When Sig stretched the P365's slide from 3.1 to 3.7 inches and added an optics cut, the XL created a category that did not exist before: the extended micro-compact. At 20.7 oz and 1.1 inches wide, it weighs less than a Glock G19 by nearly 3 oz while holding 12 rounds in a frame slim enough to vanish under a T-shirt. The 3.7-inch barrel adds about 50 fps over the standard P365's 3.1-inch barrel with defensive loads, and the 5.6-inch sight radius makes iron-sight shooting more forgiving at 15-25 yards.

XRAY3 tritium sights and a Shield RMSc-compatible optics cut come standard. That combination saves buyers the sights-and-slide-milling process that Glock G48 and S&W Shield Plus owners face on base models. The flat trigger breaks at 5.5 lbs with a quick reset that owners describe as easy to track by feel. The proprietary Sig rail is the main drawback for accessory mounting. It limits weapon light options to Sig-specific or adapter-compatible models, while the Springfield Hellcat Pro and S&W Shield Plus accept standard Picatinny lights.

Buy the P365 XL if concealed carry is the primary job and you want factory optic readiness and night sights in a slim package. Skip it if you need maximum capacity. The X-Macro holds 17 rounds in the same 1.1-inch width, and the Springfield Hellcat Pro packs 15 rounds with a Picatinny rail. The P365 XL sits between those options as the lightest, most compact choice at 12 rounds, and the P365 family's magazine cross-compatibility means a 15-round extended magazine is always an option for situations where the extra rounds matter more than grip length.