I get asked all the time…what does the founder of Pew Pew Tactical carry?
And the short answer is the Sig Sauer P365XL which I’ve been carrying for ~18 months from the publish date.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop researching your own concealed carry weapon (CCW).
But I’ll cover all my personal reasons for carrying the XL as well as my personal everyday carry (EDC) gear for it.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
And this is after I’m able to test and carry pretty much everything out there in the same category.
By the end, you should know if the XL works for your own wants and needs in a concealed carry gun.
Now let’s get down to the review!
Sig Sauer P365XL Specs
| Capacity | 12+1 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 3.7″ |
| Overall Width | 1.1″ |
| Overall Length | 6.6″ |
| Overall Height | 4.8″ |
| Sights | Optic ready with iron night sights |
| Weight | 20.7″ |
Background
Sig Sauer released the original P365 in 2018 and made carry history with its 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a super small package.
Since then, Sig has been releasing variants of it with different frame/grip sizes, triggers, optic readiness, calibers, and compensators.
The P365XL, as its name gives away, is the big brother to the regular P365 with a longer grip and a longer slide.
That leads to a higher capacity of 12+1 vs the original 10+1 and also a longer sight radius.
And although I don’t really care one way or another…a flat trigger vs a curved one on the OG.
But don’t worry…I’ll go into deeper comparisons of the XL vs the other P365 variants a little down into the article.
Pros & Cons of the P365XL
Pros
- Great 12+1 or 15+1 9mm capacity
- Optics ready
- Crisp flat-faced trigger
- Nice feeling nearly full-sized grip
- Thin for easy carrying
- Tritium sights
Cons
- Slide lock harder to hit
- Reassembly sometimes tricky
Who Is It For?
Me…and maybe you if it has what you’re looking for!
I wanted something in the sort-of-new category of a micro compact 9mm but still large enough for me to get a full grip.
Because the main gripe I had with the original P365 was that I could barely get all my dominant hand fingers on its grip without a mag extension.
And the sight radius was also ever-so-slightly shorter than what would get me a perfect sight picture at speed.
The P365XL solved all these problems for me and gave me +2 capacity for a total of 13 rounds of 9mm. For me, hopefully enough to solve any problem that necessitates me drawing a gun.
Plus, it’s still small enough to disappear in an appendix carry holster and regular t-shirt.
Fit, Feel, & Features
I went over the main parts…but now let’s deep dive!
The P365 series is aimed squarely at the concealed carry market, and the grip texture perfectly toes the line between “grippiness” and “snagginess.”
It’s enough to keep the gun in your hands even if it were a little moist…but not enough to start catching onto your shirts or even wearing them down with constant abrasion.
And like I said before…I get a nice full-hand grip on the XL with some room to spare. Very helpful when drawing from a holster.
The mag release is also nicely contoured to prevent snag but is large and protruding enough so that most will be able to hit it without shifting grip.
The slide lock is also out of the way enough so that my full-hand grip doesn’t accidentally prevent it from locking on an empty magazine.
Although because it’s more out of the way, you’ll have to put more pressure to drop the slide on a fresh mag. Very doable with practice and nowhere near the frustration we felt with micro compact 9mms.
Another reason to slingshot the slide with all guns instead of learning each gun’s slightly-different slide release.
The XL also comes with a front rail, but that makes it a little harder to carry and a little harder to find a holster.
Now let’s move on to the fun stuff…how it shoots.
How Does It Shoot?
Trigger
Let’s start with the trigger…
It’s flat. Otherwise, I can’t tell a difference from the original P365 trigger.
Both are still striker-fired guns, so there’s some uptake before a relatively clean break between 5.5 to 6.5 lbs.
Check it out in this short video:
Reset is short and very strong, so you can get some fast shots downrange.
And compared to other micro 9s…it’s right there at the top for me.
Sights
Everyone on the team that has shot it has liked how well it naturally points. That is thanks to the sights, extended sight radius, and overall ergonomics.
Sights are metal with two Tritium (glow-in-the-dark) white sights at the rear.
And a bright green Tritium front sight.
I’m an irons kind of guy and really like the contrasting colors to make it easier to focus on the front sight (which is what you should be doing).
But I also know that pistol red dots are the new hotness. So yes…the XL is optics cut for the standard Shield RMSc “micro” red dot.
Recoil & Feel
Since it’s larger than a true micro 9…the extra mass and real estate for a full grip help tame the muzzle flip that you find in smaller guns.
