Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I recently purchased a Model 686 Plus 3-5-7 with the 5" barrel and I'm curious as to what other owners are using for a holster.

Looking at OWB. Any thoughts/input/pictures would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Dan

Dan: I recommend that you look at the Lobo Gun Leather website. At least a dozen different holster designs and lots of options are offered for your 5" L-frame revolver. The current owners (Fedders family of Ely, Minnesota) are very responsive to questions and continue to produce some great products.

Here is a 3" 3-5-7 holster made by Matt Whitefield. He may be able to accommodate you.

I had Snubbyfan, a member here, make one for my 3-5-7.


Welcome to the forum ! Please feel free to post up photos, we love them here !

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Thanks for the replies! I had initially shot a 686 Plus with the 4" barrel and I really liked it. I was trying to find one but given the current times there was NOTHING available around me.

I called a shop about an hour away and they told me they had the Plus in 4-inch, when I got there I found that it was a Plus 3-5-7 5-inch. Given availability of basically anything these days, I wasn't going to let it bother me.

I didn't notice it under the fluorescent lights, but the wood grips are beautiful! I'll see if I can figure out the image upload.

Anybody shot the 4" plus vs. the 5"? I know there's about a 3-ounce difference, but curious as to if there's much different of a feel?

You’ll find many more [off the shelf] holster options for a 4-inch gun, but a custom or semi-custom holster maker would care of that.

I’ve owned all 3 lengths of the 3-5-7 guns, and they all had their own unique charms.

The 3-inch is my favorite fall/winter carry gun, in a high-ride Galco or Snubbyfan holster.

The 5-inch gun was an amazing OWB gun, and it had great balance and recoil mitigation.

The 7-inch gun was a bit nose-heavy, but was comfortable handling full-house loads with aplomb. Great range gun that made the shooter [me] look good.

I don’t have any 5-inch L-frames currently, but it’s hard to go wrong with either a 4- or 5-inch gun !

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Here’s a quick pic of the Snubbyfan holster; I wanted something to echo the unfluted cylinder design, and he did an amazing job.

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That IS a pretty cool holster.

Love the cylinder bulge. Very unique.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

I have an old holster that handles most of my guns. Old not fashionable, who cares it is under cover.

I have that same gun and I had a hard time finding a holster. Finally ended up with a holster from "Chief's Holster's" on Etsy. OWB, strap over the hammer, non-fluted cylinder. Good value for the $$.
Custom hand made concealed carry holsters. by ChiefsHolsters

There are a couple of holsters from Milt Sparks I would consider, such as the AW200.

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NHI, 10-8.

lots of leather options as already pointed out.


if you are looking for a tactical / kydex style, speed beez makes one for 5" L frames.

Wild Bill's Concealment Holster. Comfortable, adjustable paddle holster.

Not to get off topic but how well does this holster hold up? I have one paddle for a 3" 686+ but don't like it. Where the holster attaches to the paddle is the weak link. After wearing it a handful of times that particular spot is already getting loose to where the holster moves around on it's own some. It seems to me a small piece of metal on the backside under the leather at the attachment point would be in order for the weight of the firearm, along with double stitching (talking of my own, not yours). It stinks since the holster itself fits the revolver like a glove.

I like paddle holsters for the ease of removal but am skeptical about finding one which will hold up to the weight of this particular revolver. One might be Fobus (kydex) but they don't make one for the 3" and I can't stand any holster that isn't for the exact barrel length...

I have several Kramer "MSP Paddle" variants and have been very happy with them.

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NHI, 10-8.

Snubby did that for you? Nice job, may I ask what he charged?

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

So far no issue. However, I haven't worn it enough to see if it's a problem or not. The holster is a very sturdy design and he has been making these for a long time. With the adjustable cant, they can be worn strong side or cross draw.

If your not in a big hurry, check out Indian Creek Leather. Gene is making a wild bunch holster for my Model 69, 4-6 week lead time...

TT gun leather made one for my 3in im sure he could do yours... ill post a picture tonight for ya...

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This is the way....

You should PM him, I really don’t remember.

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