686+ in a 4" looking for help on a way to carry

[Dix0n7x]

hows every one doing? this is my first thread.
but i am waiting for the local gun store to call me back for my nice new s&w 686+ in a 4" barel
i was thinking that a shoulder holser would be the way to go (i am allso a south paw) but i have never own a shoulder holster befor was seeing a lot of good revews from galico just wanted to see if any of you guys on hear had any ideas for me
thanks
ps all so plain on getting some rose wood combat grips for her too

 

[major bumm]

Wow. Ok, a 686 is a good size frame. It will slap against your ribs if you run or jog with it in the holster. In the "Enforcer" with Clint Eastwood, you can see him holding his side as he chases the suspected bomber in the tan suit. That will be you. With a good rig, it can be comfortable otherwise. Good choice if you spend a lot of time in a seated position like in a office or driving... so long as you keep your jacket on.

A shoulder rig presents some problems when presented with a threat. The big one is that it requires you to draw across your body to point the barrel at the threat. If you are the typical face-to-face to 3' away, it is pretty easy to counter this presentation. One gentleman I know, always pocket carries a smaller revolver to assist in any such difficulties.

JMHO

 

[Poohgyrr]

Welcome to the forum. That is a fine revolver: accurate, reliable, and flexible in the different kinds of ammo that work in it. I have trained with and carried 357 Magnum ammo for over 20 years, but have and do load with 38 Specials when special needs make it a better choice. That is one advantage of these revolvers.

A good holster, belt, and appropriate clothes make it a lot more comfortable to CCW. A good holster can last for many years.

For what it's worth, I carry a 3 1/2" M27 at times, and did carry an old 4" 686 a lot back when. Other folks also carry revolvers, so you are in good company.

I personally like inside waistband holsters and pancakes. I just ordered a pancake holster with thumb break, from Lobo Gunleather. Not every company makes thumb break revolver holsters anymore, but Ray at Lobo does, and I like his work. There are other well respected brands, and some are active here on the forum.

I have bought a few shoulder holsters over the years, but almost never use them. Hip holsters just work better for me.

Don't forget to order speedloaders, speedstrips, and holders for them.

 

[66snub]

Have you given any consideration to Inside the Waistband carry? I have a 686+ in 2" that I carry IWB and also appendix. I realize that it would be pretty difficult with appendix, but IWB is definitely doable with the right pants, belt, and holster set-up. It will keep the gun held close and aid in concealment. Just a thought.

 

[carpriver]

I carry the 686, I have 3, the 4" the 3" and the 2.5. I have a IWB and just finished a shoulder holster for a shoulder rig I had. I am more comfortable with a shoulder holster due to back problems that make wearing a belt painful at times. When I use the IWB I wear a pair of perry supenders to take the pressure off wearing my belt tight.

 

[Dix0n7x]

thanks for the post guys
and i am about 5'6" at 130lbs and idk how IWB would be for me with a 4"
i do like the extea consealedment from IWB but think that will be my last methed of carry
one reason why i was thiking of a shoulder rig was so it would be easy acces i didnt even think about it jumping about and smaking me that would be a bit of a problem
and i am plaining on buying 2 speed loaders have never used a speed loader or speed strips befor seen a lot of ppl use the speed loaders in vids not too many strips though

 

[Dix0n7x]

main reason i want to be to able to carry to the range or when i go hinking

 

[jimmyj]

Lobo Dual carry pancake holster. Ray's design holds the weapon snug so a restraining strap is not necessary. I use one to CCW a S&W 4" N frame-very comforable.

 

[Neumann]

A 4" 686 is perfect for nearly any use, and easy to shoot.

The best way to carry a 4" is in a OWB holster, pancake style with slots rather than snaps. The snaps are too stiff, and put too much tension on the cylinder, making the revolver hard to draw. Just about everybody makes a good pancake holster. I have a couple of Alessi CQCs, for an L frame and N frame respectively.

Shoulder holsters look cool, but aren't very practical unless you carry a 6" or longer barrel. I have an Alessi Fieldmaster for a 6" 629. It carries vertically, but pivots so you can draw quickly. The harness is comfortable and rides on top without a big cross in the middle of your back.

 

[Dix0n7x]

all right thanks guys think im going to try a pancake theres on i can order to be a cusstom fit at http://store.dmbullardleather.com/catalog/product/b464161667c04615b9f6b641135cb915
85$ isnt bad from what i can tell not sure what ship is yet
but it has the choose for a smooth leather lining or just the standered unlined holster....? i am un sure on what the diffrent is the leather lining is only an extra 15$

 

[OLDSTER]

When I carry my 686-4" it's in an old DeSantis cross draw. Great for traveling. It'd be a challenge to carry concealed on a regular basis. Sounds like some of these guys have figured it out, however.

 

[Magster]

One of the best holsters out there in my opinion for a revolver, is the Simply Rugged pancake. Very sturdy and holds tight to the body.

 

[Neumann]

Most holsters are flesh-side in for appearance. I have a couple the other way around - a Sparks Summer Special II and a Galco pocket holster. That makes for a smoother fit, but is not really necessary. The Sparks is an IWB and the Galco are flesh-side out to keep them in place against clothing or in the pocket. Well made holsters start with fine-grained leather, are burnished inside with gum tragacanth to a smooth finish. Sparks, Alessi and Grizzle holsters fall in this category.

Suede lining is a feature found on low-end holsters, and occasionally optional on custom leatherwork. The purpose is to reduce wear on the finish, but may be counterproductive. Suede tends to pick up dirt, which can scratch or accelerate wear. A lined holster is harder to break in, probably because of the adhesive between layers.

Leather is surprisingly abrasive, and will dull a knife quickly, or sharpen it when used as a strop. If you holster a gun, the finish is going to wear. If that bothers you, then stainless steel goes all the way through and can be easily refinished.

 

[mister_e]

all right thanks guys think im going to try a pancake theres on i can order to be a cusstom fit at Combat A Custom Fit To Your Gun - D.M. Bullard Leather Mfg.
85$ isnt bad from what i can tell not sure what ship is yet
but it has the choose for a smooth leather lining or just the standered unlined holster....? i am un sure on what the diffrent is the leather lining is only an extra 15$

I have and use one of Dave Bullard's holsters for a Springfield XD. Very well made and the model I bought is convertible for OWB or IWB carry. Leather lining is to add protection for your gun's finish, shouldn't be an issue with the SS finish. But some like to have that extra sense of security. I would definitely get a good belt to help distribute and carry the weight. Bullard also makes a nice belt.

 

[loc n load]

L frame carry

Have carried daily for four decades....have seen it all and tried it all in carry methods....I carry full sized guns and settled long ago on strong side IWB's or a good close fitting OWB....I have always had concerns about maximum concealment and maximum weapon retention ability...taught weapon retention for years and strong side carry is my choice.....there are many holsters out there for your L frame....I usually lean toward IWB's if I can....but a good quality high ride OWB works well also....use a good belt and dress for the gun.