Sig Sauer P365 or Ruger LC9 For Micro Conceal Carry?

3777 Views 135 Replies 39 Participants Last post by ajole, 2 mo ago

ActionJackson

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago (Edited)

I've been carrying a small, S&W 638-3 revolver as my conceal-carry for more than two years (maybe closer to three years). It's a decent little gun, but I want something with a bit more capacity. This revolver is a 5 shot, .38 special. If I want to carry more ammo ... I either have to carry a speed loader which is bulky or extra loose rounds rolling around in my pocket. Neither option is ideal.

So I think I've narrowed my search down to two pistols: The Sig Sauer P365 or the Ruger LC9 (or possibly the EC9 economy version). I really wanted the Wilson Combat SFX9 but they're $3000.00 which is out of the question.

My revolver is about 6.5" from the tip of the barrel to the far end of the grip. The cylinder is almost 1.5" across. So both of these semi auto pistols are a bit shorter and not as wide. Great for concealment.

Anyway ... has anyone had personal experience with either of the above and, if so, what are your thoughts? I'd really like to hear from someone who owns both or who's at least shot both fairly extensively. I'm not too concerned about price, although the Ruger is almost $300.00 cheaper than the Sig.

I'm leaning towards the Sig because it's a 10+1 capacity to the Ruger's 7+1. The other benefit to a semi auto is that I can carry an extra mag instead of a fat speed loader or loose rounds. Both are 9mm which is fine with me.

P.S. If there's a better option out there (like the Springfield Armory Hellcat) feel free to make some suggestions. Thanks.

Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Recreation

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101 - 120 of 136 Posts

fotog

· #101 · 3 mo ago (Edited)

ActionJackson said:
I'm sure to end up with a P365. Way too many comments not to. I chose the Hellcat (for now) because of the grip size; round capacity; and company reputation -- and because I saw more positive reviews than negative ones. I've heard from two individuals that they are very inaccurate and I've seen five dudes say that they are highly accurate. So I'm guessing it depends on the individual's experience, training, hand shape/size, etc. But that's true of most weapons. I believe that if I practice enough with it ... I'll be able to iron out the kinks.

FWIW...
The P365 has been a #1 seller for a few years now. Likely due to some good reasons.
There are currently 3 combinations. Standard, X, and XL.
Modularity is a "plus" with the P365...meaning owning either/all of the 3 combinations can be "morphed/built" into any of the others. The standard slide fits the XL frame. The XL slide fits the standard frame...etc. In fact, the "X" is a standard slide on an XL frame.

Owning both a "standard" (although technically an SAS - ported barrel/slide) and an XL allows me to "mix and match" any slide with any frame.

Some key points that are "valuable to ME"...
The standard uses a 10 round capacity magazine (good in "current" restricted states). However, the standard also accepts the 12 round and 15 round magazines.
The XL frame has..."flush fitting 12 round magazine" and drops free. "Flared magazine port" (easier insertion). Extended beavertail frame (protecting the web in a "high hold" from slide bite). Straight trigger. AND slide cut out for Red dot optic.
That is a lot of plusses to me. Including the use of 10 round magazines in the XL (with floor plate adapter) for states with capacity restrictions.

Regardless of ones preferences...the P365 tics off a lot of boxes.

If you deicide to go that route, reach out...I have a few recommendations on peripherals that are useful to me.

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556308dawg

· #102 · 3 mo ago

ActionJackson said:
I've been carrying a small, S&W 638-3 revolver as my conceal-carry for more than two years (maybe closer to three years). It's a decent little gun, but I want something with a bit more capacity. This revolver is a 5 shot, .38 special. If I want to carry more ammo ... I either have to carry a speed loader which is bulky or extra loose rounds rolling around in my pocket. Neither option is ideal.

So I think I've narrowed my search down to two pistols: The Sig Sauer P365 or the Ruger LC9 (or possibly the EC9 economy version). I really wanted the Wilson Combat SFX9 but they're $3000.00 which is out of the question.

My revolver is about 6.5" from the tip of the barrel to the far end of the grip. The cylinder is almost 1.5" across. So both of these semi auto pistols are a bit shorter and not as wide. Great for concealment.

Anyway ... has anyone had personal experience with either of the above and, if so, what are your thoughts? I'd really like to hear from someone who owns both or who's at least shot both fairly extensively. I'm not too concerned about price, although the Ruger is almost $300.00 cheaper than the Sig.

I'm leaning towards the Sig because it's a 10+1 capacity to the Ruger's 7+1. The other benefit to a semi auto is that I can carry an extra mag instead of a fat speed loader or loose rounds. Both are 9mm which is fine with me.

