I have been a fan of the SIG P365 for some time. I like the original and gravitated to the SIG P365 XL 9mm as my favorite version. SIG has an unparalleled reputation for reliability in many institutional tests for police and military. This reputation has transferred to its compact pistols as well.
The micro-compact 9mm is America’s most popular concealed carry handgun. The shooter who trains and practices is well-armed for most difficulties with a lightweight 9mm. It is a big move from the P365 to larger and easier-to-shoot pistols such as the SIG P320 XCompact or the Glock 19. Yet these larger handguns are recognized as easier to shoot well, with lighter recoil and greater magazine capacity. However, they are more difficult to conceal and heavier.
P365 XMACRO Features
A pistol with less compromise in capacity and ease of shooting has been developed. SIG introduced a pistol that is somewhat thinner and easier to conceal than most compact handguns but offers practically the same performance as a larger handgun. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the SIG P365 XMACRO.
A question may be, “Is the P365 XMACRO likely to offer service-grade reliability in the long term?” At 380 rounds through my pistol, it is difficult to predict. The original P365 has proven reliable. Larger guns are fired more often, and users tend to practice with them more. If anything, the P365 XMACRO should be longer lived than the original — all things equal.
Guns don’t usually crack frames, slides, or barrels. The small parts take a beating from recoil, and this is more common in smaller guns with a high round count. The shooter will give up before the pistol, not to mention tapping out the credit card on ammunition.
The appeal of the 365 XMACRO is that it is easier to shoot well than most sub-compact pistols. Practical accuracy is excellent. The pistol features low recoil and a 17-round magazine. Fortunately, the magazines fit older P365 pistols. They simply extend from the magazine well.
After the evaluation period, I found I could carry the XMACRO and the older P365XL. With the two guns onboard, I can add a single high-capacity magazine as a spare gun load. This makes the backup more viable and useful.
The P365 XMACRO is about a half-inch taller than my long-serving XL. The pistol is thin, very thin, and the longer grip remains thin enough for all adult sizes I consulted. The new handle design includes interchangeable grip inserts, which the previous SIG P365 variants did not.
This handle goes a long way in making recoil more comfortable. I never found the P365 a hard kicker, but the difference in control during speed drills is demonstrable. If you have a larger hand, the new grip frame will fit the hand well. My good friend Elgin has heavyweight boxer-sized hands and finds the XMACRO a good fit.
Moving to the slide, things get interesting. The pistol features SIG X-RAY night sights — among the finest factory-installed sights on the market. The pistol is optics-ready. Remove the mounting plate, and you can easily mount a SIG Romeo. A caution, the screws holding the slide cover in place come in from below the slide. They sometimes work loose. Tighten them well and check periodically. Loctite isn’t a bad idea.
The end of the slide is modified to include a dual-port compensator. Unlike the 3.7-inch barrel of the SIG P365 XL, the SIG P365 XMACRO uses a 3.1-inch barrel. The rest of the slide length is taken up with the compensator. A compensator bleeds gas off from the muzzle and redirects this gas upward, resulting in lessened felt recoil.
How does the compensator affect recoil? While the increased handle size makes for greater comfort, the difference is noticeable after firing side-by-side with the original P365 XL. The P365 XL recoils more than the larger heavier Glock 19 while the P365 XMARCO exhibits less recoil. I must rate the compensator as very effective.
The XL’s straight trigger is carried on in the XMACRO. The trigger is a good design with plenty of leverage and a straight-to-the-rear press. The trigger breaks cleanly at just under 5.6 pounds. Don’t neglect to clean the pistol, including the trigger, before firing — spraying a bit of crud remover into the frame.
Another improvement in the SIG P365 XMACRO is a new light rail. This rail accepts all the popular lights. I used a SIG combat light with good results. The magazines are advertised at 17 rounds. I was only able to load 15 cartridges. Perhaps they will break in with use. My weightlifting friend, Elgin, managed 16 cartridges. He was able to top them off to full capacity by the end of the test period but only with a speed loader and with considerable effort. I was happy enough with 15 rounds. Use the magazine loader.
Accuracy and Reliability
I have fired nearly 400 cartridges without a single failure to feed, chamber, fire, or eject. The pistol is pleasant to fire. I fired fast combat groups at 5, 7, and 10 yards. Most of the ammunition used was Federal American FMJ and Federal Syntech.
The pistol gets on target quickly and offers a good natural point. The sights are excellent for personal defense offering a good sight picture. The bright front sight is particularly useful in fast shooting.
I extended firing to 15 yards as the test went on. The pistol is very easy to use well. Once on target, the pistol and a trained shooter will rip out the X-ring of the target. As for absolute accuracy, I test-fired the pistol from a solid benchrest at a long 15 yards using a mix of service-grade loads. The results follow, with five-shot groups fired for average.
