Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Springfield SA-35 & Knife Combo

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and here, we’re on the range with a unique Davidson’s Exclusive combination of a Springfield SA-35 High Power and a unique matching Civivi EDC knife. Watch the video above to see this pairing in use on the range.

Thanks to Davidson’s position as one of the largest firearm distributors in the country, the company can convince manufacturers to craft unique models and product combinations for their buyers. The resulting configurations from the Davidson’s network of dealers are ones you just won’t find anywhere else. This particular SA-35 and Civivi knife combination is one of those exclusive packages.

For fans of the High Power, the Springfield SA-35 needs little introduction. Springfield is one of several companies that revived the iconic design following Browning’s decision to discontinue production in 2018. Introduced in 2021, the Springfield SA-35 pays homage to the original High Power in several ways while also building in some sorely needed upgrades. First, the name SA-35 harkens back to the year 1935, when the design was first adopted for military use.

In terms of its lines and overall construction, there’s a lot here that matches what’s found on original models, but inside, Springfield built in some welcome upgrades. For starters, the magazine-disconnect safety of the original is gone, and Springfield performed clean-up work on the trigger, ensuring that the SA-35 has one of the better trigger pulls ever found on a factory High Power. Forged steel components inside the gun, as well as a forged frame and slide, ensure greater durability. A cold-hammer-forged barrel completes this rugged package, and an improved feed ramp incorporated into the design improves reliability. Springfield also improved the controls, adding in a redesigned single-sided thumb safety with a generous ledge and tactile operation. A redesigned rowel hammer prevents hammer bite while still preserving the classic lines of the High Power’s frame. An updated set of sights, complete with a ledge-style rear, provides a clear sight picture.

Paired with this classically styled pistol is a matching Civivi folding knife that’s engraved with the Springfield Armory company name, making for a great package for Springfield fans. Based on Civivi’s Pintail Flipper design, the knife is built with a Damascus blade measuring just under 3” long and made from S35VN steel. A set of textured Micarta scales provides a solid grip and also matches the checkered walnut stocks on the SA-35.

The knife surely makes for a great everyday carry option, but most of our time with this package was spent on the range with Springfield’s SA-35. Shooting this modern rendition of a classic High Power was a joy, and we noticed a few particular benefits. Unlike the 13-rounders of the originals, the SA-35 ships with a 15-round magazine, and since there’s no disconnect, empty magazines rocket out of the magwell easily. Loading fresh mags was also a breeze, thanks to the beveled magazine well. With modern sights, modern controls and modern construction, this pistol is ready for more than just range work, and this Davidson’s Exclusive package provides a great pair of EDC tools.

Springfield SA-35 & Knife Combo Specifications
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4.7" stainless steel
Slide: carbon steel; matte blue
Frame: carbon steel; matte blue
Magazine: 15-round detachable box
Sights: drift-adjustable, steel; U-notch rear, white-dot post front
Stocks: checkered walnut
Trigger: single-action, 4-lb., 13-oz. pull
Overall Length: 7.83"
Height: 4.84"
Width: 1.38"
Weight: 29 ozs.
MSRP: $849