With its latest release, Springfield Armory has trimmed down its SA-35 platform into a more compact 4-inch configuration without abandoning what made the steel-framed, hammer-fired pistol resonate in the first place.
At its core, the SA-35 remains a modern interpretation of John Moses Browning’s iconic P-35, better known as the Hi-Power. A shorter barrel and slide shave down the footprint, aiming for quicker handling and easier carry while keeping the balance and feel that have long defined the platform.
Similar to its full-size sibling, the SA-35 4" model is built from forged carbon steel, giving it a reassuring heft at 29.8 ounces. This includes not only the slide and frame, but also the shorter 4-inch barrel. Also like all SA-35 pistols, the barrel features an improved feed ramp design for reliable functioning.
The matte-blue finish on the carbon steel slide and frame is complemented by a pair of checkered and contoured walnut grips.
Ergonomics have also been quietly refined. A recontoured hammer reduces the likelihood of the infamous “hammer bite,” while an extended thumb safety and a beveled magazine well make operation feel more contemporary. The 15-round magazine slightly exceeds the capacity of the original Hi-Power, without altering the grip’s familiar proportions.
Additionally, the SA-35 pistol has a white dot front sight and Tactical Rack black serrated rear sight.
With an MSRP of $799, the Springfield Armory SA-35 4" pistol lands in a space that’s increasingly crowded with polymer options. But that’s not the competition it seems most concerned with. This is a pistol for those who appreciate a design that has already stood the test of time—now just a bit easier to live with day to day. Learn more at springfield-armory.com.
