Is a 4" 686 too large for occasional carry?

[Goblin]

A 4" 686 is only a shade larger than a full size 1911 and a lot of people carry those. If you had the 686 round butted it might be even smaller than a 1911.

 

[outflyin]

My 1911 is about the same overall size and weight as the 686, but is almost 3/4" thinner at the middle which makes it much more carryable, for me anyway.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My 1911 is about the same overall size and weight as the 686, but is almost 3/4" thinner at the middle which makes it much more carryable, for me anyway.

Plus IWB you carry the 1911 lower.....more weight is behind or lower than the belt.......


Again you can carry a 686 concealed....... and I have....... my point is there are better guns..... that you might carry vs. leaving the 686 at home!!!!!

 

[minconrevo]

The Desantis scabbard will keep it high and tight. I chose to convert to combat style grips to reduce grip length and the grip corner that reveals too easily.

It is a lot of gun, with weight as much an issue as size. It is really a matter of what you get used to and how you are willing and able to dress for concealment.

I also carry mine under a coat in a shoulder holster during cold weather. For driving, a cross draw like my Galco DAO places the gun in easy reach, if you remember to position your seat belt accordingly.

Note that the heavier guns like this one should best be carried on a 1 3/4" gun belt, so choose holsters that will accommodate that width. A proper gun belt is two thicknesses totaling 1/4" and rather stiff when new. Galco belts work for me.

My grip of choice is the Miculek.

A stout belt is a necessity with something this heavy. I too use a Galco 1 3/4" for heavy gun carry. Other good gun belts out there. I did well with a triple layer bullhide that had a Kydex sheet sandwiched between the two leather pieces. The Kydex will eventually break down after a few years; the leather will start stretching. Excuse to buy a new belt then.

An ISP holster like that sold by LoBo Leather has the two belt tabs well spaced apart for more weight carrying capability. I'm pleased with my K-frame he made from the optional horsehide. It has the optional hammer/sight guards and I recommend them for comfort and function.

 

[Infidel]

I carry either a 4" L frame or 4" K frame quite often and it's not a big deal -- you just need to dress appropriately. Also, like others have said -- a good holster and gun belt are necessities. I also carry a 5" 1911 at times without any trouble. And I live in Georgia.

Also, there is nothing wrong with choosing .38Spl for defensive use over .357 Mag even in the L frame guns. Just pick high quality ammunition and make sure it shoots to point of aim in your gun.

 

[Rpg]

I'm about to get my CCL. I have a 686 4" that I shoot paper with and even hunt with. I looked at some of the J frames but since I won't carry very often maybe I can just tote the revolver I already have and save the money. What do you think? I'm 6'2" and 235 if that matters...Thanks

PS. What would be the best way to conceal this revolver?

I'd leave the 686 at home and CC something else.

Any 1911 is much more pleasant to CC than a 686.

I have no interest in using 357 for CC: the 357 offers no PRACTICAL benefit compared to 38 special in short barrel revolvers and is difficult for most shooters to use quickly - especially as to follow up shots - for CC applications.

Although carrying a 686 concealed can be done, it's more a trick than a good idea.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[LimaCharlie]

My routine carry is a 5" 1911 in either .45 ACP or 10mm with a spare magazine on my belt covered by an un-tucked shirt even in the summer with shorts and sandals. My remote rural/woods carry is a 4" 29-2 .44 magnum with two speed loaders. I don't find it any harder to carry than the 1911. I have carried a 5" S&W 460V concealed around brown bear and moose.

 

[snubbyfan]

I'm about to get my CCL. I have a 686 4" that I shoot paper with and even hunt with. I looked at some of the J frames but since I won't carry very often maybe I can just tote the revolver I already have and save the money. What do you think? I'm 6'2" and 235 if that matters...Thanks

PS. What would be the best way to conceal this revolver?

Here's what I think.
If you're going to get a carry license then carry often if not always. My 442 goes with me everywhere I go.
A 686 can be carried if paired with the proper belt, holster and cover garment. However, you're more likely to leave home without it than if your carry gun was smaller and lighter.
If you want to stick with a magnum than look more toward a model 60, 640 or 649.
Personally I prefer an enclosed hammer for a designated concealed carry gun.
An Airweight revolver is even easier to carry because of lighter weight and +P is plenty for a carry snubby. Plus they're dandy for pocket carry in a pocket holster.

