The SIG Sauer P365-380 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed micro-compact pistol chambered in .380 ACP.
This variant of the popular P365 platform features a 3.1-inch barrel in a frame measuring 5.8 inches in overall length, 4.2 to 4.3 inches in height, and just 1.0 inch in width. Weighing approximately 15.7 ounces unloaded, the P365-380 offers 10+1 capacity using modified double-stack magazines.
The platform includes a redesigned recoil system specifically tuned for .380, resulting in dramatically reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation compared to the 9mm P365.
SIG SAUER introduced the P365-380 in February 2022 as a solution for shooters who find 9mm micro-compacts too snappy or difficult to rack.
What Makes the SIG P365-380 Special in the Concealed Carry Market?
The SIG P365-380 pistol addresses a genuine need in the concealed carry market by delivering the capacity and features of modern micro-compacts in a caliber that recoil-sensitive shooters can comfortably manage. This isn't simply a P365 with a different barrel—SIG engineered the entire recoil system specifically for .380 ACP.
SIG SAUER developed the P365-380 as part of their continuing expansion of the revolutionary P365 platform. Operating from their New Hampshire headquarters, SIG recognized that the 9mm P365's success left certain shooters behind, those with limited grip strength, hand injuries, arthritis, or simple recoil sensitivity who couldn't comfortably manage even the relatively mild 9mm micro-compact.
The P365-380 directly descends from the original P365 that redefined concealed carry capacity expectations in 2018.
Rather than creating an entirely new platform, SIG adapted their proven design with a redesigned two-piece captured guide rod and recoil system tuned specifically for .380 ACP. This engineering approach reduces both felt recoil and the spring force required to rack the slide.
SIG designed the P365-380 specifically for concealed carry practitioners who prioritize shootability and control over maximum caliber.
The platform targets newer shooters developing fundamentals, older carriers with grip strength limitations, those recovering from hand injuries, and anyone who simply shoots .380 better than 9mm. The ROSE by SIG Sauer edition specifically addresses female shooters entering the concealed carry market.
What Are the Complete Specifications of the SIG Sauer P365-380?
The SIG P365-380 is chambered in .380 ACP with a 10+1 capacity using flush-fit magazines. It measures 5.8 inches in overall length with a 3.1-inch barrel, stands 4.2 to 4.3 inches tall, spans 1.0 inch wide (1.1 inches with manual safety), and weighs approximately 15.7 ounces unloaded.
Caliber Selection
The P365-380 chambers .380 ACP (also marked as 380 AUTO), providing a lighter-recoiling alternative to 9mm while maintaining the P365's ergonomics and capacity.
Modern .380 defensive ammunition has improved significantly, making the caliber viable for self-defense while remaining comfortable for extended practice sessions.
Dimensions and Measurements
The P365-380 shares the same overall dimensions as the standard 9mm P365, measuring 5.8 inches in overall length with a 3.1-inch barrel. Height runs approximately 4.2 to 4.3 inches depending on magazine baseplate and manual safety configuration.
Width measures 1.0 inch without manual safety or approximately 1.1 inches with the safety lever installed. These dimensions enable the same excellent concealability as the 9mm variant.
Weight Specifications
At approximately 15.7 ounces unloaded, the P365-380 weighs slightly less than its 9mm counterpart. This light weight contributes to comfortable all-day carry while the .380 chambering ensures recoil remains manageable despite the reduced mass.
The combination of light weight and soft recoil creates an exceptionally pleasant shooting experience.
Magazine Capacity
The P365-380 ships with two 10-round magazines—one flush-fit and one extended with a finger rest. The modified double-stack hybrid magazine design provides capacity that exceeds most traditional .380 pocket pistols. Factory 12-round .380 magazines expand capacity for those willing to accept slightly increased grip length.
Construction and Materials
The frame utilizes SIG's proven polymer construction, while the slide receives a Nitron finish over stainless steel for corrosion resistance. The barrel features DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating for enhanced durability and wear resistance. These materials match the quality standards established across the P365 family.
How Does the SIG P365-380 Design Compare to Traditional .380 Pistols?
The SIG P365-380 features the same polymer frame and stainless steel slide construction as the 9mm P365, but with a specifically tuned recoil system that dramatically reduces both felt recoil and slide racking force.
