SIG Sauer P320 Compact vs. SIG Sauer P365: A Comparison

SIG Sauer is one of the world’s most prolific gun manufacturers, producing a wide range of high-quality firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications.

Some of their best-selling products are concealed carry handguns, and two of SIG’s most popular product families include the P320 and P365 pistols.

Understanding the SIG P320 vs. P365, including its features, variants, and options, can help you choose the right pistol for concealed-carry and self-defense applications.

History of the SIG P320 Compact

The SIG P320 Compact is the concealed carry version of the original SIG P320 pistol. The P320 platform is a development of the earlier SIG P250, a family of highly modular, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistols. SIG Sauer first introduced the full-sized, 9x19mm version of the P320 in January 2014, then unveiled the .45 ACP compact model at SHOT Show 2015.

Unlike many pistol platforms, the serialized part of the SIG P320 is its patented Fire Control Unit (FCU), an assembly comprising the trigger and part of the fire control mechanisms. The FCU is removable and can be inserted into other P320 frames, allowing a shooter to match it with any combination of compatible frame sizes, barrels, and magazines.

For example, a shooter can convert a P320 Compact 9mm to a full-sized model by disassembling the gun, extracting the FCU, and inserting it into a full-sized frame. Then, they can combine it with a matching full-size slide, barrel, guide rod, recoil spring, and magazine.

The P320 has been described as one of the most modular handgun systems currently available. It also won the U.S. military’s XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition in 2017.

Military versions of the P320 have been adopted as the M17 and M18 pistols, replacing the previous service handgun, the Beretta M9, after over 35 years. The M17 refers to the full-size model, whereas the M18 is the Carry version, with a compact slide over a full-size frame.

Brief History of the SIG P365

SIG Sauer introduced the SIG P365 at SHOT Show 2018, releasing it to the U.S. civilian market the same year. The P365 is a subcompact pistol and a spiritual successor to SIG’s older lines of compact handguns, such as the P225, P228, and P229.

Unlike many pistols in its size class, the P365 featured a relatively high-capacity magazine and a potent self-defense chambering. In its standard, original configuration, the P365 could hold up to 10+1 rounds of 9x19mm, higher than any other equivalent model from other manufacturers at the time.

Like the P320, the SIG P365 features a modular Fire Control Unit (FCU), allowing a gun owner to combine it with a different frame, slide, barrel, and other internals. While the P365 FCU and parts are not interchangeable with the P320, they have the same level of modularity.

Shortly after its introduction, the SIG P365 became one of the best-selling SIG Sauer products ever. According to the NRA publication American Rifleman, the P365 was the best-selling handgun in America for two consecutive years: 2018 and 2019. It earned the same title in 2022, closely followed by the P320, solidifying its place as one of the most popular concealed carry pistols in recent years.

SIG P320 vs. P365: Overview and Specifications

Both the P320 Compact and P365 are semi-automatic pistols manufactured by SIG Sauer, and both are striker-fired, compact-sized, and available in 9x19mm. However, this is where the similarities between the two pistols end.

Many dimensional and technical differences exist between the P320 Compact and the P365, including their length, weight, caliber, capacity, and accessory compatibility.

P320 Compact vs. P365: Dimensions

While both pistols can be described as compact handguns suitable for concealed carry, their respective dimensions differ. The standard version of the SIG P320 Compact has an overall length of 7.2”, a width of 1.3”, and a height of 5.3”. The pistol’s empty weight is 25.8 oz., and it features a 3.9” barrel.

In contrast, the standard SIG P365 is smaller and shorter. It has an overall length of 5.8”, a width of 1.06”, a height of 4.3”, and an empty weight of just 17.8 oz. The barrel on the P365 is 3.1” long, or about 20% shorter than the P320 Compact.

SIG Sauer markets the SIG P365 as a Micro-Compact pistol, broadly equivalent to subcompact and therefore one size category smaller than the P320 Compact. The P365 is smaller, lighter, and more easily concealed than the SIG P320 Compact when carried using an appropriate holster.

However, the P320 Compact’s larger size gives it a taller grip, a longer barrel, and a slightly longer sight radius. This may allow the average holder to shoot it more accurately than the P365.

P320 Compact vs. P365: Caliber

Both pistols are chambered in 9x19mm, described as the most popular self-defense pistol cartridge in America and the rest of the world. However, variants of both pistols are available in different cartridges. The following shows each pistol’s alternative caliber offerings:

P320 Compact variants:

• Compact .45 ACP: The P320 Compact is available in either 9x19mm or .45 ACP. The .45 ACP version features single-stack 9-round magazines.
• P320-XTEN: A full-sized version of the P320 chambered in 10mm Auto.

