Back in the early 2000s, single-stack 9mm handguns were all the rage in the concealed carry market. Gun manufacturers everywhere seemed locked in a competition to produce the smallest handgun that could hold six or seven rounds. Models like the wildly popular M&P Shield and the much-anticipated Glock 43 (which took its sweet time arriving after the Glock 42) dominated the discussion.
But then Sig Sauer changed the game entirely. At the 2018 SHOT Show, they unveiled the P365 9mm pistol, a high-capacity micro-compact that redefined what a concealed carry handgun could be. The name itself was genius marketing, suggesting a pistol built for everyday carry, 365 days a year. When I first got my hands on a P365 demo at a local range, it was a genuine “wow” moment. How they managed to cram 10+1 rounds into a pistol as small as my Kahr CM380 was beyond me. The ergonomics were fantastic, tooโit felt like it belonged in my hand. I knew I had to have one. Of course, like any hot-ticket item, the P365 was tough to find at first.
That initial excitement was tempered somewhat by the buzz about early production issues. Broken firing pins, trigger-return spring malfunctions, and defective Sig-Lite night sights made their way into the chatter. Sig Sauer addressed these problems for customers who sent their pistols in for service, but I decided to play it safe and wait for the bugs to be worked out. By the time I finally bought my third-generation P365, it was clear that Sig had ironed out those early kinks. My P365 has been nothing short of reliable.
Features That Set the P365 Apart
Sig took an innovative approach to designing the P365 by starting with the magazine and building the pistol around it. They call the magazine a โmodified double-stack,โ but Iโd describe it as a double-stack that narrows into a single-stack at the top. This clever design keeps the pistolโs frame and slide slimโjust one inch wide, comparable to most single-stack pistols. The overall dimensions are equally impressive: 4.3 inches tall, 5.8 inches long, and sporting a 3.1-inch barrel. It tips the scales at just 17.8 ounces unloaded. You really have to hold it to appreciate how compact it is.
And if 10+1 rounds isnโt enough, an optional 12-round extended magazine boosts capacity to 13 rounds. Whatโs remarkable is that even with the extended mag, the P365 remains incredibly compact. Itโs only slightly larger than a Glock 43 yet holds nearly as many rounds as a Glock 19. Seeing it in person drives home just how efficiently Sig designed this pistol.
Ergonomics and Grip
The P365โs grip design, texturing, and high grip-to-bore axis work together to reduce felt recoil, making it as comfortable to shoot as many mid-sized pistols. A generous undercut on the trigger guard allows for a high grip, giving most shooters excellent control and accuracy. The polymer frame also includes a slim-line rail for Sigโs proprietary light or laser accessories, adding versatility.
One standout feature of the grip is how it narrows near the top, allowing it to conform naturally to the shooterโs thumb. In my opinion, the P365โs ergonomics are best-in-class among micro-compacts. The grip feels intuitive, almost like an extension of your hand.
Sights That Shine
The stainless-steel slide features front and rear serrations for easy manipulation, and it comes standard with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights. If youโve seen these on other high-end Sig models, you know theyโre outstanding. The front sight features a tritium vial surrounded by a bright green ring, making target acquisition quick and effortless. The rear sight acts like a blacked-out notch during daylight but reveals two tritium dots in low light. Early issues with Sig-Lite night sights on the P365 turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the upgraded XRAY3 sights are now standard and significantly better.
Trigger Performance
The trigger on the P365 is another highlight. Sig lists the pull weight at 6 pounds, but it feels lighter due to its smooth, crisp break. The reset is short, tactile, and audible, making follow-up shots quick and efficient. Among micro-compacts, the P365โs trigger stands out as one of the best Iโve ever used.
Range Report: How It Performs
Of course, the true test of any handgun is how it performs on the range. The P365 doesnโt disappoint. Despite its small size, itโs a joy to shoot. Recoil is surprisingly mild, thanks to its excellent ergonomics, and the sights and trigger make it easy to shoot accurately. Compared to other single-stack pistols Iโve ownedโmany of which were snappyโthe P365 is a revelation.
For group testing, I fired four different factory loads from a rest at 7 yards, shooting two five-shot groups per load. It was a warm summer day with temperatures in the mid-80s and no wind. Hereโs how the P365 performed:
- PMC 115-grain FMJ: This load produced an average group size of 1.75 inches. Itโs a solid practice round and it performed as expected.
- Sig 365 115-grain V-Crown JHP: Designed specifically for the P365, this ammo ironically yielded the largest average group size at 2.13 inches. Still, itโs reliable enough for self-defense purposes.
- Federal Premium HST 147-grain HP: This load delivered the best performance, with an average group size of 1.38 inches. Itโs an excellent choice for personal defense.
- Underwood Xtreme Defender 90-grain +P: This high-velocity round produced a 1.85-inch average group. Its monolithic solid copper bullet is designed to create a large wound channel, making it another viable option for self-defense.
Final Thoughts
If youโre in the market for a high-capacity micro-compact pistol, the Sig Sauer P365 is a top contender. Its innovative design, outstanding ergonomics, and reliable performance make it a standout choice. Whether youโre using it for everyday carry, home defense, or range practice, the P365 delivers on all fronts. Today, there are several variants of the P365 to choose from, but the original model remains a solid option thatโs hard to beat.
Sig didnโt just raise the bar with the P365โthey reset it. And for those of us who demand more from a concealed carry pistol, thatโs exactly what weโve been waiting for.