 

[Arik]

It comes down to your comfort level and how you carry. I routinely carry IWB a full size 1911 with a spare mag or a Sig P220 with a spare mag. However, I think the cylinder on the revolver would be too uncomfortable as it is very wide IWB and I'm not sure how the handle will look through clothing if at all

 

[Warren Sear]

Here is what I use for walking the dog at night during winter. I carry my N frame 3" round butt model 629 loaded with +P 44 Specials. I have a 2" wide belt for it. I use this for "field use" when hiking, camping, etc. Even though this is not a concealment rig, over winter I put on a jacket or parka over the whole thing and it works fine.

I made a combination speed loader / flashlight carrying pouch. I do not anticipate ever doing a speed load with it. I only want to be able to carry ammo for it, and it seems to be a very good idea to have the ammo in a speed loader and in the same carrier as my flashlight. It is easy to access the speed loader pouch, just as one would with a cross draw holster. I thought it might be a problem, but it has proven not to be so.

During non-jacket wearing weather I carry a Model 642.

Please excuse the reverse image, as I photographed using a mirror.

 

[Arkyvarminter]

I'd leave the 686 at home and CC something else.

Any 1911 is much more pleasant to CC than a 686.

I have no interest in using 357 for CC: the 357 offers no PRACTICAL benefit compared to 38 special in short barrel revolvers and is difficult for most shooters to use quickly - especially as to follow up shots - for CC applications.

Although carrying a 686 concealed can be done, it's more a trick than a good idea.

Just my opinion, of course.

Thanks, I won't worry about it being a magnum when I get one then. I'll probably look at a 60 or something truly small that is comfortable. I'm not much of a semi auto guy, I've had Glocks and Walther, even a PPQ. I really liked the PPQ but I just don't feel comfortable carrying one concealed...

 

[at_liberty]

I looked at some at the SandW site and this one caught my eye. I really want a hammer and a magnum. This one would be much easier to carry, right?

Model 60
SKU #: 162420
Caliber: .357 Magnum®
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 2.125" / 5.4 cm

More Info
$729.00

Be careful about a 357 from a barrel that short and a gun that light. You might shoot a couple cylinders full and then effectively have an overbuilt 38 Special from that point forward...something tolerable. I recommend 3" as the shortest practical barrel in a J frame 357.

 

[Amp]

I used to carry a model 66 with a 4 inch barrel and other than winter thought it was too big "for me" to hide. Hiking in the woods is entirely different.
I dropped to a 640 no dash in the mid 90's and still carry it today.
As others have posted, .38 special will do what you need it too, unless you are out in the woods.

 

[P&R Fan]

As someone new to concealed carry you will have some issues to deal with. You will, first time you carry, think EVERYBODY is staring at you, knowing you have a gun. Trust me, the vast majority of the world lives in Condition White, and is oblivious to anything beyond their smart phone.
You can easily conceal an L-Frame. As stated above you will need a quality holster and belt. You also have to " dress around" the gun. I am wearing a 5" Heavy Duty right now. That is a larger N-Frame. It is in a Lobo IWB holster. I am wearing a sweatshirt, and it is undetectable.
Choose your equipment carefully and it will be easy.
Jim

 

[Black Knight]

The 686 and the Colt Python will fit in many of the same holsters. My 4" 686 sets in a duty holster at home for night time home defense. I carry my 4" Python off duty on a regular basis with no problem at all. If you want to carry the 4" 686 then go for it. Choosing a good holster and belt combination is the key to safe and comfortable carry. This with choosing the right clothing is the key to successful concealed carry.

 

[one eye joe]

I'm about to get my CCL. I have a 686 4" that I shoot paper with and even hunt with. I looked at some of the J frames but since I won't carry very often maybe I can just tote the revolver I already have and save the money. What do you think? I'm 6'2" and 235 if that matters...Thanks

PS. What would be the best way to conceal this revolver?

