Carry 357 Recommendation Anyone

[ryanc68]

I want to get some experience and recommendations about a carry model. I love 686 so far, but maybe a bit big for carry? Or maybe not. Anyone carry 4" 686? And if so some comments would be great, and what type of holsters do you use? Or other models that you had good experience with.


Ryanc68

 

[S&W45Colt]

JMO, 4 inch guns are fine for winter carry, as long as you don't mind the extra weight and dressing around them. You really need two carry guns if you want a 4" for winter. You'll need a smaller 2" or 3" .357 for summer carry.

You could split the difference and buy yourself a 2 1/2" K frame and have a year round gun.

Ideally, a 4" model 19 and a 640 Pro would be my recommendations if you are willing to go the gun route.

There's nothing wrong with the Ruger SP-101 either, but we don't use the R word here.

 

[Smoke52]

Not a carry aficionado here and I do have a 4" 686 for the range, but at 2 1/2 pounds, I'm thinking it is a bit heavy for toting around. Concealment is another issue too.

My carry is an Airweight .38. 638 to be specific which weighs in at a svelte 15 ounces. Don't even know it is on the belt. As accurate as a 686? Nope. As pretty as a 686? Nope. As comfortable to shoot as a 686? Nope. Do I carry it? Yep.

 

[BigBill]

The smallest magnum revolver I carry is a ruger security six in 357 magnum with a 2 3/4" barrel in stainless. But I've carried the redhawk in 44 magnum with 7 1/2" barrel more than any other handgun. So the smaller guns just feel like another wallet. I do have a 10 1/2" barreled 44mag with a shoulder holster but I haven't ccw carried it yet.
To hide the longer holster from sticking out of my leather jacket at night I wear a big and tall mans shirt out of my pants with the shoulder holster under it with the leather over it. You can't tell I got it on. A tall mans shirt covers it all.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Carry means different things to different people.
For pure size and weight--- if for pocket carry , a J frame.
For light everyday ,a 2 to 3 in K frame
For use as a field gun a 3, 4, 5 in L frame [with a good holster ]
For a pure Field gun an N frame [ usually with a true gunbelt/holster rig]
There are some exceptions , like the PD or extra light frame Night guard.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I would suggest a 2.5" or 3" K frame 66 and forget the 686 for carry. It you must carry a 686 for some reason, then purchase a 2'5" or 3" 686 or a SP 101 Ruger. You didn't mention whether you carry a .38 or .357.If you only carry a .38sp, you have many smaller options opened to you.

Tom

 

[Malpaso]

I will sometimes carry my 686+ Mountain Gun. I use a Blade Tech Nano IWB. I'm not a big guy, 5'10"/180, but I don't notice the weight at all. Very comfortable

 

[major bumm]

There's nothing wrong with the Ruger SP-101 either, but we don't use the R word here.

HAHA! The SP-101 is very nice and its weight will work for you shooting 125gr SD ammo.

However, what's wrong with a SW model 60?

 

[major bumm]

double post... deleted

 

[Bugkiller99]

I want to get some experience and recommendations about a carry model. I love 686 so far, but maybe a bit big for carry? Or maybe not. Anyone carry 4" 686? And if so some comments would be great, and what type of holsters do you use? Or other models that you had good experience with.


Ryanc68

Yes. But in the cooler months. Tucker Texas Heritage IWB holster carries it amazing well.

 

[tompehret]

I carry a Model 19-4 2.5" pretty much every day. I don't mind the weight. A same size Model 66 would have been fine too, but another buyer beat me to it. A good belt and a good holster are key ingredients to a comfortable, stable and truly concealable carry. I opt for a Kramer belt scabbard on a stiff 1.75" belt.
But a 4"? That's tough.

 

[THAWK66]

JMO, 4 inch guns are fine for winter carry, as long as you don't mind the extra weight and dressing around them. You really need two carry guns if you want a 4" for winter. You'll need a smaller 2" or 3" .357 for summer carry.



You could split the difference and buy yourself a 2 1/2" K frame and have a year round gun.



Ideally, a 4" model 19 and a 640 Pro would be my recommendations if you are willing to go the gun route.



There's nothing wrong with the Ruger SP-101 either, but we don't use the R word here.

