I recently embarked on a journey to pit two popular handguns against each other: the Taurus 709 Slim Vs SIG P365XL.
I aim to determine which firearms take the crown in the concealed carry category.
Both guns have their fans and have been lauded for their performance, size, and reliability. But when it comes down to it, only one can be the top pick for those looking for a reliable concealed carry weapon.
| Feature | Taurus 709 Slim | SIG P365XL |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 7 + 1 Rounds | 12 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 6.25 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 inches | 3.7 inches |
| Height | 4.5 inches | 4.8 inches |
| Width | 0.95 inch | 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 19 oz. (empty) | 20.7 oz. |
Overview of Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim is a compact powerhouse that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to conceal. This slimline pistol has been a go-to for concealed carriers looking for a lightweight, reliable option.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.25 inches
- Overall Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 0.95 inch
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Weight: 19 oz. (empty)
- Capacity: 7 + 1 rounds
Overview of SIG P365XL
The SIG P365XL takes the innovative features of the P365 and ups the ante with more capacity and enhanced features, making it a strong contender in the concealed carry market.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 12-round magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
- Overall Length: 6.6 inches
- Height: 4.8 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 20.7 oz.
Features Comparison of Taurus 709 Slim VS SIG P365XL
1. Ergonomics
Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim’s design focuses on comfort and ease of handling, primarily due to its exceptionally slim profile.
This makes the pistol a solid choice for those with smaller hands or those seeking a firearm that’s easy to grip and remains comfortable over prolonged periods.
The grip’s texture and the overall ergonomics are designed to fit naturally in the hand, promoting a secure hold and enhancing user confidence during operation.
SIG P365XL
In contrast, the SIG P365XL elevates the ergonomic experience by offering a slightly larger frame that accommodates a wider range of hand sizes more comfortably.
The grip’s enhanced texture and contouring are meticulously engineered to provide a non-slip hold, significantly improving recoil management and target re-acquisition speed.
This design choice is particularly beneficial under stress or in dynamic shooting scenarios, where grip stability plays a crucial role in shooting accuracy and overall performance.
Winner
The SIG P365XL stands out as the superior model in terms of ergonomics.
Its thoughtfully designed grip and user-friendly features offer comfort and control that surpasses the Taurus 709 Slim, making it the go-to choice for shooters who demand the best hand fit and operational ease, especially in high-stress situations or during extended use.
2. Sights
Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim is equipped with basic, functional sights that do the job but don’t particularly excel in any area.
Their small size makes quick sight alignment and target acquisition more challenging, especially under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
While there are aftermarket solutions available to enhance the visibility of these sights, such as glow-in-the-dark paints or sight replacements, the fact remains that out of the box, the Taurus 709 Slim’s sighting system could benefit from improvements for a better shooting experience.
SIG P365XL
The SIG P365XL, on the other hand, comes with high-quality night sights as standard, significantly enhancing its usability in a variety of lighting conditions.
The clear, bright sight picture offered by these sights aids in fast and accurate target engagement, a critical factor in defensive scenarios.
Additionally, the P365XL is designed to accommodate optics without the need for permanent modifications, providing shooters with the flexibility to tailor their sighting system to their specific needs and preferences.
Winner
With its advanced sighting capabilities and readiness for optics integration, the SIG P365XL easily surpasses the Taurus 709 Slim in this category.
Its superior night sights and customization options provide an undeniable advantage in achieving quick, precise target acquisition in various conditions and settings.
3. Concealability
Taurus 709 Slim
True to its name, the Taurus 709 Slim shines in the concealability department.
Its narrow frame and lightweight design make it ideal for discreet carry, easily slipping into an inside-the-waistband holster without adding noticeable bulk.
The pistol’s dimensions are such that it can be comfortably worn for extended periods, a crucial consideration for everyday carry.
The slightly angled and rounded grip enhances this by reducing the potential for snagging on clothing during the draw, a common issue with more angular designs.
