686 3"

[WP]

Does anyone carry a 686 3"? If so what grips and holster do you use? Pictures are appreciated. One last item those of you who carry a 686 short barrel do you remove the hammer spur? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may offer.
Bill/WP

 

[wheelyfun66]

2.5" barrel on my 686....
I would love to get the hammer bobbed, but for now, I carry with a spurred hammer.

I have Pachmayr Compac Pro grips, as well as Hogue Bantam boot grip (Rosewood), and carry IWB in a Garrett Industries holster.

 

[bfalcon00]

I carry a 686 plus model (one of the seven shot models 2.5 inch barrel and the factory grips) in a cheap uncle mikes iwb holster at about the 230 position. I've carried it for about five years now. I would get ya pics but its at cylinder and slide getting a new set of sights installed at the moment. I just couldn't not have those new sights smith is putting on some of their new models.

 

[kaaskop49]

Sorry, cannot do pix. I use an old Safariland IWB suede clip pouch for 4" N frame to carry gun. I replaced the factory grips with a set of UM's RB-to-SB rubber finger groove grips. I can handle the recoil better with a SB design due to the nerve damage in the web of my shooting hand.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Lt JL]

I have, but seldom carry, a 686 3" CS-1. It has Pachmyer Compac Grip. It's not bad as .357s go. When I do carry it, I carry it in an old

DeSantis high ride made for a Colt. The holster has a built in 6 round carrier tunnel where the belt enters

 

[wheelyfun66]

its at cylinder and slide getting a new set of sights installed at the moment.

What sights are you getting?
Front and rear?

Love to hear a full report/pics when you get it back!

 

[bfalcon00]

The back u sight Smith puts on the night guard series as for the front probably a fiber optic but the front of all smiths are apparently different so they are gonna mount a few front sights to see what works. The back sight is fixed so elevation is done through the front sight.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

My 3" has magna grips with Tyler T's. I carry it at 4 o'clock position in a leather IWB belt loop style holster made by Lobo.

 

[wheelyfun66]

The back u sight Smith puts on the night guard series as for the front probably a fiber optic but the front of all smiths are apparently different so they are gonna mount a few front sights to see what works. The back sight is fixed so elevation is done through the front sight.

I'd love to install that rear sight from the Nightguard series...but it would have to work with my current (factory) front sight.......because I love the look/fit of the factory front sight set up.......wonder what the odds are?

 

[bfalcon00]

I'd love to install that rear sight from the Nightguard series...but it would have to work with my current (factory) front sight.......because I love the look/fit of the factory front sight set up.......wonder what the odds are?

When I called the boys in Nebraska they said it wouldn't work very well cause the rears are lower than the factory ones. I really wanted a night sight up front but gave up on that.

 

[BobR1]

I have a couple 686's, both are 4 Inch however.

While not a 686, this is a 3 Inch GP100, and is the same gun from a CC point of view. It has Pachmayr ComPac grips. The Holster is a Rocky Hill Pancake with inner Hammer Shield. I see no reason to Bob the Hammer.
I have a 3 Inch 66-2 DAO with a factory bobbed hammer as well as a 64-6 Snub that is also a factory DAO with bobbed hammer. I like the bobbed hammers just fine. However I rotate through several revolvers during the year, and I have never had an issue with a Hammer snagging on anything.

The Speed loader is a Safariland Comp III.
The Speed Loader Carrier is a Big Creek Kydex in Carbon Fiber print.

You can conceal carry a 3 Inch 686 or GP100 wearing the right cover garments. I have a Duluth Trading Company "Working Man's Vest" for warmer days. I have the Iron Range for cooler weather. Get a Tall if offered for extra Length. I have a Carhart Jac Shirt in a Tall. I also have a Blue Denim Carhart western shirt one size larger than I need, that I also wear as a Jac Shirt.
I also have a closet full of Fishing Shirts for warmer weather.
When buying clothing look for garments that will cover the revolver.

I wear the Working Man's Vest the most. It is light weight, and cool enough to wear most of the time here in Missouri.
A Tip, get a couple Speed Strips, and carry one in each Patch Pocket. This weights the bottom of the vest so that it sweeps back during the draw. If you are going to weight the vest, ammo is as good as anything to weight it with. I also carry either 1 or 2 Speed Loaders in a Big Creek Carrier on the belt.

If you are looking to buy, consider a Model 60 or SP101 and also the K Snubs. I have a 2.25 SP101 as well as a 3 Inch SP101.
I also have a 2" 64-6, a 2 Inch Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, a 2" Model 10, a 3 Inch 66, and a 2.75" 315Night Guard.
I carry the 2 Inch 64, and 2.25" SP101 the most. They conceal well, and are lighter weight than an L Frame or GP100.