Factory SIGLITE night sights and an optics-ready slide distinguish it from basic .380 alternatives.
Frame and Slide Construction
The polymer frame incorporates the P365's proven grip texturing and ergonomic design. The stainless steel slide with Nitron finish provides corrosion resistance and durability.
The redesigned two-piece captured guide rod and recoil spring assembly specifically tuned for .380 represents the key engineering difference from the 9mm version.
Ergonomics and Grip Design
Users consistently praise the P365-380 for retaining the familiar P365 grip shape and texturing. The comfortable, secure hold transfers directly from the 9mm platform. The extended 10-round magazine with finger extension improves control, while optional higher-capacity magazines further enhance grip purchase without dramatically compromising concealability.
Controls and Safety Systems
The P365-380 ships in both manual safety and non-safety versions depending on SKU. Internal safeties include striker and disconnect mechanisms that prevent discharge unless the trigger is deliberately pressed. The curved striker trigger provides consistent operation. Controls mirror standard P365 placement, making transitions between variants seamless.
Sight Configuration
SIGLITE or XRAY-style day/night tritium sights come standard, providing excellent visibility across lighting conditions. This factory sight quality exceeds what most .380 pistols offer, eliminating the aftermarket upgrade many competitors require. The sights support accurate shot placement at typical defensive distances.
Optics Compatibility
The P365-380 ships with an optics-ready slide cut for popular micro red dot footprints. This factory optics capability represents a significant advantage over traditional .380 pocket pistols that typically lack such provisions. Shooters can mount red dots without aftermarket slide milling.
Accessory Rail
A SIG micro rail accommodates compact weapon lights and laser units. This accessory mounting capability further distinguishes the P365-380 from basic .380 pistols designed purely for pocket carry without accessory provisions.
What Variants of the P365-380 Are Available?
SIG produces the P365-380 in standard Nitron configuration with both manual safety and non-safety options, plus the ROSE special edition targeting new and female shooters. Metal-framed variants like the LUXe concept shown in 2025 indicate continued platform development.
Standard Production Models
The base P365-380 features a Nitron-finished optic-ready slide, polymer frame, and ships with two 10-round magazines. Buyers choose between manual safety and non-safety versions based on personal preference and training background. Both versions include factory night sights.
ROSE by SIG Sauer Edition
The P365-380 ROSE edition specifically targets newer shooters and women entering concealed carry.
This package includes the pistol with distinctive aesthetics, bundled training resources, and a VAULTEK storage case. The program addresses the growing female concealed carry market with purpose-designed support.
Future Development
The P365 LUXe shown in 2025 features an AXG (alloy) grip module with integrated compensator in .380, indicating SIG's continued investment in .380-based P365 designs. This development suggests the .380 line will expand rather than contract.
Ecosystem Compatibility
The P365-380 shares the same fire control unit pattern and grip module dimensions as standard 9mm P365 models. This compatibility means many holsters, lights, and accessories carry over from the 9mm platform. Grip modules can interchange, though the slide, barrel, and recoil system are caliber-specific.
What Similar .380 Pistols Compete with the P365-380?
The P365-380 competes against traditional .380 pocket pistols like the Ruger LCP II and Glock 42, offering superior capacity, better sights, and optics-ready capability at higher cost and slightly larger size. Against 9mm micro-compacts like the Hellcat and Shield Plus, the P365-380 trades terminal performance for dramatically reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation.
The Ruger LCP MAX offers similar capacity in a smaller package at lower cost but lacks the P365-380's optics-ready slide and night sights. The Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ specifically targets the easy-racking market segment but with lower capacity. Against its 9mm sibling, the P365-380 sacrifices caliber performance for shootability advantages that matter significantly for certain shooters.
How Does the SIG P365-380 Perform at the Range?
The SIG P365-380 delivers accuracy that matches or exceeds shooter expectations, with multiple reviews documenting tight groups at defensive distances. Recoil represents the platform's defining strength—dramatically lighter than 9mm alternatives and easily managed even by inexperienced shooters.
Accuracy Testing
For its size, the P365-380 earns consistent accuracy praise. Reviews document tight groups at 5 to 7 yards, with careful shooters achieving ragged single-hole clusters at short range. The combination of quality sights, decent trigger, and low recoil enables confident hits at typical defensive distances. Multiple reviewers describe accuracy as limited by the shooter rather than the pistol.
