Round Up: SIG Sauer P365 Grip Modules
There is no doubt that the SIG Sauer P365 product line of pistols enjoys a wide degree of popularity amongst those who carry defensive firearms today.
The reasons for the P365’s success in the American defensive handgun market are many, but there are two that stand out. First, P365 pistols were amongst the earliest “slim” subcompact polymer-frame, striker-fired models to offer a higher ammunition capacity relative to their overall size. At the time of its original product launch, the original P365 model counted on a standard 10-round magazine whereas most of its competitors had six- to eight-round magazines in guns of a similar size. This set a precedent and now nearly every major handgun manufacturer offers a “slim” striker-fired polymer-framed carry gun that competes with the P365 series. Pistols like the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus M2.0 series, the Taurus GX4 series, the Springfield Hellcats and others come to mind.
Besides being one of the first products to set the trend, SIG Sauer P365 pistols are built around SIG’s tradition of modularity first seen with the P250 and the SIG Sauer P320 family. What all three different pistols have in common is that their fire control units (FCU; also sometimes called “trigger pack”) bear the manufacturer’s serial number and address. This means that FCUs are specifically the legally sensitive part of these pistols, not unlike the lower receiver of an AR-15. It also means that the owners of these pistols enjoy a different level of handgun-frame modularity. Because the FCU is the regulated part, buying different SIG Sauer P365 grip modules is no different than buying any other common accessory for a handgun.
Keep in mind that the P365 product family offers many different variants, so it’s always a good idea to verify that a specific aftermarket grip module is compatible with your FCU. The collection of grip modules below intends to showcase a wide range of grip modules, from small to large.
Wilson Combat WCP365 Grip Modules – MSRP: $53.56 to $62.36
Wilson Combat offers four different SIG Sauer P365 grip modules ranging from the standard “ultra-compact” size to the slightly larger “P365XL” size and the even larger “X-Macro” style. Wilson Combat’s customers have the choice of modules with or without thumb safeties. All WCP365 grip modules include Wilson Combat’s signature “starburst” grip texture and pattern that became famous on some of their 1911 pistol builds. WCP365 modules also have generously textured fron tstraps and back straps. Something to note is that the front strap area on these modules is also generously radiused and connects to an undercut trigger guard in order to maximize surface area (and thus shootability) on the inherently smaller “frame.”
Icarus Precision A.C.E. “X” EVO Aluminum Frame (MSRP: $379)
Icarus Precision takes the freedom and modularity granted by the SIG Sauer FCU concept to a very interesting conclusion with its A.C.E. “X” EVO aluminum frame. Not only is this grip module manufactured from metal as opposed to polymer, but it offers a very useful contouring throughout the grip. Like the WCP365 modules from Wilson Combat above, the Icarus Precision A.C.E. “X” EVO also has a front strap with generous radiuses and undercutting, including a “slot” for the finger beneath the trigger guard. On the back, Icarus machines the grip modules with a “memory hump” a feature that helps the gun settle into the palm of the shooting hand. hump.”
Grayguns Grip Modules For The P365/P365XL (MSRP: $100-$170)
Grayguns is one of the best-known names when it comes to SIG Sauer customizations and specialized variants. The company offers a range of SIG Sauer related parts and accessories, and this includes grip modules that are compatible with the standard P365 and P365XL models. The most distinctive feature in Grayguns’ P365 grip modules is its laser-engraved “grayscale” pattern, a form of texturing on the grip area that is reminiscent of koi fish scales. The texture is designed so that the scales are sculpted more deeply into the frame but without the excessive abrasiveness seen on many “proactive” pistol grip surface finishes.
Sharp Bros. CA-Compliant SBGM15-G2 Grip Module (MSRP: $315)
Due to California’s inane gun-control schemes like the handgun roster, it’s not easy for law-abiding California gun owners to buy recent-model handguns. SIG Sauer happens to offer a California-compliant variant of the P365, and this is one of the few exceptions to California’s rules. Sharp Brothers sells a variety of P365 series grip modules with the SBGM15-G2 being available for California compliant P365 models. Like the Icarus Precision module mentioned in this list, the Sharp Brothers’ SGM15-G2 is also crafted from aluminum and includes wooden Brazilian cherry stocks for a vastly different aesthetic.
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