We are truly fortunate to be living in times where brisk competition creates better options for consumers. This is particularly true in the crowded market of concealed carry options.
Companies innovate, are surpassed by competitors, then innovate again to keep their lead and drive sales — we all benefit from this lovely cycle. Sig Sauer already had what is arguably one of the best micro compacts in the P365XL, a product of this evolution.
But recently they released the P365XL Spectre Comp, possibly in an effort to show they are peerless at the top of the heap. Is the Spectre Comp worth the difference in price over the base model?
We’ve tested out both, side by side, and we’ll share our thoughts with you below, so read on.
Table of Contents
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Sig Sauer P365XL Spectre Comp: Review at a Glance
Pros
- 30% recoil reduction
- Marvelous grip texture
- Improved optics ready
Cons
- $1,000+ price tag
The Bottom Line
The Sig Sauer P365XL Spectre Comp is one of the best things you can put in your pants. It’s expensive, but the price has fallen since it was first released.
Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Width: 1.1”
- Length: 6.6”
- Barrel Length: 3.1”
- Height: 4.8”
- Weight: 20.7 oz.
- Capacity: 12+1
Features
- Integrated compensator
- Laser stippled LXG X Series grip module
- Custom Works Spectre optic
Source: Sig Sauer
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Background
When recent micro compact wars touched off a few years ago, Glock had a good jump on the market with their G42 and G43 single-stack guns. Not to be outdone, Sig answered with the P365 in January 2018.
This counterpunch was significant because the P365 was comparable in size, but had up to double the capacity with an extended magazine (12+1). Knowing they had a winner, Sig began offering expanded variants of the gun.
The P365XL soon followed and the increased grip size allowed 12-round magazines to fit flush. The Spectre, and Spectre Comp — products of Sig’s Custom Works division — came after.
Who Is the Spectre Comp For?
The Spectre Comp is for those who want a compensated, concealable pistol with a 12-round capacity, and they aren’t afraid to spend north of $1,000 to get it.
Fit & Feel
Many things about the two guns felt largely the same. The shape of the grip, the frame, even the weight were very similar.
However, by comparison with the standard P365XL model, the grip texture on the Spectre Comp is aggressive. It offers significantly more grab than the base P365XL.
The slide serrations, front and rear, are broader and angled a bit differently. Other than these two differences, the guns feel largely the same.
How Does the P365XL Spectre Comp Shoot?
The differences in performance are subtle. The triggers feel the same to me and tested at around 4.5 pounds on my Lyman Digital gauge with a few millimeters of travel before a clean break reset.
The extra traction you get with the grip stippling is significant and that helps tame muzzle flip quite a bit, but when you combine that with the compensator, you get a little magic based in physics.
The bottom line is, it aims and shoots essentially the same, but the follow-up shots can happen quicker because recoil is less violent. You can still outrun it, but you really have to try to shoot fast in order to do it.
When you press the trigger with your sight picture established, the sights pop back onto your picture quicker and allow you to engage again quickly.
What Sets It Apart?
The grip texture, slide serrations, and integrated compensator set this gun apart from other models. In addition, Sig included a pretty big upgrade to the optics mounting system with the Spectre Comp.
In the original P365XL, users had to remove the rear sight in order to mount an optic. If you used Sig’s Romeo Zero red dot, it included a rear sight fixture.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Now, the Spectre Comp has an independent red dot mounting plate that is separate from the rear sight. The gun also includes a barrel and trigger shoe coated with gold titanium nitride that does not affect performance from what I can tell.
By the Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
We shot several hundred rounds through both the P365XL and the Spectre Comp with zero failures.
Ergonomics: 4/5
I really like the grip and frame on the P365XL though I often struggle to use micro compacts with my big hands. The mag release is a little subdued, but that’s to be expected with a gun designed for concealed carry.
Accuracy: 4/5
I put together some 3-shot groups from seven yards with the Spectre Comp and they averaged around 1.5 inches. The Sig 3-dot sights were easy to pick up.
Customization: 2/5
This is a tough category for a gun already heavily customized. While Sig has created an impressive package with the P365XL and Spectre Comp, their proprietary accessory rail somewhat limits its customization. Companies like Mantis X have created accessory rail adapters to compensate for this, but they add more bulk along with their utility.
Value: 4/5
Each shooter will need to identify whether the juice is worth the squeeze for this gun. For the price, you are getting an integral comp, stippled grip, and more user-friendly optics mounting system.
There is value in the recoil mitigation as discussed, but you also don’t have to worry buying a threaded barrel and bolting on an aftermarket compensator which you’ll want to check tightness on every so often. When the gun was released, I saw prices around $1,600 though more recently they are closer to $1,100.
Overall: 4/5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Field Strip & Reassembly
Same as the regular version! But we have a quick video just for you.
Final Verdict
Is the Sig Sauer P365XL Spectre Comp worth the extra money? In my mind, it is but each shooter will have to make that decision for themselves.
The integrated compensator allows you to shoot more quickly without a doubt. This is great for controlled pairs, small strings of fire, or even faster than normal shooting.
