SIG Sauer P365 9mm Pistol: First Look

The SIG P365 is envisioned by SIG Sauer as the only everyday-carry (EDC) pistol you will need, one that you can carry with you seven days per week, 365 days per year. All at a very non-SIG Sauer suggested retail price of $599, however, you should be able to find it at your local gun dealer for around $499.

I've heard rumors of this pistol's development for the last 12 or so months and, while keeping an open mind, chalked the internal anticipation up to high hopes and brand pride. After spending a couple of days with it last month and firing 2,000-plus rounds of assorted ammunition through the platform, I'm tempted to agree this pistol might just be the Holy Grail of concealed-carry pistols.

Why? Well, the new SIG P365 has the same, or slightly smaller dimensions, than other popular single-stack 9mm pistols, such as the Glock 43, Smith & Wesson Shield, Springfield Armory XDs-9 and Ruger LC9s. Except the P365 is not a single-stack pistol. SIG Sauer managed to cram 10 rounds of 9mm into a flush-fitting magazine and 12 into an extended magazine. Remember, the P365 has the same or slightly smaller dimensions than its competition. There is no trickery here, just engineering prowess.

SIG Sauer first created the magazine and then built a pistol around it. In fact, there are three patents attached to just the magazine. Looking at the unique magazines, one can see a tapering design that allows the upper part of the grip to be perfectly contoured to fit the shooter's thumb when fired and a unique follower. These are just two of the secret sauce ingredients leading to the success of this design. The pistol ships with one flush magazine and one magazine with a textured pinky extension, both having a 10-round capacity. The 12's are available as an accessory.

The P365's narrow-neck, modified double-stack magazine holds nearly 50 percent more than other pistols in its class, allowing you to have more ammunition on-board, even when the others are equipped with aftermarket, plus-capacity magazine extensions.

The SIG P365 is both smaller and lighter than most pistols in its class. Measuring 1-inch wide, 5.8-inches long, and 4.3-inches tall, the pistol with its 3.1-inch barrel weighs in at just 17.8 ounces (with an empty magazine).

Semi-aggressive grip texturing surrounds the circumference of the grip frame and provides just the right amount of texture to make it stick to your hand while not being abrasive.

The controls are simple and flat, yet offer positive manipulation due to their ledged design. Disassembly is safe and easy with a three-point takedown that does not require the trigger to be pulled.

A deeply undercut triggerguard allows for a high-grip and ensures the pistol sits as low in the hand as possible. Combined with the pistol's low bore axis this yields greater retention and control over the pistol during rapid-fire strings.

The SIG P365 is as comfortable and easy to shoot as a mid-sized pistol. The trigger is ergonomically positioned in such a way that as you pull through its stroke, your index finger closes naturally with the upper portion of the heel of your hand, just below the thumb. Make a fist and watch how your index finger closes. This is unique with sub-compact carry pistols, and the ergonomics make this pistol easy to shoot and easy to shoot well. The length of pull also closely mimics its big brother, the SIG P320.

Trigger pull weight is estimated to be in the low 5-pound range with a short, positive reset and a trigger shoe design similar to the SIG P320. The chassis/fire control unit is also serialized and removable, just like the P320.

The stainless-steel slide comes standard with front and rear serrations for easier slide manipulation, as well as SIGLITE night sights for sight acquisition under all lighting conditions.

How do you carry the SIG P365?

In continued partnership with Blackpoint Tactical, SIG Sauer is offering a series of concealment holsters specifically designed for the P365. Immediately available for order are the Blackpoint appendix-carry (APX) and inside-the-waist-band (IWB) variants. Other models will follow.

Typically, I am not a proponent of sub-compact concealed carry handguns. I do not primarily carry pistols smaller than a Glock 19/Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact in size, or that hold less than 15 rounds. I have found that giving up shootability and magazine capacity are simply not worth any concealment advantage a sub-compact provides. The P365 has me reconsidering this stance, as it might allow me to have my cake and eat it, too.

SIG P365 Specs

• Action: Striker-fired, recoil operated, semiautomatic
• Cartridge: 9mm
• Capacity: 10+1; optional 12+1
• Barrel: 3.1 in.
• Overall Length: 5.8 in.
• Width: 1 in.
• Height: 4.3 in.
• Weight: 1 lbs., 2 oz.
• Finish: Nitron
• Sights: Drift-adjustable dovetail (rear), pinned (front)
• Trigger: 5 lbs. (est.)
• Price: $599

Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, (603) 610-3000, sigsauer.com