CCW Revolver

[pksman]

Impatiently waiting for my Nebraska CCW permit to be approved. I currently have a Mod 64 with a 3 inch barrel and a 686 plus with a 2.5 inch barrel. I shoot the 64 a little better because it has a better trigger. I like the idea of 7 shots and a 357 mag, so I was thinking about sending the 686 back to S&W for a trigger job and maybe have them put a 3 inch tube on it.
What are your thoughts?

 

[OKFC05]

Weight.
If that does not bother you, take your pick. If you haven't carried before, I'd try it before making any decisions.

 

[off road]

Both of those are way to big and heavy for my taste. Lots and losts of choices out there in smaller and/or ultralight guns that are way more convenient to carry, especially in the J-frame, so why not take advantage? But, if you insist on a K-frame, what about a 315NG? If you like the 7-shot L-frame format, a 386NG?

 

[C Islander]

I'd say you can carry and conceal either one of them easily in the right holster. I carry my 66 no dash every day. As to the 686, I can understand the trigger job, but I'd trade the 2.5 for a three if that's what you want. It would probably be less expensive in the long run. With the 64 loaded with +p's, you wouldn't see much difference in stopping power then with .357 magnums. One round isn't going to make much difference in a SHTF situation. I'd carry the 64.

 

[fyimo]

I have a Model no dash 64 with 2 inch barrel and a pre 36 with a 2 inch barrel and both work great for carry with the right holster. The 686 would be heavier but with the right holster would work also.

Depending on the time of year and what I'm wearing and in the cold weather I carry a Sig P228 9mm with 13 rounds and with the holster I have it's very comfortable.

 

[ar15ed]

it is really going to depend on your body size/shape, and the quality of holster you end up with. i am fairly average sized (5'10", 170#), and unless it was really cold weather, i wouldn't be comfortable carrying a k frame concealed.

i DO agree on the 357 chambering! i think it is probably the ultimate personal defense round. my choice is the 340pd. very easy to carry/conceal, very powerful. not a plinking/target gun!

 

[papajohn428]

I have a 686 three-inch (the Plus Model) and it's a little bulky for carrying every day, but in cold weather I can hide it easily, and with the right holster, it carries like a dream. I like the available power and the extra shot or two it offers over smaller guns.

Having said that, I also have an oddball M-64 dash 6 that turned out to be built on an L-frame. I didn't notice until I lined a couple of them up side-by-side to take a picture, and discovered one was about a quarter-inch longer than the other 64's I have. I'm not worrried about shooting hot 38+P loads in it, it weighs a bit more but I rarely notice. I think it's pretty cool, actually.

If it were me, I'd carry the 64 you already have, load it with Gold Dot SB loads, and have a trigger job done on the other gun.

Anyone else have an L-frame version of what's normally a K-frame?

 

[diamonback68]

I also have an oddball M-64 dash 6 that turned out to be built on an L-frame. I didn't notice until I lined a couple of them up side-by-side to take a picture, and discovered one was about a quarter-inch longer than the other 64's I have.

It wasn't "built" that way, someone put that barrel on it aftermarket. Not too bad an idea though.

 

[one eye joe]

IMHO, there is nothing gained by going from a 2 1/2" to a 3" barrel on a 686+ revolver. The 3" S&Ws have achieved a cultlike collector following BUT only if that is their factory configuration--NOT as a result of a barrel swap. I have a 2 1/2" 686+ that prints one ragged hole groups @ 50ft from the bench. Can't get much better than that , regardless of barrel length. Your barrel swap will not be cheap, and your revolver will not be worth what you have invested in it. As far as carrying, the 686 is a bit heavy in comparison to the J frame Airweights like the 642. As a person who has carried a full size Colt 1911 in .45 ACP daily for over 40 yrs, I would say that it's all relative and it's about what you feel comfortable with. I'm not talking solely about physical comfort. I'm talking about the psychological comfort that comes from feeling that you are adequately armed and prepared for any eventuality........

 

[girvin02]

I called S&W about converting my 6" M686 to 3" barrel (and 7-shot cylinder). That plan was quickly derailed - I was told that they no longer stock the 3" barrels. So I sold the M686 and picked up a 3" M66 (for considerably more money).

 

[pksman]

Thanks for all the comments, good food for thought. I will use my 64 to start with and see if it is too heavy and big for carry. Could be a good excuse to buy another gun if it doesn't work out.

 

[mg357]

i say carry the 64

 

[BobR1]

I think I would also try carrying the 64 first. Get a Good IWB Holster for it. The holster will make a big difference carrying it.

 

[Cdnbacon]

Ditto. Get a good belt and a good IWB or pancake holster depending on your tastes and give that 64 a go.