I've been considering getting the Smith & Wesson model 686+/686 for a concealed carry gun.
I was looking at two models today at my local gun shop.

The + had a non-fluted cylinder and a 3" barrel.
The non-+ had a fluted cylinder with a 2.5" barrel.

Both were satin stainless, .357, 7(+), 6(non-+) shot and had front red ramp and adjustable rear white outline sights.
One had synthetic grips the other had wood grips.

From actual experience, any thoughts on carrying one of these for a CCW?

It's going to be heavier than a Glock or similar, and much heavier than say a S&W Model 12, but it's definitely doable. I've carried a 4" 686 concealed in the past without issue.

To me the biggest challenge is the grip. A round butt with Magnas will be a whole lot easier than something wearing much larger grips.

But, in the end, the weight will get to you. I carried my 986 in a hip holster during a backpacking trip over a long weekend and it wasn't shy about letting me know it was there.

Thanks for the feedback, kevh481.

Everyone around me is tryng to talk me out of it saying get a S&W 637 airweight .38, instead.

I really like the 686 +'s beefy frame and the quality of its make up that you can feel when you hold it.
Not to mention the .357 round is much improved compared to the .38.

I am not speaking from experience!

I have a S&W Model 36-6 that is currently in my carry rotation, and I love the little revolver, but I would feel a lot more comfortable with more than 5 rounds. That being said, I found a model 686+ Deluxe TALO 3" that is a virtual twin to my 36-6, just a bit beefier. It is now on layaway.

I don't know at the moment whether it will be carried in an IWB holster, or a belt slide with a cover garment. Being disabled, I have become accustomed to being uncomfortable, but I do like the idea of making it home at night. Therefore, the 686+ will take its place in rotation with a Commander, a Government Model, and a 439. When super discreet or lighter weight is required, I will resort to either the 36-6 or my Mauser HSC.

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Judge control not gun control!

Yes, I have to admit weight is a consideration as with any gun you are considering for a CCW that sits many hours a day on your waist.

I was told if I did buy it I would end up selling or trading it in some months later for something smaller and lighter.

Too heavy imho

Get a small frame 357mag. S&W makes them.

At one time I considered buying a 686 w/2.5" barrel, but not one these new productions, an '86 with forged internals and no lock. My reasoning was the same as yours. However, I didn't have any experience with S&Ws L frame. The only Smiths I own is a 629-2E w/3" barrel, and a 17-4. The 629 is still quite heavy with unfluted cylinder even while riding in a Don Hume Bill Jordan holster. So I didn't think the L frame would be much less than that.

I don't particularly care for the S&W action design, I much prefer the Colt V spring if at all possible. So instead of getting the 686, I bought a 2.5" Python, which I do believe the frame is slightly less bulky and probably a little lighter. Plus, it has actual service grips for the purpose of carrying. Even still, it is a rather large gun to carry, and bulky in my Bianchi IWB holster which has rather thin leather compared to most companies. If I don't have a baggy shirt, it easily prints on my small/skinny frame.

If I would have got the 686, I most likely never would have used it for my intended purpose. Even my Python doesn't go with me everywhere due to the size. If I am going to be moving around a lot, or carrying things/working, I leave the Python at home and take my Detective Special which is about the perfect conceal carry gun in my opinion, but without 357mag power. So I would think long and hard about it before making a decision.

With J frames, and the big selection of small, lightweight semi-auto's available, the L frame is probably not the best choice for concealed carry. That said, I carried my duty gun, a 4 inch 586 for years without undo issues. Used an upside down shoulder holster, and a belt pancake holster. Couple of speed strips in my right pocket.

Larry

The OP should look at the M60-15 sku 178013. It's a 3-inch Pro Series J-frame with adjustable sights in .357. Some call it a "... mini Model 686."

I have a similar version and it seems way handier than my 3-inch M686-5, which to be honest, is kind of a boat anchor.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

If you go with a bigger gun go with light. I carry a 396. an alloy L frame with a titanium cylinder, holds 5 44 specials which I prefer over 357. I don't even notice the weight. But, same type gun (386PD) is available in 357 with 7 rounds. Just about the same as a 686 just way lighter at a bit over 21 oz. as compared to over 40 oz for the all steel 686.

Your going to have to pay for it with more $ and recoil, but your pay for the recoil with a J frame anyway.

From experience, a GP-100 IWB is lot to lug around. I can't imagine the 686 will be any better.

