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Best LIMA365 button work-around?

36K views 117 replies 42 participants last post by  SigSam53  
#1 ·
The ergonomics of the LIMA365 lasers are poor -- unlike Crimson Trace and many other lasers they do not reliably actuate by normal gripping of the pistol. Until other manufacturers are offering lasers for the P365, what work-arounds have you found are effective for improving actuation?
 
#4 ·
I wouldn't get too carried away trashing lasers -- they have some serious benefits:

1. Sighted fire is possible as soon as the pistol clears the holster and rotates, without the extra time to raise it to eye height.
2. You can independently choose the best position for your vision path and shot path when behind cover.
3. Since red does not stop down (constrict) our pupils, a red laser momentarily blipped off the floor can be used to orient yourself in the dark, and to spot doorways and stairs.
4. The stray light from the laser gives enough illumination to deal with multiple targets in the dark, and requires no special skill or practice like trying to coordinate a flashlight with a pistol.
5. They show you graphically the defects in your hold and trigger press that cause unwanted movement before discharge.
6. They are another tool and don't detract from the usability of the iron sights, when they are the better solution.
7. They have faster target acquisition than a red dot's limited viewing angle, and do not impact the pistol's CC profile nearly as much.
8. After years of "real men don't use lasers" they are finally getting respect, as S&W buys Crimson Trace and IDPA now allows lasers in matches.
 
#8 ·
I have two P365s and I put a green LIMA on one of them. After sighting in and playing with it, I love its accuracy and the general concept behind it. But that button! what a PITA! you have to press so hard to actuate and have just the right angle on it, and then concentrate twice as much on the shot so the extra pressure doesn't mess things up w trigger pull etc. Maybe attach a small rubber faucet washer on there or something akin to that?
 
#9 ·
With my green laser attached (not any more) I couldn't even hit the target but using the iron sites I can get good patterns. My laser attached makes my 365 less accurate than a rock thrown from 7 yards.
 
#12 ·
I have Crimson Trace lasers on my four other carry guns. Once in my hand the lasers are activated without me having to even think about it. Yesterday I took my 365 to the range with my newly installed Lima 365. I was able to sight it in, but what a hassle. Sometime the laser would come on pretty easily, but for the most part I had to hold the gun with an over-tightened grip and concentrate on squeezing my middle finger against the small nub of a button.

It's my fault for buying the Lima 365 because I bought it after reading the complaints, but I just figured they were written by those inexperienced with lasers. I am not sure I want this on my carry gun, even though I am a strong proponent of lasers. It takes concentration on holding the gun and it is much more difficult to use compared to Crimson Trace lasers.

Frankly Sig needs to step up and redesign the switch and then recall all Lima 365's for retrofit. This laser just sucks, period.
 
#13 ·
Is it just me who thinks lasers on conceal carry firearms have a near zero practical application value and are at best a sub-par practice tool?

I admit I have never fired a weapon to defend my life or that of another but after watching countless civilian encounters I don't recall one where a laser would have made a difference.

Most if not all civilian defense encounters start and finish in an instant and its simply adrenaline, training and muscle memory. Fiddling with a button and looking for a small red/green dot, seriously? Present quick and go for center mass.

Save the money and use it for training I would wager it'll pay off more in the long run.

Don't get me wrong, when I started back when I was all about the laser and light show but as time went on and the mechanics solidified I began to realize they were not going to win the day for me.
 
#14 ·
Is it just me who thinks lasers on conceal carry firearms have a near zero practical application value and are at best a sub-par practice tool?
Well I'm sure there are other's too, though I'm not one of them - I have CT on my HD and carry P229. I *first* always go to the Trijicon HD front sight, but the laser is there in case it's needed. It's also great for "point shoot" dry fire practice as it confirms POA if button is pushed after point.

The fix for that LIMA might be superglue, which bonds most rubber to rubber as fast as it does your skin. File the button flat and use a leather punch to make a button extension out of scrap rubber - glue in place. I don't have a Lima laser to try this.
 
#20 ·
That has never stopped me before . . . heck, it's never even slowed me down!

Yes, there's sometimes a price to be paid, I've trashed some stuff. More often this loathsome trait has led to improvements and a few successful inventions that in turn have more than paid for those screwups. Nothing ventured . . . .
 
