686 Performance Pro Specs, Speed Loaders, Holsters, Renaissance Oil (Ren Oil)

[giants1]

I'm planning to buy a 686 Performance Pro SSR 4" barrel, 6 round, .357 Revolver, part number 178012, the California compliant version:

Model 686 | Smith & Wesson

The only dimension listed on the website is 9.5" long. I'm looking for a gun case* and wonder if anyone can measure his/her 686 for width and height?

What pistol case(s) would you recommend for nightstand access? I don't have kids or visitors at my home, just trying to prevent the bad guys from getting it first.

Also, what are the pros and cons of HK-S and Safariland speed loaders?

What holsters would you recommend for AIWB and open hip carry (right side)?

Finally, how often do you recommend applying Renaissance Oil (Ren Oil)?

Thanks

* Pizza_Bob's reply suggested that I clarify I'm looking for a hard case that I can use transport two guns in compliance with California law.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Can't help you with the dimensions and you need to be clearer on what you are looking for "casewise". A soft zippered butterfly case or a lockable hard case with quick access.

As far as holsters, for concealed carry OWB, I've always been partial to the Bruce Nelson design - I think sparks calls it the BN55 (may be a different name for revolvers) and Bianchi the Avenger. For competition, nothing beats Kydex. I can't imagine carrying a revolver the size of an L-frame AIWB. Again Sparks VM-II at 3 to 4 o'clock for IWB.

As for speed loaders - I've posted this before but it bears repeating...

My take on speed loaders:

HKS and 5 Star - fine for general range use. Requires two motions to load cartridges - insert/twist. Relies on gravity to chamber the rounds, so the muzzle must be pointing down. BTW - 5-Star release knob rotates the opposite direction from the HKS loaders

Safariland Comp I & II - Better for carry applications where concealability and speed are a concern. Just requires firm insertion to release the cartridges - no separate twist motion. Release button bears against the extractor star to release. Still relies on gravity to chamber the rounds. The Comp I has no top knob and must be grasped by the sides. The Comp II has a top knob making it easier to remove the loader from the carry pouch.

Safariland Comp III and Jet Loader - Competition style speed loaders. Single motion (insertion) to release rounds. Loader is spring-loaded and pushes the rounds into the chamber - does not rely on gravity. Large top knob for easy grasp and removal from pouch (not suitable for CC).

Dade & SpeedBeez (Centerfire) - both of these have a coil spring, around the circumference of the body of the loader, that retains the rounds in the loader. The top knob pushes the cartridge rims past the spring into the chambers. Prone to losing cartridges if dropped - not real positive retention.

Variant SL - I've never seen these used, but from what I've heard these were excellent. Unfortunately, it appears that the lone importer for these is no longer bringing them into the country.

The loader you choose may be dependent on application (comp v. carry v. range) or availability of a particular loader for a particular cartridge/firearm combination, so optimum applications may not always be achievable.

As an alternative, companies like TKCustom can machine the revolver cylinder to accept moon clips without losing the ability to still use speed loaders or load rounds singly.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[DGNY]

giants1, my 586 4" nickel is 9 1/2" long forward from the rear of butt w/butt as baseline. Diagonally, greatest length is 10 11/16". The height of revolver from a base line drawn from the bottom of the full barrel shroud to the toe of the square butt is 4 1/8 " to the top of the rear sight. All measurements are with magna grips, so you prob need to figure in any grip thickness beyond rear of butt frame and distance from butt to lowest point of your grips.

Just checked, but none of my accessible revolver cases seems to have a size tag/label.

All best.

 

[giants1]

Thanks to both of you.

I should have been clearer about a pistol case. I want a two pistol case with a lock to ensure compliance with California law about transporting firearms to and from the range. I have the pistol case in hand, and it fits both my Glock 17 and the measured dimensions that DGNY had shared.