The SIG Sauer P365 9mm pistol has become one of the most popular micro-compact concealed-carry pistols on the market. The evolved P365X and P365XL models come optics ready, so we are rounding up five of the best red-dot options available.
June 15, 2022
By Richard Nance
For years, https://palmettostatearmory.com/brands/sig-sauer/firearms/pistols/p365.html has been one of the most popular micro-compact pistols on the planet. In addition to being perfectly sized for concealed carry, being chambered in 9mm, and having second-to-none ergonomics, the P365’s 10-round flush fit magazine holds three more rounds than the similarly sized, former category champion, Glock 43.
The X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights facilitate rapid sight alignment, regardless of the lighting conditions. These sights blow stock Glock sights out of the water, but then that’s not saying much. While many were more than happy with the P365, there was demand for a pistol just slightly larger, with a slide factory cut for a reflex optic. Along came the P365 XL and later, the P365 X .
Building on the success of SIG Sauer's high-capacity micro-compact P365, the X and XL models come optics-ready from the factory. The P365 XL features a larger grip to accommodate a 12-round flush fit magazine, as well as a longer slide and barrel. The XL also sports a flat trigger as opposed to the P365’s curved trigger. But, what really set’s the XL apart is that it comes optics ready. The P365 X shares the XL’s longer grip but not the longer slide and barrel. It also features a removable rear sight plate to accommodate a red dot.
The P365 XL and P365 X models are designed to accept optics using the Shield RMSc mounting footprint with no plate required. This direct-mount is ideal from a security standpoint, and it also gives the reflex sight a lower profile, making it easier to co-witness with the stock sights. If you’re looking for a reflex sight for your P365 XL or X model, consider these worthwhile options.
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Bushnell RXC-200 Micro Reflex Sight Bushnell recently introduced its diminutive RXC-200 red dot. For those looking for an even more compact optic, the company also offers the ultra-compact RXU-200. Relatively new to the reflex sight game, Bushnell has jumped in with both feet. One of their newest offerings is the RXC-200 , which is distinguished form their equally new RXU-200 mainly by its compact 15mm, rather than an ultra-compact 11mm, window height. I found the larger window to be a smidge easier to aim through.
The RXC-200 weighs just .88 oz. and is constructed of aluminum with a glass lens. There is a rear sight notched into the unit that can aid in aiming the pistol should the red dot stop functioning. Powered by a CR2032 battery, the RXC-200’s 6 MOA dot will automatically adjust to ambient lighting conditions. With a projected battery life of 50,000 hours on the mid-level setting (indoor lighting conditions), you can bet the dot will be there for you when you need it.
Dot Size: 6 MOA Battery Type: CR2032 Housing Construction: Aluminum Lens Material: Glass Auto Adjust: Yes MSRP: $199.99 Viridian RFX15 Green Dot Reflex Sight Expanding its catalog beyond green laser sights, Viridian now offers green-dot optics for firearms including the micro-compact compatible RFX15. Best known as the company than introduced green lasers to the firearms industry, Viridian Weapon Tech has branched out, with three new reflex sight offerings. The smallest of these is the RFX15 Green Dot Reflex Sight . That’s right. Since green is closer to the middle of the color spectrum, it’s easier on the eyes than red. When looking for your dot, the easier it is to see, the better.
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The RFX15 weighs just .65 oz. The unit features Instant On technology, meaning that moving the pistol will activate the 3 MOA green dot. After two minutes of inactivity, the RFX15 will shut off to preserve battery life. The CR2032 battery powers the dot for more than 30,000 hours (middle settings). The RFX15 features eight user-adjustable visible and two night vision brightness settings.
Dot Size: 3 MOA Battery Type: CR2032 Housing Construction: 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy Lens Material: Glass Auto Adjust: No MSRP: $289 No company is making waves in the pistol-mounted optic market like Holosun. The company's HS507K X2 is perfect for portable personal-defense pistols. These days it seems everyone is running Holosun optics on their pistol. With their reputation for versatility and durability, it’s easy to understand why. The HS507K X2 weighs just 1 oz. An aluminum housing protects the glass lens. The MRS (Multiple Reticle System) enables you to see a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of the two. The circle is optimal for fast target acquisition and the dot facilitates precise aiming. You even have the option of a red or green reticle.
Shake Awake technology saves battery life by turning the reticle off during motionlessness, but the slightest movement activates the reticle. When activated, Lock Mode prevents inadvertently changing the brightness settings. Holosun’s Super LED technology provides a range of intensities based on available light and preserves power when used in the brightest settings.
Dot Size: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle Battery Type: CR1632 Housing Construction: 7075 T6 Aluminum Lens Material: Glass Auto Adjust: Yes MSRP: $342 (red) or $377 (green) Shield Reflex Mini Sight Compact Shield Optics, sold under various names over the years, are among the red-dot originals. The RMSc is the standard against which other micro reflex sights are measured, and it pioneered the predominant mounting pattern for the category. Having started in Great Britain in the late 1980s, Shield has long produced reflex sights for the military as well as companies like JP Enterprises and Trijicon. A slimmer version of the company’s popular RMS, the RMSc is perfectly sized for micro-compact pistols like the P365 XL and P365 X. The housing is built from anodized aerospace aluminum, making it both lightweight (.57 oz.) and durable. You can choose a glass or polymer lens.
The RMSc comes with either a 4 MOA or an 8 MOA red dot. Since there’s no red reflective filter, your visual signature is minimized. Powered by a CR2032 battery, the RMSc utilizes a variable intensity drive circuit that senses light levels and controls LED output accordingly. With average use, the RMSc will have a battery life of 2-3 years.
Dot Size: 4 MOA or 8 MOA Battery Type: CR2032 Housing Construction: Nylon Glass Filled Polymer Lens Material: Polymer or Glass Auto Adjust: Yes MSRP: Polymer ($340) or Glass ($400) SIG Sauer's E-Optics division has stepped up to supply P365-ready red dots with its RomeoZero lineup. Better still, P365X and P365XL pistols are available with RomeoZero optics already mounted. SIG Sauer’s reflex sights have become popular accessories for all brands of firearms. For a P365 XL or P365 X, a sight like the RomeoZero 1x24 is a no-brainer. The durable, textured polymer body and SpectraCoat HD polymer lens contribute to RomeoZero 1x24’s light .4 oz weight. In addition, the SpectraCoat lens provides enhanced impact resistance.
The RomeoZero 1x24 comes with either a 3 MOA or 6 MOA red dot. The smaller dot favors accurate fire while the larger dot is faster to pick up through the 24mm objective lens. The RomeoZero 1x24 features 8 user-configurable daytime illumination levels. MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination System) technology powers they sight up when it senses motion and shuts it down during periods of inactivity. The CR1632 battery provides an incredible 10-year battery life thanks in part to the point source LED emitter.
Dot Size: 6 MOA and 3 MOA models Battery Type: CR1632 Housing Construction: Polymer Lens Material: SpectraCoat HD Polymer Auto Adjust: No MSRP: $169 The X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights are excellent irons, easy to pick up for fast, accurate shooting. However, to be even faster and more accurate with your P365 XL or P365X, you’ll want to add a reflex sight. With training, dots can be just as easy, or easier, to see compared to traditional pistol sights. And, since the dot and the target are on the same focal plane, reflex sights simplify the aiming process.
When it comes to optimizing your P365 XL or X, it’s all in the reflex! Adding one of these reflex sights is a great way to up your game and derive maximum benefit from what’s proven to be one of the most practical concealed carry pistols of our time.
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