Recoil Characteristics
Recoil represents the P365-380's primary advantage. Users consistently describe felt recoil as dramatically lighter than the 9mm P365, making the gun more controllable and follow-up shots faster.
Range reports emphasize that even new shooters or those with hand-strength limitations find the platform comfortable and controllable. The combination of .380 chambering and tuned recoil system creates an exceptionally soft-shooting experience.
Slide Manipulation
The reduced recoil spring force makes slide racking significantly easier than the 9mm version. This benefit matters considerably for older shooters, those with grip strength limitations, or anyone who struggles with typical striker-fired slide springs. Many users cite easy racking as a primary purchase motivation.
Reliability Assessment
Reliability reviews present a somewhat mixed picture. At least one long-form evaluation documented initial feeding and ejection issues requiring ammunition selection to achieve acceptable performance.
Like other small .380 pistols, the P365-380 shows some ammunition sensitivity, particularly with certain hollow-point profiles. However, many users report 100% reliability once broken in and matched with compatible defensive loads. The platform appears more ammunition-sensitive than mature 9mm P365 models.
Trigger Performance
The striker trigger earns positive marks, with weight around 5 pounds, smooth break, and positive reset. Reviewers describe it as very usable for defensive carry. The trigger characteristics support accurate shooting at typical defensive distances.
What Ammunition Works Best in the SIG P365-380?
The SIG P365-380 performs best with quality .380 ACP ammunition, though it shows more ammunition sensitivity than 9mm P365 variants. Testing various loads helps identify optimal defensive ammunition for individual pistols, with many users finding certain hollow-point profiles more reliable than others.
Defensive Load Selection
Modern .380 defensive ammunition has improved significantly, with designs from Federal, Hornady, and Speer optimized for short-barrel performance. Testing your specific pistol with intended defensive ammunition helps ensure reliable function. Some hollow-point profiles may prove more reliable than others in individual examples.
Practice Ammunition
Standard .380 ball ammunition works well for range sessions. The platform functions reliably with quality practice ammunition from major manufacturers. The soft recoil makes extended practice sessions comfortable, encouraging the regular training essential for defensive proficiency.
Ammunition Sensitivity Considerations
The P365-380 demonstrates more ammunition sensitivity than the 9mm P365, a characteristic common to many .380 micro-compact pistols. Breaking in the pistol with a few hundred rounds and testing multiple ammunition types helps identify loads that function reliably in your specific example.
User note: “U.S. reviews, rental‑range reports, and social media discussions generally describe the P365‑380 as a very soft‑shooting, easy‑to‑rack concealed‑carry option that preserves most of the 9mm P365’s ergonomics and capacity while trading down in caliber. Enthusiasts often position it as a niche choice for recoil‑sensitive shooters, newer carriers, or those who cannot comfortably manage 9mm micro‑compacts, rather than a universal replacement for 9mm.”
What Are the Best Use Cases for the SIG Sauer P365-380?
The SIG P365-380 excels as a concealed carry pistol for shooters who find 9mm micro-compacts too snappy or difficult to manipulate. Its soft recoil and easy slide racking make it ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters, those with grip strength limitations, and newer carriers developing fundamentals.
Is the P365-380 Good for Concealed Carry?
The P365-380 was purpose-designed for concealed carry, and it excels in this role for appropriate users. The slim 1.0-inch width and compact dimensions enable comfortable inside-the-waistband carry.
The light weight reduces carry fatigue. Most importantly, the soft recoil encourages regular practice that builds genuine defensive proficiency, a shooter who practices regularly with .380 likely outperforms one who avoids range time because 9mm recoil proves unpleasant.
Does the P365-380 Work for Home Defense?
The P365-380 can serve home defense roles, though the .380 caliber represents a compromise versus 9mm alternatives. The optics-ready slide and accessory rail accommodate red dots and weapon lights that enhance home defense capability.
For shooters who genuinely cannot manage 9mm recoil, the P365-380 provides a capable option they can actually shoot accurately under stress.
Can the P365-380 Serve in Competition?
While not designed for competition, the P365-380 could appear in backup gun or pocket pistol divisions. The soft recoil actually enables faster split times for some shooters. However, most competitors seeking P365-platform performance would select 9mm variants.