Check it out in action with me drawing from the holster:
Very easy to draw with the XL grip and easy to get all shots out quickly while letting the sights drop back down each time.
Ammo & Reliability
I tested some of my go-to range ammo of the 115-grain 9mm variety.
Can’t find any at the time…check out our Best Places to Buy Ammo Online page.
By this time, I’ve carried for close to 18 months, and I always rotate at least a mag or two each time I go to the range. Plus, I have a personal ~500-round test before I carry a gun for real.
Reliability is high at about 1000 rounds with zero malfunctions.
Accuracy
I’m on the side that almost all guns are more accurate than the shooter. So this time, I put it to a more real-world test. 10 yards, 10 seconds, 10 shots.
Here are the results.
I’m an above-average shot and, given the time constraint, managed to get some flinches in there. But I’m still quite happy with 3-inch groups, given the further distance and time constraints.
No noticeable differences in the ammo, but I did feel the extra oomph of my 147gr defensive ammo. Remember to always practice with those as well!
What Sets It Apart?
Versus P365s
Against its fellow P365 models, I like the XL model the most with the longer slide/sights with longer grips.
On the Pew Pew Team, Sean likes his P365XL Spectre Comp, which is an upgraded version of the XL with integrated compensator ports. However, that adds to the cost greatly.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
While Jonny, who is a smaller dude, opted for the P365X.
This variant has extended grips but maintains the shorter slide. Plus, it comes with a Sig Romeo Zero optic.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Want to dive deep into everything P365? Check out our Best P365 Models article.
Versus Other Micros
We go over this in detail in Best Micro Compact 9mms…
But essentially, the XL felt the best in my hand, pointed the easiest, and soaked up muzzle rise and recoil the best.
I would heavily recommend trying your hardest to feel all these micros in your own hands. What feels “best” in mine will likely differ from yours.
Although from our small sample size, our entire TX team liked P365s, while our CA guy had it in second place.
My Loadout & Upgrades
This is often the follow-up question after I say I carry the P365XL. So what’s my specific loadout, and did I do any upgrades?
Holster
I went with my go-to CCW holster…Hidden Hybrid Holsters. I like the leather/suede comfort against my skin more than pure Kydex. But there’s still the Kydex shell that holds the gun in tight.
I went with a single clip AIWB (appendix inside the waistband) for concealment.
And, more naturally drawing.
Here’s the drawing/shooting short video from before again:
I went basic with no claw or any other holster upgrades since the P365XL is pretty easy to conceal. See my full review of Hidden Hybrid.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If you like the simplicity and affordability of all Kydex, I liked the Rounded Gear one. See my full review.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Belt
The CCW belt is sometimes overlooked but is super important when it comes to comfort and retaining your gun. I go with Kore Essentials.
See the full review here.
Ammo
Get defensive hollow points over regular FMJ (full metal jackets) for your true CCW loadout. I like the 147gr varieties for more of a push rather than a snap.
But during these times, it’s whatever you can find. Check my Best 9mm Ammo article.
For range/practice ammo, I get whatever is the most affordable but still brass-cased. Usually, this will be Blazer, American Eagle, or AAC.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Don’t cheap out and get steel-cased ammo for your carry gun!
Light
I personally don’t have a weapons-mounted light for my P365XL, but if you choose to get one…I like the Streamlight TLR-7 version. I’ve used them on other guns, and they are good to go.
Magazines
I always have at least five mags for each of my carry or home-defense guns. I like the standard 12-rounders, which are flush with the magwell and can also work with the regular P365.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
There’s also the 15-rounder which sticks out slightly but depending on your build or shirt, you can easily hide it just as easily.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
By the Numbers
Accuracy: 4.5/5
The longer barrel gives you a longer sight radius which translates into an easier pointing gun. Accuracy at distance and speed was great for my skill level.
Reliability: 5/5
No malfunctions in its entire ~1,000-round count life. What I’ve been carrying for the past ~18 months.
Customization: 4/5
Factory options exist, like the Spectre Comp, and more parts are coming out all the time. However, for a CCW gun, I usually dismiss most internal upgrades. Holsters-a-plenty and some light options. Optics ready too.
Looks: 4.5/5
The overall dimensions and flat-faced trigger make it look pretty darn good.
