Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X
A Comprehensive Analysis
We are living in the Golden Age of concealed carry pistols with the Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X. Never has there been a better time to be shopping for a concealed carry handgun. That being said, the market is changing just slightly. For quite some time the goal was to make the guns as small as possible. Guns like the Ruger LCP and S&W Bodyguard 380 ruled due to their small size. These guns are notoriously difficult to shoot accurately and quickly so things have been changing.
These days the goal seems to be to strike a perfect balance of size and shootability. Concealed carry holsters & guns are getting larger, and therefore easier to shoot. They feature long grips that fill the hand and makes it easier to fire accurately, as well as rapidly. Capacities have also increased, and most are in 9mm versus the earlier choice of 380 ACP. Two of the best examples of this trend is the P365 XL and the Glock 43X.
Both guns are upgrades of smaller models from previous generations. SIG introduced the original P365 to great critical acclaim and followed up this year with the larger P365 XL. The Glock 43X took the six-round Glock 43 and extended the grip and magazine so it now holds 10 rounds. The X designation seems to be Glock’s new moniker for a short barrel but a long grip. Both guns are an interesting representation of the new concealed carry trend and we wanted to take a look at both today.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Fit and Finish
The Glock 43X comes in two different finishes. Initially, it was launched only with a Silver nPVD finish that I love. I’m a stainless-steel kind of guy and while this isn’t real stainless it looks absolutely amazing. Glock always had a Henry Ford philosophy on color and has done alternative colors rarely. It’s nice to see the nPVD finish as a common stock option.
Just recently Glock also unveiled a more traditional G43X with a Black nDLC finish that brings back that traditional Glock look. Both the silver and black guns will feature a black frame that resembles the Gen 5 finger groove free design. The slide has minimal markings with a simple Glock logo, the 43X moniker, caliber and made in Austria markings. It’s simple and I appreciate simple a lot.
The nPVD and nDLC coating are rugged and strong. They will resist holster wear well and very resistant to corrosion.
The SIG P365 XL only comes in one finish option as of now, and that is a matte greyish black Nitron coating. The Nitron coating has proven to be a very rugged and well-done coating. It’s strong and resists sweat, as well as abrasions and scratches. It’s also a champ against concealed carry holster wear.
The Nitron coating is something SIG Seems to love, and I can see why. It does work wonderfully and does an excellent job at coating the gun and protecting it. I’m still partial to the stainless look of the G43X but objectively the Nitron coating is a well done and well-reputed coating. The SIG P365 XL has an XL marking as well as a P365 marking. Both small and simple and appreciated.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Specs
These guns are similar in size and weight but feature a few distinct differences. Both are 9mm, striker fired handguns, and both are considered sub compact firearms. The SIG P365 does come with a 12-round magazine, and there is an option for a 15-round magazine. The Glock 43X only currently has the option for a 10-round magazine.
The Glock 43X has a barrel length of 3.41 inches and the P365 XL has a barrel length of 3.7 inches total. That’s not a major difference. Sight radius is also similar with the G43X is 5.24 inches and sight radius with the SIG P365 XL is 5.6 inches total.
There is a difference in weight that some might feel considerable. The SIG P365 XL weighs 20.7 ounces and the Glock 43X weighs 16.4 ounces. That’s roughly a 20% difference in weight. Widthwise these guns are both 1.1 inches wide total. Lengthwise the G43X is a slightly shorter 6.5 inches, but the P365 XL is only 6.6 inches long so it’s a wash.
The guns are very similar in design and size. The SIG weighs more, but also offers an additional 2 to 5 rounds total. That can be a make it break it deal going in both directions. I’m a big fan of more rounds versus fewer rounds, but others may appreciate the lower overall weight.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Ergonomics
If you like the Glock style grip and grip angle, you’ll love the Glock 43X’s design. It features the same standard blocky Glock grip we all know and love. It’s just much thinner than most Glock grips, but it’s all Glock. Which is a love it or leave it design. What they did increase is the beavertail near the rear of the gun. This prevents the slide bit many of us found with the original Glock 43.
The longer grip is most certainly an improvement and the addition of front serrations were something people had wanted for a long time. The longer grip does offer more control overall and it does make the gun easier to handle, especially when it comes to shooting rapidly or shooting at longer ranges.
