SIG Sauer introduced the P365 Micro Compact to the world of concealed carry in 2018. With the success of this initial launch, SIG leaned into the P365 line, even introducing a CO2-powered version. And the P365 XL Spectre Comp version offers cutting-edge technology and custom works craftsmanship. The P365 XL Spectre Comp has a number of features that improve upon the purely defensive nature of the original P365.
P365 XL Features
Beyond its 12-round capacity, the P365 XL Spectre Comp has several features that make it an effective handgun. The most important feature is a ported barrel/compensator system that improves long-range, multiple-round precision. For instance, the 9mm Parabellum is not considered a hard recoiling cartridge. But when fired in the 17.8 oz. original P365, things can get rather sporty. The Comp’s compensator reduces the felt recoil and greatly improves control during shooting.
The slide ports allow a portion of burning powder gasses to be expelled upward during firing, thus compensating for felt recoil. This helps the shooter recover sight picture more quickly after firing. SIG estimates recoil reduction to be around 30 percent. The SIG compensator system is unique in that it is an integral part of the slide rather than a bolt-on unit. It cannot come loose.
An additional advantage of the compensator is that it increases the slide length by 8/10 of an inch and the sight radius by 2/10 of an inch as compared to the original P365. The increased sight radius improves the sight picture and adds weight out front to help further reduce muzzle rise.
The P365 XL Spectre Comp is also optics ready for those who prefer red-dot optics. If you don’t want a red dot, the SIG X-RAY3 day/night sights provide an excellent, low-profile tritium sighting system. You can always add a laser/light to the rail up front.
Shooting the SIG Spectre
I tested the P365XL Spectre Comp at a local indoor range using a silhouette target from Action Target initially set 21 feet downrange.
It was only fitting to use a variety of SIG ammo for testing. I brought along the 365 V-Crown JHP self-defense loads, as well as the 124-grain and 147-grain Elite Ball FMJ ammo. These three loads cover the conventional 9mm performance spectrum. Ballistics are below.
| SIG Sauer 9mm Load | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
| 365 V-Crown 115-grain JHP | 1050 feet per second (Measured from 3.1-inch barrel) | 282 foot-pounds (Measured from 3.1-inch barrel) |
| 124-grain Elite Ball FMJ | 1165 feet per second | 374 foot-pounds |
| 147-grain Elite Ball FMJ | 985 feet per second | 317 foot-pounds |
I loaded the first magazine with 12 rounds of 365 V-Crown.
The Spectre Comp feels great in the hand and gives the impression you are holding a much larger pistol (at least in my medium-sized hands) despite weighing 20.7 ounces. The excellent laser stippling applied to the polymer grip module assures a secure and comfortable grip. The distinctive titanium-nitride-coated straight trigger measured a crisp 4 pounds, 11 ounces.
Shooting the 365 V-Crown from the P365XL Spectre Comp was a pleasant experience with recoil consisting of a gentle push rearward. Plus, recovering the sight picture was easy. I was able to place all 12 rounds into 3 ¼ inches in the target’s center at 21 feet.
I loaded up next with the Elite Ball 124-grain FMJ and settled in again at 21 feet. Sighting in on the pelvic girdle, I fired a 1 ¾-inch group for 11 rounds, with one called flyer that opened the group to 2 ½ inches. The final group consisted of the 147-grain Elite Ball from 30 feet, using the head as the point of aim. This 12-shot group measured 3 inches. There were no malfunctions. These loads were also easily controlled. And I noticed little difference in felt recoil between the FMJ “full-power” loads and the 365 ammo.
Should You Buy a P365 Spectre?
The P365XL Spectre Comp is a highly effective micro-compact defensive pistol. It is a great choice for those who need to be discreet about their carry gun but want extended-range capabilities. The P365XL Spectre Comp is available from Guns.com for $1,293 to $1,459.
Sources:
SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com