SIG P365XL
The SIG P365XL, while slightly larger, maintains a high degree of concealability. This slight increase in size over the Taurus 709 Slim is mitigated by intelligent design choices that keep the profile slim and easy to hide under clothing.
Despite its larger size, the P365XL does not compromise on comfort or discretion, thanks to its smooth contours and balanced weight distribution.
The flat and straight grip design is a double-edged sword; while it may slightly increase the print under tight clothing, it also provides a more stable shooting platform, balancing concealability with performance.
Winner
The Taurus 709 Slim edges out the SIG P365XL in terms of pure concealability.
Its ultra-slim profile, combined with design elements that minimize discomfort and printing, make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize stealth and comfort in their concealed carry weapon.
4. Trigger Quality
Taurus 709 Slim
The trigger on the Taurus 709 Slim is notable for its crisp break and relatively short reset, which is quite impressive for a gun in its price range.
The trigger pull is consistent, which helps in maintaining accuracy during rapid firing sessions. However, some shooters might find the initial take-up a bit long before reaching the break point.
SIG P365XL
The SIG P365XL’s trigger is a standout feature, offering a smooth pull with a clean and predictable break. It’s designed for quick follow-up shots with a shorter reset compared to the Taurus.
This quality makes the SIG exceptionally user-friendly, enhancing both the shooting experience and accuracy.
Winner
The SIG P365XL excels in this feature compared to the Taurus 709 Slim. Its smoother trigger pull and shorter reset provide a superior shooting experience, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize trigger quality in their concealed carry weapon.
Pros & Cons of Taurus 709 Slim
Pros
- Extremely slim and easy to conceal
- Affordable price point
- Crisp trigger with a short reset
Cons
- Basic sights that may require aftermarket upgrades
Pros & Cons of SIG P365X
Pros
- High capacity for its size
- Superior ergonomics and grip texture
- Excellent factory sights and easy optic mounting
Cons
- Slightly larger
Similarities Between Taurus 709 Slim & SIG P365XL
- Both are chambered in 9mm
- Aimed at the concealed carry market
- Feature polymer frames for lightweight carry
- Offered with standard and aftermarket accessory options
- Designed for easy and comfortable carry
Differences Between Taurus 709 Slim & SIG P365XL
- Taurus 709 Slim is slimmer and lighter
- SIG P365XL offers a higher capacity
- SIG P365XL comes with superior night sights as standard
- Taurus 709 Slim is more budget-friendly
- SIG P365XL provides an option for easy optic mounting
- Ergonomics and trigger quality are superior in the SIG P365XL
- Taurus 709 Slim has a longer initial trigger take-up compared to SIG P365XL
Final Verdict
After rigorously testing both the Taurus 709 Slim and the SIG P365XL, it became clear that one firearm stood out as the superior choice for my needs.
The SIG P365XL emerged as the winner in most of our comparisons. The decision wasn’t made lightly; it was the culmination of extensive field tests, handling, and practical shooting experiences.
The SIG P365XL’s superior ergonomics, enhanced sights, and exceptional trigger quality set it apart, providing a seamless blend of comfort, accuracy, and reliability.
FAQ’s
How does Sig P365 compare to Sig 365xl?
The Sig P365 and P365XL primarily differ in grip length, with the P365XL offering a slightly longer grip to accommodate two extra rounds in its flush-fit magazine.
How accurate is the P365XL?
The P365XL is highly accurate, enabling reliable hits on steel targets at 15 yards within 1.5 seconds when carried in an OWB holster.
Is SIG 365 XL safe to carry?
Yes, the Sig 365 XL is safe to carry, assuming proper handling, adherence to firearm safety rules, and use of a suitable holster.
Which is better, Glock or SIG P365?
Choosing between Glock and SIG P365 boils down to personal preference and accuracy; both pistols are reliable and concealable, with the P365 having a better trigger and the Glock fitting some hands better.