P.S. If there's a better option out there (like the Springfield Armory Hellcat) feel free to make some suggestions. Thanks.

View attachment 507777

I've had my SIG P365X 9mm for a few months now and it's my EDC, very compact, carry comfy and accurate. But, since I've just turned 80, I'm concerned that my muscles will begin to weaken and the 9mm will become a struggle to disassemble and clean. With that in mind today I bought a 2nd SIG P365, but this one is a .380. Fired one at the LGS and fell head over heels for it...trigger, sights, accuracy, compactness and it fits all my P365 holsters for several carry options. I've had my fix for today and am once again a very happy camper. (All my handguns are SIG except for a Kahr MK9)

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hoplite59

· #103 · 3 mo ago

556308dawg said:
I've had my SIG P365X 9mm for a few months now and it's my EDC, very compact, carry comfy and accurate. But, since I've just turned 80, I'm concerned that my muscles will begin to weaken and the 9mm will become a struggle to disassemble and clean. With that in mind today I bought a 2nd SIG P365, but this one is a .380. Fired one at the LGS and fell head over heels for it...trigger, sights, accuracy, compactness and it fits all my P365 holsters for several carry options. I've had my fix for today and am once again a very happy camper. (All my handguns are SIG except for a Kahr MK9)

God Bless you sir ! Carrying at 80 !

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Nick30

· #104 · 3 mo ago

556308dawg said:
I've had my SIG P365X 9mm for a few months now and it's my EDC, very compact, carry comfy and accurate. But, since I've just turned 80, I'm concerned that my muscles will begin to weaken and the 9mm will become a struggle to disassemble and clean. With that in mind today I bought a 2nd SIG P365, but this one is a .380. Fired one at the LGS and fell head over heels for it...trigger, sights, accuracy, compactness and it fits all my P365 holsters for several carry options. I've had my fix for today and am once again a very happy camper. (All my handguns are SIG except for a Kahr MK9)

I heard a saying once. It was something along the lines of, "never pick a fight with an old man, he won't bother with the fighting, he'll just kill you."

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ActionJackson

Discussion Starter · #105 · 3 mo ago

556308dawg said:
I've had my SIG P365X 9mm for a few months now and it's my EDC, very compact, carry comfy and accurate. But, since I've just turned 80, I'm concerned that my muscles will begin to weaken and the 9mm will become a struggle to disassemble and clean. With that in mind today I bought a 2nd SIG P365, but this one is a .380. Fired one at the LGS and fell head over heels for it...trigger, sights, accuracy, compactness and it fits all my P365 holsters for several carry options. I've had my fix for today and am once again a very happy camper. (All my handguns are SIG except for a Kahr MK9)

Awesome! I hope you never have to use it, but I'm sure glad you have it. A Sig is on my wish list.

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ROCK6

· #106 · 3 mo ago

hoplite59 said:
Holy P365's Batman !!! Love the mag carriers. Where did you find them ?

I’ll have to find what brand. They were from Amazon but listed as “compact mag” storage.

UserNameTaken said:
Well, since you already made your decision without consulting me, I'll just say, Glock 43.

Funny you mention this. When I was trying to decide between the P365 and G43 about four years ago, I just decided to get both. Sure, the capacity of the P365 is greater, but I actually liked the G43 and still have it. While the P365 has become my primary EDC, the Glock 43 is my primary backpacking gun now. We don’t have any major issues with four legged predators, but there are plenty of incidents of two-legged predators and idiots on the Appalachian Trail.

While I’ve had zero issues with P365/mags rusting, some have. When backpacking, I carry in an HPG Kit Bag, where it’s up against my chest. It does get condensation and some moisture on it and while I try and wipe it down once the camp site is setup; it’s exposed more to much harsher conditions. I’m pretty confident in Glocks, so it’s kind of my backup/Truck (my-get-home-from-work-where-I-can’t-carry gun) and backpacking CCW. I’m not going to bash it for capacity (although addressed with the Glock 43X), for 6-9 round capacity magazines, I have less issues than I would with a small J-Frame .38SPL. While I’m all in on the P365 platform for different reasons, the G43 is still a great, deeper-concealment carry gun along typical Glock lines but much more svelte.

Nick30 said:
I was deciding between the 365 and 43x. I finally landed on the Glock 43x.

I decided that way simply because I'm already used to Glocks. But I've also been thinking of getting a 365 just because.

