This is one of the most thorough videos on the comparison of these two guns. Had to watch it twice to digest it all. Fantastic and valuable information.
Hello Chris. I've always loved the look of the Browning hi-power. I would like to get one someday for myself. It's one of the many guns on the list. Thank you for the review
I bought a clapped out FN HiPower from Cabela's. It was an Irish Army turn in and barely functioned. Paid $400. Dropped it off to a really good gunsmith and 4 weeks later I had a smooth as silk pistol that would have made John Moses proud. It's beautiful and feels like an extension of your hand. I have a total of $900 in this piece and wouldn't traded it for anything. They are out there and they can be re-done.
Good comparison, history and review. Nice to see Springfield followed most of the original featured of the gun. Springfield makes some very nice firearms, but I am not a fan of the company. Thanks for this video.
Nice job on the breakdown between the SA35 and the P35. Regarding which one to get, the P35 is essentially the Mauser of the pistol world. They were made by Belgium, Germany, England, Canada, China, Hungary, Argentina, Portugal...even Israel. They vary from original thumbprint models w/ the internal extractor to later models with external extractors, a variety of sights, hammers, grips, etc. About 7-8 years ago, I bought two made by Kareen Arms out of Israel and imported by JoArms of Houston, Tx, back in the late 80s and early 90s. I think I gave about $350-$400 a piece for them. I've also bought surplus Israeli models that have been imported over the past 5-10 years at around 5 bills each. They're all potentially collectible as scarcity kicks in. Even the basic Portuguese Mk IIIs were selling for around 12 bills in pristine condition as recently as last year. Who knows where they'll be in a year or 2. At the end of the day, they're solidly built pistols that will serve their owner well and should provide decades of faithful service. Firearms are tools first and investments second. Like stocks, their dollar value only counts if and when you sell them. Until then, they have other jobs to perform.
As someone who didn't grow up around guns, and has only had a "collection" for a few years. I have had to teach myself firearm history all by myself, your channel has been a great tool to help me learn. With that being said, I like the new Springfield grips better than the older F&N ones. The pattern, color, and height are all better in my opinion.
I haven't held the SA35 yet, they look like the Herretts which were once cheap and plentiful. I love the old red back grips. The more modern glossy French walnut grips remind me of 2x4s.
Very good comparison and review. I just found and bought a SA-35 yesterday. They are still quite scarce so I consider myself lucky. I think SA did a nice job with this recreation.
Very helpful comparison. I too favour the original High Power due to the historical aspect of the gun. To have a firearm with direct lineage to John Moses Browning is a pretty cool thing. The usual reason to copy an historic firearm is to give the average Joe the experience of owning a piece that age and scarcity make extraordinarily expensive. Doesn’t make much sense when the copy is more expensive than the original.
No mention of the improved beaver tail to reduce hammer bite or the enlarged safety lever on the SA-35. BTW the original Hi Powers (and Inglis HP) had internal extractors like a 1911. I am not sure when that changed.
Too many hi powers, so little time or money. Great video. I would like to collect the following not in any particular order: FN Hi Power, Springfield SA-35, EAA Girsan MCP35, a World War II era Hi Power, and the new FN High Power. The Springfield SA-35 was approved by Maryland’s Handgun Roster Board for sale starting February 2, 2022. However, I have not seen one nor have I been able to find one online. Both EAA and FN have yet to submit Petitions and Samples to the HRB.
I would add three things: 1) The grips are thinner on the Springfield SA-35, so it's more comfortable for people with small hands. 2) The thumb safety on the Springfield SA-35 is larger, so it's easier to actuate, especially for people with longer thumbs. 3) The hammer design on the Springfield SA-35 reduces the amount of hammer bite that people with meaty hands will get.
Love my HP 2 aesthetics matter to me in considering clones 1- the flush matching of slide and frame at lockback 2- the inverted rails at the fwd end of the frame
I bought an FN Hi-Power a few months ago and I had to pay over a grand. It did have upgrades such as the ringed hammer and a new spring, but the owner had all of the original parts. Even though I would rate it as very good condition, maybe even excellent, according to this video I paid too much. I would rather have it than the Springfield at the same price.
I'm wondering what happened to the nub on top, at the back of the chamber of the original FN's barrel. It should not fit into the Springfield slide, unless Springfield left some space for the nub to fit into. That nub is a centering mechanism for the barrel to help accuracy.
Those aren't Hi Powers; they are completely different guns that somewhat resemble Hi Powers. There's not a single part that interchanges - not even the magazine.