.357 Sig in a small semi auto will weigh in about a pound and a half lighter, give you all the ballistics of the 357 mag and more rounds on tap.

It is doable depending on how much you can carry, I am also partial to the 4 inch barrel for this purpose,

One other point. While the 357 is an improvement on the 38 special, the difference between a 357 and good 38 +P out of a 3" or less barrel isn't that great. In a self defense situation I can't imagine very many situations where the hit from the 357 would have done the job when a 38 +P didn't. Yes, it possible, but the odds of a civilian being in a gunfight are very low and when you multiply this times the odds of the 357 doing it when the 38 didn't are extremely low. Probably more apt to get shark bit on dry land.

But, then I carry a 44 special so what do I know.

Have you thought about a 66? I carry a 2 1/2in RB with no problem and it will do anything a 686 will do. Yes it will wear out faster but I don't shoot my carry weapon as much as a range toy.

When you say actual experience does that mean that exact model ?

I ask because I just switch this month back to carrying a revolver from a semi-automatic. And while mine may not be quite as heavy as what your thinking about it is never the less a BIG revolver.

I thought I knew what I was getting into,,,Ha ! Little did I know.
I use to carry two guns, 642 up front in the pocket and either a G30 or G39 tucked underneath. My primary believe it or not was my 642 because I simply don't trust semi-automatics, but I carried those Glocks because I have real thing for a .45. And on the flip side do not trust my ability with a .38 because I'm a terrible shot and a leg or arm hit may not be enough to slow the threat down.

But there is simply no better draw in my opinion coming out of the front pocket, I could do in under 1.5 seconds. And safely.

Now lets get back to the subject, you are in for rude awaking if you try to CCW those guns and it doesn't matter if you get the 2.5 inch barrel. Can it be done, sure, all depends how much you want to spend to make it happen, how much you are willing to compromise.

I thought I had it all figured out, yeah right. I've had to completely change how I dress and I am still trying to find a comfortable spot to carry. And forget about any quick draw I'll be lucky if I even get it out.

Forget about what the gun cost me, I'm now into the hundreds of dollars in what it has cost me just to carry this beast.
I must be crazy, but I sure like this gun I got.

Good luck.

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Mulebuk Sam and the Governor

The 178013 (in current production).......

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I have carried a 3" 686 in the past. I find a snub K frame to be MUCH nicer for carry.

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K & N S&W revolvers

I have a 3" 686+ and while it is a fine firearm and I do use it for home defense or open carry (when walking the dog late at night during periods of heavy bear / coyote activity)...when I qualified with the firearms I intended to carry concealed under LEOSA I didn't take it to the range.

I should mention that when I carry concealed I prefer AIWB. So while I have a Triple K IWB holster for the 686+ it's still not my favorite for concealed carry due primarily to weight and available rounds.

YMMV of course. Just one man's opinion.

ETA:

I posted some images below to show that the 686+ can be concealed IWB even if it's not my favorite firearm for that purpose.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

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Loyalty Above All.. but Honor

I frequently carry an M60-15 as the Kernel suggests but when in the woods or river fishing I carry an M69 without difficulty (until you have to shoot a full house 44 mag out of it) with the first two rounds being snake shot. I have carried 686s, a 4"+, an SSR and a 6"+(in a shoulder rig). All with no issues. I'm 5'7" and 71 years old, so you can probably do it too.

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Foster Positivity.

I had a 3" 586 with Spegel Boot Grips.... found it used/like new at a great price at a small out of the way LGS.

In the year or so I had it I think I wore it maybe 3 or 4 times.......the next day if concealed carry was called for .... it was back to my 3" 66 with +P .38s or 158gr soft points at the cabin........ if I could carry outside waistband...... I'd go to my stand-by a custom 4" round butt 686........

In many ways the 3" 586 was a great gun but neither fish nor fowl. There truly was a very good reason Bill Jorden convinced S&W to build a .357 magnum on the k-frame...... "a gun carried a lot and shot a little (w/ .357s)"


My 3" 586???..........I figured out why it got traded ANIB ...........it eventually got traded again on a PC Shorty-9.

I have a 686+ 3" and, more recently, a 686PC+ 2-1/2" in my CC rotation. Both fit in a Sparks VM2 purchased for the 3". I don't mind the weigh, which is distributed well due to the excellent design of the VM2. I have boot grips on both, which conform to the round grip and extend only to the bottom of the frame. The butt is held tightly to my side and doesn't protrude or print.

