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SA-35 500 round review

MSgt Buke

MSgt Buke

Alpha
I was able to spend a few hours at my local range yesterday with my SA-35 and really shoot the gun. I ran close to 500 rounds through it, and I've formed a definite opinion about the gun. This is a winner. I've bought 4 15-round mags for this gun, makes a big difference for carried punch. Comparing the SA-35 to my 92FS is a tough call. Reliability is a draw. I've yet to have any problems with either gun. They've always gone bang when I've pulled the trigger. I think I like the sights better on the SA-35. The sight picture just seems "right" to me. I've shot the 92FS for decades, so I know the gun inside out, but the sight picture on the SA-35 just looks better to me. Fit, finish, are beautiful on both guns. Maybe it's the wood grips on the SA-35, but it feels better in my hand. I know I shot out the center mass on 3 different targets yesterday. I've always loved my Beretta, I always will. But the SA-35 has really impressed me.
 
I really like mine. I am looking for a good, OWB, leather thumb break holster for it. Old School Cool, not a flap though, like this:
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UC_Guy 1971 said:
I really like mine. I am looking for a good, OWB, leather thumb break holster for it. Old School Cool, not a flap though, like this:
View attachment 94203
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I looked all over to, but I ended up buying the Bianchi 7001 nylon form fitting holster. Very tight initially, but after a couple of weeks, it's moulded itself to the gun. The draw is very smooth, very secure when worn.
 
I love my SA-35. I think its the best rendition of the Hi-Power yet. I especially like SA's version of the manual safety lever.
BTW: a Hi-Power fits any 1911 holster just fine. ;)
 
I own a ‘91 BHP.
Bought an SA35 when it first came out and it was horrendously unreliable with FTF and FTE. Sent back and got fixed and still had issues. Traded and away it went. I’ll stick to a BHP.
Good luck
 
I purchased my SA-35 back and love the gun dearly, it fits great in my hands and shoots well.

But I recently hit approximately 500 rounds and experienced FTE issue which was due to the claw on the OEM extractor having sheered off.

Thought about sending back in to SA for warranty claim, but after doing some research, I learned this is a weak part even when replaced by SA. So I ordered an FN made part along with a new spring & pin.

Quick and easy install, the gun now operates flawlessly.

Other than this, I replaced the grip panels with a nice pair of LOK thin G10 panels. In the near future, looking to upgrade to a high quality match grade barrel and a possible trigger/action job by a local smith who does excellent work.

But plan to keep my SA-35 old school beyond all of that, no flat triggers, no red dot etc. Simple and reliable!
 

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DesertMnky said:
I purchased my SA-35 back and love the gun dearly, it fits great in my hands and shoots well.

But I recently hit approximately 500 rounds and experienced FTE issue which was due to the claw on the OEM extractor having sheered off.

Thought about sending back in to SA for warranty claim, but after doing some research, I learned this is a weak part even when replaced by SA. So I ordered an FN made part along with a new spring & pin.

Quick and easy install, the gun now operates flawlessly.

Other than this, I replaced the grip panels with a nice pair of LOK thin G10 panels. In the near future, looking to upgrade to a high quality match grade barrel and a possible trigger/action job by a local smith who does excellent work.

But plan to keep my SA-35 old school beyond all of that, no flat triggers, no red dot etc. Simple and reliable!
Click to expand...
They’ve been working just fine naked for 90 years (like the 1911 has for 114). No need to “fix” what isn’t broken😏
 
Nice session — the SA-35 looks like a real winner after 500 shots; congratulations on the four 15 magazines, it changes everything for the capacity in service.
Compared to the 92FS, the reliability seems to be on par, but the sight of the SA-35 and the wooden inserts give it a comfort and precision that distinguish it.
If you have punched the center several times, it's clear that it fits you like a glove — glad that this new toy impressed you so much.

 
K.I.S.S. - time proven with real combat experience in every environment.

IMHO, modifications simple = unreliability and most modern add-ons are useless if the batteries run out/breaks, add weight and something to snag on.

Luckily Nelson Ford is nearby, plan to have him do a trigger job, fit a BHSpringSolutions match grade barrel and replace any other SA OEM parts that are known problems like the extractor.

When I was first taught how to shoot 45+ years ago, it was on a surplus 1911A1 which I measure every other pistol against.

For me, unfortunately I am particular to the pistols I like and shoot well due to having small hands. 1911-esq size and contours work perfect for me ... Glocks, Berettas and many others do not and why I don't own them.

I have tried the 92 series in the past, for what ever reason it just does not fit my hands well and I hate the trigger (like Glocks) ...like so many other things in life, it all boils down to preference especially when it comes to ergonomics.

Love my Sig P320, even more so after upgrading the frame to a Bouwers M1811.
 
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