In 2018, we saw the end of an era for Fabrique Nationale. The FN P35, usually referred to as the Browning Hi-Power, was discontinued. The pistol had been in continuous production since 1935. While sales had been slow, and the MSRP had climbed to over $1,000, some bemoaned the passing of this iconic firearm. However, there is a bright horizon with the introduction of the Girsan MC P35.
After production came to a halt, used examples of the P35 began commanding high prices — as often occurs in this type of situation. To be clear, there have been other clone Hi-Power models including the FEG, Tisas, Arcus, and Kareen, but none were readily available. Frankly, when the FN Browning was available, there was little incentive for serious handgunners looking to obtain a great all-around Hi-Power to purchase a clone gun. The original was affordable enough.
One reason the original FN pistol was so successful at winning contracts — over the Beretta 951, French M50, and even the CZ 75 — was that the pistol was affordable in the huge batches needed by military forces. When John Moses Browning began designing the P35 pistol, he deleted the Colt 1911 barrel bushing and swinging link as well as the grip safety. The Hi-Power was a fresh design, not a 1911 variant, as a result.
Because of these differences, it stands to reason that a top-quality Hi-Power 9mm should be more affordable than an equal quality 1911, as machine time and costs are less.
The FN P35 Hi-Power
A pistol that should pique the attention of a Hi-Power fan is the Girsan MC P35. The MC P35 pays tribute to the John Browning design that was finished by noted engineer Dieudonné Saive. The original P35 was a single-action locked-breech handgun with a then-pioneering double-stack magazine.
The FN P35 earned an excellent reputation as a reliable and useful handgun. The FN P35 magazine held 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. The infamous Browning went on to become a handgun that was often used by both sides of a conflict starting in about 1939 and continued to do so for decades.
The FN P35 was heavily used by the Allies. Special teams in America were often issued the Browning Hi-Power. Due to the availability of magazines and ammunition, the Hi-Power 9mm became something of a substitute standard for American Special Forces for decades.
The Hi-Power is among the best examples of human engineering ever to leap from a drawing board. The 1911 is another engineering marvel — the CZ 75 is also worthy of mention here. While the 1911 is often said to be the fastest of all handguns to an accurate first shot, the Hi-Power may beat that standard — perhaps if the Hi-Power has a modern speed safety.
The pistol is reliable and long lived in service. Many of the Hi-Power variants feature a heavy trigger action — standard among military pistols of the day. Modern Browning designs are better in this regard.
The Hi-Power also featured a heavy hammer spring. The Hi-Power is among the most likely of all handguns to crack hard primers. Much of the 9mm Luger ammunition manufactured in the world from 1918 on was poor quality and out of specification. From Burma to North Africa, the Hi-Power would smack the primer hard and ignite the priming compound when other pistols would not.
The Hi-Power was sometimes criticized for feed reliability with hollow point ammunition. Load the Remington Golden Saber and a 1943 John Inglis Hi-Power will still run smooth! The majority of problems was with early short nose JHP bullets — loaded too short — that refused to feed in many popular 9mm pistols of the day.
Enter the Girsan MC P35
The Girsan is recognizable as a straight up copy of the Browning MKII. This was a wise decision compared to a clone of the military-grade Hi-Power. The MKII features high-profile sights and an ambidextrous safety. The finish was matte blue. I don’t have an example close at hand, but the Girsan pistol appears to bear the same finish.
Grips and Sights
The plastic grips of the MKII were sometimes criticized. They were superior to smooth wooden slabs, and while they don’t have the bling of a checkered wood grip, they worked well for most hand sizes. The sights on the Girsan are not wedge types or Novak sights. However, the sights are white three-dot types that work well enough.
Hammer
The Girsan features a rounded hammer, which makes it is easy enough to cock. There have been Hi-Power variants that were guilty of hammer bite (the hammer nicking the hand during recoil). This hammer doesn’t seem to do that. At least, I have never had that problem with my average-sized hands.
Magazine Disconnect — Asset or Accuracy Killer
The majority of Hi-Power pistols and variants featured a magazine disconnect. That meant, with the magazine removed, the pistol could not be fired. This had some appeal in institutional use. However, the disconnect was often removed as it had an adverse effect on the trigger action.
The MC P35 is true to the original Hi-Power and retained the magazine disconnect in its design. The magazine safety isn’t difficult to remove, but some shooters will appreciate this feature. Here is how the magazine disconnect works. If the pistol is loaded, the magazine release is actuated, and the magazine is freed just a few hundreds of an inch or more, the pistol cannot fire.