I mostly carry P365s, but I still kept, like, and have my G43 for certain applications mentioned above. I can’t carry at work and having a firearm in my truck is a risk I’ve kind of assessed and mitigated as much as possible. My G43 is the perfect option for that application; theft is not even remotely a concern where I work…like zero percent. However, the military base and campus I work on aren’t my concerns, it is departing home, driving to and from work, and arriving back home. The house isn’t in a neighborhood and while it’s not actually remote, it’s set back a ways off the road.

Again, Glocks have pretty robust finishes and less exposed metal for handing the wide-changing temps and humidity conditions where I live. I love my P365’s, but my Glocks still have a place in my life.

ROCK6

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ActionJackson

Discussion Starter · #107 · 3 mo ago

ROCK6 said:
I can’t carry at work ...

ROCK6

Howdy. You know your circumstances much better than anyone else does, but every company I've worked for since the 90s (except for one or two) has had a "no gun" policy. But I've ignored their policies, since I have a natural-born right to protect myself from harm. I'm not saying that you should break any rules, but if my company is willing to break my rules, then I don't feel any guilt breaking theirs.

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bcvojak

· #108 · 3 mo ago

UserNameTaken said:
Everytime I want a new gun I look at my Glock and ask myself, "Is that gun better/more effective than a Glock?

I've done the same many times with guns and flashlights.
- Is this flashlight any better than my Olight SR52UT or my Fenix PD35? Brighter? Better range? Longer runtime?

If not, why buy?

Same with guns.
- Does the LCP Max give me much more than my older LCP with the Magguts upgrade?

And so on.

Has saved me from a lot of impulsive purchases over the years, and I end up with guns I really like or ones that fill a gap in the line-up. I only have one .22 pistol (well technically three, but one is a NA revolver, and the other is an old finicky Taurus PT) and it's a reliable .22 revolver. I don't have a good quality .22 semi-auto. So this week I'm picking up a SIG P322. Bought a bunch of 20rnd mags for it before the WA State ban went into effect.

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Aceoky

· #109 · 3 mo ago

ActionJackson said:
Howdy. You know your circumstances much better than anyone else does, but every company I've worked for since the 90s (except for one or two) has had a "no gun" policy. But I've ignored their policies, since I have a natural-born right to protect myself from harm. I'm not saying that you should break any rules, but if my company is willing to break my rules, then I don't feel any guilt breaking theirs.

Huge difference in "rules" and "the law"

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ajole

· #110 · 3 mo ago

UserNameTaken said:
I never got into the newer Sig 365/320. In fact I haven't bought a gun in 6 or 7 years. Everytime I want a new gun I look at my Glock and ask myself, "Is that gun better/more effective than a Glock?

After answering that question 99% of the time with "Yes, and it's also more ergonomic, and, oh look, it's also cheaper", I've quit asking it.

The one time a Glock got the nod was the G20....but then the other guys got busy making their 10 mm handguns, so the G20 now resides with my SIL, while I have the XDm Elite, which is yet again "better and more effective than a Glock."

UserNameTaken said:
As for SEAL's, or military, their pistols are generally last ditch defensive weapon if their long gun fails, so their mission is different from ours as civilians. Otherwise we'd all be carrying HK MK23's or something. The way things are going we prolly should be...

Ain't THAT the truth.

Some of the SEALS that do the Tactical Hyve Youtube stuff are P365 fans in the civilian world of concealed carry.

As for the last ditch defensive weapon, in the absence of a Mk23, a P226 is a nice alternative.

Bonus, I bought a .40S&W 226R, so I have the rail, and I can barrel swap to the .357 Sig, and with mags and a spring for full reliability, go 9 mm as well.

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bonegunner

· #111 · 3 mo ago

internet troll said:
I carried a LC9 for 2 years, an LC9S for about 2 years and the P365 since December of 2018. The LC9 was okay. The LC9S was better. I stopped looking for a new carry gun after I got the P365.

I shoot the gun much more accurately, the trigger feels much better, I like the weight and the way it fits my hand. I am pretty sure this will be my carry gun until the day I die.

My son had LC9, and now Sig P365X, and he prefers the Sig also.

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hoplite59

· #112 · 3 mo ago

This thread motivated me to pull out the LC9s for yesterday's range session. I forgot how nice that little mouse gun is. Great trigger and was fairly accurate at 10 yards but still not as smooth as the P365.

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bcvojak

· #113 · 3 mo ago

ActionJackson said:
every company I've worked for since the 90s (except for one or two) has had a "no gun" policy.

Same here.
But unless you work at a secure site where the company can search your vehicle at will, at minimum you:

1) Can keep an unload firearm with ammo and mags in a locked container in your car's trunk as part of your "get home" supplies.

