Twisted Chemist
Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2021
- Messages
- 140
John, just received a SA-35 for Yule from my wife and this is my experience. Was introduced to the BHP back in the 80's and have wanted one ever since. Over Christmas break I was actually comparing the SA-35 and my SA Ronin 1911 in .45 acp. Have had the Ronin for a couple of years now and I love it, after two FTE during break-in it runs flawlessly with whatever ammo it is fed. For the record I have little hands, like wearing women's size large gloves, small. The 1911 fits me like it was made for my tiny (but masculine) hands. It falls perfectly into the hand and points instinctively with no need to shift with my grip. It was my favorite shooter until the SA-35 moved in. The 35 has a notably wider grip but it feels wonderful and balances beautifully. Holding one in each had it became obvious that the 1911 is nose heavy with the CG (center of gravity) forward placing weight on the index finger. Loosen your grip and the weapon will tend to fall forward out of the hand. And yes I understand the additional mass is necessary for smoothing the recoil impulse of the .45 acp. There was no ammunition in either firearm during this test so YMMV. The CG of the 35 shifts balance into the hand. Holding the 35 feels like wielding a superbly made rapier, the mass is there but the balance makes it handle effortlessly. The wooden grips (steel and wood, gods it feels so nice) are deeply checkered for a secure grip but have not irritated my hands after several range sessions. Aesthetically it looks and feels like the younger Italian brother of the 1911: suave, smooth, more refined, elegant with a bubble butt and making moves on your girlfriend. Winner, SA-35.
However, what the gain in balance and handling is traded off by the trigger. To be quite plain, it has a great SA trigger pull, the reach isn't too long and the trigger finger lands naturally. To fire there is a bit of take-up before the sear is engaged then there is a short, smooth but distinct, creep then it breaks cleanly at around 4~5 lbs. For a factory trigger it is grand, not 1911 grand but grand. The wart on the nose of the trigger is the reset. The trigger has to move almost entirely forward before you get the light tactile click and and barely audible reset. It makes double taps or follow-up shots slower than the 1911 trigger. Winner 1911.
SA has made a major improvement on the Browning safety, it is almost as good as the enlarged safety on the Ronin.
The SA-35 and 1911 are two distinct animals but, for me, the ergonomics on both are excellent. All controls are easily accessible even if I have to shift my grip on both to actuate the slide stop. Can't testify how each do in larger hands.
As for hammer bite SA has made modifications that eliminate the problem. In conclusion, after three different shooters, over 200 rounds of Remington FMJ, Magtech FMJ, Armscor JHP and Hornady Critical Defense ammo there hasn't been a single failure. As a bonus the 35 throws its brass in a neat little pile at about 5 o'clock to the shooter.
