First Look: Springfield Armory SA-35 4”

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Springfield Armory has just launched the SA-35 4”, a compact version of the company’s Hi-Power clone.

We reviewed the original SA-35 back when it was first released a few years ago, and it left us very impressed. Now, Springfield Armory is releasing a very cool new compact version more suitable for concealed carry: the SA-35 4”. Featuring an abbreviated 4-inch barrel instead of the original’s 4.7-inch barrel, it should ride a bit nicer in the waistband while still maintaining the Hi-Power’s renowned ergonomics, full 15-round 9mm capacity and supreme shootability.

As far as I know, the first factory-produced compact Hi-Power variant was made by Fabricaciones Militares in Argentina and imported into the U.S. in the 90s. It came to be known, at least in the States, as the Detective Hi-Power, and it featured basically the same form factor as the new Springfield SA-35 4”. Namely, a full-size grip and a barrel/slide that’s been shortened to roughly 4 inches. The rest of the pistol’s features are otherwise the same as those of the full-size SA-35, including checkered walnut grips, a ring hammer to prevent slide bite and a slightly beveled magazine well. It also has an improved feed ramp, no magazine disconnect safety and white dot front/Tactical Rack rear iron sights. So far, it’s only being offered with a matte-blue finish, but hopefully Springfield will eventually offer it with a polished blue finish like they recently introduced for the full-size SA-35.

Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory, said this about the new pistol:

The SA-35 proved to be an immediate success due to its combination of traditional design and modern enhancements … This new 4” SA-35 offers all those same benefits and appeal, but now in a smaller and faster-handling version.

The SA-35 4” has an MSRP of $800 and each gun ships with one 15-round magazine and a soft case.

For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.

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