The magazine that came standard with the Girsan MC P35 appears to be a standard Hi-Power design but accepts 15 cartridges, rather than the original 13.
Trigger
The trigger action is standard Hi-Power fare. It was heavier than I like at 7.0 pounds. I have tested original Hi-Power pistols (manufactured from 1940s to 1960s) with trigger actions of around 8 pounds. The heaviest was 11 pounds! Late production pistols run 5–6 pounds.
The upside is that this action is tight and crisp. Take up the trigger, and you’ll meet compression before the trigger breaks cleanly. For a heavy trigger, it was smooth. Reset was rapid. This is a good trigger for close-range combat drills.
Accuracy and Handling
The pistol was supplied with a single magazine. As previously noted, the magazine holds 15 rounds — an improvement over the original design’s 13-round capacity. The magazine well was generous, and the double-column magazine was tapered. Speed loads were easy enough. A high point of the pistol is the ambidextrous safety was well designed and obvious with a crisp indent.
Firing the pistol was accomplished with a variety of loads. I did not wish to confuse the issue with handloads and burner-grade loads, but on the other hand, 9mm ammunition isn’t exactly cheap and plentiful at this time. I had a number of handloads using the Oregon Trail 125-grain RNL bullet and enough Titegroup powder for 1,050 fps. I also had a mix of steel case Tula 9mm, a box of WPA 9mm, and some Sierra 124-grain JHP.
I loaded the 15-round MecGar magazine, an original Browning, and two 13-round MecGar magazines. I began the rest-firing portion of the range test at man-sized targets at 7 and 10 yards. The pistol came on target quickly and handled like a dream. The fly in the ointment was the heavy trigger.
The pistol never failed to feed, chamber, fire, or eject. The original Hi-Power is famed for handling off-spec 9mm cartridges, and the Girsan seems to be no exception.
Next, I fired at small targets ranging from 20 to 50 yards. I connected more often than not at 20 yards. Man-sized targets were in danger to at least 50 yards. The pistol is accurate enough for service use. I also fired a handful of Remington Golden Saber 124-grain and Remington UMC 9mm. Each fed, chambered, fired, and ejected normally.
Accuracy was noticeably improved over the ‘burner loads.’ I fired the pistol from a solid benchrest firing position. Using the MTM K-Zone firing rest, I carefully managed the pistol and fired five-shot groups at 25 yards using three different loads.
The loads used were the Federal American Eagle 124-grain FMJ, Remington 115-grain UMC FMJ, and Federal 124-grain HST. Despite the heavy trigger action, I managed good groups that demonstrated the pistol was of good fit and tight tolerances. The best group was a 2.5-inch effort; the greatest spread 3.25 inches. This was decent accuracy for a pistol at this price point.
Carry Options
I have looked at two holsters for EAA’s Girsan Hi-Power. The Galco Stow-N-Go is a well-made holster at a fair price. The strong belt clip offers real security. The reinforced holster mouth makes for ease in re-holstering.
With the inside-the-waistband holster, you have excellent concealment with minimal exposure. The pistol was carried inside the pants and only the handle was exposed. A light covering garment was all that was needed.
A step up in most ways is the Galco Royal Guard, an inside the waistband holster molded of top-quality leather. This holster features two belt loops. Easy on and easy off is the province of the Stow-N-Go, while the dual loops of the Royal Guard are not difficult to use quickly — if this is even a consideration.
With the Royal Guard, the draw angle is more severe, which is my preferred cant. A taller person might like the Stow-N-Go and its neutral angle. Think it over, and you will find these holsters are ideal for concealed carry, whichever you choose.
The Girsan MC P35 seems well made of good material. Hi-Power grips and magazines fit the Girsan fine. Small parts and internals should fit as well. On hand, I had a Bar-Sto barrel for the Hi-Power — an excellent piece of engineering. The Bar-Sto barrel was a snug fit in the Girsan slide, and a potential upgrade that I will explore more in the future.
The MC P35 seems to be a viable Hi-Power clone. I like the handling and practical shooting characteristics of this pistol. The Girsan MC P35 is an attractive and affordable Hi-power clone that is worthy of a spot in any well stocked gun safe.
Are you a Hi-Power fan? How do you feel the Girsan MC P35 compares to the original or other clones on the market? Share your answers in the comment section.
