Sig Sauer P365 XL vs P365 XMACRO: Which is Best?
Sig Sauer’s P365 series has been a top choice for concealed carry since day one, and rightfully so.
The series has expanded over the years to include several highly rated P365 models, including the popular XL and the XMACRO. If you’re looking for a new Sig pistol for everyday carry, it’s no surprise you’re considering these two powerhouses.
So, how do these guns compare? While the P365 XL is a slightly smaller and lighter choice, the P365-XMACRO features a shorter barrel and a higher round capacity. Though both pistols come optics-ready, the XMACRO also features an accessory rail and an integrated compensator, while the XL has an optional manual safety and a slightly wider sight radius.
Without further ado, let’s compare the Sig Sauer P365 XL vs P365 XMACRO.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Sig Sauer P365 XL
Designed with concealed carry specifically in mind, the Sig Sauer P365 XL is the first XSeries pistol in the P365 lineup.
The XL may be a micro-compact, but it’s still as comfortable and easy to shoot as a full-size pistol. Coming standard with either a 12- or 15-round magazine, the P365 XL has a higher capacity than the original P365 and measures only slightly larger.
Optics-ready and built with an extended slide and rear sight plate assembly, the XL is compatible with several mounts and accessories. The striker-fired gun is equipped with a 365 XSeries grip module complete with an extended beavertail and integrated magwell, making it faster and easier to pop in a new magazine.
Known for being a highly versatile and capable pistol packed into a small, concealable size, the P365 XL has been a highly rated and respected choice for concealed carry since its release in June 2019.
Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO
The latest addition to Sig Sauer’s P365 series, the compact XMACRO was released in August 2022. Designed to encompass everything people originally loved about the series, the XMACRO is said to feature “more of everything” that made the P365 one of the best-selling guns in America.
The Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO has the largest capacity in the series, holding up to 17+1 rounds in its still-slim 1.1” wide grip. Featuring a 1913 accessory rail and an optics-ready integrally compensated slide, this pistol was made to be paired with lights, sights, and lasers.
Sig’s latest offering also comes with a macro-compact grip module and interchangeable backstraps, so there’s no question as to whether it will fit your hand.
The manufacturer has touted the XMACRO as being more comfortable and concealable than any other 17-round handgun on the market, claiming it's designed to be more accurate and more shootable than the P365 pistols that predate it.
Specifications: Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO vs P365 XL
Size and Capacity
When it comes to size and capacity, the winner between these two Sigs depends on your needs. While the XL is smaller and lighter overall, the XMACRO has a shorter barrel and higher capacity.
The Sig P365 XL is a micro-compact pistol that measures 4.8” tall, 1.1” wide, and 6.6” long with a 3.7” long barrel, while the compact XMACRO is 5.2” tall, 1.1” wide, and 6.6” long with a 3.1” barrel. The XL weighs slightly less than the XMACRO at 20.7 ounces and 21.5 ounces, respectively.
While both the XMACRO and the P365 XL are chambered in 9mm Luger, they do vary in terms of capacity.
While both pistols have a respectable round capacity for their size, the XMACRO comes out ahead on this front with an impressive 17+1 rounds.The P365 XL has a capacity of 12+1, though it is also available in a state-compliant 10-round model or a higher 15-round model if that’s what you’re looking for.
Both firearms come out of the box with two Sig Sauer steel magazines.
Ergonomics
Frame
The XL is built with a 1.1” wide stainless steel frame. It has a black polymer 365 XSeries grip module designed with a slightly extended beavertail and an integrated magwell, which fully encompasses the grip’s side and rear so you can seamlessly insert a magazine. The P365 XL’s grip is also textured with stippling on all sides, making it easy to hold and giving it a nice feel in your hand.
The XMACRO, alternatively, is designed with a 1.1” polymer frame coated with a durable corrosion- and scratch-resistant Nitron finish. It features Sig’s macro-compact grip module and comes with a standard 1913 accessory rail.
Because both pistol frames have advanced ergonomic features, the preferred choice all comes down to just that: personal preference. While the XL is known for its comfortable grip and easy-to-load design, the XMACRO features a new grip module from Sig and an accessory rail so you can easily add mounts like lights and lasers.
Slide and Barrel
The Sig P365-XMACRO comes with an integrally compensated optics-ready stainless steel slide that’s finished with the same Nitron coating as its frame. Its 3.1” carbon steel barrel is not threaded, though it does have an integrated compensator intended to reduce muzzle flip and allow for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
The XL has an optics-ready extended stainless steel slide also finished with a Nitron coating. It features both front and rear slide serrations. The P365 XL has a 3.7” carbon steel barrel that, like the XMACRO, does not come threaded.
Both pistols have a comparable slide and barrel design. However, the XMACRO’s barrel does measure slightly shorter and is equipped with an integrated compensator, making it a slightly better option if you’re looking for more accuracy while taking successive shots.
Sights
Both the XMACRO and the XL feature Sig’sX-RAY3 day and night sights, a three-dot Tritium system that is illuminating in low-light conditions. Though they come with the same sights, the XL’s 5.6” sight radius is wider than the MACRO’s, which measures 5.1”. Both weapons are designed so that you can upgrade the sights if desired.
Optics
Both Sig pistols feature an optics-ready slide. Both were designed to be compatible with Sig’s ROMEOZero red dot sights, which are specifically designed for slim concealed carry guns.
Controls
Safety
When it comes to safety, the Sig Sauer XL has more options. While the XL can be purchased either with or without a manual thumb safety, the XMACRO is currently only available without a manual safety.
Trigger
The P365 XL is equipped with a striker-fired XSeries Straight trigger. Its flat trigger features a slight hook toward the bottom and rounded edges for a comfortable pull. The XMACRO also has a flat, striker-fired trigger with a slight hook toward the end.
The two pistols’ similar triggers were designed for comfort and to make successive shots faster and easier. The lip at the end of the trigger allows for easier indexing – or the transition between targets.
Which is Right for Me?
When comparing the new Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO vs P365 XL, it’s hard to find a downside to either choice. The right one for you will come down to personal preference.
While the XL is slightly smaller and lighter than its counterpart, the XMACRO has a shorter barrel and a higher round capacity. Though both pistols come optics-ready, the XMACRO is also equipped with an accessory rail and integrated compensator, while the XL has an optional manual safety and an integrated magwell.
If you do decide to grab one of these pistols for concealed carry, be sure to check out our selection of Kydex and hybrid IWB, OWB, and pocket carry P365-XMACRO holsters and Sig P365 XL holsters.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters for other handgun models, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page if you are looking for holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
If you’re looking for items beyond holsters and belts, check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.
