The P365 was SIG Sauer’s big splash at the 2018 SHOT Show. The market rewarded SIG’s thought process by making the P365 one of the best selling handguns in the U.S. every year since. The P365 is as thin and compact as many single-stack designs while offering double-stack capacity. The key to the SIG P365’s success is its high cartridge capacity to size ratio, minimal operating controls, above average trigger, superior iron sights, adaptability, and relentless reliability.

A hotter niche in the handgun market right now than slim, subcompact 9mm semi-autos would be tough to name. SIG loaded the P365 with features such as XRAY3 day/night sights, a 10-round flush fit magazine with optional 12-round, 15-round, or 17-round extended magazines also available.

SIG is renowned for not resting on its laurels. Always pushing the envelope, SIG is either introducing new variants of already successful weapons or bringing new designs to life in the quest to scratch everyone’s new gun itch. The P365 pistol product line-up serves as proof of this statement with 24 models of the P365 presently available from the factory. The P365 has solidified SIG HQ in Exeter, NH as ground zero in the current handgun universe.

TEAMING UP

Benefitting all handgun connoisseurs Wilson Combat and SIG have decided to work on another collaboration. This one involves SIG’s P365. Yes, the Wilson WCP365 is recognizable as a SIG P365, however internal and external enhancements turn it into a Wilson Combat product. Wilson Combat starts with the SIG P365 and modifies it in a way only Wilson Combat can with eight different Wilson WCP365 models available. The specific model featured here is the WCP365X. The WCP365X combines a Wilson Combat XL grip module with a P365 slide. Based on the P365 XL-sized grip module, make sure no 10-round P365 magazines get into your WCP365X carry gear, as they will not seat properly.

The WCP365X is defined by laser “starburst” stippling on the Wilson Combat lower module. Wilson X-Tac front and rear slide serrations provide purchase for manipulating the WCP365X’s diminutive slide. A serration pattern is also present on top of the slide between the Wilson Combat Battlesight rear and red fiber-optic front sight. This helps maintain crisp sight picture by minimizing glare between the front and rear sight.

The Wilson Combat option of a direct milled slide with a Trijicon RMRcc  mounted was taken advantage of. The most obvious personal defense handgun equipment upgrade over the last 10 years has to be red dot sights. Trijicon has led the way with their rugged ultra-reliable red dots. Yes, there is a plethora of red dots out there now. However, do not forget Trijicon still sets the standard that all others are judged against.

An important nuance of using a red dot sight on a personal defense handgun is to have co-witnessing iron sights. Anything electronic can fail, no matter how rugged. Wilson Combat has taken care of that with their iron sight arrangement. Another advantage of the co-witnessing iron sights is instant zero verification of the dot. If something is askew, it‘s noticeable.

The Wilson Combat slide and barrel is finished in black DLC finish. The SIG X-Series straight trigger was incorporated. This trigger features a pull weight measuring approximately 4.25 pounds. The SIG X-Series straight trigger offers a 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull the sights to the right or left during the trigger press. One of the keys to the P365X’s accuracy is how it offers the same trigger pull every time. Overall, the SIG trigger is an asset with its consistency. Anyone that familiarizes themselves with it will not be disappointed. Wilson Combat also offers a Grayguns trigger along with a spring modifications as an option.

FIRST IMPRESSION

My first exposure to the WCP365X was at a media event with Wilson Combat. Multiple steel targets, plate racks, and dueling trees stretched from 7 yards out to 125 yards in front of the Wilson Combat tent. Wilson Combat’s Tressa Bohannan just kept handing me magazines during my initial experience with the WCP365X. After about a hundred rounds, I sheepishly realized I had to give way to other participants.

The Wilson Combat modifications to the P365 center on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user, especially in terms of placing multiple rounds on target accurately, efficiently, and consistently. This offers a tactical advantage. The Wilson slide’s mass ad shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. The pistol’s already low bore axis is further enhanced with the extended beavertail and undercut trigger guard relative to the shooter’s hand. These ergonomic enhancements minimize muzzle flip and provide a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapidly rounds are fired.

