TheBelgian P-35was particularly fascinating due to its legendary 13+1 round 9mm capacity.
It was unlike anything else on the market there were very fewdouble-stack 9mm designsavailable then.
We were limited to .38 Special revolvers or 1911 .45 pistols not a bad choice for 1980!
The Springfield Armory SA-35 is a proven technology. Is it worth considering for your CCW needs?
Besides, I didnt have the money for one at that time.
When Ireallywanted one was when I was a detective making drug buys with the countys Metropolitan Enforcement Group.
But once again, I couldnt seem to come up with the cash for one.
The SA-35 can be carried in a variety of locations and methods, from IWB to OWB to shoulder rigs.
The desire for one was shelved for many years.
What was also driving my interest in the design was its inclusion in the1984 movieBeverly Hills Copstarring Eddie Murphy.
Eddie Murphys character is an undercover Detroit P.D.
While beautiful, the Springfield SA-35 is designed to be used not hidden away in a safe. Get it out for training and daily carry.
detective who packs one of these pistols the only movie cop other than Serpico I know of who did.
Murphys weapon handling was excellent.
His weak-hand-only reloading technique was picked up by many agencies.
The author found the SA-35 fit perfectly in an El Paso Saddlery Tanker Shoulder Holster designed for the 1911.
I taught it after it was shown to me at our state training academy.
Its a legendary flick for fans of the design.
However, I still couldnt afford one.
In my opinion, theSpringfield SA-35is the pistol that the original design should have evolved into.
Better yet, the average shooter who has always wanted one as I did can at last afford it.
After all these years, I had an opportunity to get my hands on one.
But how would it hold up against all the other modern, double-column 9mm pistols available now?
It is also not a safe queen, a curio or an investment.
Its designed to beused used for home defense, concealed carry and recreational shooting of all sorts.
If I were still working as an officer, Id pack it on the street.
If you like the looks of the original, youll love the styling of the SA-35.
Springfields web page refers to the SA-35 as a Re-birth of an Icon.
Id say that is an accurate description.
One thing that the SA-35 isnt is adouble action/single action (DA/SA) handgun.
It features a single-action trigger, and is a gun meant to be carried cocked and locked.
The SA-35s graceful curved trigger is very crisp and light at a measured 4 lbs.
This feature of the original prevented the development of a first-class trigger.
Unlike the P-35, the SA-35 can fire with the magazine removed.
The feel is phenomenal.
There is no grip safety.
The sights are modernized with a white dot front and a great serrated plain U notch rear.
I would like to see a brass dot or a Tritium front sight available as options.
The fully checkered walnut grips assure control when firing.
Recoil is tame even with hot +P loads.
There was no-hammer bite from the redesigned hammer spur.
The all-steel magazines inserted smoothly into the beveled magazine well, and dropped free just as easily.
The slide release lever was easy to access.
Simply put, shooting the SA-35 was pure joy.
It also fit perfectly in anEl Paso SaddleryTanker Shoulder Holster designed for the 1911.
The SA-35 rides extremely well.
It obviously conceals just as well as a 1911 or 4 revolver.
Most of the time with one spare magazine.
I certainly feel just as well armed with it at home.
Whats Next
The SA-35 is a true defensive handgun just as it comes out of the box.
The rear sight is perfect, as is.
If you cant figure it out yet, I highly recommend the Springfield Armory SA-35.
Oh, and the MSRP is $699.
I can finally afford it!
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