The PC has a non-fluted cylinder and is cut for moon clips (can be used without). I prefer flutes for speed of reloading, but there is actually little difference in practice. Given a choice, 7 rounds are better than 6 for self defense.

I have a 4" 66, which is probably the ideal compromise for carry and actual shooting. A 686 is considerably stronger, only slightly larger and about 3 oz heavier, which helps manage full .357 Magnum loads, which are all I carry or shoot. They're also a lot easier to find than revolvers which have been out of print for nearly 20 years.

The 2-1/2" 686 has a short extractor rod, whereas the 3" is full length. This is not a big deal. Just pop the extractor with the palm of your hand to eject the cartridges quickly.

I think .357 is nearly ideal for SD. It has 50% more "thump" than a .45, and no slide to jam or stack in close quarters (like a car). I don't lose any brass at the shooting range either.

My first concealed carry revolver was the 2.25" 60-14. It turned out to be a great choice. It's a ton lighter than an L-frame and yet it's all steel -- a lot easier to shot well than the alloy snubbies.

In the winter I can carry a 66 or 19 snub, but I never carry my 3" 686+ -- just too much.

No, any revolver of similar weight and size will suffice.

Perhaps your lifestyle would impact usability, as much as size and weight. I'm a senior citizen female with serious health problems, and I can carry a 3" 686+ all day. I even golf with it when bears are active nearby.
But I don't/can't run, or even walk fast or far, so actual "carrying" is limited and slow. It's not my EDC, but if local weather allowed regular use of a cover garment, I'd use it more. It even fits in my holster purse.

Well, once you mention "bears"......

No fair...I mentioned bears!

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I've carried a 4" 686 and a 3" 686+, both in a belt holster and the 3" also in a Galco horizontal shoulder holster. Either one is not that bad to carry, and I prefer the 3" because of the shorter barrel and extra round. The 3" 686+ weight is similar to a 4" K Frame (L=36.8 Oz, K=36.6 Oz). Everyone's tolerance for how much weight they can carry is different. I've been carrying a full size pistol with duty gear daily for 23+ years. So carrying just a revolver with one or two speed loaders/strips is light compared to a full duty rig. That, and I'm 6' and weigh 200 so an extra 10 Oz or so isn't that big of a difference. No cheapo flimsy holsters or belts in the mix helps also.



I've seen people with cell phones that print more than this rig....

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I don't know how any of you guys conceal-carry a gun this big/heavy - I couldn't even imagine concealing my 686+ (although it's a 4", but 1" shorter doesn't seem like it would make that much of a difference.)

That being said, I also can't understand how anyone carries ANYTHING AIWB so maybe I am just built oddly/dress funny.

I have to chuckle at this. With four children and ten grandchildren, I've spent countless hours with a child on my hip as I cooked, cleaned, shopped, and everything else you can imagine.
Compared to a squirming, crying infant, a 686 is a breeze to carry. But like thomasinaz says "No cheapo flimsy holsters or belts in the mix helps also."

PS: the smaller round grip of the 3" is easier to conceal than the 4" square grip. My Hogue bantam makes it a bit smaller than stock, as well.

You can't get a weapons charge from brandishing a child though! They usually don't need to be concealed.

A 686 seems a bit heavy for CC to me, but I guess it could be managed if you put your mind to it. For me, the pants would sag a bit.

I like the 442/642 because they go in the pocket and I don't notice them there. I suppose a K frame with a 3" barrel (none currently being made, and generally garnering high prices when sold used) would be a good compromise between the J and the L frames.

But in winter, with me wearing a jacket, my 868 Plus with 3" could be carried relatively easily, and would be a great gun to have for a walk in the woods.

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S&W Rover

3" 686+ in Triple K IWB holster:

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I just bought the 686 6 shot with the 2.5" barrel. I was hoping to put it in my concealed carry rotation but because of the weight, I wasn't to sure it would work. I was talked in to getting a Remora holster. It didn't work. I bought a shoulder holster in the past from Craft Holsters and I liked it. I checked their sight and found an IWB #92. Works perfectly with this heavy piece. The only thing it doesn't have is a sweat shield, but I have it getting done now. It carries as easy as my lighter guns that I carry in Alien Gear Cloke tuck 2 holsters. Alien doesn't make one for the 686. Im now able to CC this gun plus I have 2 N frames snubbies that I can carry with the same holster.

