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When upgrading your Sig P365, one of the biggest upgrade decisions recently has been whether to go with a standard or ported slide/barrel. A ported slide can help reduce muzzle rise and improve follow-up speed, but it also comes with considerations like increased carbon fouling. For those looking to squeeze out more performance without adding a threaded barrel or compensator, ported option have recently become popular and offer a more compact solution.
The Norsso Spec Ops C is one of several aftermarket slides that takes the ported route. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at how it’s built, how it performs, and whether it’s the right fit for your P365 upgrade.
Spec Ops C Overview
The Norsso P365XL Spec Ops C is a purpose-built slide upgrade that brings ported-barrel technology into a highly proven and popular platform. Rather than relying on a threaded barrel and external compensator, the slide integrates two ports directly into the top of the slide. When paired with a ported barrel this allows shooters to benefit from reduced muzzle rise and faster follow-up shots without adding extra components or length.
Machined from 17-4 Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steel Billet and heat treated to an H900 designation, the slide offers excellent strength and longevity. It features full-length multifaceted side surfaces, aggressively milled front and rear serrations, and contoured front and rear corners for a refined yet tactical appearance. The Spec Ops C is compatible with standard 3.7″ P365XL 9mm barrels or Norsso’s own ported C barrel which is what I went with. It is available to be purchased with or without a RMRcc or RMSc optic cut. It is sold stripped, meaning you’ll need to install your own sights, internals, and optic as needed.
What’s in the Box
- Stripped Norsso Spec Ops C Slide
- 3.7″ Ported Barrel (Added Option)
Tech Specs Chart
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Slide Material | 17-4 Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steel (H900 heat treated) |
| Barrel Included | 3.7” Norsso C-Ported Barrel (9mm) |
| Porting | Two integrated top ports for recoil mitigation |
| Slide Style | Full-length, multi-faceted profile with contoured corners |
| Serrations | Deep, wide-milled angled front and rear serrations |
| Optic Cut | RMSc footprint (Shield RMSc mounted) |
| Sight Setup | Meprolight suppressor-height iron sights (user-installed) |
| Internal Parts | Sig Sauer OEM slide completion kit (user-installed) |
| Compatibility | SIG P365XL frame, 9mm applications only |
| Finish | Varies (specific finish not listed, as supplied by Norsso) |
| Included in Kit | Stripped slide, ported barrel, RMSc optic cut |
| Made In | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
Key Features
Integrated Porting
The highlighted feature of the Spec Ops C is the dual integrated top ports that vent gas upward to reduce muzzle rise. Unlike traditional compensators that require a threaded barrel and add length, these ports are built directly into the slide, delivering flatter shooting without extra bulk when paired with Norsso’s 3.7” C-Port barrel.
RMSc Optic Cut
My slide was purchased with an optic-cut for RMSc footprint optics, making it compatible with popular red dots like the Shield RMSc, which was used in this build. It is also available to get an optic cut for the RMRcc footprint, or none if you’re into that.
Premium Machining and Materials
Norsso machines the slide from solid 17-4 stainless steel and finishes it with an H900 heat treatment. This material choice is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity.
Enhanced Grip
The deep, wide-angled serrations at the front and rear of the slide make it easy to rack, even with gloves or under pressure.
Design & Build Quality
The machining on the Norsso Spec Ops C slide is truly top-tier. From the moment I had unboxed it, the quality was obvious, sleek lines, smooth edges, and zero imperfections. It’s clear Norsso puts a lot of care into their work, and it shows when taking a close look at this slide. The serrations aren’t some fancy design but are highly functional, offering awesome grip up front and in the rear without being overly aggressive or flashy.
Aesthetically, I’d say this is one of my favorite-looking ported slides for a p365 on the market right now. It’s aggressive in the right ways but still maintains a balanced, streamlined look. The optic cut fit my Shield RMSc perfectly and mounted with ease. The threads for the optic screws were smooth as well but be sure not to over tighten them as with any RDS sight you don’t want to strip those out.
As for the internals I went with the factory Sig Sauer internal slide part kit which installed with zero issues, and the slide mated to my P365 FCU and frame with a clean lockup and no play. Racking the slide feels smooth and consistent.
The Norsso 3.7″ C-Port barrel is just as well-machined as the slide. No sharp edges, perfect fitment, and the coating was flawless out of the box.
Performance
I paired the Spec Ops C slide and barrel with a factory Sig FCU, factory frame, factory internals, and topped it off with a Shield RMSc. A full build breakdown is coming soon, but for now that’s all you get.
The slide racks super smooth, and the serrations are exactly what I look for, enough grip to run confidently, without being overly aggressive..
