The SA-35 has always been a love letter to the golden age of pistols, a faithful recreation of the iconic Browning Hi-Power that powered free men through World War II and beyond. Now, Century Arms drops the mic with their first polished blued edition in 9mm—a gleaming tribute that elevates the classic design from rugged workhorse to heirloom stunner. This isn’t just a finish upgrade; it’s a deliberate nod to the pre-war elegance of blued steel, where every curve and contour catches the light like a 1935 original fresh from FN Herstal. At around $700 street price, it’s accessible enough for the everyday carrier yet polished enough to turn heads at the range or in a display case, blending historical reverence with modern reliability tweaks like improved triggers and enhanced extractors that address the original Hi-Power’s finicky reputation.
What makes this drop a big win for the 2A community? In an era of polymer striker-fired sameness flooding shelves, the polished blued SA-35 screams defiance—a reminder that metal guns with soul still rule for those who value craftsmanship over mass production. It’s perfect for the concealed carry crowd seeking a slim, single-stack 9mm (15+1 capacity) that’s hammer-fired for that crisp DA/SA pull, or the collector hunting a blued beauty without dropping five figures on a vintage P35. Century’s move signals market demand for premium finishes amid rising anti-gun rhetoric; polished blue resists the tacticool only narrative, appealing to a broader coalition of heritage enthusiasts and new shooters alike. Expect this to spark a mini-renaissance in blued pistols, pressuring competitors like Girsan or Tisas to up their game while bolstering the argument that 2A rights thrive on innovation rooted in timeless designs.
Implications ripple outward: as import restrictions loom and domestic manufacturing ramps up, the SA-35 embodies American ingenuity resurrecting European legends—right here, right now. For the community, it’s a morale booster, proving that beauty, history, and firepower can coexist without compromise. If you’re building a Hi-Power collection or just want a pistol that feels like victory in your hand, snag one before they’re polished off the shelves. This is 2A evolution at its finest.