Price: 5/5
List price is $599, which is in line but slightly higher than some of its competitors. But in my opinion, it is still worth it with all the features and reliability. Includes two 12-round magazines.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Overall: 4.75/5
Final Verdict
The best thing I can write for the Sig Sauer P365XL is that I carry it to defend my family and myself. It’s easy to say when I love how it feels in my hand, how easily it points, the 12+1 9mm capacity, and tested reliability.
The rest of the TX team also swears by their own variant of the P365 series. I just happen to like the extended XL version.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Breakdown
There’s a little trick to the breakdown and reassembly of the P365 family. Sometimes you have to fiddle with the takedown lever or even a tiny nub in the grip.
But don’t worry, we go through it in a quick video:
FAQ
Does the P365XL have a safety?
There's normally no external safety but there is an external thumb-safety model available.
How many magazines come with the P365XL
The P365XL comes with two 12-round magazines.
How much longer is the P365XL compared to the regular P365?
The P365XL is .6 inches longer than the P365.
42 Leave a Reply
Your choice is excellent. I owned the exact pistol and loved it until I met my Springfield 3" Ronin EMP with its perfect single action trigger.
I’ve heard good things about the 365 and this confirms it. I currently carry a Glock 43X and like it very much. I bought 2 of the 15 round Magazines you recommended but am not happy with them yet. Hopefully the more rounds I shoot with them the better they get.
THANK YOU IN THE LARGEST FONT!!!!!!!!!!!
Great article! Comprehensive, descriptive, detailed, and informative. I’m looking for a concealed handgun specifically focused on the Sig 365XL. I’ve searched and read articles and found this article to answer many questions I have. With your help, I’m sold on the 365XL. MAHALO!
I've had a 365XL for about as long as you have and I carry everywhere every day. I have shot it some with irons, but put a Holosun 407K on it, since it doesn't affect its concealability and really love the gun. I bought another for my grandson when he turned 21, after looking at everything, may buy another for my wife. I have a P320 M17 with optics as well, and shoot the 365XL almost as well even at longer distances. My experience with reliability is the same as yours, 0 issues. Mine has the safety, but I'm an experienced 1911 shooter both competitively and casually, so I'm on autopilot with a 1911 style safety. It's a great piece.
Hi Eric, for the past few years I've been carrying a Beretta 71 in .22LR. Accurate, reliable, and easy to conceal.; but still a .22.
A couple of months ago I felt it time to upgrade my CCW gun. I looked at the range of micro guns available and couldn't decide; then the Sig p365 fit my attention. After holding the different 365 models I originally decided on the 365X, as I liked the longer grip. But in the end bought the 365XL. I bought it for the same reasons you did; longer sight radius/more velocity. I gotta admit that I read this article before I plunked down my money.
Overall, I agree with your assessment. My only gripes are with the "Night Sights", which aren't. While great for day shooting, I can barely make out the front sight in a pitch dark room, but I can live with it. I did change the stock mag release for an extended Sig version.
Thank you for talking me into the XL.
Love the 365XL. The negative for me is I carry two spare mags in a Milt Sparks mag holder and the parts the magazines that touch my body rust, bad. Like really bad. According to Sig I have corrosive perspiration. Bummer.
The P365XL is the perfect CCW for me. I carry with the 15rd mag 124gr +p V-crown hollows. Highly recommended
Excellent!
Thanks for the write up. I’m considering the 365x for my first pistol.
When I’ve gone to stores to hold them, or to shoot them at the range, I have a problem dropping the mag without having to readjust my grip - is this normal?
I’m stuck on should a I buy a gun for home defense or concealed carry. Thoughts?
I bought a extended magazine release took care of the readjusting of my grip I also bought a P365 and then bought a P365XL grip module and it turned into my most comfortable CCW with appendix carry might have to do a slight modification to holster for extended mag release its perfect s or can get for myself.
PERSONALLY i think you should get one shotgun and ammo box for your home defense. I JUST bought mine from 'masterpiecefirearm' they're reliable and their prices are very affordable such that i keep going back. All categories of firearms and ammunition online. Order your home defense or concealed carry now.
On my P365XL I run a Wilson Combat grip module which is slightly wider than the Factory grip module and this makes operating the magazine eject even more difficult.
My solution was to purchase an extended mag release. It is an inexpensive upgrade and only requires 5 minutes to swap the buttons. This one upgrade greatly increases the ergonomic functionality of the mag release.
IMO the P365XL is too large to carry comfortably, but feel it is an excellent choice for home protection -- so why not use the P365XL for home protection and buy the more compact P365 for an EDC?
