By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
SIG’s P365 9mm handgun is a rule beater. Accurate enough for personal defense, reliable, compact and easy to use, the little ten shooter is a great defense gun for those wishing to deploy something light on the hip.
The pistol is very good for its size. The desire for a slightly larger pistol easier to handle well led to the P365XL and later the SIG MACRO and TACOPS. These pistols with their longer slides and taller grips make for a great shooting pistol suitable to all around personal defense.
While the P365 is a good pocket gun outclassing the small revolver and .380 ACP class of handguns, there are better choices in the P365 line. The search for a handgun ‘just the right size’ has resulted in a pistol- that is just the right size.
Sig Sauer’s P365 TACOPs, as an example, is lighter and more compact than the 9mm Glock 19 but offers generous magazine capacity and shoots well. However, there is further room for improvement without changing the dimensions of the SIG MACRO.
One example is the compensated version of the pistol, featuring an integral compensator which limits muzzle flip. Other solutions include maintaining the original barrel length while adding weight and handling features to the SIG.
With this in mind, I explored the features of an all metal frame. Adding aluminum frames to polymer frame pistols is a popular option with the S&W M&P and the SIG P320 getting a metal frame version.
Icarusprecision.com
A bit of research came up with the Icarus Precision Accuracy Control Enhanced ACE grip frame. By adding this frame, the pistol gains about three ounces in weight. But Icarus did not simply design a metal frame for the P365; they changed the feel of the frame with several upgrades.
The frame features an excellent balance of adhesion and abrasion. It is slightly wider than the polymer frame, which allows more leeway in size while the wider aluminum frame leads to a more pleasant shooting experience.
The Icarus grip frame features a nicely designed finger rest in the trigger guard, an outstanding custom feature. This frame is the XL size using 12-round magazines, which is my choice for concealed carry. Seventeen-round TACOPS magazines are useful but protrude slightly below the magazine well.
The frame features a prominent beavertail grip tang, which feeds the hand into the frame and lowers the bore axis a bit while making for less perceived recoil.
Assembly of the frame onto the P365 isn’t difficult. Incidentally, the frame doesn’t require paperwork as it is simply a frame unlike, as an example, a Glock or 1911 pistol frame. The SIGP365 features a serialized internal chassis. This allows easily changing out grip modules. The result is a bit of bling as well with the pistol taking on a custom appearance with the Icarus frame.
I added the frame to a SIG Spectre version of the P365. Weight went from 20.7 to 25 ounces. (The Icarus frame weighs 4.37 ounces.) I like the fit and feel of the Icarus grip module and find it worthwhile even without the added weight. Another advantage of the Icarus frame is that the frame rail is more versatile than the original light rail.
Firing the Icarus Frame P365 9mm
I collected a good mix of 9mm ammunition in order to get the measure of the Icarus frame set up. The host pistol is proven in many hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The test was to determine the advantage, if any, in combat shooting and recoil control.
I fired a good mix of ball ammunition from 115 to 147 grain weight, primarily Winchester USA. Later I added top rated defensive JHP ammunition which is usually loaded hotter with more recoil. Results were good to excellent.
The frame adds a great deal in control based on two factors. First the geometry of the Icarus grip frame is superior to the standard SIG. Firing quickly and drawing from concealed carry the grip angle results in faster hits, as confirmed with a stock SIG TACOPS on hand for comparison.
Out of curiosity, I also fitted the TACOPS slide to the Icarus frame, also with good results.
I have fired the SIG P365 MACRO extensively. This pistol features an integral compensator. While the pistol shoots flat and limits muzzle flip the Icarus frame gun is more comfortable to fire. Plus- the MACRO features a 3.1-inch barrel the same as the standard P365. This barrel offers greater velocity.
The Icarus frame makes for a very comfortable shooting experience, and +P loads like the formidable Winchester 124-grain +P are markedly more comfortable to fire in the Icarus frame gun.
A slight drawback to the ACE frame is the thumb rest on each side and holster compatibility. While these rests are an asset when firing the pistol, they are a limiting factor in holster selection.
I used the DeSantis Super Stealth holster during the evaluation. This holster is built of rugged ballistic nylon featuring a GRD gun retention device, which locks solidly on the pistol. Simply yank the pistol from the holster and you have a sharp draw. Fit is good, and concealment inside the waistband is excellent. A sturdy clip takes a strong hold on the belt. The frame design was no drawback with this holster.
In the final analysis, the Icarus frame earned high marks. Fit and finish cannot be faulted in any particular. This frame is nicely designed in order to enhance control. There are no drawbacks and many advantages. The P365 TACOPS and SPECTRE pistols shoot as well as any handgun in their weight category may. With the Icarus frame you are getting into the Glock 19/SIGP320 level of control. That is a big change.
Icarusprecision.com
Desantisholsters.com