The EAA Hi-Power will be available in several Cerakote finishes. Hi-Power-type pistols are a good fit for the Galco Sto-N-Go inside-the-waistband holster. The handgun is shown holstered in the Galco Royal Guard. Each fulfills the same mission requirements with a slightly different draw angle. The pistol is caught at the moment of firing. This is a controllable handgun. The EAA Girsan 9mm proved to be an accurate handgun. The MC P35 Girsan has features that mimic the MKII Hi-Power pistol. A set of high visibility sights offer an excellent high probability of a first shot hit. A set of high visibility sights and a speed safety are good features. A quality Hi-Power clone is a good pistol for personal defense use. The EAA ‘Hi-Power’ proved reliable with a wide range of ammunition. Firing offhand, the pistol proved controllable and comfortable to fire.
I have a two-tone version that I have not fired. It is nicely put together. It has a terrible trigger pull. I intend to remove the magazine disconnect. Girsan expanded the retaining pin, so it doesn’t just come out without some heavy hammer blows. Once removed it should have an OK trigger pull. Girsan did a good job on this clone.
I broke down about 2 hours ago and bought a Girsan. After reading several reviews, all of which praised the pistol, I went to a local gun store where they had a two-tone example on the shelf. Although I preferred the solid black model this one came to $520 + tax and was there. Several write-ups said the parts interchanged with the FN made pistols. My only complaint, not having shot the gun, is the trigger pull is heavy. It looks great
I am buying one of these. The way I see it, if the magazine disconnect can be removed, the trigger will become a lot smoother (read: lose the “grittiness”).
A bit of shooting and some practice in carry, along with a pair of extra Meg Car 15 round magazines will be great! Tuck this freind into a Ted Blocker “Lifeline” shoulder holster with two offside magazine pouches and throw a loose-fitting sports jacket over it. This arrangement should “take the worry out of being close”. .
Do Browning hi power grips fit the Girsan ?
I’ve owned my MC P35 for about two months now, and have put well over 500 rounds through it. During the last fifty years, I’ve owned eleven Hi Powers, all Brownings, FN’s.. Fantastic guns with really crappy triggers, which I have dealt with in all of them. The Girsan is #12, I put a fiber optic front sight on it, removed the Mag Safety, worked the action and replaced the hammer with a Cylinder & Slide unit that looks great and works. Add a Hogue wrap around grip and it is a dream to shoot. As are most Hi Powers. My two previous clones were also Turkish built, although not by Girsan. The only thing I and my gunsmith are finding is that the pins in all of them are not the same size as an FN pistol, and one main trigger pin was a major pain in the butt to get out. A new one had to be made before reassembly. Other than that, price aside, it shoots damned well and eats everything I’ve run through it, including the Lehigh copper slugs which are my EDC for all calibers.
The price is terrific if you are looking for a shooter, not a collectible, and I figure those prices will be going up dramatically, as soon as US hand-gunners realize the quality they get for the buck.
EVERY CURRENT GUN MAGAZINE FLAUNTS THE HI-POWER CLONE…BUT NONE ARE FOR SALE.
WHAT’S THE MYSTERY?
Production capacity versus demand. ~Dave
I don’t understand the discussion ablut the ambi safety were the picture clearly shows a ambi safety. Go to the website that offers the sfs system engineered by a german engineer that worked with fn for years on the hi-power, they have a review on just about every hi-power ever made and what each one needs to be a great shooter. The sfs system allows a lowered hammer with a chambered round in a 1911 or a hi-power to make the wimps feel better about cocked and locked.
From RAINMAKER: “When you are left handed like I am; you LEARN to adapt and overcome. Quit sniveling. I have been shooting everything since 1960, left handed.”
So, are we to imply that you believe left-handed people like me who prefer to have an ambidextrous safety are less manly than you? I, too, have had to overcome a lot of right-handed firearms, especially revolvers. But whenever possible, I tend to PREFER a semi-automatic with an ambidextrous safety. If, in your eyes, that makes me a whiner, then I can only say that people like you are toxic.
Only the “Series 80” style 1911s have a hammer/firing pin safety device. The resulting poorer trigger pull has made this style safety undesirable by many 1911 aficionados. As I said, I’m not comfortable carrying a cocked and locked pistol without an additional measure of safety like a hammer-block device or a thumb-break strap under the hammer. God bless and stay safe.
Jerry
I have one thousand dollars for you if you fire a 1911 or Hi Power without pulling the trigger.
The 1911 safety blocks the hammer, disconnect, and trigger when the piece of cocked and locked. Release the firing grip and the grip safety pops out locking the trigger. Nothing safer in the world. I would suppose there have been fifty negligent discharges with the Glock for every one with the 1911- it not more.
Also many comments on the Girsan- it DOES feature an ambidextrous safety. The grips, springs, and magazine are the same as the High Power.
I have the SA 35 as well. It is well made, flawless in operation. Maybe I got lucky.