Being able to reobtain sight picture quicker and deliver rounds downrange is an advantage some folks are absolutely willing to spend a little more for.
Is the P365XL Spectre Comp worth the money to you? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check out our review of the original P365.
32 Leave a Reply
Nice review! I did not hear you, or most other reviewers, mention the lack of threaded barrels on either gun, stock. With the plain XL, one can purchase an aftermarket threaded barrel and a comp to thread on, OR a threaded suppressor. Obviously, with the comp, no such thing. I see the sight radius is shorter on the comp version, AND the barrel length is shorter on the comp version (compared to an after market threaded barrel on the non-comped versions). One would think this may make the non-comp version with aftermarket screw on comp and longer aftermarket barrel more accurate. Of course, the sight radius is a non issue for optics equipped versions. So for me, I am thinking I would rather save $500 on retail, and purchase an aftermarket threaded barrel and a good thread on comp for the plain XL non comped version. Your mileage may vary!
I own the standard 365 XL , i’ve been told the Spectrum Comp XL has a better trigger and shoots better because of the compensator…
After seeing many reviews to include yours there are some conclusions I’ve made and why I’ll stick with my standard XL. First and foremost that’s a lot more money for what they’re asking… if you are correct you stated the triggers are the same. I’ve heard people say the trigger is better on the compensated one … Big issue that I see with the spectrum comp is it pushes the red dot site closer to the slide opening which they have a little hole there so you can check the chamber ..
i’ve seen and heard many people complain that their red dots get dirty real quick because of that….. The two things I just mentioned make it not worth spending the extra money on that gun. In my opinion.. everything else seems very intriguing and if I had not seen so many different opinions on the spectrum Comp I would’ve ran out and got one, so thank you much you’ve helped to save me some money…. Great review by the way thanks
I went in a little different direction, since there is no safety it will ride in a holster. Since holsters a little more barrel won't matter. I put a faxon extended borrel in a 365XL and it is the best carry gun I have ever had the pleasure to use. Plenty of velocity to make any bullet expand properly and with solid lead it's a great light woods gun. Groups as well as my G19 and 23 and only a couple inch more spread than my 1911 at 15 yards. Can hit a tennis ball every time at 25. Just can't beat it right now
There are so many roads to triumph Joshua, glad you found yours!
Thanks for the review. My 4 year old P366 has been flawless with 3,000 rounds. Outstanding value for me.
Personally, I would not even buy the standard XL due to it's size. My needs may change and I could consider something different in the future, including the Spectre Comp or XL!
Corny old saying, "it's nice to have choices" .
You're so right Phil, and thank you for the read. The P365 is building a great track record for a lot of people.
I am sick and tired of these Soy Boy Grifters who would claim a Bronzed Turd from Sig Sauer for $10K was the best conceal carry ever made. It's all about manufacturer Freebies and not real world value in terms of quality or reliability.
I hear you W. Patterson! What should we do about them?
I find the "is it worth the extra money" debate to be ridiculous.
Of course it is worth it. And honestly it is worth even more, when it comes to a carry gun. As gun owners everything we do should be geared towards just one thing. Giving you an edge or advantage. I will take any edge I can get.
Why do you carry? We carry to protect ourselves and those we hold dear. What is it worth to gain an advantage in those scenarios? The answer is everything you have.
Most carry hollow point, personal defense ammo. At close range it is only marginally more effective than FMJ, and it costs twice as much. But we carry it to give us a little edge. Why do we spend more for a good holster? Same answer.
There are many things that make sense to be frugal about. Your carry gun isn't one of them. The debate should not be, "why buy one of those when I could have two of these?" it should be " does the extra money give me an edge if I ever have to defend those I love?" You should carry whatever firearm you can shoot as quickly and accurately as possible, however you choose to carry. It doesn't matter if it is a Sig, Glock or CZ. If my lifestyle and career allowed me to carry my Wilson Combat 1911, that is what I would carry. If the Spectre allows me to empty a magazine 1 second quicker with better accuracy it is worth every penny. YMMV
Your philosophy reminds me of another "Old Marine" named Jeff Cooper, and I couldn't agree more. I approached this comparison as just that. In the video I said there is a defined improvement in recoil management with the Spectre Comp, but I left it up to viewers and readers to make the decision on whether it was worth the expense. As you stated, it is an advantage in an area of life where we should want all we can afford.
Thank you for your service.
I can't believe this glorified review of one of the most profit-oriented handguns ever made. All SIG had to do is modify the top of the slide/barrel to allow escaping gases to push the nose down slightly after fired. My old Taurus 669 magnum revolver does the same job to tame recoil, but they didn't jack the price into the sky for that feature. Oh boy, they included different grips and a silly gold trigger. (The marketing gurus at SIG had to dream up other ridiculous ways to justify this price hike.) I own most of the German made SIG's back when Sauer proudly made them with unmatched quality, then over time, Exeter, NH took over production. Look at the outrageous Legion models out now...all SIG did was put in slightly better triggers (from Grayguns) and loaded them up with gimmicks to justify their beyond stellar prices. It is a real sad state of affairs. SIG evolved into an enterprising American company that now uses sinister marketing to push their products. Why not have Danny Craig pose with this new compensated 365? Then you money-hungry goobers can really laugh your way to the bank.
