SIG’s Everyday Carry P365
Back in 2018, SIG Sauer released a micro-compact 9mm handgun design that was small enough to fit in your pocket, yet large enough to carry 10 rounds. The design was designated the P365, signifying that it is perfect to carry every day of the year. Shortly after this release, every other major firearms company rushed to release its own version of the micro-compact.
In true SIG Sauer form, the P365 project did not stop with the base model. In fact, I can probably name about 10 sub-models for the design off the top of my head.
Related: Evolution of the P365 – Why It Continues to Be Relevant & Popular
The P365 Goes Macro
One of those is the P365 AXG Legion, a premium version of the P365 XMacro Comp. In 2022, SIG took the slim P365 concept and upscaled it with a 17-round capacity and a compensated slide.
Designated the P365 XMacro Comp, this handgun set another new standard for compact handguns. Slim, lightweight, maximized capacity, and all in a small and concealable form. With a similar footprint to handguns like the Springfield Hellcat Pro, the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus, or even the Glock 43X and Glock 48, the SIG P365 XMacro Comp still offers more power than any of its competitors.
Related Review: 17+1 Optics Ready SIG P365 XMACRO Comp
Adding the AXG Legion
The story doesn’t end there. SIG recently released the AXG Legion version of the platform. If you know SIG, you’re familiar with its Legion line. If you’re anything like me, you might even have a bit of an immune response to the line, seeing a more expensive version as not worth the trouble or price for an updated color scheme.
Well, after getting some hands-on time with this handgun, my opinion has changed.
The P365 XMacro Comp is not only one of the highest-capacity compact handguns on the market, it is also one of the flattest shooting handguns out there. The compensation cuts in the slide push the recoil down, keeping your sight picture more easily on target throughout shooting sequences.
In fact, if you watch the video, you’ll notice my wrist hardly moves as I squeeze the trigger and ride out the recoil. This might be one of the lightest-recoiling 9mm handguns I have ever shot – not to mention it’s a compact handgun.
Compensation devices and cuts are becoming more and more common, so it’s no surprise that this design is effective. But it gets better. One of the key features of the P365 is its modular grip system paired with an easily removed serialized fire control unit, much like the SIG P320. With a plethora of grips styles and sizes on the market, the platform is extremely modular.
Alloy X-Series Grip
With that in mind, enter the P365 AXG Legion. While the Legion nomenclature is more associated with the color scheme and G10 grips, the “AXG” part is what’s important. AXG stands for Alloy X-series Grip, which has a metal frame as opposed to its polymer predecessor. The grip also features the X-series flat trigger and grip angle, giving the wrist a very natural hold and the trigger a more ergonomic feel.
I understand that polymer-framed handguns are kind of the standard and are seen as the more modern design, but metal-framed handguns feel so solid. A little added weight and solidifying grip feel make the metal alloy AXG feel much nicer than the polymer.
On the Range
I love the XMacro Comp. I think it is incredibly easy to shoot it well with the compensated slide and larger grip size. I can easily run through target sequences with quick, accurate follow-up shots. That speed not only picks up with the AXG Legion, but the handgun seems even easier to control.
The alloy grip frame does add weight, but not enough to dissuade you from carrying it. The added weight does, however, make it easier to keep the handgun on target. That muted recoil impulse feels even softer and less noticeable than it does on the standard XMacro Comp frame. It almost feels like cheating, like you have lowered the difficulty in achieving quick accuracy. The muzzle simply stays on target, the trigger is crisp and quick, and the grip feels solid.
When I saw the handgun come through inventory, I honestly did not think much of it. Shooting it was a different story. It’s hard to describe, but it gives a premium feel to your shooting experience. I’ve never been super into the Legion line, but this really changed my mind on the value of the design.
This handgun fits perfectly in my Shield Arms Junk Sack that I carry with me everywhere. It’s an easy and quick draw with a smooth trigger pull, a steady recoil, and easy follow-up shots. In fact, you’re just going to have to wait for the next used P365 AXG Legion to come through our certified used inventory, because I am buying this one.
Pros and Cons
What’s important in a carry handgun is not the look or aesthetic, but rather performance. On the range, the P365 AXG Legion sets itself so far apart that I am comfortable saying it’s the nicest compact handgun I have ever shot.
I will make this note to SIG Sauer: the big benefit of the P365, much like the P320, is the removable FCU. Unfortunately, the AXG grip is currently only available with the AXG Legion, and I would like to see it sold as a separate accessory.
There are many people who own XMacro comps who would love to have an AXG grip but don’t feel like buying a whole new firearm. The P320 has pretty much every grip available, including the AXG, and I would like to see that extended to this line as well.
Pros:
- Flat-shooting
- Added weight reduces felt recoil
- 17-round standard capacity
- Flat, crisp trigger pull
Cons:
- Heavier to carry over a polymer gun
- Price range puts it out of reach for many shooters
-
AXG grip is only available on this gun
Summary
When it comes to handguns, it really is so incredibly important to take some time to figure out what fits you best. There is no perfect handgun that is objectively best for everyone, due to the subjective nature of shooting styles. If I didn’t see this handgun come through, I may have never picked one up and shot it, and I would miss out on a solid design.
Expensive guns aren’t always the best. Price doesn’t equate to performance, but I will say I think the SIG P365 AXG Legion is well worth the more expensive price tag. That said, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on a handgun if you don’t take the time to train. Dry fire, practice your draws, get a training system like the Mantis-X, and most importantly, get some ammo and hit the range.
