SIG’s P365 LUXE is proof that .380 ACP isn’t just hanging on; it’s actually thriving. They’re calling it the “softest, flattest shooting concealed carry pistol” they’ve ever made. In this post, we’re going to break down this 380 pistol to see what makes it a good carry gun.
But before we begin, great news for the DFW gun community – we’ve got the SIG P365 LUXE FOR RENT! There’s no need to make a commitment or wonder what you’re missing. Come experience the LUXE firsthand and see how it feels before you buy.
SPECS:
Caliber: 380 AUTO
Capacity: 12 rounds (ships with 3 steel mags)
Barrel Length: 3.1 in (not threaded)
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Manual Safety: No
Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights
Optic Ready: Yes
RX Footprint: COMPACT (Shield RMS-c) / SIG-LOC COMPACT
Overall Length: 6.75 in
Overall Width: 1.24 in
Height: 4.65 in
Weight: 22.1 oz
Shoots Like a .22: Why the P365 LUXE Feels So Smooth
Forget everything you think you know about .380s. The P365 LUXE is not your average tiny carry gun. SIG took everything learned from their wildly popular P365 series (including the P365-380) and poured it into a new, elegant package built specifically for smooth shooting.
So what’s the secret? For starters, the gun centers around a custom XL AXG grip module – a metal frame that adds weight to the gun, making the P365 platform, which is originally all-polymer, feel more stable and substantial, as if shooting the P229.
Then there’s the built-in compensator: it’s machined right into the slide, reducing muzzle flip and helping with the felt recoil. Combine that with the .380’s already softer report, and you’ve got a pistol that barely moves between shots. Shooters at the SIG NEXT event even described it as shooting like a .22, except, of course, you’re holding a legit self-defense pistol.
Other Features
The LUXE comes optics-ready with SIG’s proprietary mounting system, though it includes excellent XRAY3 tritium night sights. The pearlescent black Cerakote finish gives it a premium appearance, while the custom LOK grip panels give nice traction.
The flat X-Series trigger is outstanding – crisp break with minimal overtravel. It’s the same trigger architecture SIG uses across their performance pistol line, adapted for the .380 platform.
Racking the slide requires minimal effort, partly due to the .380’s lower operating pressure and partly due to SIG’s engineering. The slide manipulations are smooth and positive.
The gun’s dimensions match the P365 XL, making it compatible with XMacro holsters. That means if you already carry a P365 variant, you’ve got holster compatibility covered.
The LUXE holds 12 rounds in its flush-fit magazines – that’s serious capacity for a .380, especially if compared to S&W 380 EZ holding 8 rounds or the SIG P365-380 accepting 10 rounds.
Final Thoughts
The P365 LUXE is not trying to be a 9mm. Instead, it’s perfecting what a .380 can be – supremely controllable, accurate, and confidence-inspiring. For backup gun use, deep concealment, or primary carry for recoil-sensitive shooters, it fills a genuine niche.
Try Before You Buy
Range comes in. Rather than making a thousand-dollar decision based on internet reviews and forum discussions, you can spend an afternoon with the LUXE and see how it feels.
You can test different ammunition types or rent one more gun to pit those against each other. For instance, if you’re interested in the .380 ACP, we have Beretta 80X Cheetah and SIG P365 380.
Whether you’re considering it for concealed carry, planning to back up your main carry, or just curious about what SIG’s latest has to offer, nothing compares to actual range time.
