BERSA THUNDER REVIEW : SIG P365 REVIEW: BEST CCW GUN YET?
The Sig Sauer P365 is a compact 9mm pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. Released in 2018, it has quickly become one of the most popular CCW guns on the market due to its tiny size, high capacity, and excellent shooting characteristics.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and performance of the P365 to see if it lives up to the hype as possibly the best CCW gun yet.
Overview of the SIG P365
The P365 completely redefined what is possible with micro-compact concealed carry pistols. Despite being barely larger than many .380 pocket pistols, the P365 packs up to 12+1 rounds of 9mm into an extremely shootable platform.
It’s taller than guns like the Glock 43, but still petite enough to disappear under clothing. The P365 set a new bar for capacity, shootability and concealability.
Key specs of the P365
- Cartridge: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 10+1 and 12+1
- Barrel Length: 3.1′′
- Overall Length: 5.8′′
- Width: 1′′
- Height: 4.3′′
- Weight: 1lb, 2oz
Despite the tiny size, it offers industry-leading capacity thanks to the innovative magazine design. The flush 10rd magazine and extended 12rd magazine allow for lots of firepower in a petite package.
Background on Sig Sauer firearms
Sig Sauer shook up the market with the release of the polymer-framed, striker-fired P320 pistol and revolutionary P365 micro-compact.
The P320 had some initial growing pains but quickly became a wildly popular modular sidearm. The Army’s selection of it as the new M17 service pistol solidified its place in the firearms world.
Not content to rest on their laurels, Sig introduced the P365 soon after to massive excitement. It brought a level of capacity and shootability never before seen in guns of its diminutive size.
Let’s take a closer look at how well the P365 lives up to expectations in real-world shooting.
In-Depth Review of the Sig P365
Features of the P365
The P365 packs a ton of features into its highly concealable frame:
- Extremely compact size
- 12+1 or 10+1 capacity
- Crisp trigger pull
- Striker-fired mechanism
- Excellent ergonomics for its size
- Easy to control recoil
With those features, it seems almost unbelievable for a pistol of its size. But Sig pulled it off beautifully.
Shooting performance
Despite mild primer drag issues in early models, the shooting experience of the P365 is incredibly impressive:
- Soft-recoiling for such a small gun
- Very accurate, especially within defensive handgun ranges
- Easy to control rapid strings of fire
- Excellent trigger contributes to great accuracy
While by no means a target pistol, the P365 shoots beyond its size and weight. Recoil control, accuracy, ergonomics are all very good for real-world defensive use.
Accuracy
Accuracy is superb. The P365 shoots far better groups than pocket .380s and competes favorably with larger compact 9mms.
The culmination of good ergonomics, a great trigger, and effective recoil control makes it easy to shoot tight groups, even in quick double-taps or longer strings of fire. That level of accuracy inspires confidence to carry it as a defensive tool.
Pros and cons
- High capacity for size
- Extremely accurate
- Excellent trigger
- Perfect for concealed carry
- Some reliability concerns exist
For CCW purposes, the shooting performance and capacity in its petite frame make the P365 a game-changing concealed carry gun.
Overall grade
Despite some reported issues, the P365 offers an incredible balance of concealability, capacity, shootability and real-world effectiveness. For CCW purposes, it earns an overall A grade and sets the new high water mark for micro-compact defensive handguns.
P365 Models and Accessories
Sig now offers several P365 models and a variety of accessories:
Other P365 models – XL and SAS
- P365 XL – Longer grip and slide for increased capacity
- P365 SAS – Slide cut for a unique sighting system
Each expands capabilities while retaining concealability.
Upgrades and accessories
- Extended magazines
- Optics mounting plates
- Lights and lasers
- Custom grips and metal magazine base pads
- Holsters
- Mag pouches
Further enhance the gun’s capabilities for defensive, tactical, and competition use.
Summary
Final thoughts
The SIG P365 delivers unbelievable performance and capacity in a remarkably concealable package. Despite some growing pains, it sets a new bar for deep concealment 9mm pistols.
For CCW applications, the P365 hits it out of the park. Between easily concealed size, high capacity, great shootability and real-world effectiveness as a defensive firearm, it’s easy to see why it has become wildly popular.
FAQs
Q: How reliable has the P365 been?
A: Most guns seem to be very reliable, but some early issues did crop up. Sig resolved them with upgrades where needed. Real-world reliability has proven to be very good overall.
Q: Does the tiny P365 actually shoot well?
A: Absolutely. While not a target pistol, it is very controllable, accurate, and easy to shoot at defensive handgun distances thanks to good ergonomics for its size.
Q: What is the best way to carry the P365?
A: With its tiny profile, the P365 truly excels as an IWB concealed carry pistol. Quality kydex or leather IWB holsters retain the gun securely while keeping it invisible under clothing.
Q: What defensive ammo works best in the P365?
A: Good modern hollowpoints from Federal, Speer, Hornady, Winchester or other major brands feed and function reliably. Test a few to find preferred performance. Solid expanders like Federal HSTs are excellent choices