Who Should Choose This Over 9mm?
The P365-380 suits shooters who find 9mm micro-compacts uncomfortable, difficult to rack, or simply unpleasant to practice with. Newer shooters may develop better fundamentals starting with .380 before transitioning to 9mm.
Those with permanent grip strength limitations, arthritis, or hand injuries find the reduced recoil and racking force genuinely enabling. Shooters who admit they simply shoot .380 better than 9mm make an honest assessment that may improve actual defensive capability.
What Holster Options Work Best for the SIG P365-380?
Finding the right SIG P365-380 holster proves straightforward because the platform shares dimensions with the 9mm P365, enabling compatibility with many existing holster designs.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 delivers exceptional comfort for all-day inside-the-waistband carry of your P365-380. The breathable backing and adjustable retention make this SIG Sauer P365-380 holster ideal for concealed carry applications.
Belt Holster
A dedicated belt holster keeps your P365-380 pistol secure and accessible for range use or open carry. This straightforward holster design positions your SIG P365-380 consistently while distributing weight along the belt line.
OWB Paddle Holster
Paddle holsters allow quick attachment and removal of your SIG P365-380 without threading a belt. The paddle design works excellently for range sessions or temporary carry situations with your P365-380 pistol.
Chest Holster
Chest carry places your P365-380 accessibly while hiking, hunting, or wearing heavy outerwear. The chest holster configuration proves useful when waistband access becomes impractical.
ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster
Hook and loop mounting systems provide versatile positioning options for your SIG P365-380 pistol. These holsters attach to compatible surfaces in vehicles, gear bags, or home storage areas.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the SIG P365-380?
Strengths:
- Dramatically reduced recoil compared to 9mm P365
- Significantly easier slide manipulation for those with grip limitations
- Retains full P365 ergonomics and grip quality
- 10+1 capacity exceeds most .380 pocket pistols
- Factory SIGLITE night sights standard
- Optics-ready slide from factory
- Accessory rail accommodates lights and lasers
- Compatible with P365 holsters and many accessories
- Manual safety option available for those who prefer it
- ROSE edition specifically supports new shooters
- Quality construction with Nitron slide and DLC barrel
Limitations:
- .380 ACP terminal performance inferior to 9mm
- Higher ammunition sensitivity than 9mm variants
- Some early reliability issues reported with certain ammunition
- Premium pricing above basic .380 pocket pistols
- Same capacity as 9mm P365 raises caliber justification questions
- May require break-in period and ammunition testing
- Niche appeal limits resale market compared to 9mm
Should You Buy the SIG P365-380?
The SIG P365-380 earns a strong recommendation for shooters who genuinely benefit from its reduced recoil and easier slide manipulation. For appropriate users, it represents the best-featured .380 micro-compact available, delivering capacity and capability that basic .380 pocket pistols cannot match.
Who Should Consider the P365-380?
The P365-380 suits recoil-sensitive shooters, those with grip strength limitations, newer carriers developing fundamentals, and anyone who honestly shoots .380 better than 9mm. Older shooters finding slide manipulation increasingly difficult discover genuine benefit.
Those recovering from hand injuries or managing arthritis find the reduced spring force enabling. New shooters may develop better fundamentals with manageable recoil before transitioning to larger calibers.
Value Assessment
At prices around the high $400 range, the P365-380 costs more than basic .380 pocket pistols. However, the premium buys factory night sights, optics-ready slide, 10+1 capacity, and quality construction that cheaper .380s lack.
For shooters who need its specific benefits, the value proposition proves compelling. Those who can comfortably manage 9mm may find the price harder to justify.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
The P365-380 remains in active production with continued development (ROSE editions, LUXe concepts) indicating SIG's commitment to the platform. Parts availability benefits from P365 family compatibility.
The extensive 9mm P365 aftermarket partially extends to the .380 variant. Holster compatibility with 9mm P365 models ensures ongoing carry options.
The SIG P365-380 fills a genuine niche for shooters who want P365 capability in a caliber they can comfortably manage.
For those who benefit from its soft recoil and easy manipulation, it enables defensive capability and regular practice that might otherwise prove impossible. The shooter who carries and practices with a P365-380 likely outperforms one who owns but never shoots a 9mm they find unpleasant.