves the Hi‑Power’s ergonomics and trigger system while modernizing reliability, sights, and durability.
For shooters who want a visually classic 9mm that’s built for regular use, the Polished Blued SA‑35 offers a balanced middle ground between nostalgic design and modern expectations.
Springfield Armory SA‑35 Polished Blued – Specifications
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Model: SA‑35 Polished Blued
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Single‑action, semi‑automatic
- Frame: Forged carbon steel
- Slide: Forged carbon steel
- Finish: Polished blued
- Barrel Length: 4.7 in
- Barrel: Cold hammer forged, 1:10 twist
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Sights: White‑dot front, Tactical Rack rear
- Grips: Checkered walnut
- Weight: 31.5 oz
- MSRP: $799 [springfiel…armory.com]
Learn more HERE.
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.