Excellent video. Personally, I like the SA-35 better than the FN. Mine will be a hip-hugging sidearm when out upland game hunting out west. I love that gun, but I’ve been on a waiting list for it now for months. My FFL is a Springfield dealer and has no idea when they will arrive. 🤬🤬🤬
I don’t want to say the title was misleading, but when you consider the SA-35 is Springfield’s current, modern iteration, you expect the FN to also be FN’s new High Power iteration. This video is great for contrasting the changes SA has made, but not what I was searching for. Maybe “Springfield SA-35 VS. a classic High Power” would be better.
One Suggestion: Great video, good information and comparison; however, the camera work made it rough to watch as you kept moving the weapon during talking about it. Sensitive people may get dizzy when watching as I did. Just an FYI, Slow things down, No need to move gun when talking, very distracting. Other than that, Great history information. And good information.
Thank you for the detailed comparison. I'm still waiting for the new FN High Power. (Shouldn't it be Hi Power?). And what I'd really like to see is the new FN is a polished royal blue.
I have an original FN HI POWER made in Belgium with a 5 digit serial number on all parts. I intend to keep it as a collectors piece and pass in to my son when the time comes. Would you have any idea what it might be worth ??
In 3 separate reviews of the new SA35, extraction problems cropped up between 300-800 rounds or so...; clearly, the extractor is 'losing tension' or something.... (Not familiar enough with the HP design to know if it relies on a spring steel extractor with a slight bend in it like the 1911, or how it works)
Let's see the feed ramp. That was a huge weakness for me because the original style rounded ramp was not compatible with hollow points. With FMJ its fine but FMJ is sub-par for a defensive auto. Mine was bought new in 1983. Dumped a ton of money on it for sights, safety, trigger pull and polished ramp. Ended up very disappointed.
I may have gotten to 100 rounds before they started to FTE. I also believe I am having an accuracy issue, but will not know for sure until I get a chance to bench shoot it with 3 or 4 different factory rounds.
@@MichaelSmith-lf6yc I may have gotten to 100 rounds before they started to FTE. I also believe I am having an accuracy issue, but will not know for sure until I get a chance to bench shoot it with 3 or 4 different factory rounds.
@@rg58 I haven’t really shot for accuracy yet but I generally go for at least a 2” group unless I’m zeroing adjustable sights so I’m probably not the best to go with FFL of with that 😂
I'm told the SA-35 is having teething issues particularly with the ejector after roughly 800 rounds, and some of them came with really rough parkerizing jobs like Springfield was just shoving half finished products out the door
Neither one would work for me. I've been shooting sidearm left handed and the safeties aren't ambidextrous. Most of my right fingers are impaired from numerous surgeries.
Which one ?....absolutely FN or Browning Hi-Power with original markings and block shape hand grips in wood or black poly....and then add SA later at $500.
This is one of the most thorough videos on the comparison of these two guns. Had to watch it twice to digest it all. Fantastic and valuable information.
Hello Chris. I've always loved the look of the Browning hi-power. I would like to get one someday for myself. It's one of the many guns on the list. Thank you for the review
I bought a clapped out FN HiPower from Cabela's. It was an Irish Army turn in and barely functioned. Paid $400. Dropped it off to a really good gunsmith and 4 weeks later I had a smooth as silk pistol that would have made John Moses proud. It's beautiful and feels like an extension of your hand. I have a total of $900 in this piece and wouldn't traded it for anything. They are out there and they can be re-done.
Good comparison, history and review. Nice to see Springfield followed most of the original featured of the gun. Springfield makes some very nice firearms, but I am not a fan of the company. Thanks for this video.
I have owned several Belgium Browning Hi-Power’s and like them but won’t pay the prices today so I have a strong interest in this Springfield SA 35
Nice job on the breakdown between the SA35 and the P35. Regarding which one to get, the P35 is essentially the Mauser of the pistol world. They were made by Belgium, Germany, England, Canada, China, Hungary, Argentina, Portugal...even Israel. They vary from original thumbprint models w/ the internal extractor to later models with external extractors, a variety of sights, hammers, grips, etc.
About 7-8 years ago, I bought two made by Kareen Arms out of Israel and imported by JoArms of Houston, Tx, back in the late 80s and early 90s. I think I gave about $350-$400 a piece for them. I've also bought surplus Israeli models that have been imported over the past 5-10 years at around 5 bills each. They're all potentially collectible as scarcity kicks in. Even the basic Portuguese Mk IIIs were selling for around 12 bills in pristine condition as recently as last year. Who knows where they'll be in a year or 2.
