Girsan MC P35 California High Power Review — A Classic Reborn for the Golden State
- Jared Sturtevant
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Girsan MC P35 California High Power Review — A Classic Reborn for the Golden State
By Jared Stutevant, Mud Lake Ranch
There’s something undeniably iconic about the Browning Hi-Power design. It’s elegant, historic, and a joy to shoot—when done right. So when Girsan released their take on this legendary platform with the MC P35 California-compliant version, I knew I had to get my hands on one and run it through its paces out here at the ranch.
Let’s break down what this pistol brings to the table, where it shines, and where it reminds you that budget-minded clones can compete with the original.
First Impressions: Steel, Style & Simplicity
The Girsan MC P35 is a full-steel, single-action 9mm handgun modeled directly after the original Hi-Power. In hand, it’s got that old-school feel that so many polymer pistols just can’t replicate. It’s cold, hefty, and solid — exactly what you want in a service pistol with lineage.
This California model comes with a 10-round magazine, ambidextrous thumb safety, magazine discontect safety, and loaded chamber indicator to keep it compliant with state laws, and Girsan kept things traditional with fixed sights and classic lines. For fans of vintage sidearms, this thing is straight eye candy.
At the Range: Reliable with the Right Grip
We took the Girsan out for some practical testing—paper, steel, and Infinity Targets to see how it ran. Right off the bat, I noticed something that could trip up shooters unfamiliar with the platform: thumb placement on the slide stop. If you ride it too high with your support hand or thumb forward, you’ll get interfernece and it just isn't as comfortable as a modern handgun when gripping it with 2 hands due to its pronounced thumb rest.
The Girsan ran reliably, shooting American Ordnance 124gr FMJ without issue. Accuracy was solid, with point of aim and point of impact lining up at 10, 15 and 20 yards.
Trigger Talk: Not a Match Grade Pull, But Serviceable
Now, let’s talk trigger. The pull on this model is a bit heavy—definitely not the crisp 4-lb break you'd expect from a tuned 1911. I’d put it somewhere around 7 to 9 pounds with a slight grit before the wall. I didn't put a trigger gauge on it but will in another video down the road.
That said, it’s still predictable. Once you get a feel for the break, it becomes second nature. Is it a precision shooter’s dream? No. But for general range work or even duty use in restrictive states, it’s acceptable.
Mag Drop Issue
One annoyance? The mag didn’t ever drop free. I had to strip it manually every time, which is not ideal for quick reloads. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for those planning on using this as a carry or duty gun.
Final Thoughts: A Lot of Gun for the Money
Here’s the deal: the Girsan MC P35 California is not a perfect pistol—but it is a remarkably faithful reproduction of the Hi-Power at a price most shooters will find appealing. It looks the part, feels the part, and shoots well after some time behind the trigger.
For Californians (or other restricted staters) looking for a steel-framed, single-action 9mm with heritage and function, this is a strong option. It’s also a great piece for those of us who appreciate the classics and want to keep a little history in rotation at the range.
Pros:
Solid steel construction
Classic styling
California compliant
Reliable, No malfunctions so far
Affordable
Accurate
Cons:
Heavy "mushy" trigger pull
Not ideal grip plates for 2 handed grip
California compliant (yeah that's a Con too, if you aren't subjec to restrictions)
Magazine doesn’t drop free
Would I carry it? Not as my first pick. Would I shoot it often and smile doing it? Absolutely.
Until next time, stay safe and stay sharp.
Ammunition used: American Ordnance: americanordnance.co
5% OFF American Ordnance Coupon Code: MUDLAKERANCH5
Thank you to Shooting Targets USA for sponsoring the range steel and American Ordnance for providing the ammunition used in our review.
Eye Protection from WileyX: https://alnk.to/6mRGkpo
Ear Protection from @OtisTechnology Ear Shield Ranger https://alnk.to/hsxq7Sf 15% OFF Otis coupon code MLRANCH15
Target Stand: https://amzn.to/4l5uM7L
Professional Trigger Gauge: https://alnk.to/6mRHr4H
*As an Amazon Associate and Brand Affiliate I may earn commission on purchases attributed to links on this channel Video filmed with a script for entertainment purposes only No Firearm Sales No Ammunition Sales - Not an FFL Filmed at a private range in safe conditions. Do not attempt.
– Jared Stutevant, Mud Lake Ranch Watch the full video review on YouTube →
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