The P365 was SIG Sauer’s (SIG) big splash at the 2018 SHOT Show. The market rewarded SIG’s thought process by making it one of the bestselling handguns in the US every year since. However, Wilson Combat rewarded the P365 by giving it the company’s full treatment, releasing the WCP365X.
The Wilson Combat WCP365X
The P365 is as thin and compact as many single-stack designs while offering double-stack capacity. Its success is due to its minimal operating controls, above-average trigger, superior iron sights, adaptability, high cartridge capacity-to-size ratio, and relentless reliability.
A hotter niche in the handgun market right now than slim, subcompact 9MM semi-autos would be tough to name. SIG loaded the P365 with features such as XRAY3 Day/Night sights and a 10-round flush fit magazine. Optional 12-round, 15-round, or 17-round extended magazines are also available.
SIG is renowned for not resting on its laurels. Always pushing the envelope, SIG is either introducing new variants of already successful weapons or bringing new designs to life in the quest to scratch everyone’s “itch.”
The P365 pistol product line-up proves this statement with twenty-four (24) P365 models presently available. This P365 has solidified SIG HQ in Exeter, NH, as ground zero in the current handgun universe.
The SIG Sauer/Wilson Combat Team-Up
Benefitting all handgun connoisseurs, Wilson Combat and SIG Sauer have decided on another collaboration. This one involves the SIG P365.
Yes, the Wilson WCP365 is recognizable as a SIG P365. However, internal and external enhancements turn it into a Wilson Combat product. Wilson Combat starts with the SIG P365 and modifies it in a way only Wilson Combat can with eight different models available.
The specific model featured here is the WCP365X. It combines a Wilson Combat XL grip module with a P365-size slide. Based on the XL grip module, ensure that no 10-round P365 magazines get into your WCP365X carry gear. They will not seat properly.
The WCP365X is defined by laser “starburst” stippling on the Wilson Combat lower module. Wilson X-Tac front and rear slide serrations provide purchase for manipulating the WCP365X’s diminutive slide.
A serration pattern is also present on top of the slide between the Wilson Combat Battlesight rear and red fiber optic front sight. This helps maintain a crisp sight picture by minimizing glare between front and rear sight. The Wilson Combat slide and barrel are finished in Black DLC Finish.
The SIG Sauer X-Series straight trigger was incorporated. This trigger features a pull measuring approximately 4.25 pounds. The SIG X-Series straight trigger offers a 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. The key with the P365X is that it has the same trigger pull every time.
Overall, the SIG trigger is an asset with its consistency. Anyone who familiarizes themselves with it will not be disappointed. Wilson Combat also offers a Grayguns trigger along with spring modifications as an option.
Adding an Optic to the WCP365X
Wilson Combat offers the option of a direct milled slide for various optics, including the Trijicon RMRcc.
The most obvious personal defense handgun equipment upgrade over the last 10 years has to be red dot sights. Trijicon has led the way with its rugged, ultra-reliable red dots. Yes, there is a plethora of red dots out there now. However, do not forget that Trijicon still sets the standard against which all others are judged.
An important nuance of using a red dot sight on a personal defense handgun is to have co-witnessing iron sights. Anything electronic can fail, no matter how rugged. Wilson Combat has taken care of that with its iron-sight arrangement. Another advantage of the co-witnessing iron sights is instant zero verification of the dot. If something is askew, it is noticeable.
The WCP365X at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous
I was in Idaho with the recently snowcapped Grand Teton Mountains in the distance, handling various Wilson Combat offerings at their range station. Attendance at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous is always highly anticipated, with 2023 being the 7th rendition.
One of Rendezvous’ advantages is unhindered access to products via company representatives, with the firing line only steps away. Multiple steel targets, plate racks, and dueling trees stretched from 7 to 125 yards in front of the Wilson Combat tent.
Wilson Combat’s Tressa Joubert just kept handing me magazines during my initial experience with the WCP365X. After about a hundred rounds, I sheepishly realized I had to give way to other participants.
The Wilson Combat modifications with the WCP365X center on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user. Especially in terms of placing multiple rounds on target accurately/efficiently/reliably. This offers a tactical advantage.
The slide’s mass/shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. The pistol’s already low bore axis is further enhanced with the extended beavertail and undercut trigger guard relative to the shooter’s hand. Correspondingly, it minimizes muzzle flip, allowing for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapid rounds are fired.
