As someone who regularly reviews firearms and has a strong preference for Glocks, particularly for their practicality, I often find myself comparing every pistol I try to a Glock. Given Glock’s reputation for simplicity, reliability, and an excellent size-to-capacity ratio, it’s tough for me to recommend another pistol over a Glock. However, the Sig P365 is an exception. In many ways, it surpasses the Glock 26 and Glock 43—though there’s one important caveat.*
To sum it up, the Sig P365 impresses, though my praise isn’t without some reservations. Sig Sauer has done a lot right with this pistol, and after spending some time getting familiar with it, I’d like to share my experience.
Why Consider the Sig Sauer P365?
The Sig P365 is designed with concealed carry in mind. Remarkably, it manages to combine a frame and slide that are as small as, or smaller than, the Glock 43—yet it offers 4 additional rounds. And it does so with a more comfortable grip and a superior trigger.
You might consider the P365 for its impressive capacity and ergonomic comfort, or for its near-invisible profile when worn on the waistline. Or perhaps you’re drawn to it simply because it’s a Sig Sauer, a brand known for high-quality firearms (notwithstanding a few exceptions like the P320).
Sig Sauer P365 Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 5.8”
- Height: 4.3” (with flush magazine)
- Width: 1”
- Barrel: 3.1”
- Trigger: ~6 lb.
- Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights (3-dot)
- Weight: 17.8 oz. (with empty magazine)
- Slide: Stainless Steel, Nitron finish
- Capacity: 10+1 (with one flush and one extended magazine; 12-round magazine available)
- MSRP: $599
Shooting the P365
My initial experience with the P365 wasn’t great. Using my usual high-forward support hand grip, I found the slide-lock lever painfully scraped against my thumb knuckle, making it uncomfortable to shoot. However, once I adjusted my grip to avoid contact with the lever, the experience improved significantly.
The pistol became enjoyable to shoot, with no issues during operation—loading magazines, gripping the pistol, firing, ejecting magazines, and locking the slide back all felt natural and smooth. Despite my expectations, I encountered no difficulties.
In a side-by-side comparison with my Glock 43, shooting groups at various distances, I was surprised to find the P365 consistently produced tighter groups. This may be due to the P365’s superior trigger and more precise sights.
Though the P365 is rated for +P ammunition, I typically don’t favor it for defensive purposes. That said, in a small pistol with a short barrel like this one, +P ammo might have its place, though I’m not entirely convinced of its necessity.
Comfort, Controllability, & Capacity
Once I adjusted my grip, the P365 was comfortable to shoot. Its small grip would suit those with smaller hands, though it’s a bit snappier than mid-sized pistols due to its compact size. Despite this, the P365 is easy to control, even with a modified grip, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The extended magazine also improves grip comfort, making it impressive that this slim, compact pistol can hold a 10-round magazine.
Components & Features
The P365’s slide is only 1” wide, with well-placed serrations at both the front and rear. The stock sights are excellent, featuring tritium inserts that are nearly invisible in daylight, making the front dot’s day-glow-green ring highly visible for quick target acquisition.
The pistol’s design is clean, with only a slide-lock lever and takedown lever. The plastic trigger, lacking a safety-tab rib, is comfortable on the finger pad and offers a smooth action. The reset is short but a bit soft. Overall, the trigger contributes to the P365’s ease of accuracy.
The frame has a decent texture and includes a proprietary accessory rail. The magazine release is easy to use and can be reversed for left-handed users. The pistol comes with both a flush and extended 10-round magazine, with 12-round options available.
Potential Issues
While I personally experienced no issues firing a few hundred rounds through the P365, early reports from other users mention specific problems, such as the firing action causing the striker to drag across the primer, potentially leading to a broken striker. However, some users have reported firing over 10,000 rounds without issues.
Since this review is based on my first impressions, I can’t speak to the long-term reliability of the P365. Post-release issues aren’t uncommon, and how Sig addresses these concerns will be crucial. While I’m impressed with the pistol, I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on it for personal protection until these potential issues are resolved.
Conclusion
Pros
- The best size-to-capacity ratio among subcompact pistols.
- Excellent trigger and sights right out of the box.
- Comfortable ergonomic design despite its small size.
- Easily concealable, disappearing on the body in most carry positions.
Cons
- The slide-lock lever can irritate your support hand with a high grip.
- The pistol is snappy due to its small size and lightweight.
- Potential reliability issues may need addressing.
- Some might find the price a bit steep.
Final Thoughts
Sig Sauer has managed to pack 11 rounds into a small, striker-fired pistol that is both comfortable and accurate—an achievement that will likely make the P365 a favorite among concealed carriers. Although I’m loyal to Glock for their proven reliability, the P365 has me seriously considering a switch. I’m not ready to make the leap just yet, as I’d like to see Sig address the reported issues, but I believe this little pistol has great potential.
