K or L frame

[India Actual]

Need a bit of informed sway on a near-future purchase. I have great interest in getting my hands on a 2.5" .357 for carry purposes. Should I go on the hunt for the sometimes elusive 66 or consider a 686 plus?

It would be pancake OWB carry, but mind you I'm in south FL so jackets really don't come into play. How is the weight considerations between the two frame sizes and most importantly the carry profile underneath a shirt? The only weapon I have for comparison would be a 3" SP101. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Ashlander]

The L-frame 686 Plus is significantly heavier and more bulky. For concealed carry a 66 snubbie is much less cumbersome. Even then, for summer carry (under just a shirt), I go with a J-frame Model 60 or a Rossi 462 (6 shot .357 Magnum snubbie about the same weight as a 3" SP101).

 

[BUFF]

What Ashlander said. For concealed carry, weight is as big a factor as size.

 

[bountyhunter]

The K is definitely better to carry.

 

[OKFC05]

Since the problem with carry size is the cylinder diameter and grip size, and the K and L frames use the same grips, only the larger L frame cylinder is an issue. The weight difference is mostly in the barrel lug, and the only time I want a barrel lug is shooting full house .357, not to carry around all day, every day..

I have carried both K an L frame 4" strong side OWB open and under a jacket, and for me a 686 is more than I want to carry 24/7. I know others that carry either a 4" revolver or a Commander 1911 as their usual carry. Although some like them, I just don't get carrying a 2 1/2" barrel with the weight of a 686, especially since a 4" barrel K is not a problem. I shoot a 4" Model 66 in IDPA, and for me it is the most effective and versatile defense revolver. My second choice is the 3" model 65 with small wood grips. YMMV. Fact is, for concealed, I am more likely to have a J frame .38 on me because I carry all the time and rarely use it (critters and practice).

 

[regalsc]

To me weight does make a difference when carrying. During the work week I carry a 337ti which is about as light as it gets. Weekends sometimes my 325sc 2.75" barrel or 325pd 4" both are relatively light. I recently got a 66-4 3" & I do notice that it's heavier than even the N Frames I mentioned when carrying but I'll get used to it. Back in the early 80's I carried a 25-5 in a duty holster for a while but it seemed like the bruise on my hip never went away so I switched to a model 19 2 1/2" which made a difference.

 

[chief38]

You don't want to tote around a large and heavy L frame for long! I know some guys do but I am still trying to figure out why!

If you are serious about EDC / CCW get the lightest one that you can control properly and the easiest one to conceal. An L Frame is a great gun for HD, Hunting or at the Range but I for one own one and would not even consider carrying one when a J or K will shoot the same ammo at half the weight and bulk.

 

[wheelyfun66]

I've carried both the 66 snub and the 686 snub, and the 66 has a smaller cylinder profile, making for a more concealable package.

When I carry, it is in the evening or on weekends (work at a school, so no carry at work)....so I never minded the weight of the 686 (I use good gun belts and holster).

66 can be pricey, and impossible to find in person (in my neck of the woods) so.....the 686 has the advantage there, if you are talking current production revolvers.

Also, the 66 should not be fed a diet of overly aggressive ammo (I keep to 158gr loads, at the range) while the 686 can handle ANY ammo you choose.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Absolutely go with the 66 over the 686. I have a 2.5" 686-4+ and it is a beast weight wise. It is my desk gun. The 66 is sweet but if it t'was me I'd carry the SP101 until I found the 66----or wait until the Kimber comes out and see if it floats my boat.

 

[IraIII]

I have had a 686 2.5, 66 2.5 and now have a 386PD. The 686 is heavy for concealed carry for me, the 66 is very nice, but the 386PD has 7 shot cylinder and weighs 18 ounces. The 386 is an L-frame with the slightly larger cylinder, but the low weight, and 7 shots make up for that. The 386PD is 18 ounces, my 637 is about 15 ounces J-frame and 5 shots. The 386 nightguard has night front sight, fixed rear sight, 7 shot cylinder, and weighs about 25 ounces I think. Check all your options and pick what you like best.

 

[diyj98]

I'll jump on the band wagon as well. The K holds the edge for carry. I'll take the L for hunting, range work, etc, but not for carry.

 

[CO_Kid]

I have had a 686 2.5, 66 2.5 and now have a 386PD. The 686 is heavy for concealed carry for me, the 66 is very nice, but the 386PD has 7 shot cylinder and weighs 18 ounces. The 386 is an L-frame with the slightly larger cylinder, but the low weight, and 7 shots make up for that. The 386PD is 18 ounces, my 637 is about 15 ounces J-frame and 5 shots. The 386 nightguard has night front sight, fixed rear sight, 7 shot cylinder, and weighs about 25 ounces I think. Check all your options and pick what you like best.

Very good info given in the above post, and why I love revolvers for carry. You can get anything from a J frame weighing about the same as a paper clip to an all steel K frame, or a sturdy L frame all steel to soak up recoil, or an L frame in scandium to have a 7 shot cylinder and keep the light weight. Tons of options for you.

 

[India Actual]

I would like to send my sincerest thanks to everyone who replied with your wealth of knowledge. I knew you wouldn't let me down! I'm going to take a look at a current production 66-8. See if the weight and barrel length are going to work for FL weather dress-type. Thanks again! Pictures will be forth coming when I make a purchase.

 

[India Actual]

Little update. So I went to a LGS and looked at a 66-8 and an 686 plus 2.5". Roughly about equal in weight, but still very hefty. So the I'm going to hold out for an older dash 66 2.5" and keep hope alive. I did order a 640 Pro in the mean time to sate my appetite. Stay safe!

 

[DevilDog72]

I carry a 19-4 and have for over 5 years now, love the thing, that said I am really thinking of a 6 shot 686 2.5" to replace it with. I am not worried about a few more onces. A good quality belt and holster combo will help with the weight.

 

[fyimo]

The L frame is a stronger pistol for the 357 Magnum rounds.

 

[palmetto99]

For carry?? The snub k-frame. I have carried a 66-5 snub (and a 10-5) without much trouble OWB. I have actually carried a 3" SP101 more than any k-frame.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

OP, curious as to why you don't just carry the SP101 if you want a all steel gun. It's smaller and lighter than either a M66 or M686.

 

[Graywolf586]

Hi everyone, Not trying to change subject here. I just wanted to take this time to thank the Kernel for his service to our great country and for his knowledge of S&W and other firearms and willingness to share it with the rest of us. Thank you sir

 

[diyj98]

For carry?? The snub k-frame. I have carried a 66-5 snub (and a 10-5) without much trouble OWB. I have actually carried a 3" SP101 more than any k-frame.

I agree, unless you just have to have six shots or a S&W. I had a 3" 66, but found my 3" SP101 was far easier to carry. I miss the adjustable rear sight, but for a carry gun it's not that big of a deal.