Carry Optics

[dogmush]

I believe I mentioned that I had been playing with handgun optics at the range for a bit in another thread.

I now have two (soon to be three) handguns with mini red dots on them and a combined 2000 or so rounds through them, and I have been forced to admit that for combat/SD type shooting a red dot is better than irons in pretty much every way.  I could go into details, but there are literally a thousand YouTube videos where better shooters than me lay it out for you.

In any case, I am strongly considering adding an optic to my primary carry, or swapping the carry gun for one with an optic on it.

I have long been a fan of the "mid" sized (P229/G19-ish) 9mm as a good compromise between controlability, concealability, and capacity.  I will "downsize" to a 1911, PPS or even a P238 if clothing requires it because thin guns hide better, but I dislike taking the hit on mag capacity.

Which brings us to some of the new svelte carry guns.  The P365XL and Springfield Hellcat are both pretty much as skinny as a 1911.  the 365XL has an option for 15 rounds in a mag, with a "small" mag being 12.  The Hellcat is 11 and 13 I think.

Both are optics ready. This is pretty compelling to me. I tend to be a Sig guy, and am strongly leaning towards the 365XL, but I thought I'd ask if anyone had any experience with these two guns?  Any other basically 1 inch wide guns that hold 12-15 9mms?  I was looking at the G43X, but you need the aftermarket mags to exceed 10rds, and I'd need to mill and/or replace the slide which adds some cost.

[MechAg94]

The P365XL is my primary carry gun for 9mm.  It is slim and conceals well without much printing.  I have a regular P365 also, but I like the XL better.  As far as reliability, I have never had an issue with it.  The regular P365 can be snappy with self defense ammo, but the XL is just a little bit better.  I have larger guns I shoot a little more accurately (HK VP9), but I shoot the P365XL well enough at 25 yards that I don't feel it matters for self defense. 

Before I saw this thread, I ordered the Streamlight light that mounts under the barrel.  I wanted to get a light before trying a red dot.  That is next on the list if I don't get distracted with a 45 carry gun. 


InrangeTV tested the Hellcat with a red dot.  In a recent video, he said he was carrying it.  So I guess that means the pistol has been reliable for him.

[AZRedhawk44]

I have a CZ P-07 with a Trijicon RMR on top of it.

I had drama with the P-07's safety that required the gun to go back to CZ; even the guys at CZ Custom here in Mesa couldn't figure it out (they did the slide cut for me).

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it now that the safety is working and I can carry in condition 1.  the P-07 has the Omega trigger so you can change out the stock decocker config for an ambi safety.

[dogmush]

I have a CZ P-07 with a Trijicon RMR on top of it.

I had drama with the P-07's safety that required the gun to go back to CZ; even the guys at CZ Custom here in Mesa couldn't figure it out (they did the slide cut for me).

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it now that the safety is working and I can carry in condition 1.  the P-07 has the Omega trigger so you can change out the stock decocker config for an ambi safety.

I also have a P-07.  It's a great handgun that I really like shooting, but it's a definite step bigger then the guns I mentioned.  In my hands (or belt) a P-07 is in the same class as my G19, FNX-9, P229, SP2022, Grand Power P1, or 5906 size wise.  most importantly they are double stacks and all ~1.5" wide.

The P365XL, G43X, Hellcat form factor is a lot skinnier, which is why I'm looking at them.


SN:  My P-07 is supressor ready with 18rd mags from the factory, and it's really trying to unseat my FNX-9 as a bedside gun.

[dogmush]

Standing in a local gumshoe right now.  I came to sell (and did immediately) my XDs.  While walking around I saw a ton of Hellcats and two P365xl's. One brown and one black.

Being a sig fan, I'm taking the black P365xl home. The FDE one was $60 more. Couldn't go for that.

[dogmush]

Also pretty sure I've seen a small police force worth of Glocks sold while I wait in line.

[Ben]

What did you decide on for your optic? I recall you were looking at or purchased a Romeo or another. I pulled the trigger on a Vortex Venom, since FN has them on their matched optic from reading I did, and I want to put it on my FNX45 Tactical. Reviews seem pretty postive. They are sold out everywhere, but LA Police has me on a 2-3 week backorder.

I was curious if gun shows were being held right now or postponed. We have one here next weekend, at least according to the website, which has zero COVID info on it. I'm thinking I'll take my PPQ .40 and Super Blackhawk down and see if I can get panic pricing.

[dogmush]

The P365, because of it's svelte width is limited to either the Sig Romeo Zero or the Shield RMSc.  I like the shield's design better, but for the almost $200 price difference I'll probably go for the Romeo Zero.

On wider pistols I have a holosun 507 on a 10mm, a Burris Fastfire III on a G19 sized slide, a Swampfox Kingslayer destined for a different G19 sized slide and a Sig Romeo 1 that will be going on the, as yet unpurchased, M17.  I have had the Kingslayer out for a spin on my P80 and I really like it for the money.  The Holosun is also nice and has the solar helping out. You can really tell using it that the Fasfire III is a couple generations back though.

The show itself was alright.  Not actually that crowded, but EVERYONE there was there buying no lookylous at all.  I sold my XDs in 10min at full asking price in cash. Instant background checks are running 24 hrs, if you have a CCW.  The CCW class was at capacity,  although it was distanced so that was like 150 folks.  Show started today at 9, and by the time I left at noon I'd say 40% of the available guns were sold, and all of the well priced and/or cheap ones.

On the COVID front, masks were required and enforced,  as was one way walking on the aisles.  You had a temp check before you could go in the building as well.  I saw a couple folks with temps over 100 get turned away.