686 plus performance center 2.5" thoughts?

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mchills

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Thinking about getting the 686+ PC 2.5" for concealing. Want to pick brains about the gun. This will be my first Smith and I want to know if it's worth the 1K it'll cost me. Also for those who carry this or similar any holster/ belt recommendations and also how you carry(IWB, OWB and where on waist). I've held the gun so I know about the weight. I didn't check for barrel can't but I will before I commit. Any thoughts are extremely appreciated.


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attn mchills

Hey, welcome to the Forum! Always great to have new members! Can I borrow some money? Not really, just kidding...

I have the 686+ in 3" bbl, virtually a dupe in size to your potential purchase. The gun you propose to buy is a Performance Center model and is, IMO, one of the finest guns made. Check it out, of course, the way you do every new gun nowadays.

As to concealment, I've carried virtually everything over xxxx years. The L frame is a big too large for me, although for an emergency carry (the only gun available), it can suffice. I'm really unsophisticated on holsters, finding the old suede pouch, spring clip design good for me. Jim Mernickle in N. Nevada (Google him) does an excellent OWB belt scabbard that securely holds a gun close to the body, yet does not obstruct the draw. Belt slide rigs are inexpensive and will hold virtually everything.

Wish I could be more help. Buy that gun, if only just to own it. Pride of ownership is off the scale. Gotta go to work.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
____________________
Best $1.80 I ever spent!
 
b_san said:
Great gun but I'd recommend putting the Hogue Bantam rubber grips on for carrying.

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b_san what kind of holster do you use to carry and where do you carry(appendix, 3, 4)? Also what is your body build I'm 5'9" about 160lbs, my concern is about my ability to conceal this beast. Is it possible?
Also I agree about the hogue grip. I was planning on getting that and saving those nice wood grips in case I ever sell it.


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OWB go w/ Simply Rugged and I like their Sourdough Pancake model.
http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Sourdough-Pancake[emoji769]-.cfm?item_id=151&parent=669

IWB there aren't too many good options for medium frame wheelies. I use a Galco Summer Comfort for my M242 Ti. Conceals well and is comfortable. Given the weight of the 686 IWB may not be ideal.

I love Milt Sparks but the wait is pretty long. Good Luck.
Respectfully, -Envy
 
That would be a tough gun to conceal in the summer. And it's really heavy if you'd be carrying more than a few hours (unless you're big guy). I have a 3" 686P in a DeSantis belt holster, but generally I carry a Model 60 or 360J. In the winter I can go up to a 2.5" 66-7 without feeling it too much by the end of the day.

Welcome to the forum.
 
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Ashlander said:
That would be a tough gun to conceal in the summer. And it's really heavy if you'd be carrying more more than a few hours (unless you're big guy). I have a 3" 686P in a DeSantis belt holster, but generally I carry a Model 60 or 360J. In the winter I can go up to a 2.5" 66-7 without feeling it too much by the end of the day.

Welcome to the forum.
Click to expand...



S&W Envy said:
OWB go w/ Simply Rugged and I like their Sourdough Pancake model.
http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Sourdough-Pancake[emoji769]-.cfm?item_id=151&parent=669

IWB there aren't too many good options for medium frame wheelies. I use a Galco Summer Comfort for my M242 Ti. Conceals well and is comfortable. Given the weight of the 686 IWB may not be ideal.

I love Milt Sparks but the wait is pretty long. Good Luck.
Respectfully, -Envy
Click to expand...


I do have ruger lcr for summer carry. The LGS I visited recently had the 686+ PC and I made the mistake of handling it. ( ;
I also own a Taurus 617 Titanium but don't have a holster for that yet and the trigger feels like the action is filled with beach sand compared to the 686, but it is sooooo light. So of course I'm going to use that to justify my purchase.

I have become a revolver guy (I'm going to trade my Sig P290RS to put a dent in the 686+ if I go for it) and love 357 even out of my lcr. Now I'm looking for higher capacity that is still carry able. But not necessarily for summer.


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I also carry a 3" 686+. It carries pretty well in a pancake type holster from Alessi and an IWB from Don Hume. I can't conceal it without a buldge under a tee shirt, but with a button down or sweatshirt it's no problem. I'm 6 foot and around 220 so your situation may be different.
 
A 2.5" (2-5/8") or 3" 686 is easily carried and concealed in a pancake holster, but you need a fairly long cover garment to keep it from peeking below the hem. I have an Alessi CQC for IWB and a Sparks VM2 for my 3". The 7 shot cylinder has the same diameter as the 6.

It's a little heavy (nearly 40 oz), but the cylinder tends to ride on top of your hip bone, taking much of the weight off the belt. You still need a stiff belt made for carrying a handgun.

All the PC Smiths I've handled have outstanding trigger action - smooth DA and crisp, light SA. At $1K, I'd buy it.
 
You might think about the 386 Night Guard. Same size, better Xs sights, 24 oz. I bought one NIB 3 months ago. Changed to Wolffe rib main spring slightly lighter rebound spring. This made DA trigger pull nicer than my 327 TRR8. I have a Kramer belt slide and Tucker IWB holsters. Like the Kramer so far.
 
Welcome to the forum!

If you buy that as your first smith, and it IS a great one, it'll spoil you and the ones you buy later, and there will be many, will never stack up :p.

Just kidding. Buy it. You'll figure out how to conceal it - and that's the fun part.

Again, welcome to the forum.
 
I just bought the 686 Performance Center gun myself. It will not be my every day carry gun but I will carry it from time to time.

It's kind of like a woman and her purses. They carry a different one to fit their outfit.

I have favorite ones that I mostly carry but like to change up from time to time.
Be careful buying this as your first revolver. Your going to like it so much you will have to have another.
This is probably my 8th or 9th S&W 357 revolver.
Have fun.
 
I just ordered a 686 competitor performance center. Anybody own one? Pros cons? Holster grips? Any feedback would be great. Thanks
 
I sometimes carry a 329 night guard that is slightly larger (n frame) but considerably lighter than the gun you want. The 686pc is a beautiful gun & with the right setup you could edc. I personally would look for a 386pd if I was you but I'm not. Today I'm carrying my 340pd (no ILS) & at 11.4 oz I can't even tell its there. To each their own get what YOU like. Good luck.
 
I have the standard 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch and carry it in a Galco pancake holster quite well with a heavy gun belt. It does take a longer cover garment but my holster rides high and helps to conceal the cylinder too that way. I sometimes carry N frames and 1911s too so it does not seem so heavy for me and can carry the 686 all day no problem.
 
Can I hijack the thread for a moment...

Hey, welcome to the Forum! Always great to have new members! Can I borrow some money?
Click to expand...

I thought I was at a family reunion there for a moment!

You may now return to normal broadcasting.
 
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