Guns are inexpensive when you consider that your or your families life may depend upon it!
Jim- very interesting. I been carrying the Glock 23 for years and went to the XL and feels like a small bodyguard 380, then questioned myself if it was too small. Lol I guess it’s all perspective. Love the 1” diameter of the Sig.
Gotta say I'm pretty much in full agreement and carrying the same though with some upgrades. I'm running the Zev version of the P365XL and using a Wilson Combat grip. The WC grip has aggressive stippling front and rear, but the sides (the part that can touch your skin depending on which holster you use) are textured enough, but not enough to irritate. And I'm carrying it in the new Safariland Schema IWB holster. I have multiple holsters depending on my needs and presently the Schema is my favorite. I also upgraded the sites to some slightly higher ones that now co-witness with my Romeo Zero. Worth adding that I had both an original P365 and a P365X, but settled on the 365XL after much testing and shooting. My poor G43 is feeling very neglected as is my Staccato C. But to be fair... the G43 has a round count challenge that the P365 fixed and the Staccato has a weight issue so its best carried OWB but under a shirt (such as in a DeSantis SOB holster). But these days the P365XL is the go-to, on-the-way-out-the-door EDC of choice for me.
What about Disantis?
Whatever you choose for EDC, choose something reliable and that you can shoot well. It should feel "personal", to the point that you will actually carry it ED, and shoot it often to stay comfortable with it. Don't get hung up on brands or what someone else recommends. If you can, try before you buy.
I was a Glock fan for years and still have a Glock 34 & a Canik TPS9 sfx for all
competition. I carried a Glock 42 & 43 for years. I then purchased a Sig P365 when they first came on the market I was really surprised and fell in love with it. The Glocks for EDC were retired.
When the P365 XL came available I bought one. That is my EDC now and for me it does it all. I'm a older guy so I put a Sig Romeo Zero Elite on it and a TRL 7 SUB light. For me that is a perfect set up. I am an EX Glock fan for EDC. I believe the best EDC is any reliable gun you like & shoot best. The P365 XL is the one for me.
I'm an "older" guy too and nobody has convinced me that red dots on a concealed carry pistol are good for anything except shooting long-range and on the move. Drawing from concealment at 3-5 yards, you won't use red dots and they will only get in the way. Red dots are great for IPSC and IDPA but not concealed carry. I would argue the 365 SAS would be a superior choice for concealed carry. If Sig were really serious about modularity, you would have something worthwhile.
Bull o' the Woods sir,
As I stated to each his own if you prefer the P365 SAS that's great. I prefer the P365 XL with the Romeo Zero Elite. As for close range the Romeo Zero Elite has a rear back up sight notch filled with grade A Swiss Super Luminonva built in for any low light conditions. With this Back site for low light factory built into the red dot and the factory front night site I really have a choice of using good night sites, or good regular notch back site & post Front site for close conditions in good light or a red dot that gives me a choice of a 2 moa dot or a 2 moa dot with a 32 moa circle or just the circle. For my personal EDC in my opinion The P 365 xl with a Romeo Zero Elite red dot is the best. Period. Sir I am not criticizing you or you opinion or you pistol. if you prefer just the plain factory Sig SAS Sights that's great.
The Sig P365 SAS is a really good EDC that has snag free sights when drawing which is a big plus. I do respect you personal opinion. We just disagree on what we like and prefer. We at least both carry a Sig P365 in different models.
Bull o' Woods, The red dot is not even noticed being in my way after shooting & getting some training on the art of self defense with a fire arm. Sir, being honest the red dot will seem " in the way" at first. As with any new different gun, or sights or set up takes time and or training to get the hang of to it be effective.
I have shot the P 365 SAS & the sights recessed down into the slide was strange & weird to shoot for me. I'm not saying that the SAS has bad sights just not for me.
Is this a sales pitch or a real discussion? You are pandering to a younger crowd who has the dexterity and strength to rack the slide of a compact. Tactical Timmys but what about the retirement generation? Let’s really discuss a firearms + - for all generations. You selling guns or...?
Go buy a Smith/Wesson EZ then.. or do some curls. My 9 year old daughter can rack a 365 slide.
Or get a "wheel" gun.
No sales pitch here, just our honest thoughts and opinions. Eric really digs this platform and wanted to talk about it. If racking a slide is tough for you, I suggest a wheelgun (we have a few revolver reviews floating around) or the Smith & Wesson M&P EZ series (we also have a review of those models as well). Thanks for reading!
