As our regular readers like remind me, I am a staunch supporter of Austrian polymer firearms. I believe the term is “fanboy”, although I happen to think that term is a bit derogatory – “fan stud” is more appropriate. On top of my previous preference of pistols, TFB allows writers access to a wide variety of firearms, which means it takes a lot to impress us. As good as every most new releases are, many of the current handguns are just variations on a theme. But Sig Sauer really has created something special with the new P365 polymer pocket pistol, enough that it makes me the want to question the beginnings of the universe itself.

Okay, I’ve gone too far. Let’s pause and talk this through.

At times, I feel that my job as a reviewer has less to do with specifications and capabilities and more to do with managing consumer’s expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I think I have omnipotent powers to decide what everyone needs and wants out of a new gun. Heck, I often get caught up in the irrational exuberance surrounding a shiny new pistol. But after reflection, I’m reminded that in the firearms world, there is no free lunch: increased performance in one area can cause deficiencies in other areas.

When it comes to guns, especially everyday carry guns, shooters demand smaller sizes, larger magazine capacities, “match-grade” triggers, accessory rails and extreme reliability – all for around $300.

So let me start by managing your expectations for the Sig Sauer P365: it doesn’t check every box on the “want list”, but it gets really darn close (sorry for the harsh language).

TFB REVIEW: Sig Sauer P365 Review

Introduction:

The P365 is a micro-compact, striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame that includes a factory accessory rail and grip stippling. The slide features front and back serrations, Nitron treated steel with dovetail-fitted combat night sights. The barrel is a dainty 3.1 inches long and the entire pistol is 5.8 inches long and just one inch wide.

One of the biggest selling points of the P365 is magazine capacity. Using hybrid “single/double” stack mags, the micro-compact handgun can carry between 10-13 rounds in a frame that is as slim as one of those nylon Velcro wallets we used to carry as kids. Admit it, you had one.

Next up, the new Sig features an accessory rail for lights, lasers or that mini harpoon that you always wanted to mount on your next 9mm. Slight caveat: it’s a proprietary attachment system so your preferred weapon lights won’t fit for the time being. Of course, I’ll go out on a limb and assume that the Sig Sauer ElectroOptics division is hard at work making new beams that will meld perfectly with the P365’s silhouette.

---

TFBTV Reviews the Sig Sauer P365

Published on Mar 29, 2018

In this episode of TFBTV, James gives the Sig Sauer P365 in 9mm a thorough rundown. On paper, the P365 looks like the ultimate carry 9mm: it’s as thin and light as most single stack 9mm pistols that only carry 6 or 7 rounds, while it can hold up to 11 (or 13 rounds with an extended magazine). James puts the P365 to the test today, firing 500 rounds of Sig and Ventura Munitions ammo, as well as Wolf steel, all while shooting from the holster and up to 50 yards away. Of course, James has his Glock 43 and Gen 5 Glock 26 nearby to show you all the size difference so you can make a decision for yourselves. Any questions? Leave them in the comments.

---

Why the proprietary rail? Sure, money will have played a big role in this development. Taking a cue from a certain German manufacturer from the 1980’s and 1990’s, Sig probably wants to sell you their own lights and their lasers rather than other aftermarket options. However, from the looks of the trigger guard, the rail, and the muzzle, I suspect that it would have been nearly impossible to fit a Picatinny rail on the underbelly of the P365.

The rail is there: use it or use it not, but let’s not blow its uniqueness out of proportion.

Sig Sauer P365 Field Strip:

Like every other Sig pistol I am aware of, breaking down the P365 does not require pulling the trigger. After visually and physically ensuring the chamber and magazine well is free of ammunition, simply lock the slide to the rear, rotate the takedown lever clockwise to the six o’clock position. Then carefully send the slide forward. The barrel and recoil spring also slide out easily.

The P365 ships with two magazines: a flush-fit 10 rounder and one with a slightly larger magazine extension. An optional 12 round magazine is available with a larger baseplate – a perfect pinky finger holder.

