Editor’s Note: This note is a reminder that we will close the books on 2021 with our Friday, December 17 editions. As we have for the past 21 years, we’ll take a publishing break until January 3, 2022. We’ll use the time to perform some much-needed maintenance on systems, make adjustments to our new offerings for 2022, spend time with our families and friends, and get in shape for the sprint of events we hope will launch a more “normal” 2022 business cycle. If you have news you want out before January 3, 2022, it needs to be submitted no later than 3 p.m. Eastern time, on Thursday, December 16 for Friday editions -- a full day earlier for Thursday's Tactical Wire. As always, the earlier, the better.
Last week we covered the background on the new Springfield SA-35 Hi Power clone. It’s a good looking, nice feeling pistol – the nicest Hi Power clone ever produced. This week it’s time to look at the internals of Springfield’s Hi Power.
The pistol follows the original design of the Hi Power. There are a few differences, which are definite improvements. One big improvement with the SA-35 over past clones is that the slide and frame are forged, as opposed to cast, and fit between them is just right for a Hi Power. Field stripping is standard, and the normal punches are required for disassembly. You’ll need 1/6, 3/32 and 5/32 standard and roll pin punches. Hi Powers are not that complicated, and one of the cool things about them is that they’re simple to take apart and reassemble. (Obviously, you’ll need the proper knowledge and instructions.). One thing to watch for is the detent and spring on the thumb safety. They’re not held captive in the safety so be sure not to let them fly during takedown.
Reports on the slide and frame are showing that they’re slightly softer than the original Browning pistols. This is probably a good thing. The originals were a little too hard, which occasionally led to cracking on the frame at some of the thinner/weaker areas. And the magwell is already beveled, which is always an improvement.
When removing the slide, the first thing noticeable is that the recoil spring is longer than a standard spring, and judging from the coils appears to be a progressive spring. The barrel is hammer forged – 1:16 twist - with a straight feed ramp instead of the older humped version. The ramp is smooth and shiny, just like it should be to ensure reliable feeding.
Once the extractor was removed from the slide a couple of high spots were discovered on it that needed to be honed down. That’s not a big deal and is easily corrected. The extractor spring is a little shorter than a Browning spring, and could be the source of some reports about weak ejection. I decided to go ahead and replace it with an original Browning spring, which is something I do with every Hi Power I’ve owned.
The sear lever, which rides in the slide looked nice, with no rough spots that could interfere with a smooth, crisp trigger. The rest of the trigger components in the frame all fit and function well. After a small amount of take-up, the hammer breaks at just under six pounds with about ¼” of travel. The removal of the mag/trigger disconnect feature magazine/safety disconnect, which prevents the pistol from being fired when there’s no mag locked in place, is a factor here. Hi Powers aren’t known for having a distinct reset, but the SA-35 is more pronounced that most, and after reset there’s just a touch of take-up to fire the next shot. The trigger action gets high marks for a factory trigger on a military style Hi Power. If you’re looking for a “perfect” trigger, all that’s needed is a little tuning, just like with any Hi Power.
Next is a trip to the range to test fire. A good friend of mine and fellow “Hi Powerer” bought his SA-35 last weekend and has already put some rounds through it. He’s very pleased with the purchase. I’m expecting the same thing.
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.