Sig Sauer P365XL

When Sig first released the P365 it took the sub-handgun market by storm. They have since gone on to release several new models based on the P365 including today’s feature, the Sig Sauer P365XL.

You may be able to easily guess what changes will be on the Sig P365XL namely the slide length and grip frame. Similar to the differences between the Springfield Hellcat and Hellcat Pro pistols.

P365XL Features

Many of the features on the P365XL steam from the P365 but they are fairly different guns. They both feature some of the same functions but the ergonomics are slightly different on each pistol.

Grip and Ergonomics

One of my favorite things about the Sig Sauer P365XL is how it feels in my hand. Sig clearly spent a lot of time on ergonomics and making sure this gun felt great while you hold it.

The texturing on the grip is started for the current lineup of Sig polymer pistols. I’ve also liked this grip texture and still think it’s very well done to this day.

This gun focuses a great deal on thinness. Most of the lines on this gun are very thin, the trigger well, grip and trigger are all extremely thin.

However, Sig did not compromise the strength for size as this gun feels very solid and well-built.

Sights

The Sig HD sights are included on the P365XL and for what they are I really like them.

The rear sights are almost blacked out but still have a small white dot on both sides of the rear sight, as you would typically expect.

Where most of the “HD” magic is on this sight is the front sight. The front sight has a green circle around the center white dot. This sticks out and provides good contrast against even a painted white steel target.

All three white dots glow brightly in the dark. These sights are extremely well done for stock pistol night sights.

Magazine

Sig’s all-metal magazine works great in the P365XL. The P365XL comes with two magazines

The one downside of the P365XL is the P365 magazines don’t work in this gun because the grip length is slightly longer on the XL model.

So, unfortunately, if you’re upgrading from the P365 and have plenty of magazines, they won’t do you much good in the P365XL, so you will have to buy all new P365XL magazines.

You have two options for these magazines which is the 12 round extended base magazine and the 10 round flush base magazine.

The 10-round magazine is perfect for an even lower-profile concealed carry setup. The 12-round extended base adds just a little more to the grip frame but gives you the extra rounds.

Both of my magazines had incredibly stiff magazine springs and were extra hard to load. But I’m sure over time these will break in more.

Sig Sauer P365XL Controls

Most of the Sig P365XL controls are extremely polished and well done but I do take issue with one in particular. Read on to get my full take on the XL’s controls.

Safety

Much like its counterparts, the standard P365XL does not come with an external thumb safety.

If you have to have a thumb safety there are models of the P365XL that come with one but it’s not recommended for a carry gun.

Magazine Release

My biggest P365XL is with the magazine release. Some might find this to be a none issue and I’m willing to have a healthy debate in the comments about this control.

P365XL’s magazine release is by far the worst control on the gun. With the gun’s great ergonomics, I guess something had to pay the price and for me, that is the magazine release.

It’s low profile and has the normal triangle shape design of all the other P365 guns, but it feels more tucked into the grip frame and much harder to get to.

It is rather hard to press and I have to almost rotate my hand around the gun or rotate the gun in my hand to use the magazine release easily.

I am willing to bet with enough practice, I can get used to it, and it would become a non-issue. But for now, I’m holding strong on this being my main criticism of the pistol.

Slide Stop

The good news on the slide stop/slide release is even in a small package it doesn’t have to take a functionality hit.

It works great to lock the slide back and release it as long as there is no magazine in the gun.

Releasing the slide with a magazine in the gun is a bit tough but with no magazine, it slides forward with ease. With an empty magazine in the gun it’s nearly impossible to close. I chalk that up to the extra stuff magazine springs.

Overall, it is a decent slide stop, but I’m not going to rant and rave about it.

Trigger

I like Sig Sauer’s triggers. I first fell in love with who Sig designed the trigger of the Sig P320 X-Five Legion, and then they put it on the P320 X-Compact, so I like what they are doing with the flat trigger design.

The P365XL trigger is no exception to that it has soft and consistent take-up to the wall and while there is a little bit of a squish in the wall the break is clean and smooth.

Reset is back to the wall and the reset is distinct and consistent pull after pull.

Aesthetics

The overall looks of the P365XL are very similar to the P365 with the barrel being slightly longer than the frame.

With this gun, you do get a great package of looks and function but that doesn’t stop the aftermarket from doing their thing.

I grabbed a Wilson Combat grip frame, simply because I like the look of it not because it adds any functionality whatsoever. You can find plenty of Sig P365 accessories as they seem to be growing in options daily.

Range Bag

To get your P365XL to the range you’re gonna need a high-quality pistol range bag.

If you want to take just the P365XL to the range you might eye the Prime or if you need some more gear a pistol range bag.

But if you want to take everything and the kitchen sink with you to the range pick out your favorite flavor of Concord.

Sig P365XL Holster

Holsters for the Sig P365XL will come in two flavors: outside the waistband and inside the waistband.

Most of you will be looking for an inside-the-waistband model to conceal carry the Sig Sauer P365XL.

My personal favorite IWB holster for the Sig P365XL is Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator.

You can also check out the various selection of holsters from Alien Gear Holsters for the P365XL.

Shooting the 365XL

The great part about the XL is it feels great in your hand. The recoil impulse is rather harsh but that is to be expected from a gun of this size.

While it’s not Sig P320 Spectre Comp it’s still a good shooting gun.

Would I want to shoot this gun at the range all day? Probably not. Is this a great gun? Yes.

Those two things don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Personally I like larger frame handguns or .22LR pistols for long days of shooting at the range.

Sig P365XL Ammo

Thankfully most of Sig Sauer’s pistols are not ammo-sensitive so you can shoot just about anything you want.

Personally, I try to shoot affordable full metal jacket ammo for training and plinking and carry jacketed hollow points for concealed carry/personal protection.

Here is a list of some good choices I keep up to date:

Sig P365 vs P365XL

If you already own a Sig P365, you might be wondering what the difference is between the P365 and the P365XL. It’s fairly simple:

• Grip Length
• Slide/Barrel Length
• Trigger
• Magazine Capacity
• Optics Ready

These four things are the major differences between the two models.

The XL’s grip and slide are larger than the 365’s —not by much, but it is a noticeable difference side-by-side. The slightly longer barrel length will give the XL the edge on accuracy over the 365.

Triggers are a big deal for some and the XL has a flat trigger while the 365 has a curved trigger. The trigger mechanism is largely the same so the pull will feel similar except on the trigger face.

Capacity is another win for the XL. It has both a 10-round and a 12-round magazine, whereas the P365 is capped at a 10-round magazine.

Last but certainly not least, the P365 XL comes optics-ready, and the P365 is iron sights only.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I like the XL, and I think it is a great concealed-carry gun. It’s a really solid option for anyone looking to pick up a reliable gun for concealed carry.

There is tons of aftermarket support for this gun, including sights, pistol red dot sights, flashlights, and holsters.

Want something a bit more high-speed? Peak the Sig Sauer P365 AXG Legion.

FAQ’s

Here are some of the most common questions asked about the Sig P365XL.