5 Common SIG P365 Problems You Must Be Aware of

I’ve been in the field, let my palms sweat, and aimed down the sights of the SIG P365. Experiencing it firsthand, I’ve run into a few bumps in the road.

During my hands-on time, I stumbled upon a few common SIG P365 Problems. A flawed striker design, the firearm refusing to return to the battery, trouble with the TRS, slide failures, and Failure to Extract (FTE) have all raised their heads. 

And I am sure you’ve seen one or two of these problems, too. Don’t fret because, in this article, I am going to break them down and offer some practical solutions.

Top 5 SIG P365 Problems & Solutions

1. Flawed Striker Design

During my trials with the SIG P365, I noticed an issue that echoed the early reports from the firearm community: the notorious firing pin breakage. 

My first taste of this problem occurred after repeatedly dry-firing the gun into an empty chamber, just as many users might do. 

I quickly discovered that the firing pin was prone to stress and damage, largely due to intense pin drag across the case primers during live discharges.

Solution

The light at the end of the tunnel here is that SIG realized their mistake. They’ve since adjusted the striker’s strength to match the material used in the design, which I confirmed after testing post-2018 models. 

Want to solve this issue yourself? It’s pretty simple: swap your old striker assembly for the new P365 striker assembly. Your wallet won’t feel the pinch, and you’ll effectively solve this problem.

2. Failure To Extract (FTE)

During my hands-on evaluation of the SIG P365, I came across instances of extraction failures. More specifically, when firing with brass and silver-cased ammunition.

Consequently, the spent case would be left in the chamber, resulting in a malfunction of the firearm.

Solution

The primary cause of this malfunction turned out to be a weak extractor spring. Therefore, the most effective solution was to replace the existing spring with a new one. 

A robust, new extractor spring alleviated this problem, restoring the smooth functioning of my SIG P365.

3. Trigger Return Spring (TRS) Issues

I encountered a concern linked to the Trigger Return Spring, abbreviated as TRS. The evidence was clear: visible scuff marks and scratches on the surface of the pistol’s box magazines. 

The underlying problem was an ill-sized TRS. More specifically, the TRS was too long, which led to two primary complications. First, it tarnished the aesthetics of the magazines by leaving behind scratches. 

Second, it introduced an unnecessary “rattle” movement in the TRS, disrupting the smooth operation of the firearm.

Solution

SIG Sauer has addressed this concern proactively by ensuring the TRS is of the correct specification before incorporating it into the trigger group of newer models. 

If you’re dealing with an older model, one possible remedy is to replace the existing TRS with a correctly sized one, which can be sourced from Midwest. 

However, my recommendation leans towards updating to the newer models to bypass this and other potential issues, considering that replacing parts of a firearm can come with its own set of risks.

4. Complications with Slide Function

My rigorous testing of the SIG P365 unveiled another problem related to the slide function. It was observed that the slide didn’t always operate as intended. 

Specifically, after the discharge of a magazine, the slide would partially move forward instead of returning to its original position. There were also instances when the slide got stuck or locked, predominantly post-cleaning and during the reassembly process.

Solution

My analysis led me to believe that this problem might arise due to a tight slide release lever. To counteract this issue, it’s essential to fully engage the takedown lever’s rotation. 

Keeping the firearm well-lubricated and clean can also alleviate this issue. It’s crucial to remember not to squeeze the trigger during disassembly, as this can further complicate the slide reassembly process.

5. Not Returning to Battery

I also faced an issue where the SIG P365 wouldn’t return to the battery. This pesky malfunction seemed to occur more frequently with one particular magazine, likely due to a tight fit or inadequate lubrication.

Solution

If you’re up against this problem, I’ve found that a light tap on the magazine well gets the job done. It also helps to rack the slide a couple of times daily. To nip the issue in the bud, maintain proper cleaning and greasing of your weapon. 

Excessive dirt and fouling slow down the return to battery process. You’ll find that with continuous use and proper maintenance, this issue should fade away.

Conclusion

After a hands-on, thorough examination in the field, My final assessment of the SIG P365, I encountered a few issues, including a flawed striker design, problematic TRS, slide complications, Failure to Extract (FTE), and the firearm refusing to return to battery, the bright side was the practical solutions available to address these drawbacks. 

Though not perfect, its faults are manageable and are overshadowed by its many virtues, offering a good balance for users seeking reliability, convenience, and robustness in a compact firearm.

FAQs

Is the SIG P365 reliable now?

Yes, the SIG P365 has proven to be an excellent concealed-carry pistol with good capacity and manageability.

What are the cons of the SIG P365?

The compact size of the SIG P365 can result in increased recoil, which may not suit everyone.

Is the SIG P365 drop safe?

The P365 has several internal safeties, including a disconnector drop safety and a firing pin block, to prevent accidental discharges.

Is the SIG P365 better than Glock?

If you prefer higher capacity and better sights, the SIG P365 could be your choice. But for a full-size Glock’s features in a more concealable size, the Glock 43 could be the right pick.