The G43X is a simple gun with very few controls. The magazine release is larger than most in its class and that’s a solid feature to have. It bends in well and is easy to activate. The gun also sports a simple slide lock and that’s it. It’s a simple gun and simple is always good.
The SIG P365 XL is strong on the ergonomic front in my opinion. The grip is slightly longer than the P365 grip, and it truly fills the hand. The P365 XL makes use of a deep undercut that allows for a high and comfortable grip. On top of that The P365 XL does feature a nice beavertail that’s extended to provide greater control overall.
The gun is incredibly comfortable in the hand and very comfortable to shoot. The front and rear serrations are a nice touch and are slanted slightly rearward for a more aggressive texture. The magazine release is smaller than the Glock 43 and triangular in design.
Both guns are controllable and comfortable. The ergonomic differences will be largely subjective between shooters, but I tend to gravitate more to the P365 XL than the 43X.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Features
The Glock 43X is light on features. It does come with a slightly longer beavertail than the original 43. You also get two ten-round magazines. These magazines are unique between the G48 and G43X. Extended magazines designed for the original G43 from companies like ETS are not compatible with the G43X. The G43X comes with Glock loading tool as well as standard Glock Tupperware container.
The G43X features plastic sights with Glock’s target sight design. These are typically replaced quite quickly by most owners for numerous reasons. One big reason is the durability of plastic sights. The gun sports all of Glock’s standard safety features as well.
The P365 XL comes with SIG’s XRAY3 sights that are a combination day and night sight. They glow very brightly when the lights are low, but also feature a high visibility green ring around the front sight for day time use. The P365 XL also comes from the factory milled for a red dot optic, specifically the Shield RMS and the new SIG Romeo Zero. The milling is revealed by removing a rear plate that also accepts the rear sights.
The P365 XL comes with SIG Sauer’s often hard to get flat-faced trigger which is a lovely touch. It decreases the trigger reach and offers more control over the trigger. The grip also features an integrated carry magwell for quicker and more intuitive reloads.
The SIG also comes with two 12 round magazines and 15 round mags are available on the aftermarket. Admittedly, SIG’s magazines are much more expensive than Glock’s. SIG mags will typically run you 50 bucks.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Shooting Characteristics
Here is where we see some of the more minor differences. While the guns feel different in the hand, they are both easy shooting guns. Neither gun will bite your hand, and both guns are very comfortable to shoot. The extra grip length is an incredible addition to these guns. They make the guns the perfect compromise of size between control and concealability.
You can certainly shoot more accurately, as well as have more control over the gun as you fire. This makes it easier to execute double taps and put more rounds on target in an accurate manner. Speaking of more rounds on target the major advantage SIG has is there 12 and of course, 15 round magazines. The 15 round magazine does offer you 50% more lead over the G43X magazines. That’s one of the biggest differences between the two guns when it comes to range time. Of course, SIG’s 15 round mag will be a bit longer than Glock’s 10 round mag.
Admittedly, another major difference is the SIG XRAY3 sights. These combination day and night sights are easier to acquire than the stock Glock plastic sights. I appreciate that bright green ring around the front sight for fast sight acquisition. To me, they are easier to focus on and front sight focus is the key to accurate shooting.
The SIG’s enhanced magwell is a nice touch when it comes to reloading the gun. You can reload like lightning and I do really love extended magwells on concealed carry guns.
The extended grip each gun provides does make it easier to grip the gun on the draw. Smaller guns tend to be harder to get a good grip on. Luckily these grips are just the right length for a strong grip and a reliable draw. As I mentioned these are easier to shoot guns, and that makes them more fun to shoot.
If a gun is fun to shoot you are more likely to train, and if you are more likely to train you are more likely to succeed in a self-defense scenario.
Both guns offer you everything you need to be a fast and accurate shooter. The rest is on you and your training. While there are differences both guns are excellent tools for self-defense and concealed carry.
Sig P365 XL vs Glock 43X: Concealment
The Glock 43X is ultimately the smaller and lighter-weight gun, so by default, it’s the easier gun to carry. The Glock 43X is a pint-sized carry gun that’s ultra-thin and very comfortable in a variety of carrying configurations. This includes appendix where the shorter barrel makes it more comfortable in an appendix carry holster.
