Looking for that Goldilocks carry gun. Not too big, not too small but something just right. Looking at a Sig P365XL, Smith & Wesson Shield X or Shield Plus Carry Comp.

So the ever evolving thoughts on carry guns. A few years ago I bought a standard Sig 365 with the thoughts of it replacing j-frames for when a pocket carry gun was needed. Never have pocket carried it instead found myself belt carrying it more and more to the point it was becoming my most frequently carried gun.

Then started thinking I was getting a little too lazy and should really start carrying a larger gun. Also started shooting with optics and thought maybe I need to start carrying a gun with an optic. Ended up getting a Sig P365 Legion Macro. with a Sig Romeo X Enclosed red dot. Great gun, I shoot it well, it carries well. But, with the optic, metal frame, and 17 round mag it is a little larger and heavier than I was anticipating. It does make for a good carry gun, I just think it may not be a carry everyday gun.

Watching this thread, as I'm looking to update my current warm-weather carry gun from a Shield 2.0 (8+1) to something with "a bit" more capacity. Something in the 10 to 15 rounds area. The Shield X and the P365X and XL are on my short list, along with the FN Reflex and the Hellcat Pro.

I am the same as you when it comes to looking for the right gun for me. I have tried many and I finally found a couple that fit the bill. I have a S&W M&P Shield Plus but without the comp but am also interested with the thoughts of those that have it with the comp. My Shield Plus is an excellent pistol and very comfortable to shoot with recoil being mild. I also have a Shadow Systems CR920, again no comp, but it is a great size for ccw and with larger mags/higher capacity, it is still smaller than the S&W with larger mags.

On a side note, I have a Glock 26 gen 5 that I recently ordered the Glockstore G26X frame for,(basically a Glock 19 frame that uses a 26 slide) and am looking forward to getting it and possibly using it in the rotation. The benefits, to me, are concealability in the waste band when seated with the Glock 26 slide, ability to add a light and most importantly the angle of the grip is improved/changed in my opinion on the 26X frame. The frame angle is a reason I got the S.S. Cr920 and a MR920.

I bought a Shield and carried it for several years. I was very happy with the gun and bought when the prices were low so that made it even better.
Then I bought a 365XL and it has replaced the shield. The reason is it holds a few more rounds and seems even more accurate, at least for me.
If I hadn't found the Sig I could be very happy with the Shield. Especially at closer range that most CCW's would be likely to be used.

Have you thought about the 365X?

You could just buy the X/XL frame and keep the short 365 slide. I had an old P365 (pre optic cut) and carried it forever as a pocket gun. Then I went and got TyrantCNC's macro sized grip so I could use the 17rd mags and get a larger grip. Then I wanted an optic and it was cheaper to buy a whole new 365XL and swap slides then to send out the old slide for milling.

Here to cast my vote for the S&W. Love my Shield Plus Performance Center 4". Guess the newest one would be the Shield X.

I have also taken this road. I have the 365 and now the Shadow Systems has edged out the sig. Might take a peek.

I have a 365 that I turned into a 365X before that was ever a thing. I also have a 365XL with a Holosun “tumor” installed on the slide. I have a new holster that should be ready in mid-Oct and I think the XL is going to be my primary CCW. The Wilson 12 round frames fit my hands well and I shoot it way better than the 10 round modules.

This will be my first optic mounted CCW that makes it into the rotation, though I’ve been shooting them for years and have holsters for several other platforms.

Both the 365 and shield are too big to be pocket carries for me. I prefer the shield plus for general carry. I’ve found the only guns that work well for me in the pocket are 32 caliber. Good luck..

I had the shield plus, it was pretty decent, but it didn’t take long for the internals to look really beat up. I lube my guns up before I shoot them every time and this thing just seemed to wear really quickly. The rear left tab on the frame where the slide rides on looked like somebody was taking a file to it. And I didn’t shoot it too much, prolly less than 500 round.

Besides that my only other complaint was that the mag release button loved to rust up pretty quick despite putting oil/wax on it. But that was more annoying than anything.
I got a p365 and got a Wilson combat frame for it and like that more.

I owned a P365 XL, great little gun, but a bit too little for my larger hands. I tried to like the Shield plus, but it just wasn’t a good fit either.

I have been carrying an FN Reflex XL for a couple months and it’s MY Goldilocks gun. One of the best pointing guns I’ve ever had. It shoots well, I don’t active the slide stop on the last round, the trigger is good, great sights. I’m buying a second one.

The Shield Plus became my EDC 2 years ago replacing my G19. I live in a 10 round limit state. It carries easier and I love it.
However, if you are looking for an apples to apples comparison to the 365 XL, maybe look at the Shield X
https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/shield-x

Shield Plus grip conceals between a P365 and P365XL but shoots better than both for me. It’s heavier than the P365XL and the grip texture is super aggressive. It tears up my shirts and I had to wrap it with hockey tape.

That being said, I was seduced by P365 modularity and have a P365-380, P365XL and P365 FUSE to basically cover all my use cases from pocket carry to range days.

I will be the one to suggest an alternative - the S&W CSX E-series. If single action is your thing.
12, 15, and 17-round magazines and can be pocket carried easily with the flat bottomed 12-rounder.
The new trigger is much better, too.

Glock 43x/48 or 365 xl.

not sure if you have a caliber requirement.
If 380 is acceptable. the S&W Bodyguard 2... is just fantastic. i can pocket carry it everyday, i feel like its the limit of pocket carry for say professional wear, but 10 or 12 rounds of 380, good trigger, and a decent grip size for control.

had a bodyguard 1, grip is typical pocket pistol and a DAO trigger... even after several mods...its the 2.0 is just a better gun out of the box. keeping an EDC stock has its advantages too.