The WCP3656X had me thinking how expertly applied tweaks and attention to detail from an operation like Wilson Combat benefit even an already solid design such as the SIG P365. Previous Wilson Combat collaborations involving larger frame weapons involved subtle slimming refinements to the pistol’s grip. Not so with the P365. Due to its already bantam size, the discerning eyes at Wilson Combat decided to strategically enlarge the grip with an ever-so-slight palm swell and other nuances that make a big difference in the ergonomics department. Let me elaborate.

Feeling good in your hand does not automatically mean the grip is giving you a proper fit. While feel is important, proper fit is crucial. Think about how custom rifles and shotguns are contoured to their end user. The same applies to handguns, especially one wearing a red dot optic. Proper grip starts from the holster and sets the stage for the most efficient use of a red dot-equipped handgun. The majority of aiming any pistol, red dot or not, is achieved through kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness is the body’s knowledge of the relative location and engagement of tension in its parts. This especially pertains to red dots via proper grip and tension applied to the pistol as soon as possible in the draw phase. Grip is also the key for tracking the red dot up and down on target during multiple round drill. The Wilson Combat WCP365X with RMRcc performed larger than its diminutive size thanks to Wilson Combat’s enhancements.

EDC

The WCP365X became a constant carry companion in lieu of my normal SIG ROMEOZero Elite red-dotted SIG P365XL Spectre Comp. A P365 was also mixed in for comparison purposes. SIG Sauer Elite and Wilson Combat ammunition led the way in testing with both FMJ and JHP loads used. My T&E was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC), a private range located near Winchester, VA, where many local and federal law enforcement tactical team members train.

PERFORMANCE

Shooting from sandbags produced 1-inch groups at 15 yards with the WCP365X with multiple ammunition types. T&E moved quickly past rudimentary bench or stand & deliver efforts at EVTC. The Trijicon RMRcc red dot assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly. Point shooting with the WCP365X is still very feasible when using the RMRcc’s window as a ghost ring if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. Drills consisted of drawing from concealment to see if the RMRcc dot was easy to obtain when operating in haste. Various scenarios engaging targets from static positions behind cover or while on the move were also utilized. Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating the WCP365X with the RMRcc installed and making sure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after the pistol was reloaded and brought back on target.

Users of the WCP365X equipped with the Trijicon RMRcc will find that they no longer have to switch back and forth between target and sights; something that grows more challenging as we age. Handgunners with a red dot-equipped weapon can now do as nature intended – focus on the target. Both eyes open is a must when working with a red dot. The red dot will be there. Moreover, because the use of a red dot is far easier than aligning two separate pieces of protruding steel, users will find they can take accurate shots beyond what was considered realistic with iron sights, especially with a compact handgun with short sight radius like the P365. Hitting steel at 75 yards is very possible with the WCP365X.

The ease of everyday carry with the WCP365X is what sets it apart from most personal defense weapons. The WCP365X is a compact handgun that pushes the performance envelope while still maintaining a real-world application. The Wilson Combat WCP365X increases the effectiveness of a compact concealed carry handgun beyond what most thought capable.

SPECIFICATIONS

Shadow Systems, based in Plano, TX, arrived on the polymer striker-fired handgun scene in 2016. The company quickly gained a reputation as a solid upgrade over other polymer framed striker-fired weapons on the market. Not only talking about the Austrian variation, but all offerings. This stems from Shadow Systems’ in-house manufacturing of slides, barrels, triggers, and internals. Shadow Systems also employs patented MIM and injection mold tooling for frames and small parts. An example is Shadow Systems own LCI extractor. It features proprietary geometry for extra reliability and consistent 3 o’clock brass ejection pattern versus brass back in your face you get with some other polymer striker-fired handguns.

