The addition of the P365 to the SIG Sauer concealed carry or everyday carry (EDC) pistol lineup is a success by any measure. Once dominated by low-capacity, single-stack magazine pistols, the P365 brought a compact footprint with a large capacity into the world of carry guns. Since its initial introduction, there have been a handful of sub-models like the P365X, the P365XL, and the MACRO line of guns. Today we are here to discuss one of the latest introductions to the SIG subcompact lineup, the P365-AXG LEGION, an alloy-framed, compensated, and optics-ready version of the P365 series. Is this your next carry gun? Let’s take a look.

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• One Year Later: P365 X-Macro Review – Was It Worth It?
• The NEW 17-Round Capacity Compensated SIG P365 X-Macro

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

I will be the first to admit that I am a big fan of polymer-framed guns. Ok, I’ll go even further and say I haven’t carried a metal-framed gun in over 15 years, which coincidentally was the SIG P229.  With polymer pistols, molding the frame means that manufacturers can design grip geometries that may otherwise be too costly to create with traditional machining techniques. The weight savings of polymer over alloy also mean a lighter gun that is easier to carry and conceal. And the grip surface is integral to the frame rather than a subsequent add-on grip that can increase bulk.

Let’s face it, the carry guns over the last three decades have been dominated by polymer-framed pistols.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

Above: The P365X (left) with the polymer grip module, and the P365-AXG LEGION (right). 

SIG first introduced the AXG designation to the P320, a flagship pistol for the military, law enforcement agencies, as well as civilian shooters. The P320 has taken over the metal-framed market once occupied by the P229 pistols at the turn of the century. With a striker-fired action, a hyper-modular polymer frame, and optics-ready slides, the P320 bumped the metal-framed, hammer-fired pistols to near legacy status and subsequently dominated the market in sales and ownership. SIG had virtually left steel pistols behind and fully embraced the polymer revolution. Sure, the P250 (2007) was the initial polymer SIG, but the P320 is the evolutionary moment in the company’s history.

In these regards, the AXG models may seem a bit confusing at first glance. I’ll do my best to interpret what I believe SIG was thinking when they made alloy frames for normally polymer-gripped pistols.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

Above: The P365X (left) with the polymer grip module, and the P365-AXG LEGION (right). 

We have all probably met one of those shooters at the range or an event who makes it known they would never be caught dead with a “plastic gun”. There’s talk of melting, Tupperware, possibly the mention of winning two world wars, and an unwavering stance against any polymer on pistols. My gut feeling is that one of SIG’s motivations for the AXG models is an attempt to bring these polymer-phobic shooters into the modern age of striker-fired carry pistols. Because the P365 is so modular (derived from the P320 design), the ability to exchange grip modules/frames does not involve changing the fire control module that is regulated as the firearm. Development and experimentation on the grip modules are akin to another uncontrolled firearm accessory, paving the way to give the anti-plastic crowd a taste of the new SIG designs.

Sure, there are die-hard hammer-fired pistol fans, but eliminating the polymer argument is the first stop on the train to converting a smaller, but more vocal crowd of shooters.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

Above: The P365X (left) with the polymer grip module, the P365-AXG LEGION (middle), and the P365XL (right). 

Incorporating an alloy frame does give the added benefit of more traditional grip panels. In the case of the P320 AXG models, the two-screw grip panels are a reminder of the classic P228/229 series. For the P365-AXG, the more modern G10 panels have a great grip surface that is courser than the polymer P365 grip modules. The SIG store has G10 and even brass grip panels for the P320, but I don’t believe the P365-AXG panels are swappable by the end user. I have seen aftermarket complete alloy grip modules that also included wooden grip panels.

Again, for a shooter who prefers a more traditional-styled pistol, the G10 grip panels on the P365-AXG LEGION are a nice touch.

Let’s take a look at the numbers.

Specifications: P365-AXG LEGION

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Amazingly, the small P365-AXG magazines have a capacity of 17 rounds, which seems almost impossible for such a small package. I did have a difficult time packing in the 17th round at first, but every P365 magazine I have owned takes a few cycles to loosen up to full capacity.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

Functionally, are there any benefits to an alloy frame over a polymer frame on a pistol like the P365? With the full-power SIG V-CROWN ammunition, I felt a little more recoil with a stiffer grip when transitioning back and forth between the AXG and polymer guns. I do prefer a stiffer feel for each shot, even if it means a slight increase in perceived recoil. Practice/target FMJ rounds felt the same on either the polymer or AXG frames.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

As you can see above, the fire control model sits inside the alloy frame the same way it does in the polymer module versions of the P365. It goes without saying that there is no functional difference between the two guns; disassembly, cleaning, care, and lubrication all follow the same process. For reference and review, I have included a link to the P365 user manual in the specifications above. I urge every shooter, regardless of skill level, to read the user manual prior to the first round hitting the magazine or chamber.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

This is probably a good time to discuss compensated pistols. Personally, I have never been a fan of compensators on carry pistols, especially when it comes at the expense of barrel length. For me, I’d rather have the extra muzzle velocity that will better ensure bullet terminal performance over less muzzle flip – all of which comes with a longer barrel. Adding a weapon light to a carry pistol, something I recommend everyone should at least consider, adds the functionality of increased target visibility as well as controlling muzzle flip. I also may shoot more than the average person and have a better idea of recoil management when firing multiple rounds and getting back onto the sights. A micro red dot sight (MRDS) also helps with target acquisition after recoil.

Now, having said all of that, I admit that I don’t have much time behind the trigger of small compensated pistols and I actually found the compensated P-365X guns, both polymer and AXG, to be flat shooters, especially for their size. So while I don’t prefer a compensator, I can understand why someone would choose to pick one for a small pistol.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

The P365-AXG LEGION barrel is 0.6″ shorter than the non-compensated P365X models.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

I really like the flared magazine well on this gun. A small pistol can be somewhat harder to reload, especially under stress, and having a guide makes it a faster and smoother process.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

The LEGION base pads (left) are sturdy and have a bit of extra grip.

TFB REVIEW: The P365-AXG LEGION – Alloy Frame Ultra Compact EDC Pistol

If you haven’t had the chance to try out the SIG ROMEO-X or ROMEO-X PRO MRDS, I recommend giving them a look. I liked the circle/dot reticle and thought that the optic balanced the size of the pistol perfectly.

For those of you who want a subcompact striker-fired EDC pistol that is optics-ready, weapon light ready, has a high magazine capacity but also prefer a metal frame, this is your pistol. The P-365-AXG LEGION has a slightly stiffer feel compared to the polymer P365X. I also like the G10 grips and the flared magazine well.

Check Prices on SIG Sauer P365-AXG LEGION Pistols

If an alloy frame will push you away from the 1911 commander or five-shot wheelgun and towards a striker-fired gun, the P365-AXG LEGION was made for you. For everyone else who is already a subcompact SIG fan, the AXG grip module feels and looks great and will make a solid addition to your EDC lineup.

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