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 very small 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 out there since the inception of the original gun, to 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 for my meaty hands, the XL is the better choice. You can check out Riley's SHOP Talk where he compares the two:
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 a bit bigger, with a barrel that is just over a half inch longer than the original P365. This doesn't hurt concealability all that much, but it does help in accuracy a bit with an increased sight radius.
Bigger capacity from the factory
The original 365 comes from the factory with a 10+1 capacity with the option to purchase bigger magazines. The XL comes with a 12-round + 1 capacity and also has the option to purchase bigger mags.
Flat X series trigger
This is one of my favorite aspects of this gun and I think is pretty self-explanatory.
Optic cut
This is the one downside that I can see, at least to some folks. The optic is cut in such a way that you cannot leave your rear sights on the gun. In other words, you get the optic or you get your sights. You cannot get both as the XL is currently set up. This won't bother some people, and doesn't really bother me, but I've spoken to others who won't buy the XL just because of this fact alone.
As you can see in the above photo of my XL, 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.
Conclusion
One thing that's pretty cool, is that if you own both models, you can swap the slides and grips out with each other. That way, if you want the 10-round grip with the longer slide and sight radius, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
The 365XL is a winner. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
You can read Riley's review on the original 365 here.
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
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!
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!
The Romeo optic for this gun has a small rear sight built in so you technically don’t lose it.
Does it align with the stock front sight or do you need to swap it out for a taller one?
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
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?
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.