I thought you were just happy to see "bigwheelzip" !!!!!!!!!






Sorry could not resist!!!!!!!

I just bought the 2.5" 6 shot. I got a holster from Craft Holsters #92 IWB. This carries very well and now us in my CCW rotation. I'm having a leather sweat shield put on now. For a heavy gun this carries great in this holster. Plus I can carry my other two N frame snubbies in the same holster.

(Though I imagine 3" is really nothing to brag about. )

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Your "Drifting" boys, your drifting.

I carry a 696 Plus, 2.5" in the cooler months in Michigan, when I can carry OWB, when I use a Tagua pancake holster, with thumb break retention. I keep it covered with a wind breaker, or hoodie. I find it reasonably comfortable, but I'm 6'3", and 275lbs.



Smith Wesson 686 s w Revolver 2 5" Barrel Black Leather Holster Right Tagua | eBay


During hot weather, I still resort back to my 640 J-frame, pocket carry.

This is how I carry my 686-4 2.5 inch 357 Magnum, and I love it. It's no problem.

If a short barrel 686 will be your 'only' choice for a CCW, there are plenty of excellent alternatives that weigh less, carry more rounds or both. If it is one gun in a rotation, and you have a proper holster, a heavy belt and the right body build it will work; if not, you will tend to leave it at home or carry something lighter. Fortunately, a 686 is a really nice gun even if not carried. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Just because it didn't work for you doesn't mean he's in for a rude awakening. Most depends on your belt, how you wear it, and the holster you use.

Please post a picture

Not an L Frame per se, but 2.75 and 4in N Frame ( & equiv), full size 1911 for that matter.

It CAN be done. You will have to make a cpl of decisions and commitments to carry a large/ heavy gun.

A substantial belt. A well designed holster, that also as suits your subtle body shape.

Expect to dress around the gun.

I generally don't care for IWB. I specifically have an El Paso #77 for the 2.75 in .44 , and it is both comfortable and surprisingly concealable. But any number of makers produce Pancakes generally similar with subtle differences in ride and angle.

As to snub L Frames, I have tried a 2.5in, and the feel and balance left me severly "meh". But maybe trying enough custom grips would eventually find so.thing. to suit me better. But if one suits your preference in actual handling and shooting, good for you.

Now if you were looking for a more open ended recomendation for an admittedly largish revolver, this wouldn't be my top recomendation. The frame size and cylnder width will be the key factors, moreso than the bbl length. * To my thinking* , if I'm going to commit to a gun that size, it will be for the power and capability. As long as carrying that big, I'd prefer ( and recomend) going with a 4in bbl for the velocity increase and sight radius. Conversely if that OAL size envelope was overriding, a K Frame.357 ( or Security Six) is a fine gun.

I carry a 4" 686+ IWB in a BladeTech Nano at about 4 o'clock. All it takes is an untucked button down shirt. It can be done fairly easily if you're committed.

Don't let the weight thing scare you away from getting the handgun you want and shoot well. Men (and some women) carried 1911 government model Colts for years before there was such a thing as "lightweight" handguns. It can be done with the correct supporting gear, which could even include suspenders. In fact I wear tactical suspenders every day because of the two handguns, extra magazine, and large folding knife I carry. I carry what I know I shoot well with, regardless of its size and weight. I suggest you consider doing the same.

That's my 2-cents worth.

Rafter-S

I carry a 586 L-comp talo just about every day. I have thin rubber grips on it and carry in a desantis thumb break holster. It doesn't print or become uncomfortable for me. But I like carrying big guns

I think the key in carrying this particular model medium frame revolver is deep concealment.

This method seems to cover comfort and camouflage the best.

A rig that doesn't ride on the hip but below the belt suggests to be the perfect approach to hauling this model around, at least for me.

So far I've found two model holsters that will do that, the Urban Carry holster and the 3 Speed holster.

Still analyzing which one would do the job best.

If you are set on a wheel gun for CC, look at the PC 627 & 327 N Frames. 8 rounds, better trigger, cut for moon clips and, in the case of the 327, much lighter due to the scandium frame. I started looking at the 686 but after a few rounds through the 627, it was obviously worth the extra $$. Here is a link to a comparison of the two.
Enhanced Snubbies: Smith & Wesson Model 627 & 327 Revolvers - Gun News | Gun Reviews | Gun Magazine: Personal Defense World

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Paul
Sandusky Bay, OH