The SIG Sauer P365, with its innovative 12-plus-one capacity magazine, helped revive the micro-compact market. Its popularity has been so tremendous that SIG Sauer has extended the line to over 14 models. Although the magazine design gets a lot of kudos for the pistol’s success, the fire control unit (FCU) is one of its unsung features. By pushing out the receiver pin, the FCU can be dropped into another grip module, thereby changing the P365’s look and feel. However much I like the P365, there are a few changes I’d make to the ergonomics. I felt the grip was a tad small and lacked details I prefer on a concealed carry pistol. The Sharps Bros P365 grip module looks to address the minor shortcomings.
P365 Impressions
I first handled the P365 at one of SIG Sauer’s media launches in 2018. The P365 had created a lot of buzz among my industry colleagues. My first few shots zinged past the steel plate. After readjusting my grip and focusing on my hand pressure, I was rewarded with the repeated tings of steel. Like a batter, I found myself readjusting my grip, trying to find the sweet spot. It was a bit small for my preference. My hands are average-sized, they are not baby hands nor Hulk hands. Despite my initial lukewarm response to the P365, it was a massive hit.
Years later, I would get my second dance with the pistol. I live in California, and due to the state’s restrictive gun laws, the P365 was not available until 2024. I recently ordered one and have adapted to it very well. I find it a very shootable and accurate pistol. Despite being an excellent concealed carry choice, I prefer the feel of some of my other carry guns due to their grips, which are a bit wider and fit my hands better. Also, the frames have textured touch points that improve my contact with the pistol. The differences are minute, but tangible. My hands feel more locked into the pistols, which translates to firmer control.
The California complaint P365 is like the 2018 design but includes a manual safety, magazine disconnect, optic cut slide, and loaded chamber indicator. Due to California’s laws, magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds. It’s 5.8 inches in length, 4.3 inches high, and 1.1 inches wide, which keeps it highly concealable. The 3.1-inch carbon steel barrel is surprisingly accurate and produces sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards. To finish off this ccw, I mounted a Riton 3 Tactix MPRD 3 reflex sight.
Advertisement
The FCU
When we talk about a pistol frame, we usually mean the lower receiver that contains the grip, trigger, safety components, and magazine release. Per federal law, the frame must be serialized. With the P365, the frame is the FCU and is serialized. The frame is a chassis that houses the mechanical components of the trigger, including the trigger, takedown lever, and manual safety. What we typically refer to as the “frame” is the grip module. The benefit to this is that if you do not like the look or feel of the grip module, it can be replaced as though it were any accessory. You will not have to buy another pistol or customize the frame. SIG Sauer and other companies offer grip modules ranging from $55 to $400.
Sharps Bros
While researching grip modules, I ran across the Sharps Bros P365 grip module. It is distinguishable by its wider grip, wood grip panels, gas pedals, and aluminum construction. Most aftermarket grip modules are polymer and faithfully follow the original’s rounded contours. The Sharps Bros has the sculptured look of modern CNC design and machinery. The trigger guard, with its arced and sharp lines, shows the creative benefits of shaving metal for aesthetics and function.
If you are not familiar with the Sharps Bros, you have most likely seen their artistic AR lower receivers. The CNC sculpted magazine wells can feature human skulls, flying tigers, Roman helmets, warthogs, and samurai masks. Sharps Bros now manufactures a plethora of AR and AK parts, including aluminum chassis for popular rifles, and grip modules for other pistols. Sharps Bros was founded by John Sharps, and their products are designed and manufactured in the United States.
Advertisement
Sharps Bros has several P365 grip modules, including the standard P365, X, X Macro, and CA-compliant P365. They are all CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. I ordered the P365 CA-compliant version because it is designed to accommodate the manual safety and is machined for the magazine disconnect. When placed side by side with the original, most dimensions remain faithful to the P365. The Sharps Bros adds a little more meat and design flair, which improves its handling and cool factor. The Sharps Bros’ grip module weighs 4.1 ounces sans FCU or slide, while the P365’s weighs 1.3 ounces. It retails for $315.
