SIG P365 XL VS SIG P365

The SIG Sauer P365 has been an absolute game-changer in the world of concealed carry. Never before has a gun hit the market running as hard as this one has, and it's easy to see why. The P365 is a big gun in a tiny package.

It had instant support from just about every gun holster manufacturer out there, and it only seems to get better. There have been a few other releases since the inception of the original gun. These include a Coyote tan model, one with a safety, the SAS model, and, of course, the XL.

I own the XL model and have shot the original P365 a bunch of different times. Both guns are great, but I have to say that the XL is the better choice for my meaty hands. You can check out Riley's SHOP Talk, where he compares the two:

The SIG P365 XL has features not found on the original model:

Magazine well flare

At the bottom of the magazine well, it swells out just a bit to help aid you in those quick reloads.

Bigger gun

The XL is slightly larger, with a half-inch longer barrel, compared to the original P365. The added length doesn't hurt concealability at all. However, it does help in accuracy a bit with an increased sight radius. But maybe even more importantly, it seems to balance the gun out a little more.

Additionally, those with large hands who use a “thumbs forward” grip may find the thumb on the support hand gets pretty close to the muzzle on the standard P365. The XL gives folks with big hands like me a little extra space.

Bigger capacity from the factory

The original 365 comes from the factory with a 10+1 capacity and an option to purchase higher capacity magazines. The XL comes with a 12-round + 1 capacity and the option to buy higher capacity mags.

Flat X-Series trigger

The flat trigger is one of my favorite aspects of this gun. I like the feel of the flat trigger shoe.

Optic cut

One thing I don't like is how the optic cut includes the rear iron sights. As you see in the photo, you cannot leave your rear sights on the gun. In other words, you get the optic, or you get your iron sights. You can't have both.

Removing the rear iron sights when using an optic isn't an oversight. Sig wants you to use their Romeo Zero red dot. The optic comes with an integrated rear sight. So in a sense, if you set the gun up the way Sig wants, you have both.

Not having rear iron sights won't bother some people. And to be honest, it isn't necessarily a deal-breaker for me. However, I've spoken to others who want to use a different optic. And just because of this fact alone won't buy the XL.

As you see in the above photo, the rear sights sit on the optic plate.

Aggressive Grip

The grip texturing on the P365 XL is fantastic and provides the right amount of grip for me.

And while we are talking about grip, it is an essential shooting fundamental. If you can't grip the gun consistently and manage recoil, you will struggle shooting fast. See how your self-defense pistol skills stack up against these standards.

Conclusion

One pretty cool thing is that you can swap the slides and grips if you own both models. In other words, if you want the 10-round grip with the longer slide and sight radius, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

I think the 365XL is a winner. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

If you happen to be on the fence, I suggest you read Riley's review on the original 365 here.

About Joshua Gillem

Josh is a lifelong practitioner and student of the gun. He grew up shooting/hunting with his dad, and was given his first gun, a 12 gauge shotgun, when just a small boy. After high school, he joined the Marines where his love for firearms blossomed as he qualified with an M16A2, an M9, and a 240G. Josh has been writing about firearms and tactics for several years, owns the blog Gunners Den, is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, and believes that each individual person has the right to self-defense by any means necessary. Currently residing in gun-friendly NC, he carries a concealed gun on a daily basis, even in his own house.

8 Comments

  1. Scott L on September 22, 2019 at 6:28 am

    Have heard nothing but good things. Selling some old weapons to get one of these very soon. Nice concise update Josh. Check our Paul Harrell’s video on the original 365 and ammunition options, very informative. Cheers

  2. Scott L on September 22, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Also, has anyone heard if Sig plans to put out versions of the 365Xl with SAS or safety? More interested in SAS for sure. Thanks!

  3. Lon G. on September 22, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    I also have the 365 and even with the short barrel I can consistently hit what I am aiming at. Carry it all day and keep forgetting it is there. There has only been one misfire and that it because the factory installed the primer in backwards. Never seen that before. One of my favorite handguns!

  4. Bryce on February 6, 2020 at 5:45 am

    The Romeo optic for this gun has a small rear sight built in so you technically don’t lose it.

    • Joey on June 13, 2020 at 11:37 am

      Does it align with the stock front sight or do you need to swap it out for a taller one?

  5. Buz Clanton on March 25, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    This was a very through review. It’s my first time to view one of your reviews. I have one question, if I may. You stated something to the effect that you can shoot the XL better, that it is more accurate than the P365 and that you are using the XL as an everyday concealable. It is my understanding most weapons used for defense are discharged when the subject is 10 ft or less away, and most of the time it is 3 feet or less. I’m sure this will show my inexperience, but how accurate must a weapon be to hit a target at 3-10 ft? I know I am missing something. Thanks for your reply, Buz

    • Jacob Paulsen on May 6, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      Buz your comment is valid. In most civilian encounters it doesn’t take a great deal of precision to hit a basketball/human size target at 5 feet or less. But not every situation would be that way right? So having a firearm that is more accurate for distance shots may not be extremely important in 80% of situations but it could make a difference right?

  6. TJ on November 10, 2020 at 7:23 am

    It’s probably up in the air, if this is as good, but you don’t actually lose your rear backup sight. The romeo has a cutout on the optic that aligns with your front sight. Similar to the SAS cutout. Definitely not comparable to the SAS sight, simply the cutout is similiar.

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