If you were in the market for a S&W 686 or similar, 3 or 4 in, what gun would you purchase and why? Would you go for a basic or a Pro model and why? I have read so many good articles on the 686 in magazines, but am on which to go for. Seems like they are very hard to find also, so it would be hard to try several different models to see what you like. I had at one time a 44 mag. 629 classic full lugg 6 in. barell, I loved the way that gun felt in my hand. I see that the 7 rd. 686 357 cal is quite popular and hard to find and was wondering if that gun would be similar to the feel of a 629. I have seen some of both on gunbroker, but don't want to make a mistake. And who knows when these guns will be back in stock at stores. Thanks for any suggestions.
Rocky

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Reason is not automatic!

The 3" 686+ is a pretty awesome gun. It's noticeably smaller than your 629, and will be easier to conceal as well

Presuming that "CC" = concealed carry, if I wanted to carry a large revolver concealed I'd never carry a 4" barreled gun. If I was an LEO that would be different but, unless I'm concealing the gun under a suit coat, I don't want to have to fight to conceal that extra inch of barrel and I don't really need it. Okay, I already have a 686+ 2.5" if I wanted to do this - I also have a number of 2" Model 10s and a 2.5" Ruger Security Six. None conceal really easily but you need the short barrel for sure.

None of those feel like a 629 because it's a larger framed gun, never mind the long barrel. Duplicating the feel of that 629 is not the plan - the plan is finding a short barreled revolver that you can comfortably and safely conceal and that is comfortable for you to shoot.

For my money, a 629 is awfully clunky - I had a Lew Horton 3" barreled M629 and it was fun to play with and it was definitely okay as a bedside gun but I don't miss it (sold it) and I'm very happy to have that 686+ with me as I sleep.

***GRJ***

Concur on the short barrel 686. Lighter and smaller than the large frame 629.

Used Model 10s, and Security Sixes are also very sweet.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

TY for the advise. Do you carry a CC at times, if so ,is it the 3 inch 686?

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Reason is not automatic!

rock54, the main challenge you face in carrying concealed is not alarming the peasants and not alarming the sheriff and his minions. Next challenge is saving your back. The 686 will not do well in any of these challenges. You will find that the"point" on the stocks will protrude unbelievably far out under your coat.

Yoda gives good advice, even K-frame revolvers are a challenge to conceal. But it is doable. Get one with a 2" to 3" barrel and a round butt; use smooth wood grips on the gun so your coat or shirt does not "stick" to the grip. I had to carry a 4" K-frame under a coat for a couple of years, was not fun.

These reasons are why the J-frames are so popular for concealed carry. We are packing our guns through the grocery store or the mall far more often than we are fending off zombies.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Rock54, sac gunslinger is a savvy poster. Re CC, everyone can carry a larger-frame handgun for one day and congratulate themselves. The idea is doing it EVERY day. Then that gun becomes a burden and you find reasons not to carry it. This is not good if you believe you must CC.

Some folks have little or no choice. Plainclothes LEOs may find themselves in a real brouhaha and may require a larger frame weapon with greater ammo capacity and better handling. Others must find the proper balance between power, size, weight and the probability of having to use the weapon. The previous posters have covered this very well.

Rock54, sac gunslinger and kaaskop49 speak the truth. An L frame is a lot to conceal, even with a short barrel. There will be occasions when it can be done, but mostly you'll find it is too large. I had a K frame snub that got very little use because there were so few times it was really concealable. This is why people with a lot of experience carrying revolvers usually carry a J frame. There is almost no time that a J frame can't be concealed, and it is light to carry around all day. They can be carried on the waist, in a pocket, or in an ankle holster. I carried for many years until I moved to Illinois, and thankfully I will be able to again soon. Sometimes I could conceal my 1911 or K frame, but 75% of the time, I went out with a Model 60.

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

Concealment depends on a lot of things; cover garment, belt, holster, how high the holster holds the gun, what angle/cant the holster has, what kind and size of grips are on the revolver, and the size and build of the person doing the carrying/concealing.
I'm about 5'8" and 190lbs and I can conceal a 3" GP100 quite easily under a loose t-shirt with the right holster/belt setup, and it is comfortable to carry for long periods. It is one of my most frequently carried revolvers, the other being a 2.5" 66-3. The photo of the GP100 was taken when I first got the gun, it has some finish wear now

GP100
gp100 3inch.jpg

66-3
66-3.jpg

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Ban lunatics and criminals

+1, ditto, etc, etc.

If at all possible, borrow something from someone to try out. My 2.5" 66 is too big for me to CC and I'd think the 3" 686 would be uncomfortable.

YMMV

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But then, what do I know?