Load | Velocity (FPS) | 5-Shot Group (Inches) |
| Federal 124-grain HST | 1,050 | 2.1 |
| Speer 124-grain Gold Dot | 1,089 | 2.4 |
| Hornady 115-grain Critical Defense | 1,101 | 2.25 |
This is an accurate handgun useful far past normal personal defense ranges. A drawback is that the compensator robs the pistol of some velocity. Compared to the 3.7-inch barrel SIG P365 XL the SIG P365 XMACRO loses 38 fps in velocity (on average). This is about average for a 3.1-inch barrel compact pistol. With modern defense loads, this isn’t a significant drawback but something to be aware of. The handling, control during rapid fire, reliability, and absolute accuracy of the pistol leave nothing to be desired.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17 + 1 rounds
Height: 5.2 inches
Width: 1 inch
Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 21 3/8 ounces
Sights: SIG X-Ray
Holsters
The light rail makes holsters for the original P365 problematic. I had on hand a Wilson Combat appendix design for the Glock 43X. This is among the sturdiest and best designed Kydex holsters I have used. The SIG fit well.
It also fits a Crossbreed Reckoning for the Glock 43X. The Reckoning is a superior concealment holster with an uncommon combination of comfort, speed, and security. I don’t like mismatching holster fit, but in this case, the results were good. The SIG P365 XL will not be difficult to holster in the short term.
Conclusion
The P365 XMACRO gets a clean bill of health. The pistol has proven reliable which is more important than any other consideration. It is fast handling and offers impressive combat accuracy. It is also impressively accurate in benchrest accuracy testing. This is a handgun worth its price.
Whether you are a SIG fanboy or SIG hater, what is your opinion of the SIG P365 XMACRO? How does it compare to the other models in the P365 series or your favorite daily carry gun? Share your answers in the comment section.
Left to right: A SIG Custom P365 XL Spectre, SIG P365 XL, and P365 XMACRO. 
SIG’s P365 XL left and the P365 XMACRO, right, have similar grip treatment. 
Left to right: A ‘pinched’ 10-round P365XL magazine, 12-round P365XL magazine, and P365 XMACRO 17-round magazine. The SIG P365 XL Spectre, left, features a custom grade grip treatment. The P365 XMACRO isn’t as flashy, but it is efficient. 
The SIG P365 XMACRO’s design results in an odd look when the pistol is in full recoil. 
Firing with the non-dominant hand the SIG XMACRO proved controllable. 
The P365 XMACRO is fully capable of mounting full size combat lights. 
A workmanlike compensator makes for much easier practical shooting. 
The SIG P365 XMACRO is a handsome businesslike handgun. 
The pistol is well suited to one-handed firing. 
The SIG P365 XMACRO, top, has an excellent understudy in the SIG P322 .22 caliber pistol, lower. This is the P365XL with a P365 XMACRO magazine in place. Finger grooves shorten trigger reach. A flat trigger is controllable and very crisp in operation. Firing to slide lock, the pistol exhibited low recoil. The SIG P365 XMACRO 9mm lower is the same length as the P365 XL, top. The barrel is shorter due to a compensator in the end of the barrel. 
The pistol’s efficient compensator is a big part of the design.
I tried putting a threaded barrel with a Armory Craft comp on my regular P365 but it made it hard to conceal carry.
Put a Griffin Armament micro-comp on there and it was much better.
The comp helps me dramatically keep follow-up shots on target.
But with the Xmacro, the comp is already built into the barrel so I like it cause I don’t have to worry about the comp coming loose during live fire exercises.
One time the comp fell off and I didn’t even know it until after the shooting stopped.
For carry the 124 grain golddots have to be plus p to reach the velocity needed for expansion and penatration
I recently switched to an Xmacro for EDC. With the two magazines which come with the gun and a spare I later bought, I have been able to load each one to 17 rd capacity without ever using a loader (they all were tight to begin with though, and continue to be firm, still very do-able). I have put near 100 rounds through the gun in darkness with no issues from flash. I used both ambient light and a tlr 7a, various rates of fir, and never felt i lost night vision or experienced any obscurities. From 25 yrds I fired a full magazine and made 15 hits of the 17 rds on a-zone steel, standing, on multiple steel targets. This is better than I shoot with the glock 17 I have carried on duty for several years. (No red dot….yet) This firearm is sweet, and I just have not experienced any of the issues others claim. Love the gun. Im slowly becoming a Sig fan. I own glocks, S&W’s, Springfield, Ruger handguns and have shot many others. This is my first Sig and new favorite handgun in the arsenal.
I should have said cut out, they begin just behind the trigger.
Captain R
Sorry for any confusion. I am talking about the grooves in the frame that allow the trigger finger a shorter reach.
Bob
I cannot find the emails from many months ago. I’m trying to recall the type of gun I was interested in. When I pull your emails up it only goes to October. Please let me know what type of gun I was shopping for.
Hello – I don’t understand your comment that finger grooves shorten the reach. I would think that the finger grooves lengthen the reach to the trigger. Please explain. Thank you.
