I've noted on more than one example (all XL series) that the slides seem to resist being opened/unlocked unlike any other pistol. There's almost an undue level of resistance, then a surprise 'break', where it then opens

It feels to me like shooting a larger pistol, not at all snappy, nor whippy, like a micro compact.

Is there something internal of the design that makes is more than just a typical Browning locked-breech action?

I don't have one. (Yet)
I have heard that it is a great shooter for the size.

My SIL purchased a 365XL as her first gun. She had a bit of difficulty, initially, pulling the slide. But after a few hundred rounds through the pistol, it got easier.

I think it is just the recoil spring assembly needing to break in. It feels pretty stout, which probably accounts some for the great reliability of that small pistol.

Congrats on your new 365XL! Regards 18DAI

quote:

Originally posted by VictorLouis:
I've noted on more than one example (all XL series) that the slides seem to resist being opened/unlocked unlike any other pistol. There's almost an undue level of resistance, then a surprise 'break', where it then opens

My wife and I each have a P365XL that’s a year old (purchased in July 2020 but not sure when manufactured). Neither has that issue or the trigger reset issue that some folks have described.

It probably just has a really stiff and strong recoil spring like Kahr pistols have. They’re extremely hard to rack but it really helps tame the snap.

Alrighty then, that must be it.

quote:

Originally posted by VictorLouis:
There's almost an undue level of resistance, then a surprise 'break', where it then opens

Assuming I understand your description correctly, my P365 exhibits the same sort of resistance and then a sudden release of the slide when it’s pulled to the rear. With other autoloading pistols I’m familiar with, including the P320, pulling the slide slowly as for a “pull check” allows the barrel to unlock and drop down at the rear slowly without the sudden release that I get with the P365. I would say that what you’ve experienced is normal for the P365.

I have fired a few less than 300 rounds with my pistol, so don’t know if the unlocking characteristics will change with further use.

Of all the guns I have been issued to shoot, the 365xl has been by far the most surprising to me. I cannot get get over how great that 365xl is

I just had it out the 2nd x today. A/B'd against my LW BHP, MC2C, CZ75, and G17C. Hard-pressed to find anything lacking against the first three. Only the ported 17 can out-do it, but only on speed, LOL. The little guy is still Sig accurate.
Bought 3 flavors of JHP on the way home. The next visit will be to see if it likes any of them for POA/POI.