Key Points – The choice of an everyday carry (EDC) pistol is highly personal, prioritizing what works best for individual reliability, comfort, and proficiency.
-The SIG Sauer P365 XL in 9mm is highlighted as an outstanding option, praised for its manageable recoil, excellent ergonomics with customizable backstraps, and a crisp, clean trigger pull.
-It features a 15+1 ammunition capacity and effective X-RAY night sights, though it is also optics-ready.
-The P365 XL’s blend of concealability, shootability, and reliability makes it a trusted choice for personal defense and potentially as a duty weapon for those who can choose their own firearm.
What Gun Should You Carry for Protection?
Whenever people ask, “What is the best everyday carry?” you will get a personal opinion and sometimes just a bit of bias, both good and bad. For instance, don’t ask me about the Beretta 92F.
One place where I have worked had a no-weapon policy on-site, and the sticker on the front window showed a Beretta with a line slanted diagonally across it. I wanted to add my own, “Don’t own one of these!” Biased on my part, for sure. But then again.
What works best for everyday carry is what works best for YOU. Just because I or someone else loves (or hates) a particular pistol doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t carry it. Because that pistol may fit in your hand, shoot, and re-engage the target perfectly for you.
So, why does this guy (me) drone on and on about personal choice? I believe in individual preference and that everyone should exercise and use that right. That is, of course, unless … You are in the armed forces or work for a law enforcement agency or department. Then, you will be issued a weapon and expected to use it. Unless (Part Two) you are in a military Special Operations unit. Many units allow operators to carry their choice of weapons.
Personal Carry Weapon: SIG Sauer P365 XL
The good folks at SIG Sauer made a keeper with the P365 XL, available in 9mm Parabellum or Luger.
The word “parabellum” means “for war” in Latin. It is from the famous Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” meaning “if you want peace, prepare for war,” as anyone who watched “John Wick” can tell you. This phrase was first used with the 9mm caliber of the German Luger pistol, which was named 9mm X19 Parabellum.
When it comes to carrying a concealed weapon, choose the P365 XL or the Glock 19 (my second choice), and what would the difference be? Not a heckuva lot. This P365 XL is an outstanding pistol and my carry pistol for all occasions, formal or semi-formal (I’m just joking).
Like all SIGs, shooting is a pleasure, and the recoil is easily manageable. My wife has no issues with firing the pistol, although it took her a while to get used to the RomeoZero red dot.
The ergonomics are outstanding, and the trigger pull is crisp and clean. The magazine holds 15 +1, and the pistol has three different backstraps to choose from.
The SIG P365 XL factory sights are the cat’s meow (You thought I would say “Cat’s A$$, right?). They’re X-RAY night sights that allow fast target acquisition and are so visible and convenient that you’d think twice about red dot sights. However, I put the RomeoZero on mine.
Reasons Why I Chose The SIG Sauer P365 XL
Before you carry any weapon as your go-to weapon to defend yourself and your family, you should consider some basic considerations.
Reliability—The weapon has to perform when the chips are on the line, and your safety is at stake. In real life, there are no do-overs or respawning.
Concealability and comfort—You won’t consistently carry it if it is uncomfortable. And while I loved shooting a Desert Eagle, I wouldn’t want to tote that around all day, not to mention conceal it.
Training compatibility—You should be proficient in using every weapon you carry. Above, I mentioned your personal preference; that is where that factors everything. You must be comfortable with it and highly proficient in shooting it.
I considered all three of these considerations when I chose the SIG. It works perfectly for me, is reliable, concealable, and a joy to shoot, which means better accuracy and drill performance.
It is an outstanding concealed-carry pistol and can double as a duty weapon. I trust SIG Sauer’s weapons … and Glocks. Why carry one when you can carry two?
SIG Sauer Photo Essay
Sig Sauer M18. Image Credit: Screenshot.
Staff Sgt. Will Gonzales, 36th Security Forces Squadron armory NCO in charge, displays a Sig Sauer M18 pistol on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 26, 2019. The M18 provides improved trigger pull, tritium night sights, larger ammo capacity, weapon reliability and durability to strengthen shooter lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael S. Murphy)
SIG Sauer P228
SIG Sauer P225 A1 Version
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About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