P365 variants:

• P365-380: A smaller version of the SIG P365 chambered in .380 ACP.
• P365-380 ROMEOZero Elite: A SIG P365-380 with tall sights and a SIG ROMEOZero red dot sight.

P320 Compact vs. P365: Capacity and Compatible Magazines

While the standard versions of both handguns feature double-stack 9x19mm magazines, they are not interchangeable.

The standard P320 Compact comes with a flush-fitting 15-round magazine using the same overall design as the P250. Because of this, it will accept 15-round magazines intended for the P250 or the P320 interchangeably.

The P320 Compact will accept magazines intended for full-size P320 and P250 pistols, letting the shooter carry plenty of extra ammunition. They include the following factory products:

• Standard 17-round magazines compatible with the SIG P250, P320, and military M17 and M18 models
• SIG P320 X-FIVE / X-CARRY 21-round magazine
• SIG factory extended 30-round magazine
• Third-party magazines compatible with SIG P250, P320, M17, and M18

As a micro-compact pistol, the SIG P365 features a lower standard magazine capacity than the P320 Compact, at just 10 rounds. However, this is a high capacity for a pistol of its class, and SIG offers additional extended-capacity magazines if you need extra ammo. Other P365-compatible magazines include:

• Extended baseplate 12-round SIG P365 magazine
• SIG P365XL 15-round magazine (when fitted with the baseplate for the standard P365)
• Extended P365XL / P365-XMACRO 17-round magazine (when fitted with extra-tall baseplates for the standard P365)

P320 Compact vs. P365: Accessory Compatibility

In its standard configuration, the SIG P320 Compact features a compact frame with an under-barrel Picatinny rail capable of accepting various tactical lights, laser sights, and other accessories.

The standard SIG P365 doesn’t have a Picatinny rail. However, it has a proprietary SIG rail compatible with select accessories explicitly designed to fit this pistol. Examples include the Streamlight TLR-6 tactical light or the proprietary SIG P365 laser sight.

SIG P320 Compact vs. SIG P365: Performance Comparison

While knowing each pistol’s specifications and technical details is important before choosing a model, they do not tell the whole story. The following shows how the P320 Compact compares with the SIG P365 as self-defense, concealed carrying, and general-use pistols.

Design and Controls

Both handguns are modern SIG Sauer striker-fired pistols. They share similar aesthetics and feature minimal controls, including the lack of a manual safety lever or decocker.

Besides the trigger, the P320 Compact and the P365 both have the same number of buttons, levers, and other controls:

• Magazine release button
• Slide release lever
• Disassembly lever
• Front and rear slide serrations

These similarities mean the basic manual of arms for both handguns is effectively the same.

Iron Sights

The standard SIG Sauer P320 Compact comes with steel sights and a standard high-contrast 3-dot configuration, allowing the shooter to quickly gain a combat sight picture.

The P320 Compact is also available with SIGLITE day and night sights, featuring tritium dots. SIGLITE sights are visible even in complete darkness and do not require batteries or external power.

The standard SIG P365 comes fitted with SIG XRAY3 day and night sights, a newer set of sights designed to work in all lighting environments. While similar to the SIGLITE sights, they feature slightly smaller rear dots.

Red Dot Sight Compatibility

If iron sights aren’t sufficient, or if you prefer shooting with a red dot sight, both handguns can accept one when fitted with the right accessories.

While neither handgun supports red dot sights in their standard configuration, you can make them optics-ready by purchasing the right variant or fitting a replacement slide and mounting plate.

The SIG P320 Compact may accept a red dot sight if it features one of the compatible slides: XCompact, RXP Compact, or RXP XCompact. These variants are designed to accept the SIG Sauer ROMEO1 Pro micro red dot sight, which features a 6 MOA aiming dot and a battery life of about 20,000 hours.

The SIG P365 may also accept a red dot sight if fitted with the optics-ready versions of the P365X or P365XL slide. They are designed to fit the SIG Sauer ROMEO ZERO micro red dot sight, which features a smaller aiming dot than the ROMEO1: 3 MOA instead of 6. Like the ROMEO1, the ROMEO ZERO sight has an estimated battery life of approximately 20,000 hours.

Grip and Ergonomics

In their respective standard configurations, the grip height is the biggest difference between the P320 Compact and the P365. With a standard-capacity magazine inserted in both handguns, the P320 Compact has a full inch of extra grip height, providing plenty of space for a full-handed hold.

The P320 Compact is comparable to other midsize and standard compact handguns from other manufacturers, such as the Glock 19 or the Beretta APX Compact. This means it is smaller than full-size but large enough for a comfortable grip.

The SIG P365 is a subcompact handgun designed to be as small and concealable as possible. While its standard magazine features a protruding baseplate, providing additional space for the shooter’s ring and pinky fingers, the P365’s small overall dimensions may make it harder to get a full-handed grip.

