May 19, 2025 • 2 min read
by a woman who carries every day
By: Amy Johnson
This one’s a little beast—in the best way possible.
Coming in strong at #2 on my list of Top 5 Pistols for Women is the Sig Sauer P365 XL. And let me just say: this pistol is everything the original P365 wanted to be—and more.
It’s got the same slim profile, that ultra-concealable feel, and the carry-focused design, but now with better shootability, more capacity, and just enough extra grip to actually hold on to the thing.
💪 Why I Love the P365 XL
✅ It shoots like a full-size
I’ve shot tiny pistols that felt like holding onto a bottle rocket. The P365 XL is not that. Even though it’s still in the compact category, the slightly longer slide and grip (it’s grippy, fo’ sho’) make this gun easy to control, even under stress.
✅ The capacity is no joke
You get 12+1 rounds standard—and you can bump it to 15+1 with extended mags (sold as an add-on). That’s impressive for something this small. (More rounds = more peace of mind.)
✅ The trigger is smooth and crisp
It’s flat-faced and breaks clean. That might sound like marketing fluff if you haven’t shot it yet, but once you do, you’ll get it. I
Who it’s great for:
- Women who want a serious carry gun that doesn’t feel like a compromise
- Shooters who’ve tried micro-9s and said “eh, it’s too snappy” (looking at you, Hellcat. Sheesh).
- Anyone who wants a balance between size and performance
If you’re going to carry every day, you want a gun that feels like it’s working with you, not against you. The P365 XL gets it.
🔍 A quick note on optics
Yes, it’s optics-ready. Which means if you decide to add a red dot later (and I hope you do), you won’t have to buy a new gun or get anything milled. Which is fantastic for an entry-level model.
🛠️ Custom Options? Yes, Please.
This thing takes Cerakote beautifully. If you want to dress it up (or down) in a custom color, Inspired Gunworks has you covered. Flat Dark Earth? Distressed Rose Gold? We’ve done it all.
Final thoughts from your gun lady friend:
The P365 XL might be compact, but it carries well. And the fancier models have all sorts of fun add-ons like compensators and gold triggers. And, it’s really pretty. It’s one of the most balanced carry guns out there for women—and that’s exactly why it landed at #2 on my list.
Next up: the #1 pick. You already know what’s coming. But if not, stay tuned.
And remember—life’s too short for boring guns.
Stay ready,
– Amy