When the SIG P365 grabbed instant attention and met immediate success after its first premiere in 2018, it led the brand to introduce two more uniquely upgraded versions of P365: The P365X & The P365XL.
Even though both are concealed pistols, factors such as overall size, barrel and Slide length, concealability, accuracy, velocity, and capacity make notable differences between them.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything so that you can differentiate between a P365X and a P365XL gun to choose the best that suits your desire.
P365X Vs. P365XL: Quick Comparison Table
Check out the difference through their specs-
| Specifications | P365X | P365XL |
| Overall Length | 6 in [152 mm] | 6.6 in [168 mm] |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Weight | 17.8 oz [500 g] | 20.7 oz (588 g) |
| Mag. Included | [(2) 12rd/ (2) 10rd] Steel Mag | (2) 10rd/ (2) 12rd Steel Mag |
| Overall Width | 1.1 in [28 mm] | 1.1 in [28 mm] |
| Height | 4.8 in [122 mm] | 4.8 in (122 mm) |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 in [78 mm] | 3.7 in (94 mm) |
| Sight Radius | 4.9 in [123 mm] | 5.6 in (142 mm) |
| Trigger Type | Flat | XSeries Straight |
What Are the Differences Between P365X and P365XL Based on Features?
Let’s check out the difference between these two guns through their specs-
Feature 1: Longer Length & Extended Magazine Offers Extra Capacity
The obvious visible difference between the P365X and the P365XL is their overall size or length. Even though both are micro-compact pistols, there’s a 0.79 inches difference in their overall length, and the SIG P365XL is .79 inches bigger than the SIG P365X. Also, the P365x model has a standard magazine capacity of holding 10 rounds only.
Since the P365xl gun has an extra length advantage, this pistol allows you to take advantage of using a longer barrel and Slide. Also, the XL model comes with an extended magazine capacity or holding 12 rounds. Therefore, you will get better accuracy, velocity, and higher capacity with the P365XL.
Both are excellent choices, but if you are looking for a quality small concealed carry compact gun, choose the SIG P365. If you are more interested in a higher capacity as well as better accuracy and velocity, SIG P365XL is the ideal deal.
Feature 2: Overall Size & Weight Difference Influences the Concealed Carry Ability
Based on the size and weight, P365x is smaller and lighter to comfortably carry on a pocket, Ankle, IWB (3-5 o’clock), AWIB (Appendix Carry), and OWD holster carry.
However, the P365xl is 0.79 inches larger and weighs 2 & 1/2 ounces extra due to extended 2 rounds of AMMO. Therefore, if you want to put it in your pant pocket, your pocket needs to be slightly bigger and bulkier than the standard pocket holster. The same goes with ankle carry purpose because carrying a heavy pistol might risk your joint health. The P365 is better for IWB, AWIB, and OWB carry.
Both are small enough to fit into better-concealed carry pistol options, but comfort is the key factor in deciding which one will be better for you. Because some people are comfortable carrying the P365xl in their pocket, but others prefer the P365x because the P365xl feels comparatively heavier.
Feature 3: Better Grip & Slide Length Ensures Better Accuracy
The P365x model is smaller in overall size and lighter in weight. So, you will get less space for a better grip since the space is limited, and people might struggle to hold the pistol straight during shoots due to that space limitation. The grip limitation and shorter slide length might become a deal breaker for shooters, especially during distance shooting.
Luckily SIG P365XL is a slightly bigger than the P365x and has enough space to get a better grip during shooting. The full grip offers more control over the gun and the extra slide length of the xl delivers flatter shooting than the P365x model. Also, the extra slide length offers additional sight radius and ensures more accuracy even in distance shooting.
If grip, control over the gun during shooting, and accuracy are not the key factors for choosing a gun, pick the P365, but if those factors concern you the most, choose the P365XL.
Feature 4: Quality of the Shooting Performance
Shooting performance is something you have to test on the field to decide whether the P365x performs better or the P365xl works better during long-distance shooting, a close distance at speed, or during B8 Targets shooting. Besides being one of the tiniest compact pistols available on the market, the P365X performs incredibly when shooting within 10 to 12 yards.
However, when shooting at close distance (12 or beyond 12 yards), you will notice better performance from the P365xl than the P365x due to its better grip/control, extended mags, and extra sight radius.
Again, both will perform well during shooting because both P365 models have identically similar internal features. But if you compare the focus, accuracy, capacity, and velocity rate of these two during continuous shooting, the P365XL wins the bet due to its additional features.
The P365X or The P365XL – Which One to Choose?
Both SIG P365X and the SIG P365XL are amazing micro-compact pistols and really perform well besides being such tiny guns.
Therefore, if you ask which one is better, I will say first identify your need or purpose for getting one of these guns.
Since they have some notable differences which make them ideal for serving different purposes, you cannot differentiate when you are not even sure about your own need or purpose for using the gun.
However, if you have already figured out your need or purpose, I will share some pointers to help you decide which one suits you the best.
Those who are only concerned about getting a smaller and lighter pistol that does not feel like carrying something will surely fall for the SIG P365x, and the additional benefit is the quality performance that it delivers within 10 yards of shooting.
However, the additional length of the P365XL gives a better grip and control over the pistol. Not only that but also the longer barrel length and slide length offers better sight radius during long-distance or critical condition shooting.
Therefore, a typical shooter will feel more comfortable with the P365XL than the P365X.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can a P365XL shoot +P Ammo?
Yes, it is rated to take +P Ammo. But the user or operational manual also recommends not running it all the time.
Is it possible to dry-fire a P365X pistol?
Yes, you are allowed to dry fire the P365x pistol and SIG recommends using a plug or snap cap during excessive dry firing.
Does the SIG P365XL pistol come with drop safety?
Yes, this pistol model features drop safety and because of that safety feature, the gun will not go off when you accidentally drop it. It also features thumb safety.
Does the SIG P365X pistol come with a manual safety feature?
Yes, the 365X-9-BXR3-MS and the 365X-9-BXR3-MS-10 both models come with manual safeties.
Summary:
As mentioned in the beginning, the SIG P365X and the SIG P365XL both are extremely small, light in weight, and perform decently to be considered ideal concealed carry pistols. Both guns are pretty much identical, but if you compare them side-by-side, you will surely notice and feel the differences.
Those significant differences between these two SIG P365 series pistols indicate that they serve better for different purposes.
Therefore, you first need to learn and understand the differences to select the one that suits your purpose the most.
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