SIG P365 vs SIG P365X

The SIG Sauer P365 is a top selling carry pistol that has quite a fan base. Basically, if you’re in the market for an easy-to-conceal handgun, someone’s going to suggest the P365. Of course, there are a number of variants within the SIG P365 family of guns that are also great, such as the SIG P365X. You might be wondering what the difference is between the P365 and P365X and which gun would best suit your needs, and we’re here to answer those questions. We’re going to go through ways the guns vary, what that means to you, and how to choose between them. It’s the SIG P365 vs. SIG P365X, and there can be only one winner.

Spec Comparison

The history of the SIG P365

The SIG P365 was launched in 2017 and has remained in production since. As time has gone by, the P365 has gained almost cult-like status among concealed carriers thanks to its capacity and concealability. Of course, numerous variants have been launched as well, and they each enjoy their own degrees of popularity. One of the great things about the P365 is the way it fits such a broad range of hand sizes and skill levels. So while this is a pistol that’s known as a great concealed carry gun, it’s also used for home defense, range days, and teaching new shooters the ropes of handguns.

The history of the SIG P365X

As for the SIG P365X, it hit the market in 2021 and was the third variant of the P365 family of guns to be released. It was designed with features of both the original P365 and the P365XL, a model with a larger grip module that came out in 2019. The P365X was the logical expansion of the line and included features like being optics ready—it even shipped with a RomeoZero red dot sight installed. This pistol was made to take handgunners into the new era of handguns, one full of red dot sights and greater accuracy on target.

SIG P365 vs SIG P365X: What they have in common

The SIG P365 and P365X do have quite a few specifications and features in common. Both pistols are chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, both are part of the P365 family of guns, and both are black. Of course, those are only the broad, topical similarities. 

These two SIG handguns also use most of the same materials in their manufacturing process. The barrels are made from carbon steel, the fire control unit (FCU) in each is stainless steel, and the grip modules are polymer. Also, they’re both striker-fired pistols and are offered with or without manual safeties. The slides on the guns have a nitron finish which is a metallic protective coating that creates a durable barrier to protect the gun from corrosion and use-related wear. 

In addition, the barrel length on both models is 3.1 inches. Sight radius matches at 4.9 inches and the guns are both classified by SIG as micro-compacts. Interestingly, the P365 and P365X have matching empty weights of 17.8 ounces. This is of note because their dimensions don’t match precisely—but apparently their weight when empty does. Also, these pistols are both made for concealed carry and superior concealment. Their similarities are significant, but their differences are as well.

The Main Differences

There are large and small differences between the SIG P365 and SIG P365X. Some of the minor differences include the fact that the P365X is 6.0 inches in length while the P365 is 5.8 inches in length. Height is different as well with the P365X being 4.8 inches and the P365 being 4.3 inches. And while those dimensional differences are relatively minor, they can have a greater impact than you might realize. Capacity also varies with the standard capacity magazine for the P365X holding 12 rounds while the standard capacity magazine for the P365 holds 10 rounds. Of course, the guns have a few significant differences, too.

The SIG P365X is an optic ready gun while the P365 is not. That means the SIG P365X ships from the factory ready to have a red dot sight mounted to it, which is a noteworthy feature. The gun ships with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights and a removable optics plate that’s compatible with red dots with a Shield RMS-c footprint. As for the P365, it also ships with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, but it isn’t optics ready.

Another significant difference between the two guns is their triggers. The P365 has a curved trigger, and the P365X has a flat-faced trigger. Which trigger is better tends to come down to personal preference, but there are many shooters who far prefer the finger contact and control of the flat-faced design. A trigger can have quite an impact on accuracy. As you can see, although the P365 and P365X might seem identical at first glance, the features they do not have in common are significant.

SIG P365 vs. SIG P365X: Our grade

When to choose the SIG P365

If you’re looking for a fantastic carry gun at a reasonable price point, and you’re not concerned with extras, the P365 might be a great fit. You’re also more likely to find a used P365 to save even more money out of pocket. It’s small enough to be easy to conceal and the ten round capacity is reasonably good (it far outdoes the micro-compacts of years ago). This is a well-made, durable gun that’s proven itself reliable for countless gun owners over time. There are also a lot of holster options on the market, giving you choices when it comes to carry method. 

The SIG P365 is a solid self-defense handgun that’s ideal for situations where you need more concealment options. It’s specific to carry use, which doesn’t mean it can’t be used for other applications, only that it’s highly concealable. This is an accurate, reliable gun, and the overall dimensions work for a lot of hand sizes. That said, it is a micro-compact, and that means it won’t be a great fit for larger hands. Time at the range does make getting used to a smaller gun easier, but if your hands are quite a bit larger than average, it might remain a bit of a challenge.

When to choose the SIG P365X

Shooters who prefer red dot sights or have larger hands could benefit from going with the SIG P365X. This gun ships optics ready so there’s no need to have the slide milled or to find mounts to make a red dot work, and the footprint is compatible with a vast array of dots. As for size, the grip is a bit larger than that of the P365, making it a better fit for shooters with larger hands. Then there’s the flat-faced trigger, which often offers greater trigger control, translating to improved accuracy on paper. 

Like the P365, the P365X is a quality concealed carry option. It offers more features and the possibility of greater accuracy. Thanks to its slightly larger size it might be better suited to home defense as well. It’s also a fantastic choice if you’re teaching new shooters, whether they’re brand new to shooting in general or simply new to red dots. This micro-compact presents a nice, neat package that’s versatile, durable, and reliable. 

Which gun is better?

In cases like this—comparing the P365 to the P365X—the idea of which gun is better can be a bit subjective. After all, every gun owner has their own personal preferences and needs when selecting a handgun. That said, the P365X has a definite edge. As an optics ready gun, the P365X gives you the option of running the gun with or without a red dot sight. It ships with good quality iron sights, so if that’s your preference, you’re set. However, having the removable optics plate makes it easy to use a red dot if you so choose. There used to be a time when having a red dot sight was unusual, but today it’s commonplace and almost expected. The P365X makes it easy.

Also, the flat-faced trigger of the P365X does a lot to recommend it. If you prefer a curved blade trigger, obviously you won’t see this as a plus—or perhaps you simply need to spend some time shooting it. A flat trigger can make an enormous difference down-range, and that’s a benefit that can’t be discounted.

Yes, the P365X is a bit more costly and slightly larger than the P365. It’s well worth it for the changed SIG made in this variant. This really is the ideal concealed carry gun, and it’s one that’s built to last.

What’s your favorite gun in the SIG P365 line? Tell us in the comments.

Cleaning your SIG P365

If you’d like to get started cleaning your gun, here is the recommended cleaning kit for the p365:

• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

Important Links and Videos

Here are some links to help aid in your SIG P365 vs SIG P365X decision.

• SIG P365 Pistols Manual
• SIG Sauer Owners Manual

Here is a video how to care for you Sig pistol.