A notable difference between the old and new is the 1.30-inch-wide grip; the grip depth remains the same. Although only .20-inches wider, it feels chunky by comparison. For me, it is just right. It fills my hand while applying little pressure. Bearing down tightly, like one should, solidly locks it in. The front and rear checkered straps are soft but effective. The Brazilian Cherry grips add class to this now all-metal pistol.
The trigger guard is more than just arcs and angles. The trigger undercut flows from the rear to the middle of the trigger guard. This makes for a slightly lower bore axis than the original grip. For those of you who like to ride your support hand’s index finger on the front of the trigger guard, you will appreciate its contour, grooves and pronounced bottom lip.
Another outstanding feature is the ambidextrous gas pedals. Gas pedals are becoming popular on handguns because they help tame muzzle rise and provide a consistent touch point. The gas pedals jut .175 inches from the side’s surface, offering a substantial platform for the thumb and index fingers. They are wide enough for half of my thumb’s width to rest on it. More meat on the gun translates to better control of muzzle rise. Checkering on each control makes them highly tactile.
Other nice touches include a chunky piece of 4140 steel for the lug insert and a M1913 Picatinny rail. The original grip uses a thin, steel u-shaped lug embedded into the polymer and universal rail.
The Swap
Changing out the grip module is simple. First, remove the magazine, empty the chamber, and lock the slide open. Rotate the takedown lever down and push the slide forward. Using a punch, push out the receiver pin from the left side, then rock the FCU forward to release it from the grip module. Install the FCU into the Sharps Bros grip module by inserting the trigger shoe first, then pressing the rear of the FCU down. Use the Sharps Bros threaded pin to secure the FCU.
The Sharps Bros grip module does not include a magazine release, so you will have to buy a new one or use the original. To remove the original magazine release from the grip module, use a thin-bladed knife like an X-ACTO knife. The magazine release has three components: the main body (catch), a spring, and a wedge (stop). The wedge is what holds the body in the hole. The spring sits inside the body. The wedge is found on the right side of the grip module for right-handed shooters. Look closely and you will see a slight line where the body and wedge meet. While pressing the magazine release, insert the Exacto knife in the slit. It will press the wedge closed and free the body. You may have to wiggle the knife a little to free the parts. Be careful not to lose the spring or cut yourself.
I ran into a minor issue when installing the pin. It did not seem to fit through the hole in the FCU. I noticed the Sharps Bros pin had a sharp corner on the end. Rounding the end a little with 400 grit sandpaper allowed it to slip into the hole.
Shooting
Once assembled, I hit the range. I was impressed with how much 360-degree control I had on the pistol. The ergonomics are excellent, and I was not fidgeting with my hands to have a solid lock on the pistol. The gas pedals are in the right spot for consistent touchpoints.
Shooting the pistol is where all the small ergonomic improvements added up. Although the P365 is not a snappy pistol thanks to its dual-spring guide rod, the recoil felt noticeably softer with the Sharps Bros grip module. A good chunk of my thumb rested on the gas pedal, contributing to its softer recoil. Shooting one-handed was better, too. The pistol stays planted in the hand effortlessly.
The aluminum also made a difference. Its weight and stiffness give it a sturdiness that polymer frames lack. The upgraded P365 now feels very 1911-esque.
I first reviewed the P365 in its original configuration and using the same ammo but with the OEM grip module. I was curious if I could shoot it better with the Sharps Bros grip module. The difference was not night and day, but the groups were rounder and more consistent.
One of the minor downsides to the grip module is that the gas pedals prevent the pistol from fitting into the non-light version model of the N8 Tactical Xectuive holster I am using. I also have an Xecutive holster with the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub light option. It fits this holster, but not if the light is installed on the rail. The fit is not perfect;, I chamfered the holster’s corner to gain clearance for my shooting hand grip.
Summary
The P365 with the Sharps Bros grip module improved an already excellent firearm. Its minute changes make the gun feel like it is gripping back, like a firm handshake. I feel solidly locked into the pistol, which makes it easier to shoot. Although fit is a critical element of a handgun, the beauty of the Sharps bros design gives it the elegance of a modern 1911 pistol.
Read the full article here
