My 2¢ worth

[rock185]

    I guess I'm not an early adopter, but finally could resist no longer, and acquired a new SA-35.  Anyway, thought I'd share the thoughts of one average Hi Power fan on the new Springfield version.  Mine is in the 5K serial number range, and is cleanly machined in and out with a nice matte finish. Slide/frame fit is at least as good as my FN/browning examples.  Trigger is approx. 4 1/4#. I think I must have somewhere around 450 rounds through this one.  I have used the factory, FN/Browning and MecGar magazines.   I've not tried reloads, but all of the eight different types of factory ammo I've used functioned 100%.  Switching out barrels, slides, etc. with some of my FN/Browning guns, everything seems to be compatible.  I have installed a BarSto barrel in my gun for testing. The Barsto was reliable with 7 of the 8 loads tested. One factory load was in spec, but nearer to the top end of the SAAMI base diameter spec., and would not always go into battery due to the BarSto's tighter chamber. Otherwise, function with the Barsto barrel was entirely normal. 

  The factory SA barrel barrel bushing is definitely fitted more like a service pistol, than target pistol.  For instance, the SA's barrel bushing I.D. on my example is .510", while bushing I.D.s on a couple FN guns I had handy were both .503".  

  Still, my example just works. And though not a target pistol, reliable function is my top priority, and I am enjoying owning the SA-35.

[ToddSig]

Apr 8, 2022 19:30:16 GMT -5 rock185 said:

    I guess I'm not an early adopter, but finally could resist no longer, and acquired a new SA-35.  

Hey Rock, you are killing me. I felt the same way, got tired of waiting, and while prices are down, they are still above MSRP. After seeing your post I went to Gunbroker, found an auction on a new SA-35 that was ending soon. My limit was $825 and I got if for just under my high bid, at $823. Should be here in my hands shortly.

[teddydog]

I have one on the way, too. I have had an order in with an online shop at MSRP for a while with no idea when they would fulfill. Then a very lightly used one came up on another forum site for $800 shipped with everything plus 3 extra Mec-Gar 13-round mags. Should be here this week, then up to 10 business days in Washington gun jail.

rob

[pathfinder36]

Very new member but very old BHP collector since 1952, then age 16. At last count 28 HPs plus 1 Ingles & 1 FEG. I'm on everyone's want lists for the SA-35 but still looking for one at somewhere near the MSRP. I'd probably buy a newly HP built by original manufacturer at Herstal, Belgium or a couple others making a HP currently on the market. Can we call the new one from Belgium a clone? Ed in Florida

[pathfinder36]

Here's a PS to my reply above. I thought you might be interested is my most unusual BHP purchase. It must have been 7 or 8 years ago that I bought a BHP from a neighbor at a cost of exactly one dollar. How can that be? Well, all I got was the ownership of a stolen HP if ever recovered and the original hard case it came in. The pistol was a 1991, 9mm, matt finish, Mark III, SN 66885 that was stolen from his home in East Bradenton, FL by a young man & woman he met in a local bar in 2014. I believe the local sheriff was notified at the time. My neighbor passed away a couple years ago and I bought all of his guns from his mother.

[mrjudgeoc]

I ordered one from LeadFeatherGuns in Winter Haven a few months ago and received it in about 4 weeks, at retail. Wonderful gun and great gunshop. Mike in Florida.

[rock185]

Short update on my SA-35. I must be up around 600 rounds with mine now, and up to 9 different types of factory ammo used. Still literally flawless function.

[ToddSig]

Jun 16, 2022 18:39:07 GMT -5 rock185 said:

Short update on my SA-35. I must be up around 600 rounds with mine now, and up to 9 different types of factory ammo used. Still literally flawless function.

<button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button>

That is great news. Rock, please keep us posted as you put more rounds through the SA-35. From what I have seen, many of the failures started around round 800. Interested in seeing how it does with a few more rounds down range. I need to get out to the range with mine. It has been a couple of months, and I have yet to shoot it.

[Bob Reed]

Thanks for the update, Rock. I'm glad to hear she's running fine.