The WCP365X had me thinking about how expert tweaks and attention to detail from an operation like Wilson Combat benefit even an already solid design such as the SIG P365.
Previous Wilson Combat collaborations involving larger frame weapons involved subtle “slimming” down refinements of the grip. Not so with the P365.
Due to its already bantam size, Wilson Combat’s discerning eye decided to strategically enlarge the grip frame with a slight palm swell and other nuances that make a big difference in the ergonomics department. Let me elaborate on this.
The Pistol in Hand
Feeling “good” in your hand does not mean proper fit. While “feel” is important, proper fit is crucial. Think about how custom rifles and shotguns are contoured to the end user. The same applies to handguns, especially those wearing a red dot.
Proper grip starts from the holster and sets the stage for the most efficient use of a red dot-equipped handgun. The majority of aiming any pistol, red dot or not, is achieved through kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness is the body’s knowledge of the relative location and engagement of tension in its parts.
This especially pertains to red dots via proper grip and tension applied to the pistol as soon as possible with the shooting hand from the holster and support hand close to the body under the dominant eye.
Grip is also the key for tracking red dot up/down on target during multiple round drills. The Wilson Combat WCP365X with RMRcc performed larger than its diminutive size thanks to Wilson Combat’s enhancements.
Running the WCP365X At Home
I quickly seized the opportunity to have a WCP365X sent to me for more in-depth T&E. The WCP365X became a constant carry companion in lieu of my normal SIG ROMEOZero Elite red dotted SIG P365XL Spectre Comp. A P365 was also mixed in for comparison purposes.
SIG SAUER Elite and Wilson Combat ammunition led the way in testing with both FMJ and JHP loads. T&E was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC), a private range located near Winchester, VA. Many local and federal law enforcement tactical team members train here.
Shooting from sandbags produced 1-inch groups at 15 yards with the WCP365X with multiple ammunition types. Due to familiarity with WCP365X at Athlon Rendezvous, T&E moved quickly past rudimentary bench or stand-and-deliver efforts at EVTC.
The Trijicon RMRcc red dot assisted in engaging targets at close distances, and the red dot was easy to pick up rapidly. Point shooting with the WCP365X is still very feasible using the RMRcc’s window as a ghost ring if forced to react spontaneously to a threat.
Drills consisted of drawing from concealment to see if the RMRcc dot was easy to obtain when operating in haste. Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were also utilized.
Magazine change drills were done to get a feel for manipulating the WCP365X with the RMRcc installed and ensure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after WCP365X was reloaded and back on target.
Final Thoughts
Users of the WCP365X equipped with the Trijicon RMRcc find that they no longer have to switch back and forth between target and sights—something that grows more challenging as we age.
Handgunners with a red dot-equipped weapon can now do as nature intends for them to do—focus on the threat/target. Both eyes open is a must when working with a red dot. The red dot will be there.
Moreover, because using a red dot is far easier than two separate protruding pieces of steel, users find they can take accurate shots beyond what was considered realistic with iron sights. Especially with a compact handgun with a short sight radius. Hitting steel at 75 yards is very possible with the WCP365X.
The ease of everyday carry with the WCP365X is what sets it apart from most personal defense weapons. The WCP365X is a compact handgun that pushes the envelope past “safe” norms while still maintaining real-world application. Likewise, it increases the effectiveness of a compact concealed carry handgun beyond what most thought capable.
For more information, please visit WilsonCombat.com and SIGSauer.com.
Wilson Combat WCP365X Specs
| Caliber | 9MM |
| Magazine Capacity | Arrives with 2-12 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 3.1-inches |
| Overall Length | 6-inches |
| Sight Radius | 4.9-inches (Trijicon RMRcc mounted) |
| Height | 4.8-inches |
| Width | 1.1-inches |
| Weight Empty | 19 ounces |
| Weight Loaded | 24.4 ounces |
| MSRP | $1,273 – $1,602 (depending on action tune and optic cut) |
Performance
| SIG SAUER 115gr V-Crown | |
| Velocity Average | 1054fps |
| Accuracy Average @ 25yds | 2.33 inches |
| Wilson Combat 115gr XTP | |
| Velocity Average | 1098fps |
| Accuracy Average @ 25yds | 2.25 inches |
| SIG SAUER Elite 147gr FMJ | |
| Velocity Average | 857fps |
| Accuracy Average @ 25yds | 2.66 inches |
| Wilson Combat 147gr XTP | |
| Velocity Average | 915fps |
| Accuracy Average @ 25yds | 2.33 inches |
