Just bought a 686 4". I'm looking to get a carry holster for it. I've got a Desantis thumb snap pancake for my Glock 19 and Glock 38 that I really like but I also like the ease of use with my Fobus paddle holsters.


Will a paddle holster support the weight of a 686 4"? Any other good choices other than Desantis for a pancake holster for it? What are you all using?


I'm looking for colder weather concealed carry and also I need a secure holster for my annual LEOSA qualifications.


Thanks

It has been my experience that a pancake style holster holds the firearm closer to the body, tilts less, and is less top heavy than most paddle holsters. The only advantage a paddle holster has is that it is quicker and easier to put on and remove.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

From what I've seen, paddle holsters tend to be among the least concealable belt holsters. In addition to stansdds's points, the butt of the gun tends to stick out. But it may work if you wear a heavy jacket and never take it off or bend over. I'm not a fan of paddle holsters, but I do like the version by Kramer Handgun Leather because it includes a snap loop that wraps around the belt for extra security.

There are pancake holsters that use snap loops that wrap around the belt so you get the benefit of the pancake holster holding the gun close to the body with easy-on/easy-off capability. While I don't have experience specifically with this type of holster, I have experience with holsters by Side Guard Holsters and TT Gunleather, and they both offer snap loop pancake holsters. They make excellent quality gear.

With a gun like a 686, a good gun belt is important if you don't already have one. I like double-layer leather belts, and they're often available with additional reinforcement. I prefer Beltman belts, but there are plenty of good makers. Nylon belts, like the Wilderness Tactical Instructor belt with reinforcement, are good, too, and less expensive.

I mention this in pretty much every revolver holster thread, but I would recommend looking for a holster that carries the cylinder even with the belt. You can see that by comparing the relationship between the cylinder molding and the belt attachments. It tends to make the most stable arrangement, which helps with both comfort and concealment.

Hope that helps.

I have a few Fobus holsters, and honesty regret having purchased them. At most, I will only use them at the range!

I have a S&W Model 686+ Deluxe (3"), that I purchased a nice leather belt slide for when I carry a revolver. I don't remember if it was a Whitaker or an Azula, which I purchased from FleaBay. What may be a deal breaker in your book, is that it doesn't have a retention strap.

__________________
Judge control not gun control!

The only advantage I ever saw with the paddle holster was quick on and off. I occasionally used them when I left field law enforcement work for administration. I would keep my handgun in a paddle holster under the seat in case I needed it.

As far as concealed carry and comfort, for me, nothing beats a pancake holster.

__________________
Bill

Thanks all. I've actually used both for my Glocks but they are not as thick or heavy as a revolver. The biggest upside to me for the paddle is grab and go where the pancake needs to be threaded onto a belt. Although, I wasn't aware of the pancake style with the snaps for belt loops - thank you ContinentalOP for that suggestion, I'll have to look into those. Before I retired if I was in plain clothes I always used the leather pancake holster because it was more comfortable sitting at my desk or in the vehicle. I'll concentrate my search for a leather pancake or belt slide style holster.

Paddle boosters stick out further and are more likely to flop around. I never got the “easy on and off” argument. Who takes a gun off and in throughout the day? Even cops working inside. Why take the gun off? Gotta run into The bank and no guns allowed? Take the gun off and leave the holster on. I just did it yesterday at the post office. No big deal.

Fobus in particular is trash.

I used a Roy Baker pancake to carry a 4" N Frame comfortably concealed. I still would if the situation warranted. I have a paddle holster for a J-frame and found it did not work well for me. I like a holster that stays where I put it. The pancake with the belt threaded through the back slot of the holster, through a belt loop and through the forward slot is going nowhere.

__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.

I agree with all the above commentators regarding the paddle. I don't
happen to have a 686, but here are a couple of suggestions.

If you could be fortunate enough to find an old Lawrence Model 34
on one of the auction sites, I think it would do a good job for you.
My 34B (B for basket weave) shown on the left, illustrating the best
placement of the cylinder relative to the belt that CO mentioned.
If you prefer a security strap, which I recommend when carrying in
plain sight, you couldn't do much better than a Tom Threepersons
from El Paso Saddlery, like mine in the photo at right.

I know some think the exposed trigger is scary, but I believe
it is a non-issue with double action revolvers.

By the way, the Lawrence is holding my Model 19 .357 Mag.
The El Paso is holding my Model 67 Combat Masterpiece .38 Spl.

Attached Images

	SAM_1076.jpg (102.7 KB, 34 views)
	SAM_0595.jpg (157.9 KB, 34 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Paddle holsters, beside the points mentioned above [unless equipped with a means to attach them to your belt] are just as quick and easy to be removed by a perp in a scuffle as by your self.Consider your risk assessment on the job.
I have always found a well made and designed pancake to be a better concealer,and more comfortable than a paddle style.
I'n the "mean old days" I preferred inside the waistband carry for N or K frame revolvers and full sized auto loaders. Nick

Lobo model 1 pancake with thumb-break retention and basketweave tooling. Rides real nice, conceals about as well as can be expected. This same holster is available with snap loops for easy on-off.

Attached Images

	686pancake_01.jpg (37.7 KB, 22 views)
	686pancake_02.jpg (39.7 KB, 23 views)
	686pancake_03.jpg (51.1 KB, 23 views)

Have paddle holsters for several handguns, only use them for the range after watching a YouTube video that shows just how easy it is for a 'perp' to walk up from behind, grab a paddle holster by the holster body and twist break it right off the paddle in one move.
Find the Simply Rugged pancake good for heavier carry, high and tight.
Any belt threaded holster is going to carry more securely with less profile.

Having used a paddle holster at the range for about 6 months, I would get a pancake style holder for daily carry.

I wear my 4" 686 from morning til night in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. It's very snug against the body and the nature of the pancake design keeps the gun in tightly. It's a great holster.

I'll attach pics in a few minutes from my phone...

Lets try this... (photos)

Attached Images

	810C442F-BF01-47AA-99DB-9EDB9CF85FA1.jpg (58.7 KB, 16 views)
	C9E6A23F-800D-492E-9888-6830A77C1758.jpg (59.8 KB, 12 views)
	8E91E72F-4D99-43CF-AED8-6CF56EDB2C80.jpg (46.3 KB, 11 views)