Hi,

I need a general/open OWB holster for a S&W 686 Plus, 3" Barrel revolver. I'm not concerned with concealed carry, but I need an open top/(not flapped) holster to transport/field-carry this revolver on infrequent occasions.

A duty holster would be sufficient, I'm just having trouble finding listings for the 3" barrel - most are for 2 1/2 or 4".

Thanks in advance
Roger

Do a search for holsters, lots of great makers on the Forum. I like the looks of the Bell Charter Oak made for 3" K and L frames but have not tried it. The sides come up high to help protect the revolver. I do have experience with Simply Rugged and carry a 4" 66 daily in one. If you order a 3" from SR you'll get a 3." Don't limit yourself on just two suggestions though, there are a bunch of great makers you can link to by searching for awhile. I'd personally like to try them all.....just can't afford it! Oh.....I think you'll soon find that a duty type holster will not be what you want for field carry. Trust me. I wore one for 30 years. A pancake style is way above a duty rig for your purposes.

Lots of makers use a "one size fits several" approach, with holsters for multiple barrel lengths offered.

I make a couple of styles that might fit your needs, with the Threepersons-style (either with strap and snap, or with thumb-break) coming to mind. I still make them the old-fashioned way, one at a time, hand-fitted to the handgun.

You are invited to my website.

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Life of the party until 8:00PM

I've got a DeSantis that came with my 586 L-Comp when I bought it. It is a thumbreak, suede lined, and it fits the gun perfectly. My only complaint is that it is a bit difficult to reholster the gun once it's drawn.

This is the pic from their website -


They don't show a pic of the revolver style, it only has two belt loops and is cleaner and more compact looking. Mine says has 001 33 stamped on the back. They list them for $65. I've bought a lot of DeSantis stuff over the years and have always been happy with there products.

Right now I have Black Hills Leather working on a plain clothes rig for my gun, you could check with them, they'll make you anything you want.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for the pointers, I'll do the search soon. I have both a K & L frame in 3" and it's been a problem to find a suitable off-the-shelf hoster for either.

Best Regards,
Roger

The one-size problem is certainly prevelant in the shops. The 3" barrel variation makes it difficult to find a secure fit with this approach. Thanks for chiming in, I'll check out your wares.

Best Regards,
Roger

PS: I'm new to this forum and just exploring all the threading possibilities with this series of posts. I hope I get all the attribution correct.

It's good to get your input on the DeSantis. They are one of the few sites that listed a fit for the 3" 686. The lack of a "proper" image left me a bit uncertain. It must be tough to market holsters, several manufacturers could use some guidance on how to present their product. Your input far upstages their site.

Best Regards,
Roger

Here's front and back pics of my 3" 586 L-Comp in it's DeSantis holster:

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

This is a nice looking holster and very good images. Maybe DeSantis would like to use your work on their site :-). Thanks again and I appreciate the effort for these images.

Time to go shooting...

Best Regards,
Roger

I bought a OWB #9 from FIST for same gun. Given price and quality I would give it a 9 of 10. Fits so close to body and is comfortable makes me want to carry revolver all the time. Service at FIST is fine also.

You can't go wrong with a Lobogunleather holster. Ray has been there and done that. My OWB for my 4" PC 686+ is nothing but quality. Nice to have a great CUSTOM HANDMADE holster to compliment such great custom revolver. I asked Ray also to make a belt to go along with holster..another important piece that makes carrying the 686 alot nicer.
I don't plan on living forever and I want to pass this weapon on along with something that will age and weather with it.

Also, the customer service and price can't be beat.

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You'll shoot your eye out kid

Kramer Horsehide Scabbard

This is a pancake-style holster made for the Model 686 Plus with the 3 inch barrel.

This photo shows the revolver in the holster, from the reverse side.

There is also the Galco Silhouette holster for those who don't mind part of the barrel being exposed.

I am also in the market for something like a paddle for a 686+ 3". Need to carry some extra ammo also. Any suggestions?

I'm currently selling and older pancake holster on the forum. Here's the link:

WTS: Roy's Pancake for K/L 2.5"

My point is, look at the pics. The 3" barrel doesn't protrude much. I wouldn't be too concerned about the fit of a 3" in a holster built for the 2.5".

Hume H 721 OT comes in 3" If I remember right.

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the world is round everywhere

Open top pancake by Andrews Custom Leather

3" 696 (L frame) also 642 on the left.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

I have a shoulder rig with two ammo pouch's that should work if your not set on a paddle. I was just thinking of clearing some stuff out and this was on the list. (Cheap) Feel free to PM if you want details.

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Dave

WC145,

Do you happen to know the Model number for the holster you have pictured?

Thanks,
Joe

I use a Galco Speed Master for a 2.5" with my 3" CS-1 and only the barest sliver of barrel shows.

I have 3 holsters made by Ray aka Lobogunleather. All are top notch and very good value for the money.
Here an "enhanced" pancake model for my 442:

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

I had a 5 inch Galco cut to 3 inches by Looper Leather in Oklahoma City - looks perfect - sold my 5 inch 627 and wanted to carry my 3 inch 629 in a holster that fit - I like the thumb break.

The numbers on the back are:
001
33

Obviously it is tan and it is lined.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

How appropriate! I logged on tonight to look for a leather holster for a 3-inch 686 that I just bought. I bought the Talo Plus 3-inch and picked up a Don Hume JIT holster, but I really want a holster that will cover the barrel. Thanks for posting!