Springfield Armory SA-35

While planning for the WEST TEXAS, MASTER OF ARMS (WTX MOA) yearly range schedule. Leaders of the group wanted a surprise, and I planned a surprise! We even gave a pistol away if someone could guess the manufacturer, and model. After several hints, the 25+ MOA members were getting close. But member Zack Newman shouted out with the correct answer. Zack yelled out “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SA-35”.

One of our goals as a shooting club is to keep the anticipation, participation and team building at the highest levels possible. Doing so requires monthly challenges, and even surprise ranges. Leading off the 2025 WTX MOA schedule was the SA-35 surprise range.

January 19th range, 12 members opened their own new SA-35. None of the members held or seen their SA-35 before. Each example had the attention to detail that Springfield Armory is known for. The bluing, fit and finish was perfect. The walnut grips varied in color and were comfortable in hand even for the two women that trained that day. Each shooter was given 1 extra MECGAR magazine, or SPRINGFIELD ARMORY magazine.

When I first opened the box containing my new Springfield Army SA-35, it looked amazing. The pistol felt great the moment I handled it.

The SA-35 has a debt to pay, being a direct descendant of the great John M. Browning’s P-35 design. During our range, the SA-35 paid its debt in full, with interest.

WTX MOA recorded one failure, after 300 rounds of PMC 124 grain FMJ. The outside temperatures was 30 degrees. All of the pistols needed a light spray of Lucas Oil Extreme Duty, after which we started putting rounds on target. Each shooter experienced light recoil, most shooters found the SA-35 was shooting a little low of aiming point.

All 12 pistols needed the walnut grip retaining screws tightened after 100 rounds, we fired 300 rounds through each of these pistols having only one malfunction. Possibly due to left of center liberal grip, by the shooter. The pistols performed without hesitation with the MECGAR magazine, a $10.00 savings per mag.

All pistoleers shot PMC 124 grains FMJ rounds. Grouping of 3-5 rounds were typically 1 inch at 3 yards. At 7 yards groupings of 3-5 rounds was accurate as well, coming in at 1.25”.

WTX MOA members thought after the range that the Springfield army SA-35 was an excellent weapon. The only upgrade WTX MOA would recommend is being optic cut to accept red dot sights, which would complete the journey from 1935 when the Browning HighPower was first released. Overall the SPRINGFIELD SA-35 is a great weapon, the cost per pistol was an average of $725.00, almost $75.00 under retail. I would definitely recommend the SA-35 for anyone looking for a great entry level pistol.

Todd Ricks