With a solid design from the start, SIG Sauer’s P365 series is likely the most successful of the micro-compact 9mm defensive handguns now available on the market. The first in the micro-compact genre, SIG now offers several variants of the P365, all without design flaws or major recalls. Between the 23 models offered, the P365 line of handguns has something for everyone. And the P365-XMacro is for those looking for something larger.

About the SIG Sauer P365-XMacro

The P365-XMacro is loaded with appeal. It features a compact 3.7-inch barrel, an optics-ready slide and touts an impressive 17-round magazine. Other features include the Xray3 day/night sights, an easily reached manual safety and a front rail for additional accessories. My sample also came equipped with SIG’s excellent Rome X red-dot electric sight.

Though its macro designation moves this P365 out of the micro-compact category, the XMacro is superbly executed. Despite its additional 4/5 of an inch and the ability of the flush-fitting magazine to hold 17+1 rounds, the XMacro is still easily concealed. The frame has a molded-in section of Picatinny rail up front for attaching lights or laser sights.

Due to the undercut triggerguard — an important aid in controlling the P365-XMacro when using hot 9mm self-defense loads — the frame has a remarkable feel. This should be an easy pistol to handle for shooters of all sizes and experience levels. Interchangeable grip inserts are included to tailor the fit. The grip felt perfect for me right out of the box. The compact slide release is positioned for easy thumb operation as is the takedown lever.

As I most often carry 1911s, for commonality, I requested my sample be equipped with the ambidextrous thumb safety option. Pistols equipped with 1911-style thumb safeties help prevent possible negligent discharges when holstering or drawing and provide an extra opportunity to evaluate if a situation warrants gunfire. The thumb safeties are set up perfectly and can be disengaged without altering your shooting grip. Unlike an external hammer on a 1911 pistol, the safety can be applied with the striker down or fully cocked. The safety should be on when chambering or clearing a live round.

The trigger is quite good, especially for a striker-fired handgun. It is a flat-faced design, and the pull weight measured 5 pounds with a brief takeup, according to my Caldwell trigger gauge.

P365-XMacro Specifications

Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Overall length: 6.6 inches
Barrel length: 3.7 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Height: 5.2 inches
Weight: 22 ounces

Romeo X Sights

The XRay3 sights are excellent. The green-outlined front sight Tritium vial is easy to pickup in bright or daylight conditions, while the rear sight has two plain Tritium dots on either side of the rear notch. They are great stand-alone sights and a critical part of the Romeo X sighting system.

The Romeo X micro red-dot sight, which came pre-mounted on my P365-XMacro is particularly unique in that the sighting reticle is not a simple red dot. It consists of a small center dot surrounded by a larger circle and is much easier to locate than a plain dot. The Romeo X’s compact size accommodates both large and small pistols.

The glowing XRay3 green rear dots behind the viewing port can lead the eye to the reticle in pitch black conditions. They will also get you on target if the Romeo X is turned off as it is co-witnessed. The Romeo X’s operational adjustments are simple. There are two push-button controls on the left side. The rear one is marked with a down arrow that decreases reticle brightness. The front button has an up arrow that increases brightness and serves as the on/off switch. The vertical battery compartment is located on the right side and is slotted for opening with a coin. The Allen windage adjustment is on the left side of the base, elevation is directly behind the viewing port. A CR1632 battery powers it, and the run time is 20,000 hours. Best yet, the Romeo X only adds 1.15 ounces to the pistol. Its stand alone MSRP is $449.99.

Shooting the P365-XMacro

It was only fitting that the P365-XMacro be tested with SIG Sauer ammunition. I used the 124-grain Elite Ball practice ammo and the 124-grain V-Crown JHP self-defense loads. Both have the same ballistics — a muzzle velocity of 1,165 feet per second with 374 foot-pounds of muzzle energy — and functioned flawlessly.

The P365-XMacro is one smooth shooting little gun, with a shooting comfort level more akin to that of a full-size piece. The accuracy of the P365-XMacro is as good as its handling qualities. My shooting buddy and I were turning in readily repeated single-hole groups at 21 feet. One of my best consisted of 10 rounds, with nine shots in one hole and one single round that landed outside.

I loaded up and carried the XMacro around town during various errands in my DeSantis Vanquisher inside-the-waistband nylon holster. (In my opinion, it’s the most comfortable and flexible IWB holster on the market today.) It’s a perfect holster for those who carry a variety of pistols or revolvers. The light weight and comfort of the Vanquisher mates perfectly with the light weight and compact size of the P365-XMacro.

Should You Buy the SIG Sauer P365-XMacro?

I really like the SIG Sauer P365-XMacro and the Romeo X sight. It’s a great setup that has sold me on the virtues of the right type of red-dot sight in combination with a good set of co-witnessed Tritium iron sights. When combined with the right ammo — like the SIG Sauer loads it was tested with — it is quite the formidable pistol for self-defense use. I found the XMacro with Romeo X sight available online for $949.

Sources

SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com
DeSantis: DeSantisHolser.com