(Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
March 24, 2023
By Richard Nance
The Sig Sauer P365 series, which includes the P365X, P365XL and P365-380 are among the hottest-selling pistols on the market. The compact and slim design, high- capacity magazines, X-Ray3 day/night sights and smooth trigger are appealing. Plus, most are optic-ready. However, all but the new P365-XMacro feature a proprietary SIG accessory rail, so not all pistol lights that you’ll see at retail are compatible. (The new P365-XMacro features a widely compatible M1913, i.e., “Picatinny,” accessory rail.)
Since you must see and identify that a threat is deadly before pressing the trigger, having a light on a pistol is useful in a dark environment. Whenever your pistol is in hand, you’ll be able to illuminate a potential threat to determine if deadly force is required. While there are aftermarket rail adapters that allow a variety of lights to be mounted to the P365, SIG Sauer, Streamlight and SureFire each offer solutions that are designed to attach directly to the P365’s unique rail for a secure, low-profile mount.
Sig Sauer Foxtrot2 But first: SIG Sauer’s Foxtrot2 is not compatible with the original P365, P365X, P365XL, P365 SAS or P365-380. However, it is well suited for the new P365-XMacro, which has an M1913 accessory rail. In fact, it will also mount to just about any pistol that has an M1913 rail, as well as the Glock rail. The Foxtrot2 features a 4-position sliding rail that allows users to adjust the position of the light on the firearm. This, combined with four interchangeable ambidextrous paddle designs, the user can customize the light set-up.
SIG Sauer’s Foxtrot2 operates from one CR123A lithium battery to project 580 lumens for 90 minutes. The unit includes Picatinny (M1913), SIG Sauer and Glock sliding rail interface plates. Though SIG Sauer offers a P365-specific light, the Foxtrot2 fits the P365-XMacro and other pistols having an M1913 rail. MSRP $150 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The Foxtrot2 measures 2.7 inches long and weighs 1.98 ounces. Powered by a CR123 lithium battery, it has a run time of 11/2 hours while projecting 580 lumens (13,000 candela). The battery compartment is accessed by unscrewing the bezel, which allows you to change batteries without removing the light from the firearm.
Advertisement
The Foxtrot2 has three user-defined modes: Momentary, latching and threshold mode. In momentary mode, you press and hold the paddle switch. The light will remain on until you release the paddle. In latching mode, press and release the paddle to activate the light. Pressing the paddle again deactivates the light. Threshold mode enables the user to operate in momentary or latching modes. A lockout mode is also activated by turning the bezel a quarter turn counterclockwise.
SureFire XSC–P365 Constructed of aerospace aluminum and given a mil-spec hard-anodized finish, the XSC is built to withstand hard use. The XSC series is a duty-grade, micro-compact, concealed- carry light that is simple to operate; simply press either of the ambidextrous momentary-on/constant-on buttons. Push forward or down on the toggle switch for momentary-on. Tap and release the switch for constant-on.
SureFire’s XSC is rechargable, has an output of 350 lumens and a 30-minute runtime. The XSC was designed for the G43X/48, Springfield Armory Hellcat and the SIG Sauer P365. It is not compatible with the P365-XMacro. MSRP $359 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) A detachable, rechargeable lithium polymer 3.7V battery provides a runtime of 30 minutes. It is easy to change the battery without removing the XSC from the pistol. A battery-mounted fuel gauge also allows you to monitor its charge level. Three dots indicate the charge.
Advertisement
Measuring less than 2 inches and weighing a mere 1.7 ounces, the XSC doesn’t weigh down a P365. The XSC’s 350-lumen (2,000-candela) beam reaches 90 meters. The white light is shaped by SureFire’s parabolic reflector technology, delivering a bright central beam with ample spill light. Spare B12 batteries cost $35, and I recommend getting one.
The XSC does not need to be removed from a pistol to recharge the battery. This photo merely illustrates what the unit looks like with the battery removed. The B12 battery is easily recharged in a dual-battery recharging station, which comes with a short micro-USB power cord. Spare B12 batteries are available at surefire.com. MSRP $35 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Streamlight TLR-7 Series The TLR-7 series is a feature-rich light. It, too, is built from an anodized aluminum body that is resistant to high temperatures, shock from recoil and impacts. Borofloat glass ensures the unit’s durability. The switch housing is made of impact- and chemical-resistant polymer.
Streamlight’s TLR-7 Sub uses one CR123A lithium battery for an output of 500 lumens and a 90-minute runtime. The TLR-7 Sub is available for many subcompact handguns, but is also available for certain proprietary rails such as the P365’s. It will not attach to the P365-X-Macro. MSRP $145 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The TLR-7 produces a concentrated beam with plenty of peripheral illumination. Optimized electronics allow for well-regulated intensity. On/off switches on either side of the triggerguard support ambidextrous operation. Press and release for constant-on mode, and press and hold for momentary. Double tapping either switch within a quarter-second activates strobe mode (if enabled).
Streamlight’s rail-clamp system facilitates toolless attachment and allows you to keep your hands behind the muzzle. When mounted to a P365, the TLR-7 Sub protrudes beyond the muzzle of the standard 3.1-inch barrels. However, it extends only slightly beyond the muzzle of the P365X and P365XL models, which feature a 3.7-inch barrel.
The Streamlight TLR-7A offers 500-lumens of power and is compatible with the P365-XMacro. Two switch options are included, simply described as “high” and “low.” MSRP $226 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The TLR-7 measures 21/2-inches long and weighs 2.4 ounces. One CR123A battery produces an impressive 500 lumens (5,000 candela) resulting in a 140-meter beam for a runtime of 11/2 hours. A safe-off feature prevents accidental activation, which can also be used to preserve battery life.
Sig Sauer Foxtrot365 Having designed a proprietary rail for the P365, SIG Sauer developed a light to accompany it. The polymer bodied Foxtrot365’s activation harness is molded to compliment the contours of the pistol. It attaches to the rail and extends below the triggerguard, where the on/off button is intuitively activated by the middle finger when gripping. Not having to manually activate the light is a wonderful feature. Duress can make mundane tasks such as pushing a button seem difficult. Aesthetics and ergonomics aside, the Foxtrot365 is built for everyday concealed carry.
SIG Sauer’s Foxtrot365 has a polymer body that follows the contour of the P365 series. The Foxtrot365 has an output of 100 lumens and a runtime of 30 minutes. MSRP $170 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Using a CR-1/3N battery to power the Cree XP-G3 LED through a high-efficiency TIR lens results in a 100-lumen output. CR-1/3N batteries offer a 30-minute runtime.
Its 3.8-inch length is deceiving because the Foxtrot365 extends below the triggerguard rather than beyond the muzzle. Its 1-inch width enables the unit to fit flush with the frame of the P365. The Foxtrot365 weighs just 1.3 ounces, making it the lightest light compatible with the P365.
Enjoy articles like this?
Subscribe to the magazine.
Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine