Something Old is New Again: The Hi Power by Springfield Armory

[Bailey Guns]

Never a fan of the Hi Power (My apologies to St JMB). But this does sound interesting. Look at that much improved 1911-style safety:

https://www.springfield-armory.com/sa-35-series-handguns/sa-35-handguns/


ETA: MSRP of $699 and Made in the USA. That's pretty impressive for an old-style steel and wood handgun.

[ray1970]

Never a fan of the Hi Power (My apologies to St JMB).

Same. I?ve tried to like the platform a few times but it just never clicked with me for whatever reason.

That definitely seems to be a good price point for it but I still think for that money (or less) the CZ is a better platform and that is still my choice if I want a heavy, metal 9mm.

[ray1970]

Oh, and kudos to Springfield for leaving out the magazine disconnect. Never liked that ?feature? on any handgun.

[eddiememphis]

Well, shit.

Add another one to the list.

I have always liked the Hi-Power. The prices on them are hi (haha) so a brand new one at $700 is very appealing.

[.455_Hunter]

Looks good. A few comments from me...

Does the new safety offer a more positive detent system?

Any prospect for an ambi-safety?

Do mags interchange with older HP examples?

[10x]

Definitely interesting. The Hi Power is a favorite for sure. I want to see a review to see if accuracy is comparable to the Browning manufactured Hi Powers and that the old mags
work in the SA 35. I also agree the mag disconnect removal is good. Never did like them.

[10x]

I just read an American Rifleman article. Old msgs work perfectly in the SA35. The mags supplied by Springfield are made by MecGar. Accuracy was under two inches at 25 yards..
Looks like Springfield did it right.

[.455_Hunter]

Old mags work perfectly in the SA35. The mags supplied by Springfield are made by MecGar.

That's what I suspected- Thanks.

[Martinjmpr]

Nice to see a "retro" gun that's not just another run-of-the-mill 1911 clone.

I had a FEG-35, AKA the "Hungarian Hi Power" for several years. Finally sold it because I also have a G17 and didn't see a need for two full size 9mm semi autos.

For those who want at HP but don't want to pay the high prices, I can say the FEG was an outstanding gun. I don't think I paid more than $300 for it. AFAIK all parts were fully interchangeable with the Browning version to include mags.

[Bailey Guns]

I'm no aficionado of the Hi Power...but I've heard those FEG guns were fantastic. According to what I'm hearing pretty much all parts of the SA HP are interchangeable with the older versions. They are saying, though, that manufacturing tolerances of the SA are much tighter than the older guns of course. Accuracy potential of the new gun is supposed to be very good.

Anxious to see one in the wild...

[SouthPaw]

Brownells already had a presale for it - $624.99 with promo code FR5.

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/sa-35-handgun-prod144656.aspx?avad=211021_a24865795&aid=35987&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=35987

[wctriumph]

I really like the High Power, I have one now and previously had one other Browning and the FEG. Never had a problem with any of them and I have to say that I will keep the one I have for ever. I have other items to get first but in a couple of years I will have to get a SA 35.

[Sawin]

cool to see, but not for me. To each their own I suppose.

[Hoser]

At least they moved the serial number away from the front strap.

But why they didnt add a beavertail is beyond me.... At least that means my Yost High Power retains its value.

[eddiememphis]

Several reviews popped up on youtube today.

One guy said it is the best gun Springfield has ever made.

I'd vote the 1903-A3, but what do I know?

[Bailey Guns]

One guy said it is the best gun Springfield has ever made.

I'd vote the 1903-A3, but what do I know?

Not the same Springfield Armory...

[def90]

Love my HiPower..

As for the FEG clones, there are two versions, the early first version is for the most part a 100% copy of the original, then they went to a second version which looks like a HiPower for the most part but is a completely different operating design and none of the parts interchange.

Interested in seeing how this gun does, I switched to a G19 for carry and general use because I didn't want to beat up my HiPower any more than it already is.. sure doesn't shoot anywhere as nice as my HiPower though.

[eddiememphis]

Not the same Springfield Armory...

Whatever...

Mine is a Smith-Corona.

[.455_Hunter]

In 1974, taking the name of the recently defunct Springfield Armory was a business coup, right up there with the "Perfection" motto of the fanboy coordinators. Frankford Arsenal, a similarly historic military facility, does not have the name recognition as its brother location, and is known primarily to ammo collectors, with the new company selling low end reloading supplies.

[Bailey Guns]

Whatever...

Mine is a Smith-Corona.

OK. Whatever. Still not the same Springfield Armory. As .455_Hunter pointed out...the name was bought in the 70s. It's not the same Springfield Armory that was once a government arsenal from the Revolutionary War days that produced military guns in Massachusetts. It's now a commercial company in Geneseo, IL. Sorry if that hurts your butt...

[Colorobo]

Ill buy one as i missed out buying a HI_POWER about 9 years ago, would be hard explaining to the wife how the 800$ hand gun had to come home with the 2k purchase.