In the world of firearms, the name Sig Sauer—much like its competitor Glock—carries significant weight. Known for its rich history and a blend of precision and innovation, Sig Sauer has been at the forefront of manufacturing reliable and high-quality firearms for both the civilian and military markets.
If you meet the owner of a Sig P365 or P365 XL firearm, odds are they’ll rave about it. Meet the owner of a Glock 43, for example, they may have a different opinion. Either way, Sig Sauer’s P365 and P365 XL firearm models have become two of the most popular options on the market today for several reasons. So, what makes these two models so unique?
Often touted for their concealed carry qualities, the Sig Sauer P356 and P365 XL firearms constantly receive high praise for their compact size, outstanding performance, and advanced features that make them ideal for personal defense and target shooting. In this blog, we’ll break down the main differences between the two to help you answer the million-dollar question: Which one is better?
Origins
Before taking a look at the specs and performance of the Sig Sauer P365 vs. the P365 XL, let’s briefly discuss the history of each firearm. In 2018, Sig Sauer decided that it was long overdue to bring its first micro-compact, striker-fired pistol to the market, and boy did they deliver. To say the P365 debuted at the SHOT Show with a bang would be an understatement. Not only did it rapidly become a popular choice in the civilian market, but it also was picked up by a number of police departments and law enforcement agencies as well. The Miami Police Department, to name one, adopted the firearm in 2021 for concealed carry and administrative use.
The P365X was released because—how do we say this—size does matter to some. Sorry to say, guys. In all seriousness, Sig wanted to create a big brother version, so to speak, of the wildly successful P365. Easy enough, right? To do this, they brought the P365 XL to life by lengthening the grip and slide for those desiring a slightly larger firearm without sacrificing the key selling points of the original base model. What this means is that although the P365 XL is longer and heavier, it is still a wildly popular choice for those looking for versatile concealed carry options. Furthermore, the enhanced accuracy and optic compatibility make the P365 XL a more suitable choice for competitive shooting and range use.
P365 vs. P365 XL Specs
Continuing our comparison of the Sig Sauer P365 vs. P365 XL, let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the two firearms and how they affect their overall performance. The below graphic includes measurements and weight.
Source: Harry’s Holsters
The most obvious difference between the two models lies in the Sig P365’s size comparison to the P365 XL. The P365 XL is longer, taller, and slightly heavier than the P365. This extra size lends to a fuller grip on the XL, which some shooters might prefer, particularly those with larger hands.
The P365 XL’s slightly longer grip can also lead to increased accuracy when shooting from long distances through a decreased perception of recoil. In contrast, the P365, although offering a little more kick (who could go wrong with some extra kick), is still manageable and impressively accurate for its size. Ergonomically, the P365 is one of the best out there, giving users, especially beginners, a comfortable shooting experience.
Magazine Capacity
The reversible magazine releases of both the Sig Sauer P365 and P365 XL help them stand out from comparable options. The P365 features a 10-round flush-fitting magazine, while the P365 XL boasts a 12-round flush-fitting magazine. Each firearm’s magazine can be optionally modified to fit 12 or even 15 rounds.
Frame
The frames of the Sig Sauer P365 and P365 XL models are very similar. The defining difference is the length of the grip, which is slightly longer on the P365 XL to accommodate for the extra two rounds of ammunition. Because the magazine body is the same, you are able to run the P365 XL’s mags in the shorter P365.
Sights
Both of Sig Sauer’s P365 and P365 XL models come equipped with Siglite night sights, which adds another cool element to the two. The P365 XL can also be equipped with slide-mounted red dot sights, such as the Holosun 507k.
Safety and Trigger
The safety on Sig P365 vs. the P365 XL is the same. The two are offered with or without a thumb safety. The triggers also have a very similar pull that includes a rolling break ideal for self-defense. The shoes are slightly different, however, it typically comes down to personal preference. Some shooters prefer the flat trigger shoe on the XL for its consistency and feel, while others might prefer the traditional curved trigger shoe on the standard P365.
Price
Generally, you can find both the Sig Sauer P365 and P365 XL for around $100 under MSRP. This brings the Sig P365’s cost to around $500 vs. the P365 XL at around $600. Both the Sig P365 and P365 XL are generally considered to provide good value for money, especially considering the features, performance, and quality they offer.
Aftermarket Customizations
Finally—and arguably most importantly (so listen up)—the Sig Sauer P365 and P365 XL models can be customized to fit your desired look and feel. Yes, you read that correctly. Be honest, all black guns can be a little boring, right? That’s why we specialize in high-quality, precision-cut aftermarket slides, barrels, and parts for Glock and Sig firearms, including newly released options for Sig Sauer’s iconic P365 and P365 XL models.
At Zaffiri Precision, everything is carefully crafted in-house at our facility in Largo, Florida. We offer a wide range of products that will help you truly stand out from the crowd when you’re at the shooting range or together with friends and family. To learn more about our process, contact our team! To stay up to date on the hottest topics in the firearms industry, be sure to check out the rest of our blog, Shooting the Sh!t.
FAQs
Is P365 XL good for concealed carry?
The Sig P365 XL vs. the P365 is still good for concealed carry, although its slightly larger size and weight may make it better for open carry, depending on your preference.
Is P365 XL for beginners?
For beginners, it may be better to try the base P365 model vs. the 365 XL model.
Is P365 better than P365XL?
Depending on what shooting experience you are looking for, the P365 vs. 365 XL may be a better option, especially for concealed carry.
What does XL mean on a Sig P365?
The “XL” in Sig P365 XL refers to its size, where “XL” stands for “extra-large” compared to its original counterpart, the SIG P365. The P365XL is slightly larger in terms of both slide length and grip height, with a half-inch longer barrel which leads to better accuracy and velocity for certain shooters.
What does XL mean in Sig Sauer?
In the context of Sig Sauer firearms, “XL” typically denotes a larger size variant of a given model, such as the Sig Sauer P365 XL vs. the P365. XL models will usually have features like a longer barrel, larger grip size, increased magazine capacity, and often enhanced features such as optic-ready slides compared to their standard counterparts.
What is the difference between the Sig P365 XL and the P365 XMACRO?
The Sig Sauer P365 XL and P365 XMACRO are both striker-fired pistols chambered in 9mm Luger, but they differ in several aspects, including the Sig P365 XL’s size comparison. The P365 XL features a 3.7-inch barrel, making it longer than the 3.1-inch barrel of the XMACRO. In terms of capacity, the XMACRO offers a higher standard capacity of 17+1 rounds, whereas the XL accommodates 12+1 or 15+1 rounds. Although the XMACRO is taller at 5.2 inches compared to the 4.8 inches of the XL, it maintains a compact profile.
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