The CR920P is great example of Shadow Systems’ innovation and ability to respond quickly to emerging weapon technology and trends. As we know red dots on personal defense handguns are here to stay. Most Shadow System models come standard with an optic-ready slide cut, including the CR920P. The Shadow Systems optic cut is unique thanks to its ability to accommodate multiple manufacturer red dots without need for adaptor plates. The Shadow Systems mounting method allows for a lower 1/3 co-witness with the Shadow System low-profile factory sights. The elimination of suppressor height iron sights protruding upward from the slide will be warmly received by anyone that has been gouged or had them snag on a cover garment during a draw stroke. Co-witnessing is important, as anything electronic can fail, no matter how rugged; thus, it’s important to have iron sights ready as a backup plan.

What sets apart the CR920P from its stablemates is the integrated compensator at the end of the slide. An earlier compensated model, the DR920P, showed Shadow System’s creativity. Merely screwing on a compensator was not good enough. In fact, the Shadow System compensator does not require a threaded barrel. This is good news for those living in jurisdictions prohibiting threaded barrels.

The CR920P takes this a step further. The CR920P employs a proprietary 3-lug muzzle that works in combination with a centrally located locking lever in the body of the compensator. The intent here was to keep the pistol as compact as possible. The compensator is machined in a way to give a unified appearance with the slide and frame. This allows the CR920P to fit into a wide array of holsters created for the Glock 43X/48 models from Austria by way of Smyrna, Georgia.

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

With the CR920P, Shadow Systems creates a superior covert carry handgun that excels in gunfighting, not just reactive defense most associated with smaller framed handguns. The CR920P is a slim, petite, sub-compact polymer handgun chambered in 9mm. Dimensions lend it to pocket, ankle, belly band, or other deep cover methods of concealed carry.

The CR920P is created from scratch. It is NOT a customized Glock. The CR920P benefits from Shadow Systems quality control and experienced gunsmiths pulling it all together. With that said let’s lay out what the CR920P consists of; Shadow Systems 1:10 twist conventional rifling 3.75-inch spiral fluted bronze TiCN coated match barrel made from 416-R stainless steel, distinct Shadow Systems slide machined from 17-4 stainless steel with enhanced serration all around, patent pending optic cut, black nitride finish on the slide, steel iron sights with green Tritium front, undercut trigger guard, stainless steel guide rod, integral railed dust cover, and a flat-faced trigger.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Shadow Systems slides are machined from 17-4 stainless steel. The CR920P’ slide is not just a hunk of steel meant to host barrel, sights etc. The slide is well thought out—from serration pattern to optic cut. Special attention is paid to the barrel lug and hood geometry to ensure concentric lockup enhancing accuracy. The serrations are not merely aesthetic. The purposely designed directional nature of the serrations provide an aggressive grasping surface when manipulating the slide… but they also reduce friction when coming out of the holster. The serrations combined with the window cut in the slide also reduces reciprocating slide mass. Lastly, the serrations contribute to minimizing weight. The CR920P weighs only 20 ounces.

The CR920P sits low in your hand for better recoil control. An extended beavertail and double trigger guard undercut assists with proper grip straight from the holster. Material is relieved from where the guard connects with the grip as well as under the center of the trigger guard. A nice touch usually only found on polymer frames sent out for custom stippling are the recoil ledges on both sides of the frame in front of the trigger guard for off-hand thumb placement as well as finger placement when not manipulating the trigger. Shadow Systems enhanced the CR920P’s polymer frame using a texturing pattern, lengthened backstrap skirt and a streamlined extended beavertail. These things were done so that the CR920P feels like a larger handgun when fired. Accurate strings of fire with multiple rounds placed on target bears out the Shadow Systems design philosophy.

The CR920P’s compensator further accentuates the recoil control characteristics of the Shadow Systems design philosophy. It produces an extremely benign recoil impulse and lowered decreased muzzle flip due to the single-chamber comp using muzzle gases to drive the slide down after firing. This is key in keeping the handgun on target during multiple shot strings of fire.

WHY COMP?

Just as with red dot sights on handguns, compensators are expanding beyond competition applications and becoming more prominent in the realm of personal defense weapons. This drives the impulse to reduce compensator size while still retaining effectiveness. Why? Part of the challenge of using a handgun involves controlling muzzle flip. No one is saying a 9mm needs a brake. Do not confuse muzzle brake with compensator. However, controlling muzzle rise is a valid goal.