HI Arkyvarminter, YOUR SIZE ACTUALLY DOES MATTER. WITH YOUR HEIGHT AND WEIGHT, I WOULD SAY THAT YOU ARE A PERFECT CANDIDATE TO CARRY THAT 4" 686 IN A VERTICAL SHOULDER HOLSTER. IT IS, IMHO, THE MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON. I'M 6'1" AND 190 LBS. I CARRIED AN 8 3/8" MODEL 629 IN THAT MANNER, ON MANY OCCASIONS DURING THE COOL WEATHER. A SIMILAR RIG WAS DIRTY HARRY'S EVERY DAY CARRY WEAPON---EASILY CONCEALED UNDER A SPORT COAT, WIND BREAKER, OR HEAVY UNTUCKED OUTER SHIRT. ALL OF THE MAJOR HOLSTER MAKERS MAKE GREAT HOLSTERS FOR THE 686 IN THAT STYLE. LOOK AT THE ON LINE CATALOGS. CHECK OUR FORUM, AND CHECK EBAY FOR A DEAL. ALSO, LOOK AT UNCLE MIKE'S LINE OF VERY SERVICEABLE BUT INEXPENSIVE NYLON HOLSTERS, IF YOU DON'T WISH TO INVEST IN A LEATHER HOLSTER FOR OCCASIONAL USE. I HAVE USED THEM WITH GREAT SUCCESS. LOOK TO YOUR METHOD OF CARRY WHILE HUNTING FOR SUGGESTIONS ALSO. WITH REGARD TO CONCEALING A WEAPON, THE MOST PROBLEMATIC AREA IS THE GRIP, RATHER THAN THE BARREL LENGTH. MINIMIZING THE SIZE OF THE GRIP, WHILE MAINTAINING IT'S EFFECTIVENESS IN FUNCTION IS THE KEY. I FOUND THE COMBINATION OF MAGNA PCs COUPLED WITH A TYLER-T ADAPTER HELPED ME TO CONCEAL MY 2 1/2" 686, WHILE STILL PROVIDING ME A FIRM GRIP, WITH EXCELLENT CONTROL. THIS SET UP WOULD WORK WITH YOUR 686, WHICH IS A MERE 1 1/2" LONGER THAN MINE…..

WITH REGARD TO CHOICE OF CARRY WEAPON, YOU ARE WAAAAY AHEAD OF THE GAME IF YOU STICK WITH YOUR 686. THIS IS A WEAPON THAT YOU ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH--LIKE AN OLD FRIEND. THE J FRAME IS NOT AN EASY WEAPON TO MASTER, AND YOU MAY NEVER RISE TO THE LEVEL OF FAMILIARITY AND COMPETENCE WITH IT, THAT YOU ENJOY WITH YOUR 686. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR YOU TO SPEND THE MONEY ON A J FRAME THAT YOU WILL CARRY OCCASIONALLY. YOU ALREADY OWN A GREAT WEAPON, THAT WILL SERVE THE PURPOSE. GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE, AND STAY SAFE…...……...

 

[Rick_A]

IWB, yes. OWB I find a 4" N frame quite comfortable. A nice holster and sturdy belt are a must. Of course the proper attire is necessary which can be a hindrance.

A month ago I purchased a 2" stainless magnum J frame. It's actually fun to shoot with full powered loads, but everyone is different. For now it has obsoleted my other waistband guns as it's just too easy to tote.

 

[savit260]

With a quality gun belt and very good quality holster carrying a mid sized revolver like a 4" 686 should be a piece of cake for anyone of average size.

The only part that's hard to conceal is the grips. If you have fat target style grips, you *might* find those to be an issue. Choose your grips wisely and you shouldn't have any issues.

Myself, I'm 5'10" tall and go around 190 ish, and carry full size revolvers ( N frame, Redhawk, Blackhawk, SAA, New Service) with relative ease with only an untucked T shirt for a cover garment.

Again, Belt/Holster/Grips and it's a piece of cake.

 

[fthorsby]

I often carry larger frame handguns. I'm not real fond of shoulder holsters. I think they create another whole set of issues. But what I started doing was wearing suspenders under my shirt. Wear a t-shirt, pants with a belt and an OWB pancake or avenger style holster, then a camp shirt or knit shirt over top. Totally concealed and no sagging pants!


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[one eye joe]

I often carry larger frame handguns. I'm not real fond of shoulder holsters. I think they create another whole set of issues. But what I started doing was wearing suspenders under my shirt. Wear a t-shirt, pants with a belt and an OWB pancake or avenger style holster, then a camp shirt or knit shirt over top. Totally concealed and no sagging pants!


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A "WHOLE SET OF ISSUES" IS CREATED BY CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON, NO MATTER WHICH METHOD ONE CHOOSES. SAGGY PANTS IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH WEARING A LARGE WEAPON ON A BELT. I LIKE YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING THAT PROBLEM WITH SUSPENDERS…….