In the dynamic world of concealed carry firearms, the Sig Sauer P365XL emerges as a standout, challenging the status quo with its impressive balance of capacity and size. As a dedicated firearms enthusiast, you likely keep a keen eye on the latest firearms news, ever on the lookout for innovations that don’t just promise, but deliver. The P365XL has been making waves among concealed carry permit holders and for good reason. Join us as we deep dive into an ammo review of Sig Sauer’s game-changer, offering you a comprehensive look at this firearm that’s been engineered to redefine what a concealed carry gun can be.
The Sig Sauer P365XL: A Closer Look
When Sig Sauer unveiled the original P365, it was met with enthusiasm for packing substantial firepower into a compact form. Building on that success, the P365XL offers a slightly larger frame and barrel, expanded magazine capacity, and an integrated optic plate without compromising the ease of concealment—features that align well with the evolving needs of concealed carry.
The P365XL sports a barrel that measures 3.7 inches, giving it a slightly longer sight radius and barrel than its predecessor, enhancing its accuracy. What’s remarkable about the P365XL is its twelve-plus-one round capacity, a figure that, until recently, was found only in larger double-stack pistols. This capacity can even be expanded to fifteen-plus-one with the purchase of an extended magazine—astonishing for a firearm that is only 1 inch wide.
Features and Performance
When assessing a pistol for concealed carry, two factors immediately spring to mind: reliability and shootability. The P365XL excels in both arenas.
Constructed from stainless steel, the P365XL’s frame is robust and, paired with its striker-fired operating system, reliability is at the core of its design. The nitron-finished slide is not only aesthetically pleasing but resistant to the elements, crucial for a firearm that will be carried close to the body regularly.
Shooters will appreciate the flat trigger with its clean break, tactile and audible reset—a feature that typically comes with aftermarket installation on other brands. The XRAY3 Day/Night Sights are standard, giving users confidence in low light scenarios.
One notable aspect of the P365XL is its integrated rear optic plate. In a growing trend of red-dot optics on carry guns, Sig Sauer has anticipated the market’s trajectory by machining a spot ready to accept the Sig Romeo Zero or any optic matching the Shield RMS-C footprint. This forward-thinking design decision negates the need for pricey custom milling work that’s usually necessary to attach optics to slides.
Ergonomics and Comfort
For many shooters, the feel of a gun in the hand is paramount. The P365XL doesn’t disappoint. Its extended beavertail and a higher grip-to-bore axis ratio reduce muzzle flip, helping with recoil management and subsequent shot accuracy.
Despite its increased capacity, the pistol remains concealable and comfortable to wear. Its slim profile melds effortlessly against the body, whether in an IWB (inside the waistband) or AIWB (appendix inside the waistband) holster configuration. The added length to the grip also means that most shooters will find they no longer have fingers dangling off the bottom—a common complaint with subcompact models.
Range Performance and Ammo Review
A firearm’s real test comes with live fire, and the P365XL shines at the range. The increased weight over the original P365—coming in at around 20 ounces—means that perceived recoil is lessened. This pistol handles standard 9mm loads with ease, while also being capable of digesting +P ammunition without undue wear, thanks to its robust build.
Every gun has its preferred diet, and the P365XL has shown compatibility with a wide variety of practice and defensive ammo. When it comes to self-defense rounds, the pistol performs well with popular loads like the Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Sig Sauer’s own V-Crown, exhibiting reliable expansion and penetration—key traits for carry ammo.
Potential Concerns
No firearm is without potential drawbacks. For some, the price point of the P365XL may be a barrier, being positioned at the higher end of the market. Additionally, shooters with extremely large hands might find the grip lacking, although the extended magazine may alleviate this issue.
Conclusion: A New Benchmarker in Concealed Carry
The Sig Sauer P365XL has set a new benchmark in the world of concealed carry pistols, combining capacity, ease of carry, and reliability in a package that’s hard to beat. With enhancements that address the modern-day shooter’s needs, such as out-of-the-box optic readiness and a high-quality trigger, it sets itself apart from the competition.
Whether you are a seasoned shooter or new to the concealed carry scene, the Sig Sauer P365XL is deserving of attention. The firearms community is already buzzing with excitement, and as a discerning enthusiast, you’ll find it offers a level of sophistication and performance that can bring newfound confidence to your carry choices.
In this changing landscape of personal defense, it pays to stay informed through reputable firearms news. The Sig Sauer P365XL stands as a testament to how far the industry has come, and its continued evolution speaks volumes of the innovative future that awaits us all—in both the firearms we trust and the ammo we choose to feed them.