Muzzle flip reduces the speed with which you can accurately fire multiple rounds. The weapon must return to the sight alignment point before firing again. Recoil and muzzle flip also cause the pistol frame to move in the hand. A well-designed compensator allows for an easier job in firing the weapon under normal conditions, as well as under duress or with one hand. Most literature on compensators indicate 30% to 40% reduction of muzzle flip. Testing protocols can be somewhat subjective.

A size-equivalent non-compensated handgun was fired next to the CR920P. I not only fired the weapons but also volunteered students who were attending a concealed carry certification course at my home range Echo Valley Training Center. Many were new to handgun shooting which served my purposes perfectly. I loaded the same ammunition and have shooters engage a target 7 to 10 yards away. There was no prefacing what I was looking for; just questions after each handgun was shot asking about the perceived recoil and muzzle flip. The CR920P was unanimously judged as much more pleasant and easier to shoot accurately.

Accuracy test protocol consisted of three five-shot groups with each ammunition type. Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures obtained by averaging five rounds fired over a Caldwell Precision Shooting chronograph.

NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT

The CR920P can be compared to a Glock 43 in terms of size. However, the CR920P arrives in a zippered pistol rug with two magazines that indicate something different is afoot—one, a 13+1 and the other, a flush 10+1 capacity magazine. This is a significant improvement over the G43’s 6-round magazine with the CR920P maintaining nearly the same dimensions of the G43, including height and width. This capacity increase is wrought by proprietary metal Shadow Systems magazines. The magazine redesign is necessary for the CR920 to achieve Shadow System’s higher capacity goal. With that said, you are not going to be jamming G43, G26, or any other GLOCK pattern magazine into your CR920 Elite. Calm your rising angst as extra Shadow System CR920 magazines are available for $26 to $28.

A variety of 9mm loads were tested with the CR920P, including Norma, Federal, Hornady, SIG Sauer and Black Hills Ammunition. The CR920P was fired one handed, including use of the non-dominant hand, to verify there was no sensitivity in terms of reliability. Premium self-defense JHP, target, and match 9mm loads including 108-, 115-, 124-, and 147-grain bullets were used. The CR920P digested anything fed to it.

ON POINT FOR CCW

The CR920P is a near perfect blending of concealed carry compactness while maintaining performance. The ability to mount a red dot only increases its appeal. With that said, I was somewhat surprised by my preference of keeping the CR920P iron-sighted. This stems from maintaining as compact a profile as possible. I found under the right circumstances the CR920P could be considered for pocket carry, especially without a red dot mounted. This is quite an upgrade over any of the miniature 380 ACPs on the market.

Various Galco holsters were not only incorporated into range testing, but also incorporated inyou a daily concealed carry routine with the CR920P. Galco’s Front Pocket Horsehide, Quicktuk Cloud, Blakguard belt, and Underwrap Elite belly band allowed for exploring what the CR920P offered as an ultra-concealable handgun. I am not about to decide what is the best way to carry the Shadow Systems CR920P for others, as everyone has their own ideas on balancing concealment with practical carry.

Scenarios involving plate racks and dueling trees were run. Engaging targets from behind cover or on the move was incorporated into testing. Magazine changes were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating CR920P and verifying how quickly it could get back on target. Speaking of magazines, Shadow Systems attention to detail is found here, too. The 13-round magazine’s extension features the same texture on its front pad as the grip providing a comfy spot for your pinky finger. The rear of the 13-round magazine’s basepad is notched to accommodate the lengthened backstrap. With the 10-round magazine, the backstrap extends below the rear of the magazine eliminating a possible pinch point.

The Shadow Systems CR920P balances size to firepower for the concealed carry practitioner. The ability to mount a red dot will only add to its appeal. The Shadow Systems CR920P is a compact handgun that pushes the envelope past norms, while still maintaining real world application. The CR920P increases the effectiveness of a compact handgun beyond what most thought capable.

SPECIFICATIONS