I’ve never really carried much in a holster other than a pocket holster. That doesn’t really work for a larger gun.

I’ve just acquired a 686 3”. I want something comfortable for field carry - definitely OWB. If it works great concealer that’s a plus. Comfort is the key.

What should I consider? I’m in NC and always like to do business with local people or small businesses.

I’ve seen some good reviews for Wild Bills in NC and Lobo gunleather (small business). I know that lots of people like Simply Rugged as well.

All recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,
QD

My first recommendation would be to get a good gun belt if you don't have one already. It'll provide extra support for the gun, which will make it more comfortable.

There are lots of makers of different types of belts. I prefer the double-layer leather belts by The Beltman. Another option would be the holster maker you decide on. I believe the holster makers you mentioned also make gun belts, and they would be made to fit the holster's belt loops. Some of these belts are available with an internal stiffener between the layers for additional support.

There are also nylon belts, like the Wilderness Tactical Instructor belt, that can be had with internal reinforcement. They're made by other makers, too.

As for holsters, my general suggestion for an OWB would be a pancake-style holster. The Simply Rugged is a good example of a pancake holster. With the right holster, belt, and clothing, your 686 can be carried concealed in one. In this style, there are belt slots fore and aft of the gun. This helps spread out the weight of the gun, as well as pull the butt of the gun into the body for better concealment.

There's also the Avenger-style holsters, which typically feature a tunnel loop on the body-side of the holster body and a trailing belt slot to the rear. Not quite as concealable, but still a good option. Off the top of my head, the Milt Sparks PMK comes to mind.

One general recommendation I usually give is to look for holsters that carry the cylinder even with the belt. I've found this gives the most stable, and thus comfortable, position when carrying.

Most of my experience with holsters is for concealment, so there may be other holster options that may suit your needs that I'm not familiar with.

The holster makers you mentioned have a good reputation and would be a good place to start. In addition to them, from personal experience I can recommend holsters by Side Guard Holsters, Milt Sparks, Kramer Handgun Leather, and TT Gunleather. They're all custom makers, so turnaround times will vary. TT Gunleather usually has the fastest turnaround time, typically 3-4 weeks.

There are also plenty of production holsters by companies like DeSantis, Bianchi, Galco, Don Hume, etc., that may work for you. The advantage with them is that they may be more readily available at a lower price than the custom holster makers.

I would also suggest a search of the forum, if you haven't already, as holster recommendations are commonly discussed.

Finally, apologies if I've covered topics you're already familiar with. I'd rather err on the side of providing too much info than not enough (which any member here who has read my posts can attest to... ).

Hope that helps.

For short barreled revolvers with a little heft to them, I like a pancake style that carries the cylinder at or slightly below belt level. To me, the pancake style spreads the weight out and makes for comfortable OWB carry, and the lower carry position makes the gun less "floppy" on the belt, less top heavy feeling I guess you would say.

Simply Rugged makes a good product, and I hear good about Lobo.

Larry

Yes, a good belt. I’d want widely spaced loops for the belt, adds stability & spreads the weight. For field carry I often like a retention strap, keep the gun secure.

Here’s a Desantis picture.

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I have a Lobo Model 1 Pancake with thumb break for my 4" 686 and i like it a great deal. Very comfortable and secure, even conceals well for a 4" revolver. Like others have said, a good belt is a must. Mine is made of horse hide from The Beltman. Hard to beat IMO.

Get yourself a Beltman belt from a NC company and a lobogunleather holster and you'll be good to go.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

Not exactly a neighbor, but just a couple of states South of you is Ken Null
Holsters. Take a look at his web site. He has many of his most popular
holsters made ahead for quick shipping. His RSS (Revolver Super Speed),
shown below could be my favorite holster for all around carry. If the
exposed trigger guard doesn't spook you like it does some. The revolver
is a Model 10 with 2" barrel.

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In Omnia Paratus

One more thought. Selecting the right holster can be a trial-and-error process. You may have to try several holsters before you find one that works for you. All the suggestions we've given work for us, but may or may not work for you. We all have holster boxes filled with gear that didn't work out for one reason or another.

You might also want to keep an eye on the accessories/misc for sale area here on the S&W forum

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de minimus non curat lex

I'm a big fan of both simply rugged and Wright leather. Have holsters for a 3" .44 Spl revolver from each..

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

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I used to be disgusted..

Great thoughts all. Thank you.

This is what I use with my 686+ 3” and it is a very comfortable setup with a correct belt.

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- Post No Bills -

Wright Leather Works Predator holster. I have several for my guns. They are great and very comfortable OWB.

Predator Pancake Leather Holster - Wright Leather Works(R) LLC

I carry my 4" 686 every day morning til evening in a Simply Rugged pancake. The comment above on a proper GUN BELT is crucial to support it.

I just ordered an old school police surplus black basket weave swivel holster for my 686-1 6". Itll be strictly for field/farm/hunting carry. Has a retention strap and ammo loops.

See pic. Itll be perfect for farm carry and treestand carry. It snaps into a fixed position, but swivels when sitting

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If Lobo Gunleather is near you then I'm jealous. Go there with confidence.

Just about done getting my set up complete. TT Gunleather high ride pancake and Don Hume speedloader pouch.

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Mitch Rosen gunleather express serious is gonna be cheaper and faster but you can definitely go higher end have two belts and many holsters and mag pouches for my semi’s highly recommend and as stated above quality belt is first step to take.

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Take it easy. Chris

My last 586 / 686 duty holster was a G&G B501 safety holster but I included it when I sold my 686 a number of years ago. When I bought a 586 to replace it I found a black Bianchi 99T basket weave Jordan style holster that goes nicely with my black Safariland Basket Weave Belt.

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Gun Safety is no accident.