Steel, Walnut, and Style: The New SA-35

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A 16-shot capacity meets vintage class in Springfield’s newest SA-35 4-inch model, which brings compact carry wrapped in polished carbon steel and checkered walnut.

We were among the first to cover the reintroduction of the classic (and then-recently retired) Browning Hi-Power by an American gunmaker when Springfield introduced the SA-35 in 2021.

Since then, the SA-35 line has grown and evolved while retaining the improvements to Mr. Browning’s original design, with a chopped-down 4-inch compact model performing nicely in a review we published in April.

With its more Detective-length, the “Dick” SA-35 4-inch is very slim and actually makes a good carry gun

Now, the company has added a 4-incher with an eye-catching polished blued finish on its carbon steel frame and slide. We’ve been passing it around the office for the past few weeks to get a sneak peek.

Drink it in, folks.

the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
This new SA-35 features a polished blued finish on its carbon steel frame and slide, giving the durable forged components a deep, lustrous appearance. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
Complementing the polished steel are attractive walnut grip panels with natural grain and finely cut checkering for confident purchase. 
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
As with all SA-35 pistols, its 4-inch barrel features improved feed ramp design for reliable function with modern defensive ammunition and is forged for durability and strength. It ships with a branded zipper case.

Made in the U.S.A., the SA-35 features rugged forged steel parts for strength and durability, improved ergonomics and enhanced controls, a factory-tuned trigger, modernized Tactical Rack rear and white-dot front sights, an improved feed ramp design, and an increased 15-round capacity in the flush-fit magazine.

the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
The polished 4-inch SA-35 compared to the standard matte-finished model. 
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
The SA-35, especially in this new polished version, salutes the appeal of the “wood and steel” era of arms making. 
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
And yes, it shoots. This is two magazines running the BHP classic Mozambique failure drill at 10 yards. In all, we put just over 300 rounds through the pistol right out of the box without fail. 
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
Don’t sleep on this one as a carry gun if needed. With its twin 15-round flush-fit steel Mec-Gar magazines, superior accuracy, excellent single-action trigger, and wide holster availability (see Commander-sized 1911 fits), it makes a lot of sense.   
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
And if nothing else, it can be something of an “instant” heirloom. 
the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished model
Like you need an excuse for some extra steel…

The MSRP of the new Springfield Armory SA-35 4-inch polished (Model HP9205) is $799, the same as the matte-finished variants.

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One comment

  • Keith Locke
    October 6, 2026 07:21

    I have written letters (OK, sent e-mails really) to most of the companies that make a Hi-Power clone BEGGING for the tangent sight Inglis version! I have an original stock/holster around here somewhere for it!

    Reply

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