Many guns are described as modular, but the SIG P365 often takes the cake. Smith Defense and their S365 grip module are taking the P365’s modularity to new heights.
The P365 kick-started the micro-compact genre, and aside from its magazine capacity and removable FCU, the gun was fairly standard.
What SIG did successfully was create the FCU chassis design that would allow the P365 to grow into a modular family of firearms. The P365’s massive popularity meant that the aftermarket would take notice. They certainly did, and the P365 is now one of the most accessorized firearms out there.
The Smith Defense S365 is a grip module, but it’s a bit more than that.
What Makes the Smith Defense S365 Different?
Polymer is great and forms the basis of most modern handguns, but metal still rules. Who doesn’t like the feel of cold metal in their hands? The S365 takes the heavy metal route, or rather, the light metal route, since aluminum isn’t exactly heavy.
Metal grip modules for the P365 aren’t all that new, as Icarus Precision and Mischief Machine both make them, but the S365 is a fair bit different.
The S365 is a modular frame, which is its biggest draw. It’s an impressive system that allows you to tailor your gun to your specific carry needs. One frame can accommodate five different configurations. Let’s dig through those five options.
First, there is the standard configuration, which has a standard-length dust cover and standard-length grip size that matches the original P365 dimensions. This is the most concealable option.
The L Model is my personal favorite, as it combines a long slide with a short frame. This provides a high level of concealment with an excellent level of control.
The XL Model uses a P365XL slide with an XL-sized grip frame. This larger configuration gives you excellent control, higher capacity, and great recoil mitigation.
The X Model gives us a mix of the standard-length slide with the XL-sized grip module, blending control and concealability.
Finally, the MACRO gives you the longest grip and the ability to use flush-fitting 17-round magazines. It blends well with the XL-length slide, or you could make a super-long X model.
Assembling the S365
The S365 is easy to assemble, and you can customize the gun to your heart’s content. The S365 grip module requires nothing more than an Allen wrench and a few bolts and screws. The core grip module is where we start.
After that, we use one of two dust covers, a standard and a long one, attached via a single bolt. The bottom of the grip allows you to run the gun at the standard length or attach the XL or MACRO grip adapter. When swapping the grip adapters, you use three bolts in total.
One goes through the bottom into the grip module, and two are on the sides. The two on the sides also connect the longer grips to the gun. Instead of using a thread locker, you use an O-ring that provides tension and locks everything together.
Then we drop in the FCU, but prior to that, we integrate an O-ring at the rear where the FCU will sit. This replicates the flex of a standard polymer frame, which helps reduce wear. Drop the FCU in and call it a day!
To the Range
The S365 uses replaceable grips similar to a 1911. Those grip panels are aggressively textured and scalloped to give your hand a solid grip.
It’s well done, and the back and front of the magazine well are also textured. The whole thing reminds me of a 1911 grip, which is a good thing. The M1911 conquered the ergonomic game over a century ago, and it’s worth imitating.
The grip texture is aggressive, and the grip shape is comfortable. The little extra length the XL and MACRO grip designs offer gives you a grip that’s a fair bit longer, and a longer grip equals more control. I like the L configuration for carry, but it’s easier to shoot with the longer grip module.
At the range, the long, aggressive grip texture gives you excellent control over the gun. You can shoot quickly without losing control of the firearm. The grip panels don’t move in your hand, and your sights settle right back on target between shots.
Quick, Fast, and In a Hurry
The S365 grip module makes it easy to accelerate. Push the trigger like it’s a gas pedal, and you can let it fly. There is a noticeable difference between the stock P365 grip module and the S365 grip when you start going fast. The extra grip texture goes a long way to ensuring you’re shooting fast and straight.
Good control equals good accuracy, and I’d go as far as to say the S365 increases your accuracy, at least when shooting quickly. The S365 uses the industry-standard Picatinny rail, which means it won’t work with standard P365 holsters.
There are S365 holsters available, but XMACRO holsters will also work with the S365. The use of a standard rail opens the gun to using standard weapon lights, so you’re not stuck with using P365 proprietary lights and attachments.
The Kicker
The downside that many will see with the S365 grip is the price. At $300, it’s not cheap. It’s a considerable expense, and some might not need modularity as much as they need cold, hard cash.
I love the ability to instantly change my gun’s size and profile, and I like being able to experiment with various formats and create something that works best for me. If you value that kind of modularity, give the S365 a look.
