USA – -(Ammoland.com)- When the original Sig P365 launched it took the industry by surprise. By adjusting magazine geometry Sig had somehow crammed more rounds into less space than the world had come to accept. When we reviewed the P365 SAS we found the capacity almost unbelievable in such a small package, but small was indeed the theme of the experience.
Barrels under 4″ often produce less energy and velocity than defensive rounds were intended for. Sig has resolved this with their 365 line of ammunition specifically made for 3.1″ barrels, but muzzle energy isn’t the only challenge for small pistols. Shorter barrels also make for a shorter sight radius. With a shorter sight radius, the guns can be more difficult to aim. One could argue that at defensive distances that doesn’t matter as much, but I’ll not open that can of worms in this article.
The third challenge provided by small pistols is the lack of real estate for the hand. Less real estate can make the pistol more difficult to control under recoil and less comfortable for those with larger hands. Sig once again offered a solution with the creation of the P365 XL adding two more rounds of capacity and .6″ more barrel.
SIG P365 XL XSeries 9mm Pistol
The extra capacity and barrel length make for a longer grip and longer gun. The 365 XL is nearly an inch longer and half an inch taller. that doesn’t sound like much, but in my large hands it feels a lot better. Take a look at the tabletop video below to see construction quality and a size comparison:
Abridged specifications of the P365 XL can be seen below as taken directly from the product web page:
- SKU: 365XL-9-BXR3
- CALIBER: 9mm Luger
- MAGS INCLUDED: (2) 12rd Steel Mag
- SIGHTS: Optic Ready with X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
- FRAME SIZE: XSeries
- OVERALL LENGTH (IN): 6.6 in (168 mm)
- OVERALL WIDTH: 1.1 in (28 mm)
- HEIGHT: 4.8 in (122 mm)
- BARREL LENGTH: 3.7 in (94 mm)
- WEIGHT (OZ): 20.7 oz (588 g)
- SIGHT RADIUS: 5.6 in (142 mm)
- ACCESSORY RAIL: N/A
- TRIGGER: Striker
- TRIGGER TYPE: XSeries Straight
- BARREL MATERIAL: Carbon Steel
- SLIDE FINISH: Stainless Steel
- SLIDE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
Of course, we ere curious is the changes would impact reliability for the P365 XL. To address this we conducted our signature, “What’s For Dinner?” test which involved running ten different loads through the gun. We fire three rounds of each type checking if the pistol will feed from slide lock, cycle, and lock to the rear with each load. No more than two rounds are required for this but a third helps reduce variables. Magazines are tested with a by loading them to capacity and topping off with one in the chamber. We then shot a quick group before giving our impressions of the gun. See the results in the Shooting Impressions video below:
For larger hands, the Sig P365 XL is much more comfortable than the original P365. An extra two rounds of capacity is never a bad thing, and with a longer grip and sight radius, the P365 XL is arguably more enjoyable for a range session. I would not hesitate to recommend the P365 XL for users of all skill levels.
About Graham Baates 
“Graham Baates” is a pen name used by a 15-year active Army veteran who spent most of his time in the tactical side of the Intelligence community including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Post-Army Graham spent some time in the 3-Gun circuit before becoming a full-time NRA Certified defensive handgun instructor and now works as an industry writer while curating a YouTube channel and blog on the side. Visit Graham on Youtube .