Hi guys,

I'd like to pick up a good leather holster that will be full length to protect the barrel.

I don't have much experience with holsters. I just want to make sure it will hold the gun securely and not be too difficult to draw with one hand.

I'll also need a good belt and would appreciate suggestions for that too.

Thanks,
Dave

Just a good, smooth, and very accurate 686. I appreciate your help.

You can't go wrong with El Paso Saddlery for both. Check out their website (El Paso Saddlery - Holsters)

I once had an early 586 six-incher. I used a Bianchi thumb-break (5BH, there's also a 5BHL), for a general purpose rig. The revolver and holster are long-gone, alas, but I still have the Aker 1 3/4 double-thick belt that I bought to lug it around with. Several companies make very similar holsters. The belt has lasted 26 years of being worn several days a week.

You might also consider a chest holster. Google search "Alaska guide holster" and look at the images. There are many makers of this style holster. It makes carrying a heavy gun all day easier, and the draw is easier too (in my opinion).

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-Roger

Look at cross draw for hunting ........ Bianchi's 111 has long been popular.

Plus one on the bianchi 111 cyclone. You can carry crossdraw or strongside. It fits my 6" 686-5+ and my 6" 617-2.

Thanks a lot fellers. I appreciate the advice.
Dave

You have a long barrel on your 686, which can make things interesting drawing it from a strong side OWB holster. The crossdraw recommendation is an excellent one.

You may want to consider a low rise/drop style holster given the 6" barrel. Many concealment style holster put the butt of the pistol higher up in the rib area to aid concealment. Depending on how flexible your shoulder is or what your needs are, traditional OWB concealment holsters may not be ideal.

For my 4" 625 and Model 19, I prefer a field carry style holster similar to Lobo's Threeperson's or Combat Classic. I also have a western style rig or outside the pants/duty belt setup that I use when in the field or while hunting. Open carry is legal in CO, but rules may be different in Hawaii.

In addition to Lobo, you may want to look at Simply Rugged's pancake holster that gives you the flexibility of strong side, cross draw and shoulder carry with its Chesty Puller setup.

Well, if you're going to use the holster for hunting...especially in heavy cover...you might consider El Paso Saddlery's Full Flap Holster. It's lined, fully protects the gun, and if you're wanting an OWB holster, it can be used straight-hang or crossdraw.

You might also take a look at their Tanker Holster. Lining will cost you extra on that one, though, but in my opinion, it's worth the extra $26.

I'd also suggest a thick, stiff belt to support that revolver in an OWB holster.

I am fond of my wilderness instructors belt (with stiffener), and Safariland 6285-21 hoster. It is a basket weave leather over kydex for stiffness, and a good retention system that vines can't undo. There are 2 different mdl's, I went with the lower hanging one, even though my 681 is a 4" bbl. The belt/holster won't flex/roll, it is an open bottom though. In the South, getting it wet is a given & even though I like all leather, it retains water/salts, & can stretch/roll/flex. NO notHing looks as good as hand tooled leather, but this is NOT FOR BBQ'S.

Thanks for the great idea. Yea, middle aged and a rotator cuff injury on my right shoulder. I think cross draw or shoulder holster would be best.

Thanks,
Dave

Dave, the tanker rig is one of the easiest to tote out there - quick on and off and easy to grab. The main draw back is that it is prone to pulling away from the body when you move around/lean forward, so get used to swiveling it around to your back if your going to do a lot of that work.

A chest rig removes these concerns but a well made one is hard to find. The simply rugged option gives you a belt holster plus webbing for a chest holster - so bang for your buck is good.

I like the EPS tanker a lot.

I like this forum because the knowledge shared is based on experience.
Thanks for sharing.
Dave

[QUOTE=Super Dave;138102602]Hi guys,

I'd like to pick up a good leather holster that will be full length to protect the barrel.

I don't have much experience with holsters. I just want to make sure it will hold the gun securely and not be too difficult to draw with one hand.

I'll also need a good belt and would appreciate suggestions for that too.