Now for what you’re really here for, is a ported barrel actually worth it? Yes. Compared to a factory P365, this setup shoots noticeably flatter. The porting definitely makes a difference. It helps control muzzle rise and keeps the dot and front sight right where you want it. I didn’t experience any gas to the face, and even under fast shooting, the slide tracked straight and stayed on target.
For reliability, it’s been flawless. I’ve been running a factory P365 recoil assembly and haven’t had a single malfunction. Slide lock on empty every time, and I haven’t needed to adjust spring weight. After almost 700 rounds, I’m confident this setup is dependable enough for serious use, and it’s just plain fun to shoot.
Now, full disclosure, I went against Norsso’s recommendation of using plain black iron sights. Instead, I installed Meprolight night sights because I wanted to really see how bad the carbon buildup could get. After 700 rounds, I’ve only cleaned them once, and not because they were too dirty, just because I was cleaning the gun anyway. They were still clearly visible, and the tritium is still bright. That said, I can see how, over time, buildup could become a problem if you’re not staying on top of maintenance.
One thing worth mentioning: while the ported slide and barrel absolutely help with performance, cleaning those ports adds a step. It’s not awful, but it can be tedious, especially if you let fouling sit too long. If you’re the type who keeps up with regular cleaning, it’s no big deal. But don’t ignore them, or you may regret it later.
All in all, this is the flat-shooting fun-having P365, and it just got added to my rotation of carry setups.
Overall Rating
Reliability & Performance – 5/5
This build has been completely reliable. With a factory SIG FCU, internals, and recoil spring, the slide cycled flawlessly through 700 rounds. Lock-back worked every time, and the ported barrel noticeably reduced muzzle rise without affecting function.
Design & Build Quality – 5/5
The machining on both the slide and barrel is as good as it gets. There were no sharp edges, no imperfections, and the finish was flawless out of the box. The serrations provide just enough grip without being overbearing, and the barrel dropped in with perfect fitment.
Aesthetics & Innovation – 5/5
This is easily one of the best-looking ported slides for the P365 I’ve handled. The dual ports are clean and purposeful, the slide’s faceting gives it a refined look, and it avoids the overly aggressive styling some slides fall into.
Functionality & Compatibility – 4.5/5
Everything fit together smoothly, the Shield RMSc mounted with ease, the internals dropped right in, and it paired with the frame like it was factory-built. That said, I did go against Norsso’s advice and used Meprolight night sights instead of black irons. They’ve held up well so far, but I can see how fouling could build up over time. It’s something to consider if you’re not cleaning regularly.
Maintenance & Practicality – 4/5
The only real trade-off with a ported slide is the extra cleaning. The ports do their job well, but they add a bit of work during maintenance. Cleaning them isn’t hard but it’s an added step and can be tedious. Skipping it will definitely cause buildup over time. It’s a fair trade for the performance gain.
Final Score: 4.7 / 5
Final Thoughts
The Norsso Spec Ops C slide and barrel kit has seriously impressed me. From the machining to the fitment, everything about it feels premium and purpose-built. It took my P365XL from a solid carry gun to something that shoots flatter, looks better, and feels more dialed in. The ports actually work, the aesthetic is spot-on, and the reliability hasn’t skipped a beat.
That said, it’s not all plug-and-play convenience, you’ll need to install your own internals, and keeping those ports clean adds a bit of extra work. But if you’re willing to put in that little bit of maintenance, the performance payoff is absolutely worth it. This isn’t just a flashy upgrade, it’s a functional one. And after 700 rounds, I can confidently say this setup earns a permanent spot in my carry rotation.
FAQ
Q: Will this slide fit my standard P365 or P365X?
This specific slide is for the P365XL and is not compatible with the standard P365 or P365X. However, Norsso does offer a Spec Ops C slide for the 3.1” P365 platform, which features similar porting and design tailored to the smaller frame.
Q: Is there an optic cut?
Not by default, but Norsso offers custom optic milling through their options when adding to cart, you can get an RMRcc or RMSc footprint.
Q: What sights should I use with a ported slide?
Norsso recommends using plain black iron sights to avoid damage from carbon fouling and heat exposure. That said, I used Meprolight night sights for testing, and after 700 rounds, they’re still holding up well but I can see how carbon buildup could be an issue long-term if not cleaned regularly.
Q: Is this a complete slide assembly?
No. The slide is sold stripped, meaning you’ll need to supply your own internal parts (striker, extractor, etc.), sights, and optic.
Q: Do I need a special recoil spring or guide rod?
Nope. I’ve been using a factory SIG P365XL recoil assembly, and everything functions flawlessly with no cycling issues.
Q: Is cleaning a ported slide harder?
A little. The ports can accumulate fouling faster than a standard slide, so cleaning them adds an extra step. It’s not difficult, but it’s something to stay on top of to keep everything running and looking clean.
Q: Where is it made?
Every Norsso slide is made in-house in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
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