Sig Sauer revolutionized the concealed carry market with the release of their high-capacity micro-compact P365 9mm pistol.
I remember when single stack 9mm handguns ruled the concealed carry market for many years in a row. Most of the gun manufacturers were competing to create the smallest handgun that would hold six or seven rounds. This included the extremely popular M&P Shield and the highly anticipated Glock 43 (albeit a couple of years later than originally thought after the Glock 42 release).
Then Sig Sauer reset the standard at the 2018 SHOT Show with their release of the high-capacity micro-compact P365 9mm pistol. The name evokes the idea of allowing you to carry more, everyday – 365 days a year. I still remember when I first got my hands on the 365 demo at a local gun range. It blew my mind that they figured out how to fit 10+1 rounds into a micro-pistol as small as my Kahr CM380. It also struck me how great it felt in the hand with it’s superb ergonomics. I knew immediately that I wanted one, but at the time they were extremely hard to find.
Shortly after that I began hearing about issues with the early models such as broken firing pins, trigger-return spring issues, and faulty Sig-Lite night sights. Of course, Sig fixed the issues on the guns that customers sent to them. However, I decided to be patient and let Sig work out the bugs before getting mine. I ended up waiting to buy the 3rd generation, and I’ve not experienced any of the aforementioned issues.
Gun Specs
Sig designed the magazine first and then built the rest of the pistol around it. They call it a “modified double-stack magazine”. I describe it as a double-stack magazine that tapers down into a single-stack at the top. This design allows the frame and slide to keep it’s slim 1-inch width that most single-stack pistols have. The P365 is also 4.3-inches tall, and 5.8-inches long with a barrel length of 3.1-inches. It weighs just 17.8 ounces with an empty magazine. You really have to hold this gun to fully appreciate its small size.
An optional 12-round extended magazine equips this micro-compact pistol with full-size 13-round capacity. To me the size of the 365 with the extended magazine is equally impressive, because it has only two rounds less than a Sig P320 or Glock 19 while still being really close to the size of a Glock 43. Again, you have to see it in person to grasp how small it is even with the extended mag.
Grip
The unique grip design, texturing and higher grip to bore axis reduces perceived recoil and makes the P365 as comfortable to shoot as many mid-sized pistols. A generous trigger guard undercut also allows for a higher hand position and a full grip for most shooters, further increasing control and accuracy. The polymer frame includes a slim-line rail that will accommodate proprietary SIG light or laser accessories.
The narrowing magazine design allows the upper part of the grip to be contoured to fit the shooter’s thumb when fired. In the author’s opinion, the P365’s overall ergonomics are the best in its class of micro-compact 9mm pistols, including those that have come out more recently. It feels like a natural extension of the shooter’s hand to point and shoot.
Sights
The stainless-steel slide comes standard with front and rear serrations for easier slide manipulation, as well as XRAY3 Day/Night Sights for fast sight acquisition under all lighting conditions. If you haven’t seen these sights on other higher end Sig models, they are extremely impressive. The front sight is a tritium vial surrounded by a bright green circle that is very easy to pick up in sight acquisition and rapid strings of fire. The rear notch sight works more like a blacked-out rear sight in the daytime, but the two tritium dots show up very nicely in low light. I feel like we really benefited from the early Sig-Lite night sight issues to get the upgraded XRAY3 sights as standard on the P365.
Trigger
The P365’s trigger is also outstanding. In fact, it’s nicer than any of the P320’s I’ve dry-fired and shot in the past. Sig says the standard trigger weight is 6 pounds, but it just feels lighter than that. This is most likely due to how smooth and crisp the trigger break is, especially for a micro-compact striker-fired pistol. The reset is also short, audible and tactile. The P365’s trigger is best in its class of micro-compacts in this author’s opinion.
Range Time
The true test was to see how all of these features and innovations translated to “shootability” on the range. I was shocked how easy and enjoyable the P365 was to shoot due to the low recoil and excellent ergonomics. I was also pleasantly surprised how accurate this micro-pistol is with it’s excellent sights and trigger. In fact, I found it easier to shoot more accurately than most of the single stack pistols I’ve shot and owned, many of which were quite snappy.
I did the group testing using four factory loads using a rest at 7 yards, and fired two, five-shot groups. It was a warm summer day with temperatures in the mid-80s and calm wind. Results were good, particularly for such a small handgun designed for self-defense purposes.
PMC 115gr FMJ
First, I tested the PMC 115 grain full metal jacket load. I shot a few rounds of the ammo on a steel target, and then fired the test groups with it. This round produced a 1.75 inch average group. Now I was ready to test some self-defense loads.
Sig 365 115gr V-Crown JHP
Next up was the Sig 365 115 grain V-Crown jacketed hollow point ammo. Sig say they designed this round for the micro-compact P365 barrel length and to reduce recoil. Ironically, it produced the largest average group size of 2.13 inches in my testing. With that being said, I wouldn’t have any concerns carrying this ammo for self defense purposes.
Federal Premium HST 147gr HP
The third load was the Federal Premium HST 147 grain jacketed hollow point ammo. I’ve had excellent performance with this ammo in other 9mm pistols, and it certainly didn’t disappoint in the P365. It produced the best average group size at 1.38 inches.
Underwood Xtreme Defender 90gr +P
Last but not least was the Underwood Ammo Xtreme Defender 90 grain +P round. Underwood’s website states that the bullet is monolithic solid copper and is fluted to produce a larger wound channel than a traditional hollow point. This round produced a 1.85 inch average group size, despite its higher velocity and recoil.
If you’re looking for a high-capacity micro-compact pistol that is pleasant to shoot, the Sig P365 9mm is an excellent choice. It’s surprisingly accurate and fun to shoot for its size, and has many features that you will appreciate. For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call (603) 610-3000.
Factory Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1 rounds flush fit, 12+1 extended (not included)
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 5.8 inches
Width: 1 inch
Height: 4.3 inches (with flush magazine)
Weight: 17.8 ounces (w/empty magazine)
Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights (3-dot)
MSRP: $549 (street about $500)
Performance
| Ammunition | Average Group Size (5 shots, 7 yards) |
| PMC 115gr FMJ | 1.75″ |
| Sig 365 115gr V-Crown JHP | 2.13″ |
| Federal Premium HST 147gr JHP | 1.38″ |
| Underwood Xtreme Defender 90gr +P | 1.85″ |
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