I wanted to see the modern touches Springfield Armory had applied to the legendary John Moses Browning P-35 design.
When I received my SA-35, I wasnt disappointed.
Its one of the best modern takes on a timeless design Ive ever seen.
Springfield Armory introduces the ever-popular Model SA-35 in two exciting new Cerakote colors — Tactical Gray and Coyote Brown. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
I even loaned it to Massad Ayoob one day so he could shoot a qualifier course with it.
He punked me by shooting a perfect score, beating me with my own gun.
But, I should have expected that to happen, right?
Updated sights, hammer and thumb safety — among other features and enhancements — make the SA-35 pistol a perfect blend of vintage looks and modern touches. Image: John McKenzie/Down Range Photography
That experience was documented here on theThe Armory Life.
The original SA-35 hewed very closely to the original, with an attractive matte finish and high-quality walnut grips.
It also featured tough forged steel slides and frames, along with a cold hammer forged barrel.
The new SA-35 pistols have been updated with new colors and grip materials, like this Coyote Brown with complementary color G10 grips. Image: Springfield Armory
[Read Rob GarrettsSpringfield Armory SA-35 reviewfor more information on these pistols.]
These two new Cerakote finishes really transform the look of the pistol, each in a different way.
The Coyote Brown suggests a rugged duty sidearm that represents the useful tool it was engineered to be.
The SA-35 features a flush-fitting 15-round magazine. This is two more rounds than the original P-35 pistol. Image: Author
For me, the Tactical Gray finish gives the SA-35 a more sophisticated, maybe even elegant look.
It was initially designed at the request of the French military, with some basic but sensible criteria.
It was also required to have impressive capacity, as well as an external hammer and a manual safety.
The new Tactical Gray finish on the SA-35, combined with the black accents, has a look of functional sophistication. Image: Springfield Armory
The resulting 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol was a single-action design that was both reliable and durable.
It was also very simple to maintain.
Easy field stripping for cleaning and maintenance was crucial.
Elements like a bobbed hammer reducing the risk of “hammer bite” and an extended thumb safety are two of many modernized updates used on the SA-35. Image: Author
Two other very notable upgrades Id like to mention are related to the magazine.
In addition, the grip panels were walnut with attractive checkering.
The new offerings change that up in a very interesting way.
The G10 grip panels on the Coyote Brown SA-35 are attractive and well-textured. Image: Carson McDaniel
A Sleek Look
Lets start with the Tactical Gray SA-35.
The Cerakote finish is not just great looking with its smooth and even texture, but durable as well.
Featuring G10 construction, these grips add a very modern touch that complements the gray finish.
The safety lever performs the additional function of positioning and holding the slide for takedown, via the forward notch in the slide. Image: Author
Combined with the black controls, the pistol has an elegant and refined two-tone look.
The textured grips have a swirled, multi-color design that includes tans, browns and blacks.
Underneath those great new colors is the same well-built SA-35 that we all know.
The modern touches include a bobbed hammer, wider thumb safety, and anti-glare U-notch rear sight. Image: John McKenzie/Down Range Photography
The 9mm handgun fits the hand with the natural ergonomics for which John Browning was known.
Its a natural pointer that provides great accuracy.
The enlarged manual safety has an easy but definitive click both on and off.
Here, the author shoots the Tactical Gray version of the Springfield Armory SA-35 handgun. Functionally identical to the prior SA-35 pistols, the new colors give shooters some exciting new looks.
When the initial P-35 was created, it was possibly the most ergonomic handgun made up to that time.
Specifications
Hands-On
Oh, and did I mention that its also a shooter?
There are some guns that are just so enjoyable to shoot that I sometimes lose myself in the enjoyment.
After shooting both pistols on the range, the author stated that the answer to the question of “Which should I get?” is “both.” Image: Author
The pistols natural pointing, tame recoil and excellent ergonomics kept me refilling the magazine over and over.
Another original objective of the design was simplicity, such that it could be easily field-stripped.
Additionally, the barrel has the more modern style lug and feed ramp configuration.
The parts are few and simple, and the reassembly is an easy reversal of that process.
Of course, the new challenge presented by this is the question which one?.
My solution to such a dilemma is usually simple one of each!
Go to forum thread
SA-35TM