The SIG P365 XL is a little bigger and heavier, and even more so when equipped with a red dot sight. The SIG P365 XL is as equally thin as the Glock 43X so it’s very comfortable for deep concealment when it comes to IWB or appendix carry.
These guns are both designed for concealed carry and are both easy to carry. They are both bigger versions of smaller guns which makes them slightly harder to conceal than the original smaller guns. You won’t be carrying these guns in your pocket for example.
You will need a good, supportive concealed carry holster designed for your firearm. If you can do that you’ll have no issues making either gun disappear around your waist. Supportive is the keyword here, as that will decide the difference between comfortable concealed carry and just concealed carry. If your Kydex holster isn’t comfortable, you won’t conceal carry as often.
Conclusion
The Glock 43X and SIG P365 XL are the perfect representations of the new face of concealed carry handguns. The market is always shifting, but as far as I’m aware this is the first big push towards thin, moderately sized firearms.
Price-wise the SIG is predictably more expensive. It’s more expensive in nearly every way when it comes to sights and magazines. The Glock brand tends to be more affordable overall.
These guns are easier to shoot and offer a higher magazine capacity. Yet, they are still easy to conceal for shooters of all sizes. These guns are much better fighting handguns than previous mini 9mms. Both are excellent tools for self-defense. They come from companies well-proven in their designs and both are on the cutting edge of concealed carry.
Make sure you purchase a durable and modular Glock 43X holster or Sig P365 XL holster and you’ll be ready to conceal carry a great firearm.
Which would you carry? And why? Let us know.
I have the P365xl with the Wilson Combat grip module which really was a game changer for me. Fits my hand so much better than the original grips.
I have both. I agree with the article. They are almost the same. I have carried both concealed. They sit next to each other in a small safe, I can grab either in the morning. I have been grabbing the Glock 43x more and more. I carry at 3:30 and it just fits. I have a Holosun 407k green dot. For me the dot is easier to acquire with the Glock 43x. The angle of the grip is slightly different between the two. The Glock just works better for me. I do not feel one is more accurate than the other. I can shoot the Sig p365xl very well. I feel a tiny bit more confident in the ability to get on target faster with the Glock. That and it fitting me better is why I carry the Glock. As has been mention 15 round magazines are available from Shield Arms. I plan on buying a p365 with a thumb safety for pocket carry in the Summer.
I carry the Sig P365 XL (my first carry gun) and I carry it easily and all but invisible in my cargo pants pocket holster. I have the external safety and while I may buy a full-size Glock someday soon for home self-defense, I would never carry a handgun without an external safety. I’m a newbie, started with a Taurus G3 which I like, then the G3C which I love. I bought my first Sig for reliability which will be the same reason I buy a Glock, although I don’t care for the Glock feel. I sold my Sig 365 because it came without an external safety but I since learned they are available and will get one when I want to carry in pants with smaller pockets. I like pocket carry and may never get used to IWB. This is the greatest hobby I have gotten into in 35 years and more than just fun, it has a critical purpose in these crazy, dangerous times in which we live, thanks to the lunatics in control of our country right now.
I guess now that shield has a 15 round mag for the 43x, there will be some regrets
Great article. My choice was the Glock 43X. And now with the Shield Arms S15 mags I couldn’t be happier. 2 15 round mags are a game changer!
I’ve been carrying daily for a good while, since legal here, a while back sold all my 9MM and went towards .40 and .45. I have Kimber and Springfield 1911’s however usually carry a Shield .40 every day. I decided to look at 9MM again considering advances in ammo, and went to my local dealer (4-5 locations) specifically to look at the new Hellcat, as I was wanting something with Optics capability. I asked what else they had “optics ready” and looked at the Sig P365 which was a perfect fit in my hand, and I was ready to buy, but I asked the salesperson to bring it down to the Glock section. I always wanted to try a Glock, but they never fit my hand. He handed me the 43X and it was perfect, so much so that it home with me. I took it to the range a couple days later and it performed flawlessly. Now, they happened to have a Sig in the case at the range, so I took it home as well. After putting several boxes thru each one, they’re both Great!! The 1911’s have been in the safe a lot more. I usually use a paddle holster, but carrying these in a pancake until I can find the best holster for each one. I think I try optics on the Sig next.