Thanks,
Dave

Just a good, smooth, and very accurate 686. I appreciate your help.

I have a six inch 686-1 and a six inch 28-2. I have had such revolvers for 30 years for the 28 and since introduction for the L-frame 586/686 series. I have very much enjoyed using these revolvers in the woods and fields, while hunting, while fishing with the youth from my church and while simply out and about. I have had extremely good results using the Bianchi 10L (which is sadly no longer produced but available used), the Bianchi Cyclone 111 (which allows one to wear it on the hip or as a cross-draw which is an advantage when wearing a heavy coat in winter weather) and a El Paso Tom Threepersons holster which I must say is my favorite holster for these revolvers. El Paso produces an outstanding holster with excellent attention to detail, quality of materials used, etc. The one I have is 14 years old and still looks and functions like new.

I have a Bianchi belt that I've been using since 1980. It is a tremendous belt. I have used it for everything wearing it with my heavy hunting clothes, wearing it with blue jeans and, of course, wearing it with various holsters and guns. After this many years it is soft and comfortable, perhaps not idea for someone who will carry a holster intended for fast draw. However, I fired a police type match a couple of months ago using my 686, a older George Lawrence holster and my Bianchi belt. It was a draw and fire double-action type match. I placed third out of 40 something shooters. This was the first pistol match I've fired since 2004. That old Bianchi belt held my holster and revolver firmly in place as well as keeping my pants up!

I am currently saving up to buy a new holster and belt. I'm just about decided on buying a El Paso Tom Threepersons for my four inch 28-2. I figure the holster and belt will be done up with some nice oak leaf carving, background dyed black, rawhide lacing if possible and maybe a nice fancy buckle. A added plus with El Paso is that it is an entirely American company, owned and operated by Americans, with products made entirely in America. You might also want to take a look at the holsters produced by members and supporters of this forum. They are one and all fine men. Many have been extremely happy with the holsters they have bought. Doubtless one of them would be able to produce a holster that would meet your needs. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

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I'm with brucev on the vintage Bianchi belt. I bought my 2.25 inch Riverbelt around 1980 too. One of the best accessories I ever bought. However, I'm not sure the current Bianchi product is up to those old standards. I'm also a fan of the Bianchi 5BH for a field holster. I have a vintage one and a new one. The older one has been a workhorse for me and new one is ok but I wish I had ordered it to be lined as the liner is a bit rough. I also love the narrower (1.75 inch) gun belts from Bullhide. I have two of them and they are thick, good looking and easily fit into the loops of my jeans.

Dave--thats a 6 inch, 686 7 shot holster that Snubby made for me. I don't like full-flap so I simply got him to give full coverage.

Got some stuff caught up

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No school like the old school.

Looks like someone should be digging a pit and heating up some lava rocks. Kahlua pig anyone?

Remember doing that as a kid in the cane fields in Waipahu, except my Dad's crazy friends did it with spears.

Nice holsters by Snubby.

Marine 24, I heard another technique is gaffing hooks. I'll stick with a .357 for these Polynesian boars.

Dave

I'm with you. Their teeth will definitely leave an impression of you let them get close.

Last time I was out there, I was partial to a Marlin 1895 with Garret's Hammerhead 45-70 ammo.


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Super Dave:

You can't go wrong with any of the previous recommendations from other members. When it comes to quality holsters, you get what you pay for.

If you haven't already chosen a particular holster, take a look at Diamond D Leather products. I have the same model 6" 686+ that I carry in one of their Alaska Hunter holsters. I ordered mine with the removable holster flap, and teamed it with a Kirkpatrick Leather gunbelt I already owned. I wear the gunbelt just below my regular pants belt, and it works fine in the field carrying a day pack. No problem clearing leather. I'm also able to sit in my truck or a chair without the holster riding up.

For a tanker style, I can also recommend the Diamond D Leather Guide's Choice Holster. I use it to carry my snubby 66 when I'm hiking or carrying a large pack. Once again, I ordered with the optional removable flap for the added protection and retention it provides.

Diamond D Custom Leather