Guys, I have stumbled onto a NIB model 686 PC, 7 shot revolver that I can get for around $1100.00 bucks. I have always wanted a bigger 38/357 over my J frames and never really wanted to pay the increased costs over the little J frames. I see that this model goes for anywhere from $1200.00 and up and thought at the price I was quoted, it wouldn't be a bad deal. My questions though are as follows,


1) Who has one of these or something similar and how do you like it?
2) IWB holster makers, who makes a good one for the L framed revolvers, especially with that thick barrel lug underneath?
3) Grip options other than the big factory grip it comes with if I want to carry this?

Looking forward to hearing from you who have one of these. I attached a stock pic from S&W so you guys know what revolver I am speaking of exactly. Thanks..

Attached Images

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I wanted one of the subject 2.5" 686PC guns but ended up with two 3" revolvers instead, as I came upon a regular 3" 686+ and a 586 L-Comp first.
I'll carry either of these as my primary handgun when I'm in a larger revolver mood.

I also have an 8-round 4" 627Pro, for an even larger potential carry revolver.

-I seem to be more accurate with the 3" 686+ but that's likely a combination of me and the individual gun.

-I don't know about IWB holsters as I'll carry my large revolvers OWB often from Galco:
Product List | All

I'm mostly using grips from Pachmayr:
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but sometimes Hogue:
K/L-Frame Revolvers - Smith & Wesson - Handgun Grips - Hogue Products

Perhaps somebody else has some knowledge about IWB L-frame holsters. I'll follow this thread and do some internet research on IWB holsters later.

Edit: Here's a company with a 686 IWB holster, Kramer:
Kramer Leather - Inside the Waistband #4 Gun Holster

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

I’ve had the 2.5” early 686. Used a Milt Sparks (my preferred iwb holster maker).

That is one of my favorite recent S&W revolvers. I carry it in a Kramer IWB and use VZ grips. I hope you enjoy your new revolver!


Jim

Pics of your 686

The conventional 686 and the PC version seem to fit the same holster, given the same or shorter barrel length. The barrel lug in the PC is shaved (as is the barrel) and tapered. My favorite IWB holster is by Milt Sparks. I have also used various Keltec holsters (Blade Tech, Detroit Holster) waiting for Milt Sparks holsters.

Obviously designed as a carry piece,
what with the skeletonized barrel to
I assume save weight, why a non
fluted cylinder. Flutes would have cut
weight as well. Smaller grips are
available.

Weighs in at about what a 4-inch
K frame Smith would weigh.

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Ubi Est Mea

Unofficially, the Model 686 in all of its forms is the most popular revolver on this forum. They are excellent well-designed firearms, and their resemblance to Colts does not hurt them. Very few complaints. Well-liked and many manufactured and sold. Does everything reasonable expected of it.

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