It's All in the Details: Understanding the Differences Between the SIG Sauer P365 and P320 Models

When it comes to handguns, SIG Sauer has done a great job designing and marketing compact pistols for concealed carry, hobby shooting, and home defense. SIG Sauer handguns are some of the most popular models available on the market, especially for concealed carry.

The SIG P320 comes in a range of sizes, making it a versatile option for users who want a choice of subcompact, compact, carry, and full-size. The SIG P365 comes in one compact size, but it packs a lot of punch in its small polymer frame.     

SIG Sauer P365

For a small micro-compact handgun, the high-capacity 9mm pistol is an impressive little firearm. This handgun has been named in several awards, including the NRA'sShooting Illustrated most recent "2019 Handgun of the Year."  

The redesign of the striker-fired P365, replacing the hammer-fired P290, boasts a slim and sleek design for easy concealed carry, without compromising the 10+1 round capacity, which blows its similar-sized competition out of the water. The striker-fire mechanism is borrowed from the popular P320 model. The textured-tape grip and recessed finger and thumb areas make the gun easy to grip and increase accuracy.

The P365 also features a customized accessory rail to fit the size of the gun, along with the XRAY3 Day/Night sights. It has a smooth trigger pull and very little recoil, despite the six pounds of trigger pull pressure. There is also a chamber window for added visual confirmation of rounds loaded into the chamber.

The magazine is flush-fit, seamlessly becoming one with the bottom of the pistol. There is a 12+1 extension available, but even this does not add much more to the overall size of the pistol. The bore axis is one of the lowest on the market, sending the majority of the recoil into your hand and keeping the muzzle level, increasing accuracy and lowering recovery time.

Here are some of the most important specs of the P365:

• Caliber:9mm Luger
• Length:5.8"
• Barrel Length:3.1"
• Width: 1.0"
• Height:4.3"
• Weight without magazine: 17.4oz
• Line of Sight:Unavailable
• Trigger Pull:6 pounds
• Round Capacity: 10+1, 12+1

Currently, the P365 runs around $600, but it's worth it for the round capacity and dependable firing power. The accuracy of the pistol is also a huge benefit over some of its similar counterparts. This is a great choice for a concealed carry weapon, and it will be even better in a SIG Sauer holster.

SIG Sauer P320

One of the great features of the P320 is its versatile, modular design. The sizes, calibers, and grips can be mixed and matched to create a comfortable pistol for any user. The grips are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large, while the handgun is available in subcompact, compact, carry, and full-size. For comparison with the P365, we'll look at the subcompact P320 model.

One of the more exciting aspects of this handgun is that it can swap out ammunition calibers, including 9mm and .40S&W. The subcompact model is still slightly larger than the P365. The weight without the magazine is still 24.9oz, and its full length is 6.7". However, it has a large-capacity 12+1 magazine, and it still works well for concealed carry.

It features an M1913 accessory rail, with SIGLITE Night Sights. It receives high praise for the grip angle and increased accuracy. The modular attachments allow for ambidextrous use, creating a custom experience for any user. Here are the important specs for the subcompact P320 model:

• Caliber:9mm Luger/.40S&W
• Length:6.7"
• Barrel Length:3.6"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height:4.7"
• Weight without magazine: 24.9oz
• Line of Sight:5.8"
• Trigger Pull:7 pounds
• Round Capacity: 12+1

The P320 subcompact model comes in at around $700, less without the Night Sights, making it a pretty expensive subcompact. However, for the versatility between the interchangeable grip modules, calibers, and frame sizes, this gun is a worthwhile investment.

The SIG P320 has a smooth trigger with a short recoil. The P320 was also inspired by the military-issue M-17 patent model, making it a popular choice for former service members who are already used to the style and feel of this particular model.

Sig Sauer holsters can provide the perfect fit for any size P320 you decide to purchase.

Striker Problems

The P320 has experienced some drop-firing problems, and the P365 has had some firing pin issues, mostly reported via social media. It's unclear if the P365's issues have been resolved or even fully addressed by the company yet. The P320's drop-firing problems have been resolved by SIG Sauer and are safe to use.  

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it will come down to which gun feels most comfortable in your hand and which one you feel will give you the most accuracy when firing. Go to the range and take your time deciding which SIG Sauer handgun will provide you with the best concealed carry experience.