November 16th, 2022
6:13 runtime
Basic semi-auto firearm technology hasnt changed much over the past century or more.
Thus, there is sometimes a division between those who appreciate the classical and those who demand the tactical.
TheSA-35 champions the classicalin every imaginable way.
Although they are nearly a century apart in design, the author found them indistinguishable in regards to performance.
Its a single-action-only firing system with an external hammer and a manual safety switch.
The XD-M Elite is a polymer-framed handgun that is striker-fired and has no manual external safety switch.
Hands-On
Both guns have modern sights, and both are great shooters.
The elegant SA-35 is a classic, hammer-fired pistol with a manual thumb safety. It embodies all of the features for which many shooters are looking.
Sight picture and shot placement are subtly different.
The SA-35 is a point-of-aim/point-of-impact configuration, where the XD-M Elite has a six oclock hold setup.
The XD-M Elite has high sights and a threaded barrel ready to accept a suppressor.
Thoroughly modern, the XD-M Elite OSP is suppressor ready, with a threaded barrel andextra-tall sights.
It is also pre-cut for a mounted red-dot optic.
The desert flat dark earth coloring hints at its capabilities as a duty sidearm.
The finish is dark and unassuming but shows off every fine detail.
Although the group placement is slightly different between the two, the size of the groups is nearly identical.
But lets not overlook the best way to resolve this dilemma… own both of them!
Go to forum thread
SA-35TMSeries
XD-MElite 4.5" OSPTM Threaded
Putting the SA-35 against the XD-M Elite: which is the winner? Either will serve you extremely well. It all boils down to your specific needs and wants.
