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SIG P365

I’ve been carrying a concealed pistol for 18 years and have carried a few different platforms over the years (Springfield XD 9 SC, Colt 1911 COO, Glock 19, M&P Fullsize, M&P Compact, Walter PPS, Glock 43) before settling on the P365XL and shooting it exclusively for the last 3 years.

 

As I matured and my technical knowledge and skill increased I trended towards smaller pistols because I realized that my lifestyle did not demand a duty sized pistol with WML and as a smaller statured guy, I was really pushing the limit as to what I could effectively conceal. I probably trended too far. The Walter PPS and Glock 43 were supremely easy to carry and were extremely capable but demanded a lot from the shooter. The slim profile and short grip that made them a dream to carry really compromised my ability to run the guns hard/fast during a period where I was taking training more seriously.

 

When the P365 series was introduced I was initially drawn to the capacity. Sig’s patented magazine design allowed for a 40% increase with only a slight penalty in size & weight. The XL variant had nearly the same “just enough” grip length as the 43 with pinky extension and doubled the capacity. Practically speaking the additional width gave a bit more to hold onto and the barrel length provided more “stroke” for the recoil system to work with.

 

A range day with a group of other instructors where we all had an opportunity to shoot each others’ carry guns side by side made it clear that the the P365XL’s shooting performance was top of the heap compared to its peers (Glock 43, S&W Shield, Springfield Hellcat) and actually didn’t give up much compared to the P320 Compact. Which was interesting because it was the polar opposite of my previous experience with subcompacts. I wondered how much I was really giving up compared to a Glock 19 or similarly sized pistols… I believe that the gap is narrower than most would have you believe.

 

I’ve shot it in all manner of defensive pistol courses, low light courses, vehicle courses, instructor development courses, a handful of USPSA matches, practice/training sessions, instructor demos and even 2 days with Ben Stoeger/Joel Park. This gun “shoots bigger” than its size lets on and has been supremely reliable. All malfunctions have been ammunition related.

 

The modular nature of the P365 brings a lot of flexibility to the table. Hot swapping grip modules based on what I’m doing, where I’m going or what I’m wearing is an absolute game changer. I use the XL Grip module most days and use the short 10 round module for situations where I desire additional concealability and can use the 17 round Macro grip module when I can get away with it or concealment isn’t a concern. It’s almost like having 3 different pistols in 1. That said, the grip itself is still a bit too small for my not large hands. The Boresight Solutions Razorback & Wilson Combat grip modules increase overall circumference and give more to hold onto without adding additional length and are excellent additions that improve “shootability”. The Wilson units have the added capability to add tungsten weights for additional mass.

 

As far as equipment, my current favorite holster is the PHLster Pro Series. The additional length of the holster body, organic shape of the molded in wedge, rounded corners and finished edges put it at the top of the heap in a world of cookie cutter kydex made off of the same commercially available molds. Over time I’ve come to prefer the stability of widely spaced dual pull the dot loops or DCC clips that can easily straddle belt loops that might be inconveniently placed for appendix carry. Wide single clip arrangements such as the  DCC Monoblock or FOMI style clips may force me to shift the holster more than desired in a game where fractions of an inch can greatly impact comfort and concealability. For beltless carry I use the same holster with the PHLster Enigma, which has a steep learning curve but has concealment benefits that I’ve not been able to match using competing products. I’ve been able to run miles and complete workouts using the system and still wear appropriate athletic attire while concealing a pistol in relative comfort.

- Randy

Glock 19

The Glock 19 is one of the most popular carry pistols of the last 40 years. I've been exclusively carrying this particular handgun as my concealed weapon since 2019 and prior to that I carried a different Glock 19. 

The reason why I stay with this platform despite competing with a Smith and Wesson M&P9 is that I know my capability with the pistol and I'm extremely confident with it. 

Over the years I have carried different variants of this pistol. Everything from a Roland Special build to the very stripped down version you see here. The frame is a gen 3 with a Reptilia Corp magwell, oem extended mag release and a Kagwerks extended slide catch. The slide is an oem slide that was milled by ATEI for the RMR foot print. 

The trigger is interesting. It's manufactured by CMC and the first one I had, one of the pins holding the safety in place walked out. CMC replaced it no questions asked, and I haven't had any issues since. It has a nice flat shoe but with this little ledge at the bottom. I think it's more of aesthetic than anything else and I have considered grinding it flat several times but never followed through with the idea. It has yet to cause me any issues so that's probably why I've yet to do so.

I carry the pistol in a Tenicor Velo4 holster. This is the most comfortable AIWB (appendix in the waist band) holster I've used to date. The rear of the holster has a body contour mold so that the holster sits in the crease of your groin where your thigh meets. This mold helps to maintain comfort and concealability. This holster is made for several different pistols, and I highly recommend it.

To sum this up, the 19 has been a consistent and reliable shooter. I utilize OEM mags which are affordable and easy to stow a spare of giving you 31 rounds in an easily concealable package.

- Derek

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