How Effective is the SIG P365 for Concealed Carry?

The P365 Micro Compact is one of SIG Sauer’s most popular handgun families. First introduced in 2018 at a time when subcompact handguns of a similar size and caliber were single stack, the SIG Sauer P365 offered a significant technological leap for concealed carry guns: up to 13 rounds in a nearly 1” thick pistol.

Following the original’s success, SIG Sauer has produced multiple versions of the P365, creating a complete pistol family. Multiple outlets consider the P365 a game-changer for concealed carrying, even becoming America’s best-selling handgun in 2019.

With so many glowing reviews, you may be wondering whether the SIG micro-compact pistol is the right choice for you. Learn everything you need to know about the P365 and discover whether this handgun meets your concealed carrying and personal defense needs.

What Makes the SIG Sauer P365 Unique?

When SIG Sauer unveiled the P365 at SHOT Show 2018, the industry’s largest trade show, it rapidly became one of the most discussed new products unveiled that year.

Although the P365 is a subcompact chambered in 9x19mm, it is not based on any existing compact pistol designs previously produced by SIG Sauer, such as the P228, P229, or its immediate predecessor, the P239.

The P365’s unique value proposition is its innovative double-stack magazine tapers down to a single-stack with a capacity of 10 rounds (or 12 rounds with extended baseplate), despite the pistol’s frame being approximately one inch thick. This design allows high-quality SIG Sauer P365 holsters to maintain a low, easily-concealable profile.

These characteristics and specifications combine a proven 9mm chambering and a high magazine capacity in a smaller, more concealable handgun than the Glock 43 or comparable models from other manufacturers. Although other gunmakers have caught up to SIG Sauer and now offer their own high-capacity subcompacts, the P365 was the first to break the single-stack status quo, long considered in a class of its own.

As of August 2022, the P365 and its multiple variants remain among the top choices for concealed carrying in the United States. Here is a list of available P365 pistol variants:

• P365 Nitron Micro Compact (standard version)
• P365 SAS
• P365X
• P365XL
• P365XL Spectre and Spectre Comp
• New for 2022: P365-380, a .380 ACP version

Specifications (P365 Nitron Micro Compact)

• Chambering: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Action: Striker-fired, single-action
• Overall length: 5.8”
• Barrel length: 3.1”
• Width: 1.06”
• Weight: 17.8 oz. (unloaded)
• Sights: SIG Sauer X-RAY3 day/night sights (3-dot tritium combat sights)
• Capacity: 10+1 (flush-fit magazine), 12+1 (short extended baseplate) or 15+1 (long extended baseplate)

Performance and Suitability for Concealed Carrying

Although the specifications suggest the SIG P365 is an excellent handgun to have in your concealed carry holster, it is essential to understand its real-world performance for concealed carrying scenarios.

Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant aspects of the P365’s performance and what you can expect when carrying this handgun.

Chambering and Capacity

The SIG P365’s primary selling point is its ability to carry up to 11 rounds of 9mm when using its shortest, most concealable magazine. This capacity can be upgraded to 13 or 16 when using either of the extended baseplates.

As a modern, recently-manufactured pistol, the SIG P365 is naturally +P rated, opening you to an extensive selection of training, practice, and self-defense ammunition, including SIG’s own branded FMJ and V-Crown hollow-point ammo.

Recoil and Ergonomics

Even with the extended baseplate magazines, the P365 is a small, thin-framed, lightweight pistol. While these traits make it easy to carry, the low weight may also contribute to a higher amount of felt recoil, and a “snappier” feel between each shot.

Shooters with larger hands may not be able to get a full grip on the P365 if equipped with the flush-fit magazine. Your pinky finger may hang under the baseplate. However, the extended baseplates trade concealability for a more comfortable shooting experience.

Safety

The P365 is a striker-fired, single action pistol that doesn’t typically feature any manual safety controls. Additionally, it doesn’t possess any Glock-style trigger-actuated safeties. Instead, the P365 features an array of internal safeties protecting the gun against unintentional discharges, including a disconnector drop safety and a firing pin block (similar to a Series 80 1911).