The magazine cutouts function as designed without being uncomfortable when using a proper grip.

Everything surrounding the barrel, recoil spring and guide rod is fairly standard, just smaller.

The feed ramp is smooth and free of burrs or artifacts that could hinder the firing cycle.

The barrel has a flat muzzle crown that blends in nicely with the aesthetics of the slide.

I didn’t notice any unusual wear on the slide or rails, although my P365 did not undergo a 5K round torture test.

The frame is light and well made, showing no noticeable seams or manufacturing marks. The trigger guard undercut is a welcome touch. The magazine release button is large enough to make functioning easy, but not enough to get in the way or be accidentally bumped.

I had the same issue as TFBTV’s James Reeve’s: reassembly of the slide onto the frame required me to push up on the slide lock lever – most Sig slides slip back on with just a push to the rear. In any event, it wasn’t a big deal, just slightly different than the norm.

I stand corrected: the fire control group can be completely removed and frame swaps are possible, similar to the P320.

---

Sig Sauer P365 SPECIFICATIONS 

https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p365-nitron-micro-compact.html

• CALIBER: 9mm Luger
• ACTION TYPE: Semi-Auto
• FRAME SIZE: Micro-Compact
• GRIP TYPE: Polymer
• FRAME FINISH: Nitron
• FRAME MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
• SLIDE FINISH: Nitron
• SLIDE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
• ACCESSORY RAIL: SIG Rail
• TRIGGER: Striker
• TRIGGER TYPE: Standard
• BARREL LENGTH: 3.1 in (78 mm)
• OVERALL LENGTH: 5.8 in (147 mm)
• OVERALL WIDTH: 1.0 in (26 mm)
• HEIGHT: 4.3 in (109 mm)
• WEIGHT: 17.8 oz (500 g)
• MSRP: $599.99

---

Shooting the Sig Sauer P365:

Come for the magazine capacity, stay for the trigger pull. Out of all the included features on the P365, the one that doesn’t get enough attention is the trigger. Many striker fired guns have a lackluster, gritty pull with little character.

The P365’s trigger is light, crisp and smooth with a short reset. Is it reminiscent of a 1911/hammer fired/single action pistol? No, but it is about as good as a striker fired pistol is going to get while preserving overall safety.

I ran seven types of ammunition through the P365, two of which was the Sig Sauer Elite Performance rounds in both the V-Crown hollow point and FMJ varieties. Other ammunition included Syntech and Hydra-Shok from Federal, Winchester Ranger HP bonded and some random FMJ varieties in an old ammo can. The P365 ate everything without a single malfunction.

For a tiny handgun, it points and shoots exceptionally well. With big hands, I did find that using the magazine with the large finger extension made for a better grip. But I had no issues hitting a steel silhouette target from the five-yard line out to the 20-yard line.

Sig Sauer P365 – Conclusions:

The Sig Sauer P365 is a tiny pistol that packs up to 13 rounds while being reliable and accurate, Which is almost everything you can ask for in a deep concealment pistol. Minor annoyances include the Sig accessory rail and not including the 12 round magazine with the gun, but otherwise, I can offer up no objective reason to avoid buying Sig’s latest creation. Most shooters, concealed carriers, everyday carriers and gun aficionados will notice that their expectations have all been met.

If you aren’t already indoctrinated into the pistol club of Austria, or if you are looking to find something new for your EDC, the P365 is an awesome choice that will make nearly every shooter happy. Buy with confidence.

The P365 – From Sig:

https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p365/

Introducing the game-changing P365. Micro-compact everyday carry size with unprecedented 10+1 full-size capacity. The P365 is striker-fired, with the clean crisp trigger pull you expect from a SIG. Lightweight and easy to conceal, the P365 is chambered in 9mm and is rated for +P ammunition. Included standard are XRAY3 Day/Night sights, a 10-round flush fit magazine, and a 10-round extended magazine. An optional 12-round extended magazine allows you to bring the total capacity to 13 rounds. The new P365. Bring More. Everyday.

---

Special Thanks: MAC Tactical FFL/SOT