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- Alfred Mendoza
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When the Sig P365 gun was first introduced a few years ago, it quickly became a favorite of many veteran shooters. Holding its own next to some of the most established micro-compact pistols like the Shield was quite a feat.
While both easy to conceal pistols offer professional-grade features and reliable performance, only one can end up in the winner’s circle. In this Shield vs Sig P365 comparison, let’s see which gun will make it to the top.
Table of Contents
Primary Differences Between Shield & Sig Sauer P365?
Both are striker-fired guns that are 9mm chambered, compact, and easy to carry. The M&P Shield M2.0 is a single-stack sub-compact poly-striker pistol, while the Smith Wesson Shield is a striker-fired, something in-between a single and double stack, concealed carry focused 9mm gun. The Sig 365 is 0.3 inches longer and more than two pounds heavier than the S&W.
The P365 offers more case capacity of 15 rounds than the S&W 9mm’s eight-round capacity. When it comes to pricing, at the time of publishing, the S&W 9mm is a bit less expensive than the new P365 Sig in the CCW market.
Specification Chart
Sig P365
- Brand: Sig Sauer
- Model: P365 XL
- Height: 4.3 inches
- Weight: 17.8 ounces
- Length: 5.8 inches
- Trigger: Striker
- Barrel: 3.1
- Calibers: 9 mm
- Capacities: 10+1, 12 +1, 15 +1 (9mm Luger)
S&W Shield 9mm
- Brand: Smith & Wesson
- Model: M&P 9 SHIELD M2.0
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces
- Length: 6.1 inches
- Trigger: Striker
- Barrel: 3.1
- Calibers: 9 mm
- Capacities: 7+1, 8+1 (9mm Luger)
In-Depth Comparison
Design & Ergonomics
The P365 comes with good front and rear cocking serrations for a better shoot, while the S&W 9mm just has the rear. It also features an accessory rail that enables us to accommodate the lights and lasers coming shortly before firing, which the S&W doesn’t have.
More on comfortable handguns in this P30SK and P2000SK article here.
S&W Shield vs P365 Ammunition
These two guns are chambered in 9mm calibers like most popular CCW pistols on the market. And fortunately, neither carry guns had any issues cycling ammunition during our test shooting.
Although both use the same ammo size, our team decided to give this point to 365 because it offers a distinctive 365 ammunition designed for tiny guns, such as the 365 or the Ruger LC9 Glock 43, or any other carry pistol 9mm.
Trigger
A one-pound trigger pull difference may not seem that much, but our team decided to test their trigger pull weight by conducting pull tests in the shooting range to see if it does. With a predictable break and crisp reset, the 365 is smoother and easier to shoot than the Shield. But according to many pistol owners, there is a massive complaint against the 365 trigger and striker pin failures for years. Because of this, the Shield wins in this category.
For pistols with DAO triggers, here’s our Ruger LC9s vs EC9s article.
Safety - Sig P365 or Shield?
Sights
Well, if we were to talk about their sights disregarding its price, the 365 is the definite winner. Our team was impressed with 365’s XRAY3 Day/Night sights because its front sight dot shows up well, day or night, as advertised.
Although the Shield Sights are decent, we didn’t think it could be on par with the 365’s. The Sig.P365 sights ensure precise target acquisition even while firing quickly was efficient and simple.
S&W Shield vs P365 Rounds
The Sig may be small, but it has more case capacities, for it can take up to 15 rounds, dissimilar to the S&W Shield that can only accommodate up to eight. Having more case capacities, the 365 is the definite winner this time for having the advantage of capacity and speed for concealed carry.
Accuracy
Since both 9mm pistols have the same ammo size, we had to use different ammo brands for this one particular test to get their accuracy. We did the test at least three times, having three ammo brands for each.
Both may have a similar sight radius, sight picture, and feel on the hand, so it’s no wonder that the accuracy-test resulted in marginal difference. For the second time, the result is a draw.
S&W Shield Pros & Cons
PROS
- XSeries P365 Grip Module
- Larger magazine
- Optic Ready Slide
- More case capacities
- Front and rear cocking serrations
CONS
- Striker pin failures
- Expensive
Sig Sauer P365 Pros & Cons
PROS
- Aggressive grip texture
- Tactile and audible trigger reset
- Extremely thin and lightweight
- Extended magazine
- Optimal 18-degree grip angle
CONS
- No thumb safety feature
- Too skinny to get a great grasp
Sig Sauer P365 or S&W Shield? Our Verdict is...
Between the Sig P365 and S&W Shield, our verdict is the P365 because of its ergonomic serrations and accessory rails. It also has more ammo options for better selection. We were impressed with its sight accessory options during the test that provided us with better precision while shooting on the range.
Looking for high-performing rifles, you might find this Daniel Defense vs LWRC comparison interesting.
Our #1 Recommendation
Sig P365
- More case capacity
- More Ammo options
- Thumb Safety feature
- Front and rear cocking serrations
Great review.
I shall tell my seventy – eight years old (78) wife which to purchase; me eighty years old (80).