SIG’s big push into the modern handgun market has been their removable, and serialized fire control group. These fire control groups are like AR lowers, they are technically the firearm portion. Everything else is just a part. This means you could purchase a full size 9mm P320 and convert it to a subcompact 40 S&W without the need for an FFL. They utilized the same system with the SIG P365 and the aftermarket has taken notice. A small company, mostly known for car parts, called Icarus Precision has released an all-aluminum P365 grip module. Icarus Precision was kind enough to provide me the ACE 365 grip module for this review.
Popping the fire control group in and out took no time at all. It was the first time I had ever done so and it was insanely easy. Removing and replacing the magazine release was also easy to do. In 10 minutes, I had my SIG P365 up and running with the ACE 365 grip module.
First impressions are that it’s not hefty, but it is thicker and slightly wider. It’s very comfortable in the hand. The magazine release feels much different now. Magazines don’t click loudly into place and the magazine release is less exposed. It’s still easy to push, but it sits deeper in the grip well.
What makes the ACE 365 Grip Module Different?
The big question is why? What was wrong with the stock P365 grip module? First off, I love the P365 and don’t have an ergonomic issue with the original grip module. If you like it, keep it. The question of why is best determined by looking at ACE 365 and seeing what it does differently.
First and foremost, the biggest difference is the fact that it’s made from aluminum instead of polymer. To be specific, it’s 7075 aluminum that has been Cerakoted. This adds extra heft to the design and does aid in recoil reduction.
The ACE P365 comes in two variants, the V1 and V2. The V1 is the model I have with the palm swells. This helps fill the hand and I find them comfortable and they do as promised. The V2 does lack the palm swells after customers demanded it.
The grip module also offers a heavily extended beavertail that will aid in control and reducing muzzle rise. The beavertail is also quite thick and very comfortable. It doesn’t dig into the hand during the gun’s recoil impulse. It also allows for a high and tight grip on the gun.
Lastly, one of the biggest differences is the presence of a 1913 Picatinny rail. The P365 uses a proprietary SIG rail. The 1913 rail is two slots and would allow the ultra-small Olight’s or Crimson Trace’s Rail Master to fit.
What About Holsters?
This is the big question. Holster fit and concealed carry guns is a must. None of my kydex molded holsters happen to fit the ACE 365 grip modules. We all sort of knew that was going to happen. What does seem to work is hybrid holsters. I know many are turned off by hybrid holsters, so that may not be your flavor.
I’ve found the Crossbreed Reckoning to fit the P365, as well as the Alien Gear Shapeshift 4.0 hybrid holster and Clinger Holsters Comfort Cling. It works with all of the Shapeshift hybrid holster systems and this includes the appendix model, as well as the shoulder holster rig.
Hopefully, a holster company comes in and starts creating purpose-built holsters for the ACE 365 grip module. EDIT – One has, called Black Label Holsters, check ’em out.
How the ACE 365 Handles at The Range
The Icarus Precision ACE grip system does feel substantially different than the standard grip. I took both to the range and swapped between grip modules to see how they both handle. The ACE 365 grip module makes the gun a bit thicker and heavier and that makes it easier to control.
There seems to be much less snap and the front sight gets back on target considerably faster. That big beavertail seems to do its job well. I have big hands and I do appreciate how comfortable the gun feels in my hand while I shoot.
The P365’s stock grip is great, one of my favorites for a subcompact pistol, but the ACE 365 grip module is much better suited for my larger than average hands. Swapping between grip modules on the range gave me a direct comparison between the two and without a doubt, the ACE 365 gives me a better grip, it allows me to get on target faster between shots, and ultimately is more comfortable.
This is most apparent when you are utilizing self-defense loads of the +P variety. They are much more comfortable and quite a bit less snappy with the ACE 365 module.
The P365 ran reliably in every way once installed into the ACE 365 grip module. The gun cycled perfectly, and doing tasks like reloading, locking the slide to the rear, and clearing the gun is in no way compromised or changed due to the ACE 365 grip module.
The Future of Icarus Precision
Icarus Precision is new to the gun world, but they appear to be capable of great things. People didn’t like the palm swells of the V1 and they created the V2 in response to that. That’s a fast turnaround time to meet market demand. To me, that’s a sign of a company that cares about its customers and has a promising future.
The Icarus Precision ACE 365 Grip module comes in multiple colors as well. They are currently working on an aluminum frame for the P320 as well which would be awesome for competition use. I’m curious to see what they can do in the future and will stay tuned.
Do you carry a SIG P365?
- SIG P365 magazine, 10-round
- SIG P365 magazine, 10 round with extension
- SIG P365 12 round magazine
- SIG P365 15 round magazine
Post Script – The Mag Life’s Thoughts on the SIG removable chassis
I’ve been a fan of the idea of the removable chassis for some time and even adopted the P250 way back when. For shooters in states where purchasing multiple guns is a hassle it could be an excellent feature. However, to be successful it takes lots of support. SIG is doing much better with supporting the P320 but has yet to take advantage of the chassis system with the P365. Beretta did some interesting things with the PICO and grip modules and I’d love to SIG follow suit.
Luckily the aftermarket is doing an excellent job of offering a variety of upgrades to the P365, and the P320. The P320’s chassis has been adapted to a RONI like configuration from a company called Fire Control Unit, and they are developing an AR-based on the Chassis as well. Is it a good idea? Is it the future of gun design? Probably not, but I appreciate it.
