I wanted to share some information about the pistol I’ve been carrying for the past year…it’s the Zev 365 Octane – a variant of the Sig P365. I bought it because I wanted a Sig 365x, but I found a great deal on the Zev Octane and took advantage of it…and I’m glad I did.
The newer generation of sig pistols are a modular design, and they do things differently than other pistol manufacturers, such as Smith n Wesson and Glock. Sig serializes their FCU or “fire control unit”, rather than the frame of the gun. This makes it much easier and affordable to swap out different grip modules and slides from the same FCU platform.
So, for a few bucks, I picked up a Sig P365X grip module. This module is slightly larger than the P365 module, allowing me to have a full grip using my pinky finger for additional control. Unfortunately, the P365 magazines that were included with my original purchase aren’t compatible with the P365X module due to the added length of the grip – so I purchased some new P365X magazines, which gave me additional capacity.
The real value of this gun is comfort – with a good gun belt, this gun is barely noticeable in its IWB (Inside the waste band) concealment holster. I can bend over, tie my shoes, squat and sit down without discomfort – even when carrying appendix-style. For most who carry their EDC appendix, this type of comfort is unheard of. I carried a Glock 19 with a Surefire X300 weapon light for about 5 years because I thought it would be a great gun to have if I ever needed to use it – and it still is…the capability and reliability that a Glock 19 gives you is insane. I’ve shot USPSA competitions with my Glock 19, keeping up with the guys using race guns – but it was so uncomfortable to carry, I found myself regularly taking it off and putting it back on every time I got in and out of my truck or sat down at my desk at work. Because of the discomfort, I began to resent carrying a gun. Later, I realized I didn’t have a problem carrying a gun, but I had a problem carrying that gun.
Quick disclaimer; everyone is going to have a different opinion on carry guns, what to carry and where to carry it…it’s up to you to experiment and figure out what works best. In this instance, my friends and I who have carried Glock 19s for a few years have shared issues and frustrations with comfort while carrying this platform – hence this article. That being said, I still own and occasionally carry a Glock 19. The Glock 19 with a red dot sight and weapon light is a very effective platform when I want to increase my capability or anticipate a situation or environment that poses an elevated risk.
Recently, I find myself carrying this Sig build and feel that I can still engage threats at a very competent level. While I am faster with a larger pistol such as the Glock 19, this is, in my opinion, the best option for EDC. I don’t think the platform you carry matters – whether it is a SIG, ZEV, or something similar like a G43X, Hellcat or Smith and Wesson Shield. These slim, subcompact guns, in my opinion, are the future of EDC concealed carry.
If a gun is uncomfortable or cumbersome to carry, there is a higher likelihood I won’t carry it – or, at least, take it off and put It on throughout the day. A compact platform like 365XL is a much more comfortable option that still gives me the capability I need, so chances are lower that I’m going to leave it at home or take it on and off throughout the day – leaving myself potentially unarmed or slower to respond in an emergency situation.
I hope this information helps you make a decision when buying or considering your next CCW. Pick the right one for you and give it a shot.
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