Finding the right carry gun can be a bit like playing Goldilocks: this one’s too small, that one’s the wrong caliber, and that other one’s too [insert reason here]. One carry gun that’s met the Goldilocks Gun Gold Standard for an impressive number of gun owners is the SIG Sauer P365X ROMEOZero. It’s an optics-ready pistol designed to outperform your expectations—but does it? Here’s what we think, and why.
What’s the SIG P365X ROMEOZero?
Unless you’re a gun guy who’s been living under a rock, you’re familiar with the SIG Sauer P365 family of handguns. The original P365 was introduced by the gun maker in 2018, and in the aftermath of its release, it found so much popularity it spawned more than two dozen variants. Sure, some variants are just different colors, but it still counts. And then, with the addition of the P365X ROMEOZero, the niche of a gun that’s not only optics ready but has an optic on it was fulfilled.
The SIG P365X ROMEO Zero is a 9mm pistol specifically designed for concealed carry. SIG itself refers to the entire line as “The pistol series for everyday carry” and has built on that in brilliant ways. As an optics-ready model, the P365X ROMEO Zero is a fantastic option for shooters who want a red dot sight and don’t want the hassle of choosing one. Both the pistol and the red dot are SIG’s creations. And if you want a different RDS—perish the thought—you can get one, so long as it has a ROMEOZero footprint (which is compatible with models like the RMSc and J-Point).
How big is the SIG P365X ROMEOZero?
According to the manufacturer, the P365X ROMEOZero is a micro-compact. Keep in mind that different manufacturers set varying standards for those labels. In this case, it means the gun has a 3.1-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.0 inches, so micro compact or subcompact are reasonable descriptors. It has a width of 1.1 inches, a height of 5.5 inches, and an empty weight of 18 ounces. With a 12 +1 capacity, it does go up a bit for weight when it’s loaded, but not excessively (and if you’re in a capacity-restricted state, there’s a 10-round model, too).
What are the specifications of the P365X ROMEOZero?
The P365X ROMEOZero is a polymer pistol, which helps cut weight and gives you the benefit of durability and not crying over scratches, scrapes, and holster wear. Aggressive texturing covers either side of the grip and also the frontstrap and backstrap. The entire grip is textured heavily enough to make it nearly impossible for your hands to slip. An extended beavertail and undercut trigger guard help you maintain a high grip. And even though this is a micro-compact, it isn’t so tiny that you end up with your fingers hanging off the base of the gun (unless you have extremely large hands). There are extended magazines offered separately that provide more real estate on grip length.
Adding weight to the gun are the stainless steel slide and carbon steel barrel. A Nitron coating protects the slide from use-related wear and tear. Narrow, angled serrations are present at the rearward portion of the slide but also at the front—just not right at the muzzle. The gun has an accessory rail so you can add a compatible light, or not, your choice. As for the trigger, it’s an X flat-faced trigger designed with an angle meant to improve trigger control. And because it’s the ROMEOZero model, it comes with that red dot sight already mounted to the slide. Even better, it’s generally zeroed out of the box—and that’s not just a marketing line, it is. If you want irons, no worries, it ships from the factory with XRAY3 Day/Night sights installed. It is the complete package.
How does the SIG P365X ROMEOZero shoot?
Despite being a micro-compact, the P365X ROMEOZero fits my hands exceptionally well. The grip texturing provides great security even if your hands get wet or sweaty and the trigger reach distance is great. Unlike the original P365, with its overall height of 4.3 inches, the inch-plus additional height on this model helps a lot with a comfortable grip. Width and length are just a tiny bit more, too, and that’s all it takes to push this gun into perfect concealed carry territory.
The trigger pull on the gun is smooth and the break is crisp and clean. Re-set is minimal but tactile and allows for rapid fire without hiccups. It’s an accurate gun that can even edge into precise—really, it performs far better than most microcompacts/subcompacts. Even with the shorter barrel felt recoil and muzzle rise are negligible. Lots of small carry guns are snappy to shoot, but not the P365 ROMEOZero.
Sights
Thanks to the XRAY3 Day/Night sights, you have a backup if you don’t want to use the ROMEOZero micro-reflex. The front sight is bright green and draws the eye which is a fantastic feature many carry guns just don’t have straight from the factory. As for the ROMEOZero, it was indeed zeroed at the factory and held zero with no trouble through shipping and use. Red dots can take some getting used to, but there are more pros than cons to having one on your carry gun.
A few noteworthy details. Controls can be manipulated by adjusting your grip—always a bonus—and magazines drop free cleanly and smoothly. There’s no sticking or tugging necessary. Serrations are designed well for racking the slide and don’t have sharp edges. Takedown is easy and maintenance is straightforward. This gun is one that just likes being lubed and isn’t fussy about getting dirty.
Is the P365X ROMEOZero a good carry gun?
Yes, the P365X ROMEOZero is a great gun for concealed carry. It hits that happy medium of being small enough to conceal easily but large enough to run smoothly. I like it for AIWB (appendix inside the waistband) carry with the PHLster Enigma although I do have other holsters for it. The slim profile reduces printing and the rounded edges of the frame make it more comfortable for concealed carry use. There’s a good reason the P365 line in general is so wildly popular among concealed carriers—it’s because it’s an awesome gun that suits a broad range of shooters well.
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I haven’t found the gun to be picky about ammo—it’s run everything from 100-grain frangibles to the common 147-grain loads. It cycles reliably and performs precisely, even delivering nice results out to 25 yards. So yes, I’d recommend it for concealed carry and self-defense. There’s no reason not to have the SIG P365X ROMEOZero in the running for your next carry gun. It’s just that good.
Specifications
Model: P365X RomeoZero
Manufacturer: SIG Sauer
Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
Capacity: 12 +1 (flush fit)
Action: Striker-fired
Barrel length: 3.1-inches
Length: 6.0-inches
Width: 1.1-inches
Height: 5.5-inches
Weight: 18 ounces, empty
Frame material: Polymer
Barrel material: Carbon steel
Slide material: Stainless steel
Safety: Internal safeties
Optics ready: Yes
MSRP: $879.99
Learn more about the SIG Sauer P365X ROMEOZero here.
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