Hello all. I was hoping the pros in this area could help me out some. I have a S&W 586-1 witha 4 " full lug barrell. I was hoping to get some nice comfortable leather for carrying. I know that you individuals here should have some good advice and will be able to point me in the right direction. I know that IWB will be almost impossible with this one. So I would like to have something less conspicuous that possibly rides high on the waitband. Does anybody here have any suggestions on type and makers?

Despite the inevitable denials, "comfortable carry" and "586" don't belong in the same sentence !!
I mean, why would you even want to lug around a big,honkin' hunk o' steel, when there are so many vastly better,lighter, more comfortable, carry options ?
Anyway, since you're likely to be unswayed, I would go with some variety of pancake holster from Simply Rugged. These are fairly economical and highly popular, and I'd bet you'll get lots of agreement on this recommendation.
I've been wanting one for years, but then I think to myself, "what the hell for? I sure as hell ain't lugging around my friggin' GP100 everyday!!"
Then I drop my Airweight 38 in my pocket, and go to the Walmart .

Take a look at El Paso Saddlery. I use one of their IWB holsters for a Model 28 Highway Patrolman 4" N-Frame with no problems on a very regular basis. Comfortable and reliable. I also use one of their OWB holsters when I go that route. Again no problems.

When I CCW a full size revolver I use a Lobo dual carry pancake holster.
use magna wood grips with a grip adapter.
A good pants belt is necessary. My choice is a 1.75" leather garrison belt.
Two speed Loaders completes the outfit. ( 1 in each front pocket.

I have a simply rugged pancake for my 4" Redhawk. When I wear it it is comfortable but, oh boy, I know it's there..

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I used to be disgusted..

I've really been liking my El Paso Saddlery thumb snap holster made for a 4 inch N frame. My 586 no dash fits great (purchased the holster for a model 28-2 i had). Easy to cover up with a long shirt or jacket


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This question seems to come up almost weekly and so I will give you my opinion once again.

After CCW carrying for 36 years I would NOT recommend trying to carry a M586! Great gun, just too big, too heavy and too bulky. You will wind up leaving it at home or in places you shouldn't just to get it off your body. Not saying you couldn't do it once in a while, but it is just not practical for dedicated CCW.

I'd invest in a J Frame if you want a CONCEALABLE and PRACTICAL CCW Wheel Gun, or if you would like a 6th shot the Colt Dick Specials are still out there and barely larger or heavier than a Chief's Special. There are also plenty of Auto's that would fit the bill if you prefer, but a M586 is IMO the wrong way to pursue CCW. YMMV.

What I've found to be the absolute best OWB carry is a Kramer Horsehide Belt Scabbard with the FBI cant, a 1 1/4" horsehide belt and matching ammo dump pouch. Not cheap - but the BEST Ive ever used no matter what gun I am carrying. J-Frames (or Colt Dick Spl's) are small enough and light enough that they can be carried in any type of holster you choose such as IWB, OWB, Ankle, Shoulder and Pocket. The larger guns can not.

If you still choose to carry your M586 I believe to will find out just like the majority does (the hard way as I did too) that seriously carrying a concealed weapon every day is a commitment, a matter of comfort and practicality. An L Frame isn't gonna fit that bill - sorry to say.

I have on simple holster to carry several guns, not a fashion statement, just a good old S&W holster. Works for me.

For CC of a large revolver, I agree that a good quality pancake style holster is the way to go. I have no problem concealing an L or N frame, but I am 6'1" and 215. This is more of a winter carry option when I can wear a jacket. Simply Rugged makes good basic holsters and I have a few. El Paso Saddlery lines many of there's with suede, which is easier on a blued finish.

LOL.....the difference an inch makes.

3" L frames seems to be "OK" to a lot of folks for concealed carry ....but an 4" is simply too big and heavy. A lot depends on the person ...... 6'+ maybe...... at 5'9" not so much!

IMHO....................

I carry an L-frame "concealed" (sometimes) when "woods bumming" in a Bianchi 111 Cyclone (cross-draw) or X-15 shoulder holster under a fall or winter coat.