Rainmaker, I too am a southpaw and know from over 50 years of shooting experience that the 1911 and P35 had several design shortcomings which were corrected many years later by both custom gunsmiths and eventually by the manufacturers themselves. There is no workaround for bad triggers, bad sights, and bad safeties other than to replace them or accept that your speed and accuracy will needlessly suffer. Since I was depending on the 1911 to save my life, I wanted to minimize its weaknesses. No whining is required, only practical considerations of ergonomics that make these firearms better.
There are good reasons the single action pistols have been supplanted by double/single actions like the Walther P38, PP/K, Ruger P85, Beretta 92, S&W M59, and now the plastic Glock and clones. The main reason is safety. The above are nearly impossible to fire without pulling the trigger. This is ideal for safe carry. I, personally, would not carry the HighPower or the 1911 with a round in the chamber unless it is cocked and locked and secured in a holster with a thumb break strap under the hammer. HighPowers are beautiful pistols and point like a dream with adequate magazine capacity, but I’m afraid the era of single action pistols is long over. jmo. God bless and stay safe!
I owned a Belgen P35 and loved the grip and finish but hated the small sights. I also had a Tanfoglio copy of the CZ75 whose grip I also loved and sights I hated. I sold both when I fell on hard times. Now we live in the plastic times. I see no use for a heavy all metal pistol for duty use when a lighter plastic frame is available. Apparently, most U. S. law enforcement agencies agree with me.12
When you are left handed like I am; you LEARN to adapt and overcome. Quit sniveling. I have been shooting everything since 1960,left handed. I love the Browning High-power, and the 1911. I plan to purchase the Springfield version when I find one.
Woof… that thing looks like Fido’s hind end.
What’s worse is the S&W CSX.
Big ‘ol super pass on them both.
I bought a beautiful stainless two-toned Bulgarian Arcus 94 mail order for $199 in 1999 as my first pistol and although it was very heavy, it made up for it in butter smoothness of operation and accuracy. Really enjoyed shooting that pistol until I was burglarized by some trash who stole it and a few others from my safe years later. Went down the CZ-75 and Glock roads after that, but never forgot my High-Power clone (RIP Arcus94).
The Springfield clone seems to have some major problems. The finish is just bad. I’ve seen reviews where with just target shooting there are several large areas that are scratched to the metal. The biggest problem is the Failure to Eject(FTE). It appears generally sometime after 800 rounds are cycled thru, then every 2/3 magazines you will have another FTE. The reviewers disassembled the gun cleaned the ejector and area with NO improvement. One reviewer did fix the problem by changing out every spring in the gun. The other reviewer never did fix the problem.
Too many folks forget that the human hand has not changed for who knows how long. Many “Outdated” designs, like the Hi Power or 1911, still work. The advantage of these “Outdated” designs comes from modern manufacturing technology. (Note that the Hi Power and 1911 designs were proven in actual combat.) Take either design, with the knowledge gained over the years, and apply 2020 technology. That should also include such features as ambi controls & “slicked up” triggers. Please also remember that us older shooters and more female shooters are part of the current customer base. In short, many an “Outdated” design is only “Outdated” because some smart designer hasn’t thought of how to build upon what has been a proven winner. We saw that updating with the 1911, and now we can see it in the Hi Power. THANKS!
I have the SA-35 ordered but would consider the Girsan but don’t like the mag safety, heavy trigger pull and questionable part interchange. I have original HiPower mags and grips and do they interchange. Just not sure if I should also order the Girsan.
Not lefthanded,not ambidextrous safety,not interchangable parts=NOT WANTED!!
I’ve got one of the earlier Turkish Hi Powers – the LKCI Regent BR9. I picked it up a few months before the Great ChiCom Flu hit, so have not yet been able to put it through the paces, but it looks very nice and solid. I’ve had great luck with Turkish made pistols, but many of their shotguns have been a disaster for me. With ammo still fairly tight and pricey, and finding affordable primers nothing more than a dream, I’ve curbed much of my shooting to conserve ammo.
Colonel – I’m right there with you on the Springfield. I’m a long time fan of the Hi Power and am left handed as well.
I will take a close look at the Girsan. If regular aftermarket parts fit the Girsan, the fitting an ambi safety and removing the magazine disconnect might be the ticket.
In my experience, firearms from Turkey have been hit or miss. Let’s see what the market price will be.
That’s disappointing news about the trigger. I was hoping the Girsan would be more like the new Springfield clone. Springfield did everything right except include an ambidextrous safety. When I contacted them about this oversight, they admitted they had no plans to offer one and were uncertain if any aftermarket safety would fit their pistol.