Shooters who prefer having a positive safety mechanism on their P365 can order a version featuring a frame-mounted ambidextrous manual safety lever. This lever can be actuated with the shooter’s thumb and is reminiscent of the 1911’s manual safety in function and principle.

Trigger

The average trigger pull weight on the SIG P365 is 6 lbs., making it comparable to many other striker-fired pistols and single-action trigger pulls on DA/SA semi-automatics. The trigger features a light take-up, minimal creep, and a crisp break.

After each shot, you’ll find the P365’s trigger has a short and positive reset, making quick follow-up shots easy. The wide trigger guard can also easily accommodate larger fingers or gloved hands.

Accuracy

The standard 3-dot combat sights feature a sight radius of 4.9”, making it comparable to other 9mm micro-compacts. The P365 can achieve accurate groups at typical self-defense distances and beyond when loaded with premium-quality self-defense ammunition.

You can expect an average group size of 2.5” to 3” at 15 yards with reputable factory FMJ and JHP ammunition. Always test your self-defense ammunition before settling on a specific brand, as your particular pistol’s performance and accuracy may vary slightly.

Reliability

As is typical for many SIG pistols, the P365 is an exceptionally engineered, highly durable handgun with a reputation for high reliability. Long-time owners of the P365 have noticed no decrease in accuracy or reliability even after well over 15,000 rounds, more than most gun owners may shoot through a single firearm in a lifetime.

Concealed Carry Holster Options for the SIG P365

If you have decided that the SIG P365 is the handgun you need for concealed carrying and personal protection, you must choose a holster that is as dependable as the handgun itself. Here are our recommendations for the most popular carry positions.

Best SIG P365 IWB Holster: Incognito T3

The Incognito Concealment T3 is one of the best inside-the-waistband holsters (IWB) Kydex holsters available today for shooters who prefer to carry in traditional positions, such as strong-side hip carry (3 to 4 o’clock).

The T3 offers everything an armed citizen needs for optimal concealment and maximum comfort. The holster shell perfectly matches the P365’s shapes and dimensions, resulting in excellent passive retention.

An adjustable retention screw allows you to fine-tune the level of friction generated by the holster shell, allowing you to loosen or tighten its grip on your P365 as needed. Additionally, three belt clip options are available for the T3: standard 1.5” polymer, large 1.75” polymer, or discreet 1.5” metal.

Best SIG P365 OWB Holster: Incognito Venture

Concealed carrying with an outside-the-waistband holster (OWB) is not only possible but practical with a purpose-built, well-designed model. If OWB concealed carrying is for you, consider pairing your SIG P365 with the Incognito Concealment Venture OWB holster.

Although you can use it for open carrying where legal, the Venture is a covert holster designed to provide optimal concealment. It features an open-ended pancake design, a thin Kydex sheet construction, and a contoured design to fit around the curves of your body and minimize printing.

Best Appendix Holster for SIG P365 XL: Incognito Hardline

The P365 XL is an enlarged version of the original handgun, with a standard magazine capacity of 12 rounds, a taller grip, and a longer slide and barrel. Despite being larger than the standard P365, it is still easy to conceal, especially with a high-quality appendix IWB (AIWB) holster.

The Incognito Concealment Hardline is the ideal AIWB rig for shooters looking for a balance between concealment and practicality. This one-piece appendix rig comprises a holster shell and an integrated single magazine carrier, letting you carry extra ammunition at no additional cost.

Trust Incognito Concealment Holsters for your Concealed Carrying Needs

At Incognito Concealment, we offer quality, 100% U.S.-made holsters that reflect the values in our motto: Dependable, Practical, Incognito.

We know that when gun owners have an uncomfortable holster, they are more likely to stop carrying. For this reason, our Kydex holsters are designed to achieve maximum reliability and concealability while also being comfortable enough for everyday carry (EDC) applications.

Our limited lifetime warranty covers all our products. For more information on our products, contact us at (586) 333-4240.