I Carry: SIG Sauer P365 in a BlackPoint Tactical Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today, we have a SIG Sauer P365 micro-compact pistol in a BlackPoint Tactical holster. We also have a BlackPoint spare magazine carrier, a DeSantis Gunhide belt, a CRKT folding knife and a Streamlight flashlight.

SIG Sauer P365 (MSRP: $599.99)

Unveiled at SHOT Show 2018, SIG Sauer’s new P365 took the concealed-carry market by storm. Initial speculation was that SIG was rolling out a new, single-stack variant similar to the P320 for concealed carry, but that’s not what the P365 turned out to be. Instead, it’s a novel double-stack design smaller than many single-stack offerings, using a new, proprietary magazine design to put 10 rounds in what is traditionally a 6- or 7-round frame.

For some perspective, the P365 is the same width and barrel length as the Smith & Wesson Shield, but shorter and lighter. It’s also lighter and shorter than the Glock G43, which is in fact less tall than the P365 – by one millimeter. The P365 is smaller in all dimensions than the Springfield Armory XD-S. The only subcompact 9 mm substantially smaller than the P365 is the Kahr CM9, which bests the SIG by a little over a third of an inch in any dimension. Bear in mind, of course, the P365 maintains a 3 to 4 round advantage over any of these handguns using flush-fit magazines.

At the end of the day, what you have in the SIG Sauer P365 is a handgun that carries the same as a micro-compact 9 mm, with the capacity of a subcompact. If your daily carry is a P320 Compact, for example, picking up the P365 for deep concealment is a no-brainer. Ditto if you’ve been thinking of picking up a small 9 mm for more discreet carry. It’s a good, solid option that is a lot less of a compromise in capacity than you might think.

BlackPoint Tactical Appendix Holster (MSRP: $79.95)

One of the challenges in designing a brand-new size, heck, category of pistols is ensuring there’s gear available. SIG worked with BlackPoint Tactical to design a line of holsters for the P365 before the pistol’s launch specifically to address this issue. The end result is a line of molded Kydex rigs for either inside-the-waistband or appendix carry. In the appendix version we have here, note the “Tuck Strut” wing that leverages the holster against the waistband to help reducing printing.

BlackPoint Tactical Magazine Carrier (MSRP: $44.99)

Designed with the same specifications as the holster, BlackPoint Tactical’s inside-the-waistband magazine carrier for the SIG P365 offers a sweat guard, a slight curve to match your body and a variety of color and attachment options. It’s designed to be tuckable like the holsters for times when deep concealment is desired.

DeSantis EconoBelt (MSRP: $28.99)

Using a combination of leather and synthetic materials, the DeSantis EconoBelt offers a reinforced, sturdy belt for your carry rig. An attractive, affordable price makes up for a lack of options - it’s available, as Henry Ford said of the Model T, in any color you want, so long as it’s black. The EconoBelt’s One and a half-inch width will work well with a wide variety of holster and magazine carrier options.

Columbia River Knife and Tool Company Drifter Stainless (MSRP: $39.99)

If you were laboring under the impression that an affordable knife had to be unattractive and plastic, let the CRKT Drifter Stainless change your mind. With a stainless handle, plain edge and liner lock, the Drifter Stainless can be used daily without reservation. A 2.875-inch, 8Cr14MoV steel construction blade with satin finish opens with one hand via a thumb stud, weighs 3.2 ounces and has an overall length of 6.5 inches.

Streamlight MicroStream USB (MSRP: $50)

If swapping out batteries isn’t convenient, Streamlight’s MicroStream USB recharges via a standard micro-USB port in 4 hours. High and low modes offer 250 or 50 lumens, respectively, for run times of 1.5 and 3.5 hours. Water and impact resistant, this eminently portable flashlight is only 3.87 inches long and weighs a mere 1.2 ounces. The included pocket clip can be carried bezel-up or down, and can even be clipped to the brim of a hat.