S&W 642PC vs Sig P365

[scruffy]

This is not a post to bash S&W. It's an alternative to a competent EDC. I would not have considered the SIG had S&W CS not screwed up the warranty replacement of a M&P340 sent out with an incorrect barrel shroud and carelessly cut forcing cone, but that's another story. I tried hard not to like this pistol. "Polymer disposable junk" blah, blah, blah. I took the new P365 to the range along with my EDC no lock 642 PC for some practice and performance comparison.

Bottom line: The only areas where the 642 was superior is it conceals better in pocket and AIWB carry and weight. Not by a lot, but for my size, build and typical jeans and shorts the 642 is a bit more comfortable and disappears in the pocket with less noticeable printing. That is the only criteria where I can honestly say it beats the Sig.

Capacity - 10, 12 round vs the 642's 5 round
Sights - Sigs X-Ray3 tritium vs 642's trench and fixed silver front blade
Trigger pull - Sigs 5# vs 642 PCs 9#
Accuracy - superior sights and trigger pull make for rapid follow up and fist sized groups at 10 yds. I was unable to match the speed and group size with the 642.
Reliability - over 500 rounds through both with different factory ammo and SD loads with no hiccups from either.

Again this is not to bash S&W J-frames. I will still carry my 642 & 442 on occasions when I need to pocket carry in shorts or jeans for a quick run on errands, etc. However the P365 simply excels in all the areas a concealed carry defensive weapon needs to.

 

[WCCPHD]

I was a died in the wool revolver guy for many, many years. Always carried a revolver off duty and as backup when issued a semi auto. I had settled on a Model 940 as my daily carry after retirement from full time law enforcement (and as backup for my part time work).

That was until the Sig P365. These photos tell the story.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

I have been down a similar road (albeit with the excellent Ruger LCR) and came to the same conclusion. I do shoot the LCR slightly better however the ergonomics, power and capacity of the Sig 365 won me over. It is nice to have so many fine choices available!

 

[Marshal Tom]

Same with my Shield vs. my M&P 340. I can shoot anything pretty well but I can shoot my Shield much better than the M&P 340.

 

[scruffy]

Same with my Shield vs. my M&P 340. I can shoot anything pretty well but I can shoot my Shield much better than the M&P 340.

That was actually the final deciding factor for me as to which to carry. It came down to I can shoot the P365 faster, more accurately and with less effort than my J-frames. The added capacity is a bonus and outset the slight disadvantage in concealability and small weight penalty.

 

[1sailor]

The absolutely very best carry gun is... the one you'll actually carry. If you are more apt to carry your P365 than the 642 then it is a better choice. If not then you need to reconsider. There are a lot of really nice pistols out there and most of them look really good on paper or at the range. But, if it's not easy to strap on and carry then it's really kind of useless. I guess my point is, if the Sig is easier for you to carry then you have made the right decision.

 

[BigBoku]

I shot lots of Sigs and was never fan until I got my hands on a P365 which is what I call the gun I love to hate as I carry it 98% of the time.

I also own the same 642PC a 442PC and my old reliable backup/off duty 640.

I do carry my 642/442PCs as nothing compares to them for me when pocket carry is the preferred method of the day.

I am totally comfortable and competent with all the above but the Sig P365 is just too much gun with too many positives for me not to use it as my primary EDC.

Brand loyalty aside, In my opinion Sig hit a grand slam with the P365 filling a niche that the masses had longed for.

Stay safe,
BB

 

[Bullet Bob]

"However the P365 simply excels in all the areas [I believe] a concealed carry defensive weapon needs to."

Fixed it for you, no charge.

 

[Mister X]

In a firefight or ranged gunfight, I would agree the Sig probably offers certain advantages, but I hold the perspective that most civilian self-defense encounters will be close, quick and dirty affairs in which the snub revolver actually offers numerous inherent advantages.

I came across this video today and he does a pretty good job at hitting many of the relevant points…

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=COI9pfCkVVI[/ame]

 

[waffles]

Welcome to the dark side. During my last rodeo trying to get a defective 340SC repaired, I got a P365XL. I've not had a scenario in which I can't carry it in which I could carry a J frame, I have more than twice the ammo, faster reloads, the ability to mount a dot and/or light, it's easier to shoot well quickly, and I'm not worried about the various durability issues I've had with J frames. I don't think I'll ever go back at this point.