#19 ·
I just got mine in the mail today (see post #11). Easy to install and it activated every time when doing practice draws. Won't get a chance to test it for at least a couple of weeks so reserving judgment and modification. However I was disappointed with the difference in size between the Lima and my LCP Crimson Trace. See pic.
 

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#22 ·
I've had mine out two more times and I'm getting to where I can activate it almost without thinking about it. I have it sighted in at 10 yards and it is consistently very accurate.

I also just received my White Hat OWB holster that fits with the laser. I have another WH IWB holster for my LC9 that I can swap out the kydex shell and then have a IWB for the 365 as well. BTW, White Hat is having a 15% discount on orders from now until Sunday.

The Lima 365 is definitely not a Crimson Trace, but with practice it will do the job.
 
#23 ·
One thing I did was I put a dab of black hot glue on the button. I had to clean the button on the laser grip first.
I used a 100 watt hot glue gun.
One thing I tried before was to wrap a Velcro cable tie around the whole grip and over the button but this was prone to slipping.
I shoot left handed, if that matters. The button does appear to be centered however.
 
#25 ·
Afraid I have some bad news, tonight my green laser died. I had a range session this afternoon, and this evening I thought I would get in some dry fire, tease the cat time with my 365. Pushed the button and nothing but a very, very dim green light. First thought was dead battery, so I replaced it with a fresh, out of the package new battery. Same results. I tested both batteries with a volt meter and both show 3.0 volts.

I have owned many Crimson Trace lasers since 2004 and in that time I never had a battery run down or have the laser just quit on me. Really disappointed in this happening. The poor switch operation of the Sig Lima 365 is also of great concern, so therefore I will be on the phone tomorrow with Optics Planet. First I am going to seek a refund for this defective laser. If that doesn't work I will ask for a new replacement.

I probably put less than 200 rounds through the 356 using the laser, shooting Sig 124 gr ammo. My other CT laser guns have had thousands of rounds through them without the slightest problem.
 
#27 ·
I also had LIMA365 Green die for no reason -- it wasn't even being used during the last range session after which it being dead was noticed.

I have contacted three other laser manufacturers whose products have given me no problems and encouraged them to offer lasers for the P365, reminding them of its large sales. Hopefully at least one will jump in.

The most satisfactory fix I have found is two-fold:
1. Grinding down the plastic beside and below the button in a taper to the edges.
2. Making the button taller with black RTV of about 3/16" diameter on top of the original button. First clean with plastic-safe gun cleaner for good adhesion. J-B Weld Black RTV Adhesive & Sealant has excellent adhesion and is very tough after curing. It is the original RTV type with a strong vinegar smell until cured -- the newer RTVs that don't smell of vinegar aren't as tough after curing.
 
#28 ·
No, the lens is clean. Optics Planet has a 30 day return policy, but it has to be returned in the original packing. The Lima 365 comes in a plastic shrink type packing that is impossible to open without destroying the package, so I trashed it. I haven't looked at the Sig Warranty yet, will do so if OP doesn't help me out.

I also had LIMA365 Green die for no reason -- it wasn't even being used during the last range session after which it being dead was noticed.
I wonder if this is going to be a common occurrence? If they are failing, then they definitely need to be recalled.
 
#31 ·
There is a "Request New Models" page on the Crimson Trace Contact page where you can request a new model of laser from Crimson Trace. They monitor and count the number of requests they get to help them make production decisions.

Everyone should go there and request a green laser for the Sig P365. It might get done.

https://www.crimsontrace.com/company/contact
 
#33 ·
I did submit a request to Crimson Trace for a 365 laser. My Lima 365 arrived at Optics Planet today, so I hope my refund is processed promptly. I have 4 other carry guns with CT green lasers that I can use while waiting for new CT laser for my 365. Just hate going from a 13 round 9mm gun down to a 7 round 45ACP.
 
#34 ·
I received an E-mail from Optics Planet this morning saying they issued a full refund back to my credit card....thank you OP! I've always had good service from them and will buy from them again in the future.

If Sig does a redesign on their Lima 365 I may consider buying one again, other wise I will wait for CT.
 
#35 ·
I tried black silicone caulk yesterday: it was sloppy, didn't stick well, and too soft for the job, I feel.

I just now tried clear hot melt glue (couldn't wait for the black to arrive.) It made a nice uniform blob when the button was level, but didn't stick well at all. I might try cleaning with a little acetone first-maybe the silicone caulk made it slippery.

While it was adhered, which was like, minutes with very minimal use, it did the job.