I am really impressed with the 640 pro if your looking to carry a J frame but want adjustable sights and a little longer barrel this gun fits the bill. I also think some accept moon clips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Irn-Bru]

Recently bought a 649-3, and been carrying it for about a month now. I have to say, as far as revolvers go, this has been the most comfartable carry I have had. I did rotate between my Shield and my Ruger SP101, but this hasn't left my side since I bought it. Great little carry gun if you ask me.

 

[Jaysq]

Pick a gun that you will carry for the long run! If you pick one that is too big you will find yourself starting to leave it at home. If you are set on a .357 take a look at the 640-1. While it is a bit heavy for pocket carry, it works really well in an IWB or OWB holster. Remember the .357 is one powerful round, so be mindful of your target and what's behind it. I keep mine loaded with .38 special +P.

P

 

[vegasgunhand]

A 3" model 13 or 65 round butt, would be a very good carry .357. DEA issued one for several years to their Special Agents.

 

[CO_Kid]

The 3 inch model 13 was also the FBI issue gun, the last of their issued revolvers.

I carry a 4 inch model 619 or a 4 inch 67 (38 special) in the winter and when I'm going to work, as they don't mind me showing up with a gun on my hip.

In the summer I carry a 642 in 38.

I would agree with some of the others, a 2.5 inch model 19 or 66, or a 3 inch 13 or 65 would work year round.

 

[Rebel Soul]

Can you carry a 686? Heck yeah! I ought to know - because I do.

Now I don't carry a 4 inch - that's pretty big. But I do carry a 2.5 inch 686 plus. I have a nice OWB pancake holster, a sturdy gun belt and carry at 4 o'clock position - no problem. 7 rounds of .357 magnum? Well, that explains itself.

So many guys carry full size 1911s and seem to get a free pass but say you carry a 686 and people act like its a Mossberg pump or something. It cracks me up.

A 19 or a 66 is a fine option if you can find one - but the fact is they aren't really all that much smaller. From memory I'd say about 1/8th of an inch in width and about 3.5 ounces in weight. With good gun leather you'd have to be the princess and the pea to feel the difference. They even wear the same grips.

This is my opinion - and what works for me. If you like the 686 - go for it. ANY gun with ANY heft to it is going to require good leather - so remember that's crucial. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy a different gun for pocket carry when wardrobe or situation precludes your big gun.

 

[NE450No2]

Because of my former job, of 30 years, and since the eight years after I carry 100% of the time.
The Smallest guns I have ever carried off duty/retired/conceled are a 4" S&W 44 Mag, or a Colt Commander in 45 ACP or a Wilson X Tac Compact in 45 ACP.

However IF I was to carry a 357 Mag as a Primary, as a Civillian or a Retired LEO, my first pick would be a S&W Mod 19 or 66 with a 2.5" barrel.
I am a big fan of the Milt Sparks IWB holster, so actually you could carry a 4" K frame 357 just as easially.

For many years I carried a 4" 44 Mag in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster, with complete satisfaction, so an L frame or an N frame 357 Mag could be carried as easially as well.

IF you just do not want to carry a gun as bog as one of the above then a 357 on the J frame would work, just as long as you practiced with the ammo you would be carrying.

Carrying any handgun 100% OF THE TIME, is a "Pain", and most often you must dress arround it.

The bottom line is, YOU must decide how much trouble "YOUR LIFE IS WORTH".

I like myself, so, I carry [legally of course] at least 3 handguns on my person where ever I go...

DON'T YOU???

 

[Chukar60]

I have found 4" hard to conceal. My favorite is a 2.5", 66-1. Second is a 60-10, 3". The 66 stays loaded with 158 gr 357 HP's. While the 60 is chambered for 357, it is loaded with 38+P. It is a little light for the 357 for me. I have a hard time with quick follow up shots with the lightweight alloy snubbies. Some people can do it, I cannot. I find them hard to control. Something to consider.

 

[revolver686]

I often conceal carry my 2 1/2 inch 686. I like how it handles and it shoots .357 like a dream. Plus, I just like the look of a larger snub-nosed revolver. Something about it just says bull-dog tough.

I'm using a Galco Summer Comfort IWB and it carries quite comfortably at about my 4:30 position. Concealments is not really a problem under a jacket or an untucked flannel shirt.

I also have a 4 inch 686, but I haven't tried carrying that concealed yet. With the longer barrel and larger grip I think it would be more of a challenge, but still doable with the right clothing.

That being said, I did just pick up a Performance Center 637 (+P) for those times when my clothing just won't hide the 686, or I just want the convenience of pocket carry. I'm beginning to like that little gun a lot, too.