Which Hi-Power Pistol Should You Buy? (Surplus vs SA-35 vs High Power)

History of the Browning Hi-Power and wartime service

The discussion opens with an overview of the Browning Hi-Power’s long production history. The pistol originated in 1935 and was produced until 2018, then resumed in 2022. It is described as an iconic design with more than eight decades of service and use in multiple conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The hosts note John Browning’s role in firearms development and mention that the Hi-Power carries significant historical and nostalgic value. They also reference its use by U.S. forces and Belgian police, emphasizing that the platform has seen widespread adoption and combat use, which contributes to its reputation as a proven service pistol.

Original FN P35 surplus pistol overview

Attention shifts to an original FN Browning Hi-Power, also referred to as the P35, sourced from Belgian police surplus. The example on the table is believed to be manufactured in 1978. The hosts explain that during World War II, Nazi Germany occupied Belgium while FN was producing Hi-Powers. Production for Allied forces continued by moving manufacturing to Canada under John Inglis, while FN also produced pistols under occupation. The surplus pistols now available show variation in condition, grips, and production years, but the one examined appears to be in solid shape. It is presented as the choice for those wanting an original, military or police-adopted Hi-Power with a strong reputation for reliability.

Modern clones: Springfield SA-35 and Girsan MCP35

The conversation moves to modern Hi-Power style pistols that appeared after FN discontinued the original in 2018. Springfield Armory introduced the SA-35 around 2019 as a Hi-Power clone, and Girsan released the MCP35 for the U.S. market. The hosts do not have the MCP35 on hand in the studio but note they have not heard significant negative feedback about it and would like to test it. For the Springfield SA-35, one host mentions hearing about possible reliability issues but has limited personal experience. The plan is to take the SA-35 to the range alongside the surplus FN P35 and the new FN High Power to evaluate reliability, feel, and shooting characteristics rather than conduct a long-term durability test.

FN High Power 2022 redesign and capacity differences

FN’s 2022 reintroduction of the platform, now called the FN High Power, is examined next. The pistol is described as a more modernized version of the P35, with ambidextrous slide stop or slide release controls and an ambidextrous external safety. The locking system is said to differ slightly from the original design, and the overall feel is more contemporary in the hand. Capacity comparisons are highlighted: the new FN High Power uses 17-round magazines, the Springfield SA-35 uses 15-round magazines, and the original Browning Hi-Power carried 13 rounds. The original’s 13-round capacity is noted as a major advantage in its era, especially when compared to contemporaries like the 7-round .45 ACP 1911 and lower-capacity pistols such as the Walther P38.

Range setup and first shots with the 1978 FN P35

At the range, the hosts set up with three pistols: the modern FN High Power, the Springfield SA-35, and the original FN P35 surplus pistol from Belgian police, dated to 1978. They emphasize that neither has fired these specific guns before and that all reactions will be from first shots on camera. They decide to start with the original FN P35 to establish a baseline. Shooting at approximately 35 yards, one host notes that the pistol feels somewhat small in the hand but still manageable. Despite the age of the design and surplus status, the pistol feeds and fires without issue, and hits on target confirm that the gun remains accurate at distance with standard 9mm ammunition.

Sights, trigger characteristics, and ergonomics on the surplus FN

After the first magazine through the 1978 FN P35, the shooter comments that the sights are difficult to use by modern standards. The small, original-style iron sights are contrasted with contemporary suppressor-height or tritium sights, leading to the description of the old sights as poor when compared to current options. However, they still allow accurate engagement at 35 yards. The trigger is described as very heavy, estimated around 10 pounds or more, which is attributed to its role as a police or defensive sidearm where a heavier pull might be preferred. The heavy trigger requires adjustment from the shooter but does not prevent accurate fire. Ergonomically, the pistol feels compact, and grip technique becomes important to control the gun effectively, especially for shooters with larger hands.

Springfield SA-35 range test and initial reliability issue

The Springfield SA-35, a 9mm Hi-Power style pistol introduced around 2019, is then tested. In the hand, it feels like a newer, tighter gun with more modern sights, including a prominent front dot that is easier to pick up. On the first magazine, the shooter reports that the trigger feels noticeably lighter than the surplus FN’s heavy pull, which initially causes a slight surprise on the first shot but quickly becomes an advantage. Accuracy is described positively, with the shooter remarking on shooting better than expected. When another shooter takes a turn, a malfunction occurs: a live round remains in the chamber and the pistol fails to fire. They verify that a magazine is inserted and seated, then discover an issue related to how the round is sitting and feeding. The ammunition is confirmed as 9mm, but the interaction suggests a possible magazine or feeding problem, illustrating the kind of reliability concern that had been mentioned earlier.