Is the Sig P365XL Right for You? 1911 Syndicate Review

The Sig P365 soared to popularity basically the second it was launched, offering greater capacity in a smaller package — and that fulfilled a niche a lot of gun owners were interested in. After all, an easily concealed firearm chambered in a capable self-defense caliber is a win, right? Well, the original P365 was a little too small for some gun owners with bigger hands, so Sig responded with the P365XL. In this video review, 1911 Syndicate checks out the Sig P365XL and runs live-fire tests to give an idea of what the gun can do in their hands.

The 1911 Syndicate checks out the Sig P365XL. (Photo credit: 1911 Syndicate)

What are the Sig P365XL Features?

The easiest way to summarize the P365XL is to say it’s a slightly larger version of the original P365, meaning it depends on your hand size when it comes to whether you prefer one over the other. Of course, there’s more to it than that.

Sig designed the P365XL with a stainless steel frame which adds a little weight over polymer designs but also lends durability and good balance to the gun. Even with the steel frame and slide the gun only weighs 20.7 ounces, empty; with a fully loaded magazine this pistol is still small enough to comfortably conceal and carry all day, every day. Aside from the P365XL’s 12 +1 capacity — which does a lot to recommend it — the gun’s trigger is a solid selling point. Right out of the box the trigger is good with a clean break and short reset. And thanks to the solidly-built frame, the already-negligible recoil and muzzle rise of its 9mm chambering is offset so reacquiring targets is no problem at all. Yes, this gun runs well rapid-fire.

Check out the video to find out what the 1911 Syndicate guys think of the Sig P365XL.

 

Is the SIG P365XL a Good Carry Gun?

Short answer: yes. The slightly longer answer is that many features and performance points have proven the Sig P365XL is a great option for concealed carry:

  • Compact
  • Reasonably lightweight
  • Greater magazine capacity
  • Good factory trigger
  • Myriad holster options
  • Accurate
  • Easy to conceal
  • Durable
  • Reliable
Sig P365 and P365XL side by side for size comparison
The Sig P365 and P365XL side-by-side for size comparison. (Photo credit: 1911 Syndicate)

Is a Bigger Gun Better?

It really does depend on your own hand size and needs when it comes to deciding if a slightly larger gun is better. Even though it may look like the P365XL is barely any bigger than the P365 — and it’s true, it isn’t a lot larger — that tiny difference matters. For shooters with bigger hands, the under-an-inch size gap affects comfort and accuracy more than you might think. It gives you a little more of that steel real estate to grip. We suggest you go ahead and try out both models when choosing which one fits your needs.

1911 Syndicate P365XL
Is the Sig P365XL the gun for you? Watch the video to find out. (Photo credit: 1911 Syndicate)

Do you own a Sig P365 or P365XL? Which model do you prefer? Drop a comment below.

P365 XL Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
  • Model: P365XL
  • Caliber: 9x19mm
  • Capacity: 12 +1 (also available in 10 +1 and 15 + 1)
  • Size: Micro-Compact
  • Overall Length: 6.6 inches
  • Overall Width: 1.1 inches
  • Height: 4.8 inches (without optic)
  • Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
  • Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
  • Weight: 20.7 ounces (empty)
  • Sight Radius: 5.6 inches
  • Trigger Action: Striker-Fired
  • Trigger: X-Series Straight Blade
  • Grip: Polymer
  • Frame: Stainless Steel
  • Frame Finish: Stainless Steel
  • Sights: Optic Ready with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights
  • MSRP: $685