686 holster Milt Sparks or El Paso

[Wfevans4]

I tend to like mid to low ride holsters. Which is best for a 686, a Milt Sparks PMK or an El Paso Saddlery Austin holster? I’ve also considered a Simply Rugged Cattleman and a Justincase Outdoorsman, but Milt Sparks and El Paso Saddlery are my top two as of now. I do not want a high ride holster. I can’t stand the grip/stock riding high on my side. Use will be a hunting sidearm. I’m not worried about wait time or price. The cattleman and Justincase seem a bit low, although I do plan to get a Simply Rugged holster one day.

 

[dobegrant]

Have been using Simply Rugged for all my leather holsters for about 12 years or so, Rob makes good stuff.

 

[bobsguns]

Please allow me to suggest Bullard Leather as an option. Their quality is well above their price point. I have 6-7 of them & have found none better.

They also offer a bit of options: lined or not, initials, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[BrBa]

Can't speak on the other choices, but I've had a PMK for my 3" 686 for the last 15 years. Very comfortable on the belt, and perfect retention. Beautiful and functional. That was my first holster from Milt Sparks, and many others followed.

 

[Hawg Rider]

New 1791 Gunleather Holster

To me, the choice for a holster comes down to how much it will be carried and how it will be carried. I don't have a ranch or a lot of property to walk, so I mostly pocket carry a J-frame revolver or Shield Plus. When I do a road trip, I usually bring along something bigger like a 627-5 or M&P 10mm in a case or crossdraw holster. And here in hot and humid Florida, our daily wear is typically shorts and t-shirts/polo shirts which don't lend themselves to CCW. Therefore, I don't typically wear an OWB or IWB holster. However, I recently picked up a 3" bbl. 686-6+ and decided it needed a holster for some occasional outings during our "cooler" weather. I researched quite a few holster manufacturers, including some of our Forum craftsmen, and found that not too many build holsters for 3" 686+ revolvers. The prices were also quite a bit higher than I wanted to pay for a holster that will spend most of its life on a shelf. Bottom line...I chose a classic brown 1791 Gunleather holster for my 3" 686+ (L-frame). Very well made steerhide holsters from Miami, FL, basic and not too fancy, and reasonably priced. Just what I wanted.

Just received my 1791 Gunleather holster...very nice! Here's a pic.

 

[oworthsr]

Please allow me to suggest Bullard Leather as an option. Their quality is well above their price point. I have 6-7 of them & have found none better.

They also offer a bit of options: lined or not, initials, etc.

Hope this helps.

I agree. But Mr. and Mrs. Bullard went through a nasty divorce a few years ago. The settlement gave the Mrs. the Bullard Leather retail business. Mr. Bullard opened up the "Busted B" leather holster making business. So today, if you're interested in a Bullard holster, go to the Busted B site. He'll build what you want; she'll just try to sell you what's in stock.

 

[Wfevans4]

Looks like Diamond d leather is good, but I’m afraid of the button for the strap being on top of the cylinder. Not sure if it would scratch it.