Am I crazy?

[jtcarm]

I’d personally go with a 4”, it’s no harder to conceal IWB.

But yeah, a medium-frame .357 is near impossible to beat as an all-around handgun.

Weight for concealed carry would be my only concern with a 686, but with the right holster it should be ok.

 

[jtcarm]

I recently purchased a new 686+ 3" barrel with the intention of concealed carrying it. I have to be honest, it's a big gun, and I am starting to think it's way to big for EDC. Maybe I am spoiled carrying my J frame or Shield, but the 686+ 3" is a lot of gun!
Im not a real big guy, but 6' and 205 lbs and it's to big for me for an EDC.

I wish to heck they’d make the mountain gun a regular option for those of us who don’t like that heavy-arsed barrel.

A Ti cylinder would be awesome, too.

 

[loknload]

I have a 2 1/2” and a 4” both are great handguns,,,,Go for it!

 

[IAM Rand]

Congrats on your purchase. Always loved the 686 series. I disagree with Bob though. I used to carry a 627 in 2 5/8 for duty and off duty. I would still carry on duty but, was told to go back to semi-auto. I still prefer to carry it off duty. Love the moon clips and it is a smooth shooter.

Finding the right holster and getting used to carrying it daily will take a little but, very worth it. No one shot with a 357 has ever complained that it wasn't enough gun.

 

[dr. mordo]

Congrats on your purchase. Always loved the 686 series. I disagree with Bob though. I used to carry a 627 in 2 5/8 for duty and off duty. I would still carry on duty but, was told to go back to semi-auto. I still prefer to carry it off duty. Love the moon clips and it is a smooth shooter.

Yep, I carry a 3" M629 every day. It's really not much harder than carrying any other K frame or larger revolver.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I would get a prelock brushed stainless 686 with a 2.5 inch barrel. The extra 1.5 inches is not a big deal. The snubby 686 is also a tough gun....my 2 cents worth.

Actually the OP wants the 3". so 3" - 2.5" = .5"

I've had several 2 1/2" 686.. "had" balance wasn't right.. but a 3"

 

[bigggbbruce]

Yep, I carry a 3" M629 every day. It's really not much harder than carrying any other K frame or larger revolver.

Your kidding right..?

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

EXECUTE YOUR PLAN

Then plan your execution..............

 

[dr. mordo]

Your kidding right..?

Using an IWB holster, it's not much different at all. OWB does feel heavier on the belt for sure.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Using an IWB holster, it's not much different at all. OWB does feel heavier on the belt for sure.

IDK.. I have all these guns myself. I can IWB my N frames, but the novelty wears off quickly.

 

[Porkie]

Dear Paper Clip: You're definitely NOT crazy! You PROBABLY are worrying too much. Having a good gun is one of the rites of passage. I don't have one of them but I have shot one and it's without doubt a GOOD gun. I do have others that are good, but I'm an old man.

I made different selections but not better ones. I presently carry a SIG P229 .357 SIG wherever I go. Given the times we live in today I add a Glock 30s to my 'battle rattle' when I go to the Twin Cities or to church.

As an aside, as you get older you will no longer be able to back up things you are involved with, with your knees, elbows or by head butting! Or by running for that matter.

Your main concern will be when ladies hug you, they won't detect all the **** you are carrying. As Southerners AND as Gentlemen we always try to avoid frightening the women or the horses of course.

Regards. Porkie

 

[cbore]

good advice by all

BUY IT. BUT IT NOW.

The 3" 686s are some of the sweetest Smiths to be made yet. Velocity will not be an issue if you use Buffalo Bore or Double Tap ammo. Concealability is easy with the right holster. They are a phenomenal "do-all" revolver and the 3" bbl is the best of the bunch.

I think I send more time in choosing which revolver to carry than matching a shirt and tie for Church.

My 686 is it even in summer here in MS. Still I have a j frame carry some time in the cargo shorts pocket.

Good excuse to own 2 SW revolvers, my 2 bits

 

[fishcreekrim]

I carry on the ranch, I would recommend a four inch, 33% increase in sight radius can make the difference, when shooting at the ranges that can be encountered. 686, 66, sp101, all are good choices. The smith’s are nicer to shoot, the sp is nice to pack.
A high ride holster could help some for concealed owb carry.
JMHO/YMMV

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I can't disagree with the applause given to the 3" 686+. I will note that I am chubbed out and short and I find anything bigger than a 2" K frame to be quite a "beltful" to conceal so I don't do it. But with the right holster I am sure it's not that difficult to accomplish and you do have me by a few inches which definitely matters.

I use my 3" 686+ as my night time gun these days. I like the way it balances. My 4" has been afield, however, in a belt holster but, since I was not trying to conceal it, it was NO problem. My 2.5" has been afield as well, in an El Paso Saddlery shoulder holster. Not a problem but, again, concealment was not involved.

I had Dave Workman make this holster specifically for the above 4" 686+.

 

[Paper Clip]

Thanks again for all the replies! I ordered a galco silhouette for carry. Does anyone know of a cheap belt loop holster that will fit it? Everything I can find is for the 4”. I just want something to keep on a belt and throw on when taking care of the animals so I don’t ruin my carry holster. Definitely doesn’t need to be fancy.

 

[haywood]

Buy it. Try a in the waistband holster. Start in the appendix position. Move it around until you find that sweet spot.

 

[BAM-BAM]

EXECUTE YOUR PLAN

....... and remember no plan survives first contact with the enemy!!!!


I had a 3" 586..... great gun...... that said:

0... if I wanted a concealed carry revolver I'd go with a slightly smaller/lighter 3inch 65 or 66; carried a lot and I have yet to shoot one in anger......

0...... for a walk in Penn's Woods..... I go with a 4" round butt 686 in stainless.........


in the end the 586 got traded for a Performance Center Shortie-9

 

[Garman]

I just recd my Galco Speed Paddle Holster SPD192B from Amazon yesterday for something I can throw on quickly. It is/was tight and right now I am in the process of loosening it up a little. I put my gun in a couple of freezer bags and stuffed it in it. As far as quality, it is a nice holster. Was also $60, so not sure if that is too much for what you are looking for.

Good Luck!

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Using an IWB holster, it's not much different at all. OWB does feel heavier on the belt for sure.

You'd have to pay me to carry an L frame or larger IWB. I've carried j-frame IWB and thought it sucked. Now a 3" 686 on a good belt in a pancake holster all day is a piece of cake.

BTW, OP...great choice!

 

[scout789]

Buy it! As someone said, the "hunt" will be over. Then you move on to the next hunt!