• Update – 2:30 AM EST 5/1/25
    Old urls are now working
    We are currently still importing the member user gallery and other miscellaneous features across the site.
    Thank you for your continued patience and support during this migration.

    Prefer a darker look? You can switch between light and dark modes in your Account Preferences
    Please ensure your is secure, check your email and password.

Holster for a 4 inch 686

Browns fan

Browns fan

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2014
Messages
908
Reaction score
530
Location
Rocky River Ohio
I know this is a subjective question but I'm looking for a holster for a 4 inch 686-3 what is the quote best holster finish materials ect let me know what you use and why thanks for reading my post
 
Last edited:
The question of "which holster" is as subjective as the question of "which gun." In order to give a good answer, it would be helpful if the intended purpose would be stated. If carry in the open when hiking, the answer is probably different than if you intend to conceal and carry.
 
shawn mccarver said:
The question of "which holster" is as subjective as the question of "which gun." In order to give a good answer, it would be helpful if the intended purpose would be stated. If carry in the open when hiking, the answer is probably different than if you intend to conceal and carry.
Click to expand...
I agree with Shawn, depends on what the holster's for.
However, I made this matching belt and holster for a 4" K frame. It's a thumb break and can be used for either concealed or open carry.

It's 8-9 ounce leather, hand tooled, stitched, dyed and finished.
 
BCDWYO said:
Agreed with McCarver (and acknowledged by the OP) that favorite or best questions are pretty subjective, but they do occasionally lead to some good pics! Here is one of my favorite 4" L frame holsters made by Tauris Gunleather:

Click to expand...



Yup, his work is second to none.

I'm lucky enough that his shop is only a 10 minute drive from my job, so I was able to stop in and get exactly what I was looking for.
He actually altered his pattern a bit to build me the exact holster I wanted.

Here is the holster he made me for my 9c.

egypuved.jpg


jypady4y.jpg




That reminds me....
I need to get over there and order a holster for my 586. :cool:
 
This is a question I am asked at least a dozen times every week. The answer is always the same: It all depends what your intended uses will be. A holster design that works well for range or field use may not be the best choice for discreet concealed carry.

Every holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises among the other factors. Each user must decide which factor(s) are most important for their needs, and how much compromise of the other factors is acceptable.

Other factors that require consideration include your usual activities, your usual wardrobe, and any physical limitations you may have (range of motion issues in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, etc).

Your 4" 686 is not a huge handgun, but it is substantial in both size and weight. For any holster to perform to its potential you should be considering a solidly made belt to support the weight and keep the holster firmly anchored in position. The belt is the foundation on which a carry rig is built; without a sound foundation nothing else can work as it should.

Best regards.
 
LoboGunLeather said:
This is a question I am asked at least a dozen times every week. The answer is always the same: It all depends what your intended uses will be. A holster design that works well for range or field use may not be the best choice for discreet concealed carry.

Every holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises among the other factors. Each user must decide which factor(s) are most important for their needs, and how much compromise of the other factors is acceptable.

Other factors that require consideration include your usual activities, your usual wardrobe, and any physical limitations you may have (range of motion issues in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, etc).

Your 4" 686 is not a huge handgun, but it is substantial in both size and weight. For any holster to perform to its potential you should be considering a solidly made belt to support the weight and keep the holster firmly anchored in position. The belt is the foundation on which a carry rig is built; without a sound foundation nothing else can work as it should.

Best regards.
Click to expand...
Thanks I'm going to your web page now to look thanks for the reply
 
I'm a big fan of the Galco Phoenix, used one for my 4" 629, will be getting one for my 4" 686. For an "off the rack" holster they are top notch.

I like the fact that I can switch from strong side-99% of the time- to cross draw the other 1% I'm in the mountains with a pack.
 
CTI1USNRET said:
Mernickle PSA6-DA

Shown with my 4" S&W 581
Click to expand...

I use this same holster for OWB carry and a BlackHills IWB. Both conceal under a button down. The BlackHills can conceal under a T-shirt.

For a Duty Holster I use a Guold & Goodrich thumb break with jacket slot next to a speed loader pouch that holds three speed loaders.
 
I will get some pics when I get home of my MTR Sentinel IWB holster for my 686+ 3". It is also convertable to a paddle holster as well. The back leather piece has the clips on it and the main body of the holster has a sweatshield on it and is reinforced. With my 3" 686+, this is VERY comfy to carry all day long and the leather piece really forms to you and the gun. 3-4 week turnaround, too.

Link to the holster:
http://mtrcustomleather.com/shop/in...uct_info&cPath=1&products_id=172#.U9KNAUCl6nk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top