I have been rotating between my 3" GP100, 2" 64, and 2" SP101 the last couple weeks. I notice the difference in weight when carrying the GP100, and it is a little lighter weight than a 686 in a 3 Inch.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob

 

[HarrishMasher]

I just traded off my 686+ 3". But I will show you how I carried it. I prefer to carry IWB. I have tried many holsters over the years, after much trial and error I went with the Tucker Gunleather Texas Heritage IWB. This is the holster Rob at Tucker recommends for K,L,N Frame S&Ws:

"Texas Heritage" IWB | Premium IWB Holsters | Tucker Gun Leather


I did a review of the Tucker Texas Heritage here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/gun-leather-carry-gear/408221-praise-tucker-gun-leather.html

I use the same Texas Heritage for all of my 2.5" to 3" K,L frames. It is great to only have to buy one holster for 7 guns. All guns fit perfectly and securely in this holster. It is so well balanced and engineered with a proper carry belt, you do not even notice you are wearing it. I carry 40oz+ guns and forget they are there. I went with the Tucker leather Basic Carry Belt as well. If you don't have a dedicated carry belt, you need one. Makes a world of difference.



Here are some pics:

My previously owned 686+ 3":

The Tucker Texas Heritage and Basic Carry Belt:

Here it the Tucker with a 386NG & 686PC 2.5"

For OWB carry I use a Simply Rugged Pancake holster. I got it free in a trade. It is actually an excellent holster. Again, all of my 2.5" to 3" K,L frames fit perfectly and snugly. It rides nice and tight against your body and the perfect height and angle for concealment and drawing:

 

[WP]

Thank you all especially to those who have been able to attached pictures. It is very often true that a picture is worth a thousand words. I find this forum the most friendly and helpful firearm's forum on the Internet.
Again many thanks to each of you (with or without pics).
Wp/Bill

 

[one eye joe]

Does anyone carry a 686 3"? If so what grips and holster do you use? Pictures are appreciated. One last item those of you who carry a 686 short barrel do you remove the hammer spur? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may offer.
Bill/WP

THERE IS NO REASON TO REMOVE A HAMMER SPUR FROM A HOLSTERED GUN. A HAMMER SPUR REMOVAL IS WARRANTED TO AVOID SNAGGING OF A REVOLVER THAT WILL BE POCKET CARRIED. BELOW, IS MY 2 1/2" NO-DASH, CONVERTED BY S&W TO A 686+, WEARING MAGNA PC GRIPS WITH A TYLER-T ADAPTER. THE GUN IS VERY CONCEALABLE, AND VERY CONTROLLABLE. ALSO THERE IS A PIC OF THE SAME 2 1/2' GUN WEARING PACHMAYR COMPAC GRIPS. THE 8 3/8" NO DASH IS WEARING PACHMAYR PRESENTATION GRIPS. I SWAP THESE GRIPS ON FOR ADDED PROTECTION OF THE GUN AND NICE WOODEN GRIPS DURING PERIODS OF HARD USAGE---CAMPING, FISHING, HUNTING, INCLEMENT WEATHER, ETC….

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Nice pre-MIM 7-shot, joe.

Were the flash chromed trigger and hammer original?

 

[kaaskop49]

Holy cow, what a gun! Looked like a snub 66 for a moment. Did you do anything to the finish? It looks more like S&W's older style stainless than the modern style.

I envy you your gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[one eye joe]

THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS, Kernel, AND Kaaskop. I'M GLAD THAT YOU LIKE THE REVOLVER. THE 2 1/2' IS A NO DASH, WITH ALL ORIGINAL PARTS--INCLUDING THE HAMMER AND TRIGGER. THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER, AND THE GRIPS ARE NOT ORIGINAL TO THE GUN. WHEN I PURCHASED IT ON GB, IT WAS WEARING S&W WOODEN COMBATS, WHICH DONT FIT MY HAND AND I FIND TO BE BULKY. I SOLD THEM ON THE FORUM. I USED THE S&W FREE RECALL TO SEND IT TO THE MOTHERSHIP FOR THE "M" STAMP. WHILE IT WAS THERE, I HAD THEM CONVERT IT TO A 7 SHOOTER (RE-INVESTING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE COMBATS), AS I WAS PLANNING TO CARRY IT CONCEALED. THE FINISH WAS DULL, AND SCUFFED UP WITH HOLSTER AND HANDLING MARKS. A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE WITH MOTHERS MAG WHEEL POLISH, AND AN OLD T-SHIRT CLEANED IT UP. I BELIEVE THAT THE 7 SHOT CYLINDER ENGINEERING CHANGE BEGAN WITH THE -3 OR -4. I'M SURE THAT SOMEONE WITH GREATER KNOWLEDGE THAN I HAVE ON THE SUBJECT WILL CHIME IN TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT……...

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

one eye joe,

When S&W converted it to a 7-shot did they return the original 6-shot cylinder? I bet that old cylinder would also be worth a nice hunk of change to the right person.

 

[JFrames4ever]

Carry two

I carry a 3 inch 686 and a 2 1/2 inch 686 in a Galco Double shoulder rig. Nothing else would balance out. It's a heavy revolver as you know. If I carry a single gun it is an Airweight 38 model 442

 

[wheelyfun66]

I carry a 3 inch 686 and a 2 1/2 inch 686 in a Galco Double shoulder rig. Nothing else would balance out.

Holy Cow! I'll bet you are not a lightweight?!!