Gun Talk

[Shaft34]

I had two Hellcats and traded one in last year on a 365X and plan to do the same with the other one soon. Both the Hellcats shot well and were reliable, no malfunctions that I can remember. My issues with them are mostly nit picks and personal preference. The first, and most annoying to me is the placement of the slide released lever, it’s too far back for my grip and the slide would almost never lock back when empty unless I consciously focused on loosening my right thumb a bit. I don’t have this issue with the 365X. Second, I don’t like the U Notch rear sight. It works, just not my preference. I’m faster and more accurate with the standard 365X sights. 

My previous carry was a Ruger LC9S Pro and both these guns are leaps and bounds better, so it’s really down to personal preferences. My main full size 9s are P320 Carry’s, so I appreciate the similarities across the Sigs. Planning to get a 365 Macro at some point too.

[BFM this]

On 12/6/2024 at 1:16 PM, disgruntledemployee said:

I'm looking to add a compact/sub and was looking at the Hellcat, which has a nice deal with 5 mags and an optic for the standard price.  I have a pair of 1st gen M&P Shields.  I looked at the P365, but like the Hellcat capacity without too much added bulk.

Any experience info appreciated, to include carry holsters.

Bought that setup last summer, now my primary EDC.  Under winter clothes I’ve swapped the 11r mag for 15 in the well.  Love it; going to start running it as BUG in IDPA matches to get practice engagements.

[viper154]

On 12/6/2024 at 1:16 PM, disgruntledemployee said:

I'm looking to add a compact/sub and was looking at the Hellcat, which has a nice deal with 5 mags and an optic for the standard price.  I have a pair of 1st gen M&P Shields.  I looked at the P365, but like the Hellcat capacity without too much added bulk.

Any experience info appreciated, to include carry holsters.

I got a 365xl with a Romeo Zero I got for a killer deal at local bx a year or so ago. With the mag extensions you get 12, 15 or 17 (+1). I keep a 17 in it and carry a 15 for a spare. Even with the 17 it’s still very small, and much thinner than my G19 I used to cary. I’m a bigger guy, with the 17 or 15 round mag it fits really well in my hand. 

[disgruntledemployee]

Thanks for all the inputs, everyone.  Maybe I'll get both the Hellcat and 365. 

[Lord Ratner]

5 hours ago, disgruntledemployee said:

Thanks for all the inputs, everyone.  Maybe I'll get both the Hellcat and 365. 

Both will be available at most ranges to rent. I thought the 365 was too small, but the 365x is perfect. I'm a medium frame human. 

It does require a little bit more skill with the short barrel, but that's just another excuse to hit the range. 

[uhhello]

Just now, Lord Ratner said:

Both will be available at most ranges to rent. I thought the 365 was too small, but the 365x is perfect. I'm a medium frame human. 

It does require a little bit more skill with the short barrel, but that's just another excuse to hit the range. 

365 is indeed too small.  Not fun to shoot in the slightest

[Lord Ratner]

11 hours ago, uhhello said:

365 is indeed too small.  Not fun to shoot in the slightest

I will say that fun isn't necessarily the metric for a carry gun, and if you weigh 120 lb or less that might be the best option. But the bigger frame of the X/XL variant is much nicer to shoot

[uhhello]

51 minutes ago, Lord Ratner said:

I will say that fun isn't necessarily the metric for a carry gun, and if you weigh 120 lb or less that might be the best option. But the bigger frame of the X/XL variant is much nicer to shoot

Yeah fun isn't the right word I guess.  I can shoot well with it but that comes with a different grip on draw almost every time for me and my size compared to the gun frame.  Having to readjust grip every time after draw is not fun.  Its a trade off for sure.  I'm moving to a bit bigger frame as a necessity.

Edited December 9 by uhhello

[ClearedHot]

On 12/6/2024 at 1:16 PM, disgruntledemployee said:

I'm looking to add a compact/sub and was looking at the Hellcat, which has a nice deal with 5 mags and an optic for the standard price.  I have a pair of 1st gen M&P Shields.  I looked at the P365, but like the Hellcat capacity without too much added bulk.

Any experience info appreciated, to include carry holsters.

I have all three and typically carry the Hellcat.  I highly suggest you try all three before you buy one (unless you are over-prepared and just buy them all like I did).  My local gun range has loaner weapons and it is a great way to try before you buy.  Also, suggest you put some work in and practice removing the gun from conceal to ready, I learned some additional lessons there.

I started with the M&P Shield, I was drawn to it because I have very big hands (don't get excited, I'm Irish so it doesn't translate elsewhere 😛 ), and typically my pinkie extends below the bottom of the magazine which is not optimal for a controlled grip and accuracy.  The M&P has a long grip, mostly because it is a single stack which is its biggest weakness.  As a single stack it carries 8 +1 in the pipe.  If you've ever been in a gunfight you will know you want to establish fire superiority quickly then either defeat or retreat with speed.  9 rounds goes quickly in a dynamic fight so I started to look for other options.

The Hellcat is a double stack so you get 11+1 which is great but the grip is a bit shorter and right on the edge of fitting well in my hand.  It is VERY balanced and carries light but for me it has one weakness.  Again related to the size of my hand, I have accidentally hit the mag release when doing quick draw exercises on the range.  I have tried to train that away but what a horrible outcome to pull your weapon in a time of need and drop the mag. 