At the end of the day, they're solidly built pistols that will serve their owner well and should provide decades of faithful service. Firearms are tools first and investments second. Like stocks, their dollar value only counts if and when you sell them. Until then, they have other jobs to perform.
It doesn't matter how badly I want this sa-35 I am Canadian so no more pistols for me.
So I will just watch your good review and cry.
😭😭😭
As someone who didn't grow up around guns, and has only had a "collection" for a few years. I have had to teach myself firearm history all by myself, your channel has been a great tool to help me learn. With that being said, I like the new Springfield grips better than the older F&N ones. The pattern, color, and height are all better in my opinion.
I haven't held the SA35 yet, they look like the Herretts which were once cheap and plentiful. I love the old red back grips. The more modern glossy French walnut grips remind me of 2x4s.
Phenomenal fit and finish on both weapons. Thanks for disseminating this knowledge.
Great comparison, very detailed…… loved it……me personally…. I like the original in deep blue finish!
Good vid. Have never liked mag safeties, so the Springfield version is definitely more appealing to me.
Nice comparison of parts compatibility. 👍🏼
Very good comparison and review. I just found and bought a SA-35 yesterday. They are still quite scarce so I consider myself lucky. I think SA did a nice job with this recreation.
Thanks Chris enjoyed the review
Very helpful comparison. I too favour the original High Power due to the historical aspect of the gun. To have a firearm with direct lineage to John Moses Browning is a pretty cool thing. The usual reason to copy an historic firearm is to give the average Joe the experience of owning a piece that age and scarcity make extraordinarily expensive. Doesn’t make much sense when the copy is more expensive than the original.
Man..I love your channel.
No mention of the improved beaver tail to reduce hammer bite or the enlarged safety lever on the SA-35.
BTW the original Hi Powers (and Inglis HP) had internal extractors like a 1911. I am not sure when that changed.
Too many hi powers, so little time or money. Great video. I would like to collect the following not in any particular order: FN Hi Power, Springfield SA-35, EAA Girsan MCP35, a World War II era Hi Power, and the new FN High Power. The Springfield SA-35 was approved by Maryland’s Handgun Roster Board for sale starting February 2, 2022. However, I have not seen one nor have I been able to find one online. Both EAA and FN have yet to submit Petitions and Samples to the HRB.
I like the looks of the original grips...but I have to admit the newer ones feel better.
I would add three things:
1) The grips are thinner on the Springfield SA-35, so it's more comfortable for people with small hands.
2) The thumb safety on the Springfield SA-35 is larger, so it's easier to actuate, especially for people with longer thumbs.
3) The hammer design on the Springfield SA-35 reduces the amount of hammer bite that people with meaty hands will get.
Great video on one of my favorites thank you .
Love my HP
2 aesthetics matter to me
in considering clones
1- the flush matching of
slide and frame at lockback
2- the inverted rails at
the fwd end of the frame
The magazine kickout spring of the FN HP is not needed if the magazine disconnect is removed.
There is also a Girsan offering for quite a bit less $$.
Very interesting, thanks!
I bought an FN Hi-Power a few months ago and I had to pay over a grand. It did have upgrades such as the ringed hammer and a new spring, but the owner had all of the original parts. Even though I would rate it as very good condition, maybe even excellent, according to this video I paid too much. I would rather have it than the Springfield at the same price.
Not what I see here. Originals in good shape are bring over a grand and I just picked up the SA35 for less than 6 new.
I'm wondering what happened to the nub on top, at the back of the chamber of the original FN's barrel. It should not fit into the Springfield slide, unless Springfield left some space for the nub to fit into. That nub is a centering mechanism for the barrel to help accuracy.
FN has stated up the production line and is making the Hi power again.
Those aren't Hi Powers; they are completely different guns that somewhat resemble Hi Powers. There's not a single part that interchanges - not even the magazine.
Excellent video. Personally, I like the SA-35 better than the FN. Mine will be a hip-hugging sidearm when out upland game hunting out west. I love that gun, but I’ve been on a waiting list for it now for months. My FFL is a Springfield dealer and has no idea when they will arrive. 🤬🤬🤬
Thanks , Chris more pistols I can't afford. 🤣🤔🤔
I don’t want to say the title was misleading, but when you consider the SA-35 is Springfield’s current, modern iteration, you expect the FN to also be FN’s new High Power iteration. This video is great for contrasting the changes SA has made, but not what I was searching for. Maybe “Springfield SA-35 VS. a classic High Power” would be better.
One Suggestion: Great video, good information and comparison; however, the camera work made it rough to watch as you kept moving the weapon during talking about it. Sensitive people may get dizzy when watching as I did. Just an FYI, Slow things down, No need to move gun when talking, very distracting.