Have a great weekend Raymond.
Agree with everything you said, sadly. How $175 in finished material somehow costs over a grand is beyond the pale.
Every weapon I own with the exception of my Shotgun, 44 Mag and .357 LCP have threaded barrels.
I use the compensators and flash suppressors as a thread protector.
The compensator on my .308 makes it almost as loud as a 50 Cal, requires a lot of ear protection.
The comp on my 10/22 doesn't do anything I can hear.
When the Schet goes sideways I want sound suppressors on all of the threaded for hunting without alerting every non-friendly. At this point stamps will be irrelevant.
Next purchase I am attempting is the threaded barrel Marlin 1894 CST .357 Magnum Lever-Action.
This with a .38 special, the cocking is louder than the shot.
Would also like a threaded .22Lr auto pistol as long as I'm making my Christmas wish.
So, No to this $1,100 Sig.
Looks good as a carry if your pocket money goes down to your ankles.
Not dissing it, just not in my scheme.
Totally understand Joseph. Like I said, it's up to the consumer to decide. Regarding the noise, I didn't notice any significant difference between the two.
I got the 365xL and I love it I would go buy 2 more 365 for the price of 1 spectre and have 2 new ones plus the one I have now for the price of one .... Not that big of a difference just away to make more money for sig smh sig think of your customers and drop the price to 799 then you will sell this alot better we not no dummies duh
Owning the 365 and now the 365XL with the Romeo all ready attached . ($599.00) My question is why spend the extra $600.00 ? Not worth it .
We're lucky to have these choices Sam. I looked at the pricing to establish value. The base P365XL is running $600 right now. When you look at a threaded barrel and comp from GrayGuns being $330, figure some extra in for laser stippling, the coating, then the upgraded optics plate where you can keep your rear sight, it's close to a push in my book.
Thanks for the detailed review. Personally, I like having a good review before I worry about the price. Is it pricey, yes, a tad, but after the introduction to the market, prices often settle lower.
Thank you Brad, I appreciate that. When the Spectre Comp first came out it was $1,600 but it's dropped significantly since then.
Great
Thanks Brooklyn.
Your Welcome
Great
Does it do the job expected, yes. But not as a carry gun, the standard 365 is superior on a bang for buck basis. The XL comp is a range gun that can be carried - if you are McSuperized yourself. Not all can do that, and large guns have that "defect" - large and harder to conceal.
Comps are also louder - by a lot of tests, a good 25% louder, requiring better ear pro. On the range, not difficult to accomplish if you step up the Db reduction of your gear, especially for match use. A lot of these guns will got to those already doing it, for the new to range or competition, tho, a comp - just like an AR muzzle brake - turns the sound 90 degrees to hit your ears worse, not better. Inside a built up area it will damage hearing even more without ear pro. No, very few people go clubbing or attend a package drop off heist wearing their muffs - so, choose for concealment with that in mind.
And a race trigger? On the street, there won't be issues with a 2 pound difference in pull when attending a 2 way range exercise. Practice makes a better shooter, one well known shooter/writer/LEO won a match with a NY trigger in a Glock. It's not the arrow, it's the Indian.
Overall, no, the extra $500 isn't worth it for a concealed carrier - the 365 can be carried with a 12 round mag, and considering it was already +4 moving up to ten round, how many will you need? Carrying a reload mag is a good choice, but if that's not someones cup of tea, then carry a Canik with 19 up for less money. We can argue capacity all day long, there will "never" be enough if you are down to your last mag firing from a downed helicopter surrounded by 10,000 insurgents. Just deal with the reality of your own locality, not the internet hype.
This is a range gun, not a carry gun, and putting all the bells and whistles on it won't do the job if it becomes too heavy, too large, and a snagmaster on the draw. Leave it for the internet warrior and local range champ to brag on until you are both down to the last stage of the course.
Well said Tirod. I always emphasize training over gear but our society doesn't always lean that direction.
I would ask the question differently..... would you rather have 2 365xl pistols or one 365xl
spectre for your money. Me, I'll take two 365xl's.
Good perspective Ray. You could certainly add an optic, light, and maybe holster for that kind of cheddar.
I will challange your "Value" rating of 4/5. Heck, I bought an aftermarket longer, higher quality threaded barrel AND a screw on compensator, which works marvelously, for MUCH less tha the additional cost of this zombie! PLUS. mine, is much more accurate with the addiitional .5"+ additional threaded barrel length! Nope, there is NO WAY I would spend that kind of Jack on this overpriced eveloution!
Glad to hear it Bill. I think the only real difference in your scenario would be fitting in a standard, closed, holster but that isn't always a concern.
It's important to note that while the XL and the Spectre look to be the same size, the XL actually has a longer barrel and a longer sight radius -- albeit a slight 0.5".
Right you are Joe, you win the noprize!