You can remediate this issue by inserting a taller magazine, such as a 12-round or 15-round model. However, you may need to sacrifice some concealability for more comfort.

Trigger

While both handguns are built around a Fire Control Unit (FCU), the SIG P320 Compact and P365 feature different FCUs and triggers, each with its own characteristics and pull weight.

The P320 Compact features the standard SIG P320 trigger and pull weight. While it is fairly clean and crisp for a striker-fired pistol, it features a relatively heavy trigger, with a pull weight averaging 7 to 7.5 lbs. Although this means the P320 has a heavier trigger than a Glock, it remains adequate for self-defense and concealed-carrying applications.

Despite being intended primarily for concealed carrying, the SIG P365’s trigger is crisp and easy to pull. The P365’s average trigger pull weight ranges between 5.5 and 6.5 lbs., making it lighter than the P320 Compact and most competitors in the same size class.

Many gun owners consider the P365 trigger one of the best concealed-carry handguns, primarily due to its light pull.

Accuracy

While the P320 Compact features a 3.9” barrel, 0.8” longer than the P365, both pistols are unquestionably highly accurate. With a shooter of average competence and high-quality factory ammunition, you can expect either handgun to print average group sizes of 2.5 to 3 inches at 25 yards.

Although P365 pistols may trend toward the wider end of this spectrum due to the shorter sight radius, the best way to obtain tighter groups is to practice extensively.

Regardless of the model you choose, both have the quality you’d expect from a SIG Sauer, and both are more than accurate enough for self-defense, concealed carrying, and target shooting.

Reliability

SIG Sauer pistols have long enjoyed a reputation for reliability, and the P320 Compact and P365 carry this forward. Both handguns will shoot nearly any type of 9x19mm reliably, including FMJ, JHP, steel-cased ammunition, and high-pressure rounds (+P and 9mm NATO).

Many private individuals and organizations have subjected these pistols to long round counts and various torture tests. These test processes have led to similar conclusions - these handguns are designed to last and fire tens of thousands of rounds without experiencing parts breakage.

On the SIG P365, the parts most likely to wear out first are the recoil spring guide assembly and the trigger bar spring. While these parts are inexpensive, you may need a gunsmith’s services to replace the trigger bar spring.

On the SIG P320 Compact, the extractor is typically the first part needing replacement after extended round counts. Fortunately, it is easy to replace yourself and will not require a gunsmith’s intervention.

Concealability vs. Capacity

As the concealed carry adage goes, you should carry the most firepower you can comfortably carry and shoot accurately. This adage shows a dichotomy when choosing a carry gun: concealability and carrying capacity are typically at odds.

Higher-capacity handguns tend to be thicker and taller, making them more challenging to conceal. In contrast, highly concealable handguns tend to feature short, small magazines, limiting the ammunition you can carry.

The SIG P320 Compact has a fairly standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds for a handgun of its size class. While adequate, it is also expected for a double-stack mid-sized handgun.

At the time of its introduction, the SIG P365 was one of the best in its class for capacity, despite being a micro-compact handgun. Its standard magazine offers 10+1 rounds of 9x19mm while being as easy to conceal-carry as traditional pocket pistols, where the magazine capacity was typically 6+1 or 7+1. With a slightly taller baseplate, you can increase the P365’s capacity to 12+1 with minimal impact on its concealability.

Despite the P320 Compact offering a higher capacity, the P365 offers one of the best compromises of capacity and concealment. It is why it became one of the most popular handguns in America.

Although many competing manufacturers began offering high-capacity micro-compacts soon after the P365 was released, SIG was the first, and the P365 remains one of the best choices in its category.

Pricing

On their respective release years, SIG Sauer set comparable MSRP for both handguns: $699 for the SIG P365 and $599 for the P320 Compact. Both pistols are available online and at brick-and-mortar gun stores for comparable prices.

The P365 and the P320 Compact typically range between $400 and $500 for brand-new models and up to $200 less for used ones.

Shop High-Quality SIG Pistol Holsters at Incognito Concealment

When comparing the SIG P320 vs. P365, both offer what you’d expect from SIG Sauer: durable, highly reliable, accurate, and dependable handguns.

Whether you prefer a SIG P320 Compact or a SIG P365, Incognito Concealment offers a complete range of holsters for both models. We carry IWB, OWB, paddle, duty, and trigger guard holsters, suitable for all shooters and carry preferences. We also offer single and double magazine carriers, ensuring you always have extra ammunition for emergencies.

Message us through our online contact form or call us at 586-333-4240 for any questions or requests regarding our products for the SIG P320 vs. P365.