shutupdata113
Member
I'm looking for a leather IWB holster for my 686 2 1/2" bbl. Any help would be greatly appreciated
686 holster help
- Thread starter shutupdata113
- Start date
357-RevolverGuy
Member
I think most of the holster questions get overlooked because they have all been covered in this forum before. You can search and come up with probably hundreds... Check out Ray's work at Lobo Gun Leather. He does great work and I've got 2 IWB for the 686 which I have been happy with.
justintyme
Member
Another Vote for Ray at Lobogunleather, I have one of his IWB holsters for my 2.5" 686 made out of horsehide and it very much exceeded my expectations for comfort. I would recommend the horsehide option if he has any available. I'll try and take a pic of it later today with some of my other holsters he has made me
- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 1,559
- Reaction score
- 888
There are many choices for an OWB holster. I prefer the pancake style, which is very flat under a cover garment. IWB holsters which actually work for a large revolver are harder to find. The best of the lot is the Sparks VM2 - I have two for a L-frame (686) and N-frame (629), both 3".
An IWB puts a lot of tension on the holster via your belt, which clamps hard on the cylinder, making it hard to draw. The VM3 has a wide steel reinforcing band, which is stiff enough to allow one-hand reholstering, as well as smooth extraction.
The other issue is weight. A 686+ weighs about 40 ounces loaded, as much as a steel 1911. That makes your belt sag and digs into your side. You need an IWB with flat back and wings for good support. With a VM2, the cylinder tends to ride on top of your hip bone, which makes it bulge less and takes weight from your belt. I've worn it 10 hours a day in the Pacific Northwest. I'm thinking more of the 629, now that grizzlies are migrating southward.
An IWB puts a lot of tension on the holster via your belt, which clamps hard on the cylinder, making it hard to draw. The VM3 has a wide steel reinforcing band, which is stiff enough to allow one-hand reholstering, as well as smooth extraction.
The other issue is weight. A 686+ weighs about 40 ounces loaded, as much as a steel 1911. That makes your belt sag and digs into your side. You need an IWB with flat back and wings for good support. With a VM2, the cylinder tends to ride on top of your hip bone, which makes it bulge less and takes weight from your belt. I've worn it 10 hours a day in the Pacific Northwest. I'm thinking more of the 629, now that grizzlies are migrating southward.
AveragEd
Member
I have one of Lobo Gun Leather's Tom Threepersons holsters for my 4" 686-3.
He makes them for any barrel length and in several colorations. With a smooth leather lining, mine cost $82 shipped to me.
Ed
He makes them for any barrel length and in several colorations. With a smooth leather lining, mine cost $82 shipped to me.
Ed
TrueTexan
Member
The Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake with the IWB straps works great and you also get the options of OWB and cross draw. I use it with my 686 plus 3 inch
justintyme
Member
Well my real camera is dead, but here is a quick cell pic of my Lobo IWB Horsehide Holster, had him add the inner hammer shield. Extremely comfortable rig, and the horsehide is tough! Very stiff and easy to reholster, no problems drawing, just the right amount of retention.
