I have this primal urge to start packin a .357 magnum. a S&W 686plus 3". What type of carry do you preffer, what holster, do you wear a special belt?

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Have Gun Will Carry

I carry a 4" 686 with no problems
Definitely need a real gun belt. A desantis speed scabbard or a Hume 721 are both good designs and decent quality for the price

I don't carry mine regularly but when I do it's either in a DeSantis scabbard or a Triple K IWB holster for running a quick errand or taking the dog down the road late at night. (We are in bear country.)

I wear an Aker B21 gun belt. (I have one that is steel lined and one polymer lined version that I purchased about 15 years ago.)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

the 3" 686+ is not an EDC, mostly woods walks or when bears are spotted in the neighborhood.
I use a four o'clock carry, with a Galco SB2 belt and Galco Combat Master holster that I originally bought for the 2.5" 686+.
It protrudes a tad, but I'm OK with it.

I carry mine in this Mitch Rosen holster. Fits great and very high quality. I also use a double thick 1.5" gun belt.

I use a Sparks VM2 for IWB, an Alessi CQB for OWB, or Alessi "Bodyguard" shoulder holster in jacket weather. I have no problem with weight or concealment using a double-thickness, 1-1/2" belt.

I frequently carry either my 3" 686, or my 2 5/8ths" 657.

I am a thinner guy, 5'9" and 135lbs, and I have found that for myself, the two biggest issues are: The fit of the pants, and the location of the belt loops.

I have found that pants riding higher, placing the belt line over the top of my pelvis support the weight of a heavy gun easier and there is less discomfort, than pants that rid at the mid-point on my pelvis.

Most "tactical" pants with the elastic waists suck as the elastic seems to let them sag more, even with a tight belt. The best pants I own for heavy gun carry are actually my 5.11 EMT pants, I just wish I could get them in other colors so they wouldn't look as tool-ish when I wear them off duty.

Belt loop location matters a lot to me as well. If the loops are too far forward the gun is forced to a 3 o'clock hold which is hard to conceal, or too far back the gun gets pushed into a 5 o'clock and bites into the soft spots.

I use Lobo OWB holsters for all of my guns, and I love them.

My belt is just a cheapo leather belt from walmart. I have learned to prefer a thinner belt so that I can slide the holster forward (towards 3 o'clock) when I get in the car, and slide it further back when I get out (returning it to 4 o'clock). Making it easier and more comfortable to carry in the car when I can get the gun out alongside my hips instead of pinched between my back and the seat.

And lastly, I have learned not to sweat the printing. With a large frame gun, its going to happen. Trust me, unless you have a pokemon spawn point on you, nobody is going to look up from their phones long enough to notice a ripple in your shirt.

Thanks for the replies. I have a model 36 3" that I love and I can't wait to get a nice .357. (I went to buy a 686+ but walked out with a PPQ-45 instead) Next gun will be a Smith wheel gun in .357.

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Have Gun Will Carry