686 + 2.5" for carry gun

[Desert Lake]

Hello all,

First post here, and am considering a 686+ for my new carry gun. I haven't owned a smith in quite a few years, not since I used to hunt with an older model 29 back in Montana. I live in the desert country now, and my main concerns are big cats, and two-legged varmints. I'd love to see pictures of your carry rigs, and any suggestions along those lines, as well as any other info revolving around this revolver

Thanks much!

Aaron

 

[rollin_hot]

Carry guns

Aaron,

Welcome to the forum. The L framed 686 is a nice "carry" gun and IMO you cannot go wrong with it. But don't limit yourself to it, as there are ALOT of good choices to pick from.

If you are looking at a backpacking or hiking gun, some would argue that you need an N magnum if you are worried about larger animals while others standby the fact that a nice L frame with 357 +P loads are more than reasonable for defense in the desert or mountains.

Barrel length is also a factor, the 2.5" is a fairly up close barrel length and you may want to consider a 3" or 4" barrel for a nice balance between concealabilty and longer range.

That being said, here are pics of my L and N frame carry guns while hiking. some more comfortable to carry than others......


625 3"

629 3" Backpacker

629 3"

686 2.5" sold to member here

625 3 " sold to member here

686 PC in 2.5"

686 2.5"...the one that started it all

629 Jovino Effector

 

[Desert Lake]

You could always sell me that 629...

 

[Desert Lake]

I really like the new 686+, but I spent the morning pouring over the forums, and the safety lock stories have me about scared off.

 

[Chuck Jones]

I really like the new 686+, but I spent the morning pouring over the forums, and the safety lock stories have me about scared off.

Look for a used one, it's not only the stupid locks but the new gun prices that push me toward the used case!

/c

 

[ladder13]

+1 look for a clean used one, get a classic and save money too.

 

[38-44HD45]

One thing I'd mention that mitigates in favor of a slightly longer barrel is the ejection stroke. I like 2 1/2" 686s, but I LOVE my 3" CS-1 and 3" 681+ PC guns. The ejection stroke on the 3-inchers is enough longer to make ejection of empties much more positive.

 

[jpwhel]

There are quite a few pre-lock 686s to be had. Check out the Classifieds here from time to time and also the major gun auction sites. The 686 2 1/2 or 3" is a great carry or hiking gun.

 

[Brian41]

I have three I often carry, 2 1/2 inch 686+, Model 66 2 1/2 inch and 3 inch 629 Backpacker. I don't feel under gunned with any of them on the street or in the woods.

 

[ab4ka]

I've got a 2-1/2" 686 that is probably my favorite shooter. I want to use it for ccw, I just haven't been able to get a suitable holster yet. Right now I'm leaning toward the Comp-Tac CTAC due to the adjustability (and my previous experience with Comp-Tac stuff).

 

[6pack]

These are my carry wheelguns.

The little 442 is good for pocket carry.

I bought leather for woods carry for the 29 & 57.

Worst thing we have around here are 2-legged. The local woods are full of rattlers and moccasins...occasionaly you'll encounter a hog in the swampy areas. No big cats and only very rarely hear bear reports.

 

[Harrison]

I carry a 3" 686+, a new one. Suprisedly, it cost less NIB, than some well used ones. The lock is no problem. The plug costs about $20 and takes care of the lock. My 686+ with a 6/10 DOB has a very smooth action and is probably one of my most accurate revolvers. Used L frames are not always cheaper than new. Some dealers discount the new ones quite a bit, and a lot of dealers or still over charging on used revolvers. Shop around for a bit and see what you can come up with.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I like my 2.5" 686 and it can be a decent carry gun, but it's a little heavy for what you get. It carries much, much heavier when compared to a SP101 even though you have a extra shot (or 2) but comparable durability. I have come to prefer one of my SPs if carrying a 357.

The other issue with snubby 357s is they are *really* LOUD! I guess if you needed to use it you wouldn't notice it so much, but there is something to be said for a Horton 624 or a 696 big bullet at low pressure in that regard.

Still, I can't exactly argue against a snubby 686...they are really cool, fun to shoot, and are S&Ws!

 

[28gauge]

I have, and recommend the 3 inch barrel. I live in Tucson and wanted a gun that was easy to carry but capable for mountain lion or black bear (when I'm up North). I have a couple of 629's, but don't want to lug them. Buffalo Bore makes a 180 grain (.357) hard cast lead flat nose that puts out about 800 lbs of muzzle energy out of that gun. Good enough for the desert, or anything in AZ for that matter. CCI shot shells are also a take along. Diamond backs are everywhere here.