I have been a Sig fan my entire adult life. Was the first handgun I ever had the pleasure of shooting, and my off duty weapon of choice is a Sig. On duty (I am a LEO), I carry the Glock 17 Gen5, and it is alright, I enjoy it well enough. Looking at both of these guns, they both appeal to me. I have tested them both in store, and they both feel way good in the hand. I think I will be going for the Sig simply because I have a preference for the name/build/design, but either would be an awesome weapon.
I will be getting one not just for off duty carry, but also ankle carry on duty as a backup weapon.
I am ambidextrous and have tried the hand-feel, slide operation, control positioning, and trigger operation of the Glock 43X and Sig 365XL. The grip angle and shape of the Glock 43X did not give me a good quick hold, always positioning the front low, requiring me to adjust either my wrist position or my overall grip. The Sig 365XL grip angle and shape brought the front sight into the right position immediately and the grip texture virtually melded with my firing hand, left or right. Neither is perfect for lefties, but the Sig’s mag catch was the better of the two when operating with the left hand. Both slides were fine. I don’t have vision in my right eye, making good sights very important. The Glock’ sights are okay, but the Sig’s sights were excellent. If my budget was limited, the Glock would suffice, but if you can bear the extra cost, the Sig is the better choice, even without the 15 round magazines.
I am a fan of the new slimline Glocks. For some reason they feel really good in the hand and provide a full grip. For me, everything is about reliability, and Glock has shown the same great reliability with the 43x and the 48. There have been some that have still been having problems with the 365, and now also the XL. I am no big fan of Glock, but I love the reliability, and consistency among the firing mechanisms. The three safeties are a good point of security. The 320 and the 365 line use fully cocked strikers without the trigger safety, or a forward mounted striker block; also the mechanisms are different as well. It will be interesting to see how they hold up over time. I chose the Glock for simplicity and Reliability. Excellent write up!
Between the two I tend to gravitate toward the Sig 365 XL. I have a 365 (original) but rarely shoot it due to its small size and my big hands. I sold a Glock 43 for the same reason. I have a Sig P320 X-Compact which, if you compare specs, is comparable to the 365 XL (0.2″ wider, barrel 0.1″ shorter, slightly taller grip) and takes P320 15 round mags. You can also use a 17 round, or larger, P320 mag if you don’t mind the added length. I would REALLY LIKE to see a comparison review between the P365 XL and P320 X-Compact. Likewise, a comparison review between the Glock 43X and 48 would also be nice. Just my 2 cents.
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your tutorials , you have done your home work , and are spot on with your remarks not only on the Glock 43X and Sig 365XL, but all the other picture tutorials you have shared in the past, I think your holsters are first class , fron design to the finish, being a holster maker myself leather only, I have an appreciation for quality gun leather and kydex made holsters, i’m up to eleven of your Stingray holsters now, for various EDC guns in my rotation, so I just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do, keep up the fantastic work you do..
I just bought the Bersa TPR9C. I believe the Bersa has more options than either of these two guns. And it carries 13 + 1. Check it out!
Honestly- I’ve always been a Glock man, I own the the Glock 48, and it conceals well. But after reading your article I am definitely going to get a Sig in hand and give it a some serious thought! Btw, I use my Clinger holster every day !!
Outstanding review! While there is a price difference I think we can sum it up by saying that Sig gives you, out of the box, the two upgrades that many Glock owners will be changing out anyway: sights and trigger.
I believe the sights are the same idea I have on my X Carry and they are wonderful (I really don’t get along with the typical dull night sights). If it’s the same flat, 90° break trigger that comes in that X Carry then let me say that I love it so much that I also put it in my other three P320’s.
The XL sounds like a P365 that I might have to seriously consider.
365xl feels great in hand…Clinger holsters are coming on Monday!
I absolutely love the new XL version of the P365. Glock is Garbage. If I want a brick that shoots, I’ll buy a Glock.
I usually only buy Glocks but with 2 extra bullets in the Sig, I might be shopping Sig Next Week!