SIG Sauer P365-XMACRO 9mm Pistol: Full Review

When the original P365 was introduced in Guns & Ammo’s May 2018 issue, it popularized the stack-and-a-half, high-capacity micro compact. Sporting a 10-plus-one standard capacity — with an optional 12-round extended magazine — it was sized in a package that was previously limited to single-stack pistols that held just six or seven rounds on average. Altogether, the P365 was more shootable, too, compared to other subcompact 9mm handguns at that time. It was truly a generational leap in concealed-carry handguns, which is why it was named the 2018 Guns & Ammo Handgun of the Year.

SIG Sauer was already planning ahead by the time it won G&A’s award. The October 2019 issue revealed the P365 XL, which kept the slim 1.1-inch width of the P365 while extending the barrel length to 3.7 inches and lengthening the grip to increase magazine capacity to a standard of 12 rounds. (An optional 15-rounder was made available.) We also got a factory optic cut to mount micro red dots. I believed this model was the “sweet spot” in carryabilty and shootability. Those are both made up words, but they convey the idea that the XL was small enough to be carried regularly by anyone, yet large enough to be shot well by anyone. SIG Sauer then hit the Easy Button and introduced the P365X in 2021 with the 3.1-­inch barrel and slide assembly mounted to the XL chassis and grip. Then came the P365 XL Spectre Comp in February 2022, which offered custom touches to the line including some titanium-nitride (TiN) parts and a built-­in compensator. Of course, there were other variants as well, including the P365 SAS and P365-380, but those are the highlights, in my opinion — until the August 2022 launch of the P365-X­Macro.

More is More.

The tagline for the Macro is “More.” It offers more capacity, shootability, and concealability. SIG Sauer continues to set the bar for its competition regarding size versus capacity, largely due to the patents protecting the P365 magazines. The P365-XMacro holds 17 rounds in an overall size that is considerably smaller than many mid- and full-size guns that use 15-round magazines, including SIG Sauer’s own classic P226 and some in the P320 lineup. The P365-XMacro’s new magazines are close in size to the extended P365 15-­round magazines that came out in 2019.

The slightly larger magazine allowed SIG Sauer’s engineers to design an equally larger grip module for the P365-XMacro. The new grip module is slightly longer, slightly wider and now sports a replaceable back­strap. Interchangeable Small, Medium and Large backstrap sizes are included. It was easy to match up backstraps to different hand sizes during G&A’s testing.

The XMacro layout makes this P365 variant even easier to shoot than earlier models because the increased width provides slightly more surface area for the support hand to control. Also, due to the slightly increased length, you can apply more tension lower on the grip, including a rest area for your pinky finger.

As on all P365 pistols, the texture on the XMacro module is very good. It’s not aggressive enough to abrade or catch clothing but it does create ample friction for the shooter’s hands, even if sweaty or wet. Subjectively, the new grip module feels good to me, although I think that I prefer the feel of the P365 module a little more. Objectively, the XMacro shoots better for the aforementioned reasons.

At the Range

Shootability was also improved with the new compensated slide assembly. Carried over from the P365 XL Spectre Comp, the XMacro utilizes the original P365 3.1-­inch barrel and puts it in an XL-­length slide that has a two-port compensator milled into the front. This was a clever design since it didn’t require a different recoil spring assembly. Functionally, the compensator does reduce the recoil somewhat, which I noticed when shooting hot loads. (SIG Sauer suggests 30 percent less.) However, I also observed some increased concussion versus previous models, which became more noticeable with defensive loads. While not as efficient as a barrel-mounted comp, in my opinion, it is still effective and well integrated.

One gripe I had about the XMacro was with the trigger. I’ve done great work with stock P365 triggers, but I think an improved factory trigger is in order and would justify some extra cost. One of G&A’s sample XMacro pistols had a trigger that measured 5 pounds, 4 ounces. It had that mushy thunk upon the striker release that P365 pistols have a reputation for. It’s an area that could be improved.

On paper, the difference between a P320 XCarry and the P365 Macro doesn’t seem significant. However, the .3-inch difference in width and the 4 ounces of weight are noticeable when carrying the pistol. Also remember, the Macro carries 2 more rounds. My draw times were the same, and the results downrange were indistinguishable. Both pistol gave me great results as far as speed and accuracy are concerned.

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Where the XMacro didn’t fare as well as the larger P320-XCarry was at the 25 yardline. I shoot groups a little larger than 1 inch with the P320 on most days. With the XMacro, my groups hover around 2 ­inches. Of course, that’s nothing to scoff at. Again, in my opinion, the difference is with the trigger. The P320 XCarry has a superior trigger that’s only gotten better through the years. The P365-XMacro, on the other hand, has a good-but-not-great trigger.

Dimensionally, the P365-XMacro is different than the other P365 models and the P320. Once I got used to the grip, the XMacro performed well from the draw. The pistol is well balanced and the grip module allows the hands to climb high while providing room for an aggressive grip. With a little practice, I could shoot this gun as well as my P320.

I had some SIG Sauer 365 ammo on hand, which is not a gimmick. The SIG Sauer Elite V-­Crown 365 115-grain jacketed hollowpoint (JHP) load gave me a couple of sub-­2-­inch groups. The Federal Personal Defense HST with a 124-­grain JHP pushed it for top billing. Ball loads shot in the sub-­3-­inch range, but the V-­Crown and the HST were most accurate.

Everyday Carry

As to the tagline “more concealability,” that’s situationally dependent. Compare the XMacro to previous P365 iterations, and it is not always going to be on top. However, if you correctly judge it against pistols with similar payloads and capabilities, then it absolutely is. If you’re among the type who wants more capacity for concealed carry pistol, than P365-XMacro is worth your time and money.

SIG Sauer P365-XMACRO

• Type: Striker fired, recoil operated, semiautomatic
• Cartridge: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1 ­rds.
• Barrel: 3.1 in., carbon steel
• Overall Length: 6.6 in.
• Weight: 1 lb., 5.5 oz.
• Sights: SIG Sauer X-Ray3 Day/Night; optic ready
• Finish: Nitride (steel); stainless steel (FCU)
• Trigger: 5 lbs., 4 oz. (tested), flat
• MSRP: $800
• Manufactuerer: SIG Sauer, 603-610-3000, sigsauer.com