The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and the SIG Sauer P365XL are two subcompact handguns that frequently crop up in talks about concealed carry.
While both guns have their own fan groups, there are some significant variations between them that may influence those looking for a new concealed carry pistol.
In this comparison, the Shield Plus vs P365XL will be compared to help you make an educated choice.
Shield Plus vs P365XL: Quick Comparison Table
Here are some quick comparisons between these two handguns –
| Features | Shield Plus | P365XL |
| Cartridge | 9 mm luger | 9 mm luger |
| Sights | White dot sight | XRAY3 Day/Night sight |
| Magazine | 12+1 | 10+1 |
| Weight | 20.2 oz | 20.7 oz |
| Length | 6.1 in | 6.6 in |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 in | 3.7 in |
| Width | 1.1 in | 1.1 in |
| Grip | 4 in | 4.61 in |
| Safety | Striker block, loaded chamber indicator, grip safety | Striker block, loaded chamber indicator, firing pin block safety, trigger safety |
| Height | 4.6 in | 4.8 in |
| Gun type | Sub compact pistol | Sub compact pistol |
| Design | Polymer frame | Polymer frame |
What Are the Differences between Shield Plus Vs P365XL? (Explained)
Due to their comparable size and intended use for concealed carry, the Shield Plus and P365XL are two famous compact 9mm pistols that are frequently contrasted.
While these two firearms have some similarities, there are several important differences that may impact your choice when deciding between them.
Here are a few brief observations of these two handguns:
1. Design:
The Shield Plus is a well-designed weapon that strikes a compromise between durability and flair while remaining compact enough for covert carry.
The Shield Plus’s exterior design includes a polymer frame with an aggressive texture on the grip to provide a safe and pleasant grasp. The slide is made of stainless steel with an Armornite finish, which not only adds toughness but also a sleek look to the pistol.
The P365XL has a stylish and sturdy construction, as well as a few features that distinguish it from the Shield Plus.
The P365XL’s exterior form has an aggressive texture on the grip to guarantee a solid grasp and no interchangeable backstraps. The barrel is also stainless steel with a Nitron finish, which not only increases the gun’s longevity but also gives it a sleek black look.
2. Grip:
The Shield Plus and P365XL have some grip variations that may influence a shooter’s choice.
The Shield Plus’s grip has strong texturing that gives a safe and pleasant grasp. Furthermore, the Shield Plus features adjustable backstraps that allow the shooter to tailor the grip size and form to their specific palm.
This enables a more customized fit, which can improve precision and decrease fatigue during long shooting sessions.
The P365XL, on the other hand, has a comparable aggressive texturing on the handle but lacks the option for replaceable backstraps. This means that the grip size and form are fixed, which may be inconvenient for users with big or small hands.
3. Weight:
Because both firearms are intended to be lightweight and simple to transport, the weight difference between the Shield Plus and P365XL may not be a determining factor for all shooters.
The Shield Plus is marginally lighter than the P365XL, weighting around 18 ounces (unloaded) versus around 20 ounces for the P365XL (unloaded).
While the Shield Plus is slightly lighter, it has a slightly shorter barrel and grip than the P365XL, which can affect total balance and steadiness.
4. Sights:
White dot sights are standard on the Shield Plus, providing a distinct and easy-to-see sight image. The front sight can also be equipped with an optional fiber optic insert to improve vision in low-light situations.
The P365XL, on the other hand, comes equipped with XRAY3 Day/Night sights.
These sights have a high-visibility green front sight and a blacked-out back sight, which makes it simple to obtain and keep a sight picture in a variety of illumination situations.
Furthermore, the P365XL has a slightly larger sight radius than the Shield Plus, making it slightly simpler to aim correctly at longer distances.
5. Trigger:
The Shield Plus has a flat-faced trigger, which gives the shooter’s finger a larger surface area and a more uniform trigger draw.
The Shield Plus also has a tactile and auditory reset, which can assist the shooter in firing follow-up rounds swiftly and precisely.