So… XMacro… so extra extra large…? As if there isn’t enough stupid names like the 365XL and whatever. I just don’t get the love for SiGs. Might as well use the Glock number system. 4319228675309 extra medium micro minimimum maxi pad. I love my S&Ws but even they’re getting stupid with that EQUALIZER bilboard looking thing. Too bad the slide serrations didn’t make it to the Shield Plus. There’s reason I have no use SIG.
The ported barrel compensation is a dealbreaker for me. While it may lessen felt recoil, it will flash blind you in low light self-defense situations. Great for the range, but not so good for the real world.
1. The X-Macro grip fits the SIG 365XL slide.
2. The 17 rd mags come with 2 different spacers to fit other 365 models.
3. I always replace the SIG sights with Speed Sights.
4. BTW previous mag base plates will not fit the 17 round mags.
I had been carrying a Walther PPS and was happy with it with the exception of the amount of rounds it could carry. After working at a gun range that used sig’s as rentals I bought a 1911 and loved it. When the 365 macro came out I bought it sight unseen as the size and capacity was what I was looking for. It does not disappoint. After running about 200 rounds thru it without one ftf I can honestly say that I love the weapon. With a Sig Romeo zero on top it is a dead on fast handling weapon. It conceals pretty easily. Holsters are a little hard to find but I have found one that I like and use but am waiting for a custom leather one to be made. If you’re looking for a EDC I don’t think you can find better!
I had been carrying a Walther PPS and was happy with it with the exception of the amount of rounds it could carry. After working at a gun range that used signs as rentals I bought a 1911 and loved it. When the 365 macro came out I bought it sight unseen as the size and capacity was what I was looking for. It does not disappoint. After running about 200 rounds thru it without one ftf I can honestly say that I love the weapon. With a sig Romeo zero on top it is a dead on fast handling weapon. It conceals pretty easily. Holsters are a little hard to find and I have found one that I like and use but am waiting for a custom leather one to be made. If you’re looking for a EDC I don’t think you can find better!
Purchased the 365 macro 3 weeks ago and have put 200 rounds through it without any problems.. I find the comp on this piece definitely dampens the recoil noticeably compared to my standard and the accuracy is even better with the Romeo 0 elite optic.. I can shoot this well out of 20 yards comfortably.. good addition to my collection and also the interchangeable back straps make it nice to hold with any size hand
I’ve carried a S&W model 60 in 38 special for over 30 years sense I retired from the police department. As a retired police officer in order to carry concealed we have to qualify each year at the department range as required under HB 218. I decided to change my carry weapon to the Sig Sauer 365XL, mainly because of the magazine capacity 15 + 1. I made a point to practice with my 365 and was pleasantly surprised how well it functioned running a little over 300 rounds through it. Recently I qualified for my HB218 and loved how comfortable the Sig handled during the qualifying run. I had several other retirees ask about the 365 which I highly recommend. I also feel more comfortable knowing I have extra rounds if needed.
I am pretty much of a traditionalist. I like metal-framed, single-action, hammer-fired, pistols.
I bought a Sig 365 x MACRO the other day and took it to the range earlier today.
This is a great carry pistol — no, a great pistol, PERIOD. I had previously mounted a Holosun 570k red dot sight and adjusted it to co-witness with the factory sights (which are excellent, by the way). Shooting was done at about ten yards — a reasonable combat distance in my opinion. My very first round was in the x-ring as were the following rounds barring a flyer or two. I only had one failure to feed, and that was due to an out-of-spec reload (yeah, I checked).
This little pistol points very well and returns to target quickly. Recoil is quite manageable, even for my 79-year-old hands. BTW, the slide cover screws remove and install from the TOP of the slide.
I already have a leather holster ordered from Craft Holsters, yeah, I like leather.
Is there anything I would change about it? Well, I personally would like the grip to be a little thicker. The trigger could be better.
The Sig P938 is a nice carry, but the Sig P365 has higher capacity at the same size, and I have been thinking about one for a long time, and then the P365-380 came out with a much better optic slide design, with the optic plate screws moved to the top, instead of coming loose inside the slide (scary). I have now seen a P365X with the same optic slide design as the P365-380, so wondering if they are going to do the same for the standard P365? Hope so. I lean toward the standard size P365 because it fits in a sticky pocket holster and can be tossed into a front pocket for a potty-stop in a rest area at night. It is almost funny how so many micro pistols keep getting bigger, and now many the size of the Glock 19. My one concern on the P365 MACRO is; with the shorter barrel, and compensators being notorious for depositing a lot of crud throughout them, needing a really good periodic cleaning, will the expected crud buildup in the compensator have any negative affect on the barrel to slide alignment?
I have one, and am around 600 rounds in. It is one of my favorite handguns, and definitely my favorite polymer gun. This last weekend I mated the lower to an XL upper and have found that to be my favorite configuration. I’m going to try the compensated upper on my standard 365 frame this weekend and see how that works.
I LIKE SIGS, 10MM / the newest ones a lot more….review that one some time.