The P365 is a great choice and I would carry it but I currently have the wrong holster.  17+1 and a long grip is perfect for my oversized hands.  I run a HS507C X2 red dot which is great but does require training.  When I worked with the teams I always used iron sights with tritium.  Again I suggest training as a red dot COMPLETELY changes your sight line and the muscle memory you will use to get on target.  I was very surprised to note you don't just put the red dot on the thing...you have to work your sight line to find the red dot then put it on the thing.

I got the Sticky Holster as a gift and have used it for several years.  It is hot and humid in Florida and I like to hear light shorts and a T-shirt, the Stocky holster simply slides into your waist band and away you go. 

As I mentioned I am carrying the Hellcat, mainly because the 365 is too heavy for the sticky holster and with the Holosun, the P365 does not fit well.  I've ordered a BravoBelt, I think that will be the best for me and how I like to carry.

If you find yourself down near Eglin, drop me a note, you are welcome try all of them - yes even you @disgruntledemployee.

Good luck and hope to hear the experience of others.

[disgruntledemployee]

11 minutes ago, ClearedHot said:

I have all three and typically carry the Hellcat.  I highly suggest you try all three before you buy one (unless you are over-prepared and just buy them all like I did).  My local gun range has loaner weapons and it is a great way to try before you buy.  Also, suggest you put some work in and practice removing the gun from conceal to ready, I learned some additional lessons there.

I started with the M&P Shield, I was drawn to it because I have very big hands (don't get excited, I'm Irish so it doesn't translate elsewhere 😛 ), and typically my pinkie extends below the bottom of the magazine which is not optimal for a controlled grip and accuracy.  The M&P has a long grip, mostly because it is a single stack which is its biggest weakness.  As a single stack it carries 8 +1 in the pipe.  If you've ever been in a gunfight you will know you want to establish fire superiority quickly then either defeat or retreat with speed.  9 rounds goes quickly in a dynamic fight so I started to look for other options.

The Hellcat is a double stack so you get 11+1 which is great but the grip is a bit shorter and right on the edge of fitting well in my hand.  It is VERY balanced and carries light but for me it has one weakness.  Again related to the size of my hand, I have accidentally hit the mag release when doing quick draw exercises on the range.  I have tried to train that away but what a horrible outcome to pull your weapon in a time of need and drop the mag. 

The P365 is a great choice and I would carry it but I currently have the wrong holster.  17+1 and a long grip is perfect for my oversized hands.  I run a HS507C X2 red dot which is great but does require training.  When I worked with the teams I always used iron sights with tritium.  Again I suggest training as a red dot COMPLETELY changes your sight line and the muscle memory you will use to get on target.  I was very surprised to note you don't just put the red dot on the thing...you have to work your sight line to find the red dot then put it on the thing.

I got the Sticky Holster as a gift and have used it for several years.  It is hot and humid in Florida and I like to hear light shorts and a T-shirt, the Stocky holster simply slides into your waist band and away you go. 

As I mentioned I am carrying the Hellcat, mainly because the 365 is too heavy for the sticky holster and with the Holosun, the P365 does not fit well.  I've ordered a BravoBelt, I think that will be the best for me and how I like to carry.

If you find yourself down near Eglin, drop me a note, you are welcome try all of them - yes even you @disgruntledemployee.

Good luck and hope to hear the experience of others.

My brother carries the 365 and we're planning a range day soon.  My hands are smaller (sorry, no pics to share).  Like with the M9, I had to rotate my right hand to press the mag release, but with a 1911, it's perfect, which is one of the reasons I love that platform.

Much appreciated with the info, especially holsters. And the offer to go shooting 🤠

[M2]

[Lord Ratner]

2 hours ago, ClearedHot said:

  I was very surprised to note you don't just put the red dot on the thing...you have to work your sight line to find the red dot then put it on the thing.

This is why I recommend the ACSS reticle that holosun has. It's a game changer for compact conceal carry. 

 

https://unclezo.com/2023/01/31/giving-the-acss-vulcan-dot-on-the-holosun-507k-a-fair-shake/amp/

[uhhello]

Today I learned all Vortex products are 40-50% off on AAFES

[brabus]

Guidefitter is also a great source for significant discounts on a lot of great gear, including Vortex. Recommend every mil guy signs up

[ClearedHot]

Finally arrived, can't wait to shoot it.

[uhhello]

First suppressor ordered.  It's beyond silly the hoops you have to jump through to make a gun a little bit quieter. 

[Lord Ratner]

1 hour ago, uhhello said:

First suppressor ordered.  It's beyond silly the hoops you have to jump through to make a gun a little bit quieter. 

Agreed. Unfortunately Luigi-the-spoiled-assassin probably set back the attempt to get them deregulated by several years

[brabus]

And ironically his suppressor made zero difference in the event. But alas, people who support further gun legislation/continuing the NFA are devoid of all logic (and DGAF about the constitution).

[Smokin]

It also could go the other way.  The silencer he used was apparently 3D printed.  If I can buy a 3D printer and make a gun and a silencer, why regulate them at all?  Clearly the laws regulating silencers were made completely irrelevant by a printer anyone can buy on Amazon.