Is the Glock 19 Still the “Gold Standard” for Concealed Carry, or Has the Sig Sauer P365 Family Dethroned It?

For years, the Glock 19 has been hailed as the “gold standard” in the world of concealed carry firearms. Its blend of reliability, capacity, and simplicity has made it a trusted companion for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners alike. The Glock 19’s reputation is one of near-unmatched durability and ease of use, making it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced shooters.

However, the firearms industry is ever-evolving. In recent years, Sig Sauer has made significant strides with its P365 family of handguns. The Sig Sauer P365 was a game-changer when it first hit the market, boasting a compact size with an impressive magazine capacity. Since its debut, Sig Sauer has expanded the P365 lineup, adding models like the P365 XL and the P365 XMACRO, offering even more options for concealed carry enthusiasts. These innovations have sparked a new debate: Has the Sig Sauer P365 family dethroned the Glock 19 as the premier choice for concealed carry? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two industry-leading firearms to see which one comes out on top.

1. Size and Concealability: Compact Firepower

One of the most significant factors in choosing a concealed carry weapon is size. After all, the primary goal is to have a firearm that is easy to carry discreetly without sacrificing performance.

• Glock 19: The Glock 19 is classified as a “compact” pistol, but by today’s standards, it leans towards the larger side of the compact spectrum. With an overall length of 7.36 inches, a height of 5.04 inches, and a width of 1.26 inches, the Glock 19 isn’t the most concealable option, especially for those looking for deep concealment. However, many users have adapted to its slightly bulkier frame, especially those who carry it in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The original Sig Sauer P365 redefined what a compact carry gun could be. With an overall length of just 5.8 inches, a height of 4.3 inches, and a width of only 1 inch, the P365 is incredibly easy to conceal, even under lightweight clothing. It’s a true micro-compact handgun that packs a punch. The larger P365 XL and P365 XMACRO models still retain their compact roots while offering a bit more size for increased handling and capacity, but they’re still smaller than the Glock 19.

Winner: Sig Sauer P365 Family
When it comes to size and concealability, the P365 family, especially the original model, takes the crown. The smaller frame is perfect for deep concealment, making it more comfortable for all-day carry.

2. Capacity: How Many Rounds Is Enough?

Capacity is a critical factor in concealed carry firearms. You want to ensure that your firearm has enough rounds to protect you in a defensive situation without requiring frequent reloads.

• Glock 19: The Glock 19 offers a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds, which is one of the reasons it has long been considered the gold standard for concealed carry. Its generous capacity strikes a great balance for those who want more firepower without stepping into full-sized handgun territory. For those who want more, extended magazines can push that capacity even further.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The original P365 shocked the industry by fitting 10 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine within such a compact frame. With the extended 12- and 15-round magazines, the P365 brought even more firepower to the table. The P365 XL model comes standard with a 12-round magazine, while the latest P365 XMACRO offers an impressive 17-round capacity, rivaling even full-sized handguns.

Winner: Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO
While the Glock 19’s 15-round capacity is impressive, the P365 XMACRO edges it out with its 17-round capacity in a more compact frame, giving it the advantage in this category.

3. Ergonomics and Comfort: Feel in the Hand

How a firearm feels in your hand is a major factor for many shooters, especially if you plan on carrying it for extended periods.

• Glock 19: The Glock 19 has a no-nonsense design with a utilitarian grip that has evolved slightly over the years. While it isn’t the most ergonomically designed handgun, many users find it comfortable to shoot. The grip is textured for better control, and the latest Gen 5 model has removed finger grooves, offering a more universal fit.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The P365’s smaller size may make it harder for those with larger hands to grip comfortably. However, the P365 XL and XMACRO models feature longer grips, improving ergonomics while still being compact. Sig’s modular grip system allows for further customization, a feature that many shooters appreciate. The P365 models also come with a more aggressive grip texture for enhanced control.

Winner: Glock 19 (Gen 5)
The Glock 19’s slightly larger frame offers a more comfortable and secure grip for most shooters, especially those with larger hands. The newer generations of the Glock 19, with their improved ergonomics, still hold up well in this department.

4. Trigger Performance: Breaking the Shot

Trigger performance can be a make-or-break factor for many concealed carry enthusiasts.

• Glock 19: Glock triggers are known for being consistent, but they are often described as “spongy” with a somewhat long reset. While some love the trigger pull for its predictability, others feel that it lacks the crisp break found in other firearms. Many Glock owners opt to upgrade the trigger for a better experience.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The Sig P365’s trigger has garnered positive reviews for its clean break and relatively short reset. While the P365’s trigger isn’t necessarily the best out of the box, it is often considered superior to the Glock 19’s stock trigger. The P365 XL and XMACRO models offer even better performance, with slightly refined trigger pulls compared to the original P365.

Winner: Sig Sauer P365 Family
For out-of-the-box performance, the Sig P365 family’s trigger feels crisper and has a shorter reset compared to the Glock 19, giving it the edge in this category.

5. Reliability and Durability: Built to Last

Both Glock and Sig Sauer are known for producing reliable, durable firearms, but how do these two contenders compare head-to-head?

• Glock 19: The Glock 19 has earned a reputation for being one of the most reliable handguns ever made. Its simple design and lack of external safeties mean fewer parts that can break or fail. The Glock 19 will function in nearly any condition, making it a top choice for those who need a firearm that works in all environments.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The original Sig P365 had some teething issues when it was first released, with reports of failure-to-feed issues and striker drag. However, Sig Sauer quickly addressed these concerns, and the P365 models now have a reputation for being reliable handguns. That said, the Glock 19’s legendary status in this category is hard to beat.

Winner: Glock 19
While the Sig P365 family has come a long way, the Glock 19’s decades of proven reliability and its ability to perform in the harshest conditions give it the edge here.

6. Price: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

Cost is an important consideration when choosing any firearm. Both the Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P365 family are priced in the mid-range, but there are some differences.

• Glock 19: Depending on the generation and features, the Glock 19 generally retails for around $500 to $600, making it a solid value for its durability and performance. With aftermarket upgrades, the price can go higher, but the base model offers excellent value.
• Sig Sauer P365 Family: The Sig Sauer P365 has a similar price range, starting at around $500 for the base model. However, the P365 XL and P365 XMACRO models can push the price higher, particularly if you opt for models with upgraded sights or other features.

Winner: Tie
Both the Glock 19 and Sig P365 offer excellent value for their price. The decision here depends on whether you prefer the simplicity and reliability of the Glock 19 or the more feature-rich options of the P365 family.

Conclusion: Has the Sig Sauer P365 Dethroned the Glock 19?

So, is the Glock 19 still the gold standard for concealed carry, or has the Sig Sauer P365 family taken its place? The answer depends on what you value most in a concealed carry firearm.

• If you prioritize proven reliability, durability, and a slightly larger grip, the Glock 19 still holds its title as the gold standard.
• However, if you’re looking for maximum concealability, modern ergonomics, and an impressive blend of capacity and size, the Sig Sauer P365 family—particularly the P365 XMACRO—might just be the new king of concealed carry.

Ultimately, both of these firearms are top-tier options, and the decision comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Whether you choose the Glock 19 or a Sig Sauer P365, you’re getting one of the best concealed carry firearms on the market today.

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