The P365XL also has a flat-faced trigger, which can provide the shooter’s finger with a constant and pleasant surface.
However, the P365XL has a slightly longer trigger draw than the Shield Plus, which may make rapid follow-up rounds more difficult.
6. Magazine:
The standard magazine capacity of the Shield Plus is 10 rounds, with an extended magazine available that increases the capacity to 13 rounds.
The normal magazine capacity of the P365XL is 12 cartridges, with an extended magazine available that raises the capacity to 15 rounds.
It’s worth mentioning that the Shield Plus and P365XL are both built for quick magazine swaps, with a low-profile magazine release that can be reached with the shooting hand. In a high-stress scenario, this enables the shooter to rapidly reload the weapon and return to the target.
7. Range:
The Shield Plus and P365XL are both compact and easy-to-carry guns intended for self-defense and covert carry.
As a result, their effective range is usually within the range of standard self-defense encounters, which is typically 21 feet or less.
The P365XL has a slightly larger sight radius than the Shield Plus, making it slightly simpler to aim correctly at extended distances.
8. Accuracy:
While not as accurate as bigger guns built for target shooting, both the Shield Plus and P365XL are renowned for their precision within their intended purpose.
The Shield Plus is well-known for its ergonomic and easy grip, which can help reduce shooter weariness and increase precision during long shooting sessions.
The Shield Plus also has a tactile trigger reset, which can assist the shooter in firing fast and precise follow-up rounds.
The P365XL has a slightly larger sight radius than the Shield Plus, which can aid in long-range precision. Furthermore, the P365XL has a larger barrel than the Shield Plus, which can aid in recoil reduction and precision.
9. Durability:
The Shield Plus has a lightweight and robust polymer frame, as well as a stainless steel slide with an Armornite finish that prevents corrosion and damage.
The P365XL also has a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide with a Nitron coating, which increases longevity and corrosion protection.
Both firearms have undergone extensive testing and are renowned for their dependability, even in harsh circumstances and intensive use.
Safety Issues of Shield Plus and P365XL
The Shield Plus has a striker block safeguard that stops the striker from making contact with the primer unless the trigger is completely compressed.
The handgun also has a loaded chamber indicator, which gives a visible and tactile sign of whether a round is in the barrel.
The Shield Plus also has a grip safeguard, which stops the trigger from being released unless the shooter’s hold on the weapon is completely secured.
The P365XL has a firing pin block safeguard, which stops the firing pin from hitting the primer unless the trigger is pushed completely. The handgun also has a loaded chamber indicator, which shows whether a round is in the barrel visually and tactilely.
The gun also has a trigger safeguard, which prevents the trigger from being drawn unless the shooter’s finger is correctly positioned on the trigger.
Cost Detail of Shield Plus vs P365XL
The Shield Plus was valued around $500 to $600 as of September 2021, while the P365XL was priced around $600 to $700. These prices, however, are subject to change and may not represent actual pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can the Shield Plus and P365XL be used for concealed carry?
Yes, both firearms are popular choices for concealed carry due to their compact size and lightweight design.
What is the warranty on the Shield Plus and P365XL?
The Shield Plus comes with a limited lifetime warranty, while the P365XL comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What is the maximum effective range of the Shield Plus and P365XL?
Both the Shield Plus and P365XL are considered effective at ranges up to 25 yards.
How does the trigger reset differ between the Shield Plus and P365XL?
The Shield Plus has a tactile and audible reset, while the P365XL has a short and crisp reset.
How does the recoil of the Shield Plus and P365XL compare?
The P365XL may have slightly less felt recoil compared to the Shield Plus
Verdict
To summarize, both the Shield Plus vs P365XL are dependable and popular concealed carry options.
They have many commonalities, such as their small dimensions, lightweight construction, and use of 9mm Luger ammunition. They do, however, vary in some important ways, such as handle texture, trigger reset, magazine capacity, and slide serrations.
Finally, the best firearm for you will be determined by your particular preferences, requirements, and planned use.