I have no issues racking any of my semi autos. However, my older clients do. As a firearms instructor of 20+ years I see older clients with limited strength struggle with these compact semi autos. I think any review should include a discussion concerning the strength it takes to perform this operation. People purchase firearms based on a review and then end up with a paperweight.
The slide should already be racked before you leave the house, not when you're unholsterimg the gun to defend yourself.
Very nice article with a lot of good information! I have been using the P365 family for my EDC for more than two years and at least 700+ rounds without a failure (yet). The primary advantage of the Sig for me is its modularity. Over time I have put together a working pair including a P365 with an additional SAS slide and various extended capacity mags, I also ended up with a P365XL. Interesting thing about the P365XL is that I arrived at many of the same conclusions as the author and also added an extended threaded barrel with a compensator. I replaced the grip frame that came with the XL with a standard P365 grip frame so that both of my P365's can use all of the same mags interchangeably (both 10's, 12 round and 15 round extended mags as well as 30 round drum mags will fit both)! One conceals exceptionally well and the other conceals really well but shoots like it's much larger. And - all the parts will swap with each other so customization is a snap! Lots of optional parts are available from Sig and aftermarket vendors.
Dave, see my comment immediately below yours concerning modularity. Sigs are modular as long as it suits them, but don't color outside the box.
Well Bull, your point about "universal modularity" is correct in that the P365 family does not (yet) have the level of vendor support that Glocks have. And, The Springfield Hellcat series is another great choice for concealment. I am a retired (70+ year old) mechanical engineer who has been an avid shooter since about 1959 and I am very critical of many recent firearms being offered for sale these days. Frankly, my actual choice for (non concealed) carry or home defense still is an old 6-shot Colt Python (it's almost as old as I am, and I knew the original owner well). That is my quality benchmark for a fine handgun although not really a fair one, as the old Pythons were essentially hand-made.
For EDC year-round concealment though, the P365 SAS (in warmer weather) and the P365XL (in cooler weather) works really well for me.
I couldn't have said it better I'm 75 and have 3 365's an early NRA edition a 2020 365 with man. safety and a XL with a green Holosun 507k. My EDC is a mix of the standard man. safety lower with the XL slide and the green dot plus a 12 round magazine. For me I find it easy to rack the slides on these small pistols by holding the slide steady and pushing the pistol forward. I shoot several hundred a week out of my EDC and don't even notice the recoil.
Built on the modular FCU? Yes. Pretty much perfect if I could install an X-Macro lower. Does Sig offer that option? No. So much for modularity. Value proposition? Sells at MSRP or above. Spare mags are ~$55 each. This product is a cash cow for Sig, already rolling in government money from the MCX Spear and M17/18 contracts. I'm sticking with the Springfield Hellcat Pro until Sig does something to earn my business.
X-Macro's just came out and aren't easy to find, at least in my area. So do you really think you'll be able to buy a lower yet! Shit I heard the mags for the Macro's aren't going to come out on the market till June of '23 so it's a waiting game
Well shit too, Tyler, and f***in-a as well, I'll be so invested in the Hellcat Pro by that time it won't matter. The sales department, not the engineering department, drives the bus at Sig. I'm not breathlessly waiting for mags that will cost ~$75 each by the time they are released. I saw 10-15 X-Macros for sale at a gun show in my area last weekend. The ported slide is a non-starter for a concealed carry pistol. Sucks to be an early adopter.
The Wilson Combat frame receives excellent user feedback.. $65 bucks.
Well, I've been carrying its older brother, the P365, for 4 years, so I'll stick with it as I'm completely happy with it.
365 XL, Has been since day 1 !!!!
They malfunction , I can’t risk it’s reliability ….
What malfunctions?
My sig P226 has over 4,000 rounds on it and has never malfunctioned. My sig 365 XL has over 2,500 rounds on it and has never malfunctioned.
To what malfunction are you referring?
I love the reviews and comparisons on the 365 model. However, why not include the Xmacro comp?
It’s been out a few months now and you have a comparison article with the Glock, so including that version would be appreciated.
I really like the P365XL, have one and like it. My main EDC is a Glock 22 for various reasons, I like it, and sometimes I switch off with another gun. But if I were going to EDC a Sig as my main EDC I'd use my old tried and true Sig P226 or the P365XL.