I had a 3" 586 and found it a brick for everyday concealed carry vs. a 3" K-frame (65/66). Concealed carry guns are carried a lot (16/7/365) and shot a little (25-50 rounds/ 1 or twice a month). And for non-LEOs may never be drawn/used in defense of self or family. A J or K frame can be carried and be "both comfortable and comforting".......

Everything else aside I think the 4" L-frame 686 is just about the best all around utility/ "only one" revolver you can own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..and I own several!!


Good luck......

Lot of good comments, shared experiences, and pictures here! 😀
Only thing I can add is that due to my build, no caboose, I have to wear suspenders, when carrying anything other than pocket carry.
The side clip type seem to put the connection point at the perfect spot for me. This brand is what I use, though in tall version.
http://m.duluthtrading.com/store/pro...ers-92992.aspx

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Wherever my mind isn't
Jim

Hi:
In a past life I CCW a S&W Model 12 2" RB in a OWB Pancake holster.
Used .38spl standard velocity silvertips.

2nd that. I still occasionally carry my M696 DAO conversion in a Milt Sparks Executives Companion IWB. It works fine with proper cover. But I would not try that on my 581, as that inch makes a big difference.

I have carried my M15 in a Safariland Model 568 holster. Really like the suede lining for my blued guns.

... wuluf, I LOVE your signature quote! I have no idea of your age or tastes in music but a guy by the name of Warren Zevon had a song on the first album of his that I know of had a song titled, "Lawyers, Guns and Money". The song just cracked me up when I first heard it and your quote brought back memories of that song, good memories too. That was back when human beings actually wrote songs and actually performed them with real musical instruments and such. That type of thing doesn't happen all that much anymore it seems, for some d*** reason these days and explains why old guys like me seem to keep classic rock and classic country music radio stations in business.

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Veritatem Cognoscere

I carry a 586 4" concealed on occasion. For me it requires several items to make this work. 1. A good 1.5" gun belt. 2. Ahrends or Hogue grips. 3. An IWB holster, or a pancake rig. 4. Speedloader and pouch. Always take a reload. I wear a speedloader and a 6 round cartridge slide. Use the cartridge slide to do a partial reload if needed.

Practice your draw or presentation with your gear on as you would wear it. 586s and I've had several are great revolvers but a lot of iron to draw from a holster and present for firing. As an earlier poster commented "it is a commitment". Whatever route you choose pracrice, practice and practice. God bless and God speed!

I use several of Lobos pancake rigs for different guns. Been packing concealed since 1970.

I have several guns in my EDC rotation. Three are N frame snubbies. One is a 686 2.5". I can carry any one of these in a Craft Holster #92. I think they can make it for a 4". It's an iwb and I find it pretty easy to carry. I'm also 6'4" and weigh 260. I don't know how it would be on others. But if I can carry a model 25-2 in .45 Colt, then the 586 shouldn't be much of a problem. The holster has a tension adjustment for the different size revolvers. Since it's an IWB I can get away with wearing an untucked shirt or a vest in cooler weather. Don't be discouraged by people telling you that it's too big to carry. If you like it and can hit with it, go for it. The 586 is a nice piece.

You might consider a quality shoulder holster. Leather; NO low-end Uncle Mikes or cheap nylon stuff. I own and regularly use half a dozen shoulder holsters and prefer Galco and Bianchi. For my 4 inch 586 and 4 inch GP-100 I use a semi-vintage Bianchi vertical rig. Perfectly comfortable and concealable as long as I'm wearing a jacket. The trick with shoulder rigs is to take the time to adjust them properly so they're right for YOU and your activities, and that's the part most people simply don't have the patience for. But once you do get them adjusted they're simply the best option for concealing large guns like the 586.

That is a very large revolver. I would open carry it....however, to each his own Good luck and I hope you find what will work for you. I carry a 19 snub and find it is almost perfect as an EDC gun.

I use the Bianchi X15 shoulder holster to carry my 4in. 686. IMO, THIS is the only way to carry such a large revolver. And by the way, it is really comfortable, at least in cooler weather. Not so much in +100F Texas summers.