Other than that, Great history information. And good information.
Great Job!
Thank you for the detailed comparison. I'm still waiting for the new FN High Power. (Shouldn't it be Hi Power?). And what I'd really like to see is the new FN is a polished royal blue.
That's a mighty good looking pistol, and it's not as expensive as I thought it would be, but it's 1mm too short for me.
probably a stupid question since they both look identical, but do they fit in the same holsters? Great, thorough video
I have an original FN HI POWER made in Belgium with a 5 digit serial number on all parts. I intend to keep it as a collectors piece and pass in to my son when the time comes. Would you have any idea what it might be worth ??
Could I trade the trigger lock for another magazine???
Are the grips interchangeable?
In 3 separate reviews of the new SA35, extraction problems cropped up between 300-800 rounds or so...; clearly, the extractor is 'losing tension' or something.... (Not familiar enough with the HP design to know if it relies on a spring steel extractor with a slight bend in it like the 1911, or how it works)
Let's see the feed ramp. That was a huge weakness for me because the original style rounded ramp was not compatible with hollow points. With FMJ its fine but FMJ is sub-par for a defensive auto. Mine was bought new in 1983. Dumped a ton of money on it for sights, safety, trigger pull and polished ramp. Ended up very disappointed.
They updated the feed ramps specifically for defensive ammo
Try to buy an original FN High Power for 700$ dollars, you will be laughed out of the store!
The early sa-35 did have ejector issues but, I’m sure Springfield will get that fixed.
Even if they didn't, it is an easy fix if you can pick up one from someone that doesn't like the extractor issue. :)
Just got mine. S/n 19xx. So far roughly 225rds through it, fte at around 150 and 2 additional throughout the last 75
I may have gotten to 100 rounds before they started to FTE. I also believe I am having an accuracy issue, but will not know for sure until I get a chance to bench shoot it with 3 or 4 different factory rounds.
@@MichaelSmith-lf6yc I may have gotten to 100 rounds before they started to FTE. I also believe I am having an accuracy issue, but will not know for sure until I get a chance to bench shoot it with 3 or 4 different factory rounds.
@@rg58 I haven’t really shot for accuracy yet but I generally go for at least a 2” group unless I’m zeroing adjustable sights so I’m probably not the best to go with FFL of with that 😂
I'd buy either one but I'm looking for older one since I heard there's problems with the Springfield? Do you have any on your online store
Wouldn't a spurred hammer be more iconic?? Since it dates back to the 1911 design
Thank you
I'm told the SA-35 is having teething issues particularly with the ejector after roughly 800 rounds, and some of them came with really rough parkerizing jobs like Springfield was just shoving half finished products out the door
Although I can’t speak to the ejector issues, the finish on mine is perfect.
MecGar makes 15 round HiPower magazines
What country is the SA35 made in, Croatia or Brazil? Thanks. Love your videos
Turkey is pumping out copies of the HP and CZ 75 right now. Same finish on both guns.
Its made in the US to my knowledge
You should get the Grisseon ( probably spelled wrong) version when it comes out
Neither one would work for me. I've been shooting sidearm left handed and the safeties aren't ambidextrous. Most of my right fingers are impaired from numerous surgeries.
The MKII Hi-Powers are ambi if I remember correctly.
I understand that cylinder&slide offers an ambi safety mod but there would be a waiting period for it. You might check their website.
Just for the record, the focus of your camera needs some fine tuning. It out of focus rather often.
LGS has this in Stock for Mid 5s. He doesn't gouge.
Stick some high temp grease in there. No gritty trigger!
Browning HI -power 9mm was not out of my reach 24\7 365 for 4 years never got a jam or miss fire my life was in J.M.Browning hands so to speak
Getting on a hundred years and STILL haven't fixed the hammer bite!
I like old f.n
Which one ?....absolutely FN or Browning Hi-Power with original markings and block shape hand grips in wood or black poly....and then add SA later at $500.
Know a guy who bought an SA 35 and had all kinds of problems with his!
Compare sa-35 to girsan hi power pistol.
Do you need a new camera?
February 25 is pistol patent day
Springfield is such a scum bag company. I rather buy the Turkish version.
The last few Hi Power, I have seen. They were $1000. I got one for $550. But it looks like a used gun. Bad refinish for job, one mag, nothing else.
Buy the real deal + Springfield CHF barrel
Welp, you just cost me about $800.
No mag disconnect end of story
SA
Pronounced Gen-ah-seo