2) Should NEVER tell ANYONE that you have a firearm in your trunk. The few people I know who got busted for having a firearm "at work" told other people and that's how they were caught. One of them bragged about having a full auto Glock (illegally modified). . . Really stupid.

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hatchet jack

· #114 · 3 mo ago

I haven't read the entire thread but enough to know whats going on. I have a Ruger EC9s I paid around $275 for. It has a sweet trigger. Matter of fact its almost too light. I do use the safety with a hot chamber. I have a couple of spare mags for it. I like that I can switch to the flat base plate. It makes the gun a little more easily concealed. The 8 rounds it carries works for me. The whole idea was to have a gun as easily carried as the 5 shot 442 I usually carry.

It has just over 50% more rounds on board with a fast reload if needed. It has been dead nuts reliable and I have no problem ringing the steel railroad tie plates I sometimes use for targets at 10 yards as fast as I can get a flash sight picture. I did paint the front sight florescent green and the rear with two white dots. It does all I wanted a gun like this to do and it does it at a very affordable price. I wouldn't want it any fatter or thicker with a hi-cap magazine.

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Kickback

· #115 · 3 mo ago

How is your guys's accuracy shooting the micro compact handguns versus shooting something like a compact G19?

Are those Micro Compact 9mm really Snappy also?

ajole

· #116 · 3 mo ago

Kickback said:
How is your guys's accuracy shooting the micro compact handguns versus shooting something like a compact G19?

Are those Micro Compact 9mm really Snappy also?

They are plenty accurate at the anticipated SD ranges. Good sights (or a red dot) and good triggers matter more than where your pinky fits on the gun. Mag dumps into a torso A-zone at 10 yards aren’t too hard.

They are snappier than a duty sized gun, but not as snappy as a pocket polymer 380 or a sub compact .40.

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Jack Swilling

· #117 · 3 mo ago

ajole said:
They are plenty accurate at the anticipated SD ranges. Good sights (or a red dot) and good triggers matter more than where your pinky fits on the gun. Mag dumps into a torso A-zone at 10 yards aren’t too hard.

They are snappier than a duty sized gun, but not as snappy as a pocket polymer 380 or a sub compact .40.

Agreed. The pocket Ruger LCP II .380 is snappy for me, but so excellent as a niche solution.
The EC9s is easy all around, recoil price, simplicity.
The P365 aka P(erfection) 365 nails it.

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hatchet jack

· #118 · 3 mo ago

Kickback said:
How is your guys's accuracy shooting the micro compact handguns versus shooting something like a compact G19?

Are those Micro Compact 9mm really Snappy also?

It was much harder for me to shoot the Taurus TCP in 380 than it is for me to shoot the EC9s. I expected the EC9 to be a handful in 9mm but I was surprised at the recoil being as soft as it was. You will feel it but its not so much is painful to shoot. My buds all steel P63 in 9x18 was way worse on recoil.

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drobs

· #119 · 3 mo ago

3

I picked up a Sig P365 at the start of the pandemic. I was tempted to trade my Ruger LC9s Pro for it. I'm glad I didn't as I couldn't get the P365 on target. All my shots were going low. 3 mags into it I gave up. I've been shooting pistols since 1997 if I cant hit get on paper or on a steel gong in a couple magazines, that gun is going away. I had no problems selling it for what I had into it.

A few months later a friend of mine brought his Sig P365XL with RDS over to the house. Oddly enough, I had no problems hitting my target with that gun. However, I wasn't all that impressed with a Red Dot on the pistol. The dot kept getting washed out in the sunlight.

I pocket carry my Ruger LC9s in the summertime in cargo shorts. 90% of the time I OWB a Glock 43X with Shield Arms 15rd mags.

Gone:

Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Gas

Still around:

Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Gas Starting pistol

.

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ActionJackson

Discussion Starter · #120 · 3 mo ago

Kickback said:
How is your guys's accuracy shooting the micro compact handguns versus shooting something like a compact G19?

Are those Micro Compact 9mm really Snappy also?

I haven't tried one yet. The smallest pistol I ever owned (and have since sold) was a Taurus .45cal, which I wasn't fond of. I wasn't accurate with that gun at all, but it turns out that it was my inability to shoot it properly. I let my shooting partner give it a try, and he hit the bulls-eye at 30 feet, consistently. So skill plays a giant role in this game. But shooting a .45cal vs a 9mm may also play a role, since there's going to be less recoil with the 9mm.

Anyway ... I'm going to practice until I'm satisfied with my ability to stop a threat within 30'.

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