IWB holster for S&W 686 2.5"

[tygsmith98]

Im looking for a IWB holster for a 686 with a 2.5" barrel. ID preferably like to have a leather one, due the comfiness. Any help or recommendations would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Sgt 45]

Dale Fricke Dale Fricke Holsters - Custom Kydex Holsters and Mag Pouches They aren't leather but kydex however I have them for my M69/686+ 5" and for my 629 V-Comp and they are very comfortable in the AIWB position. Highly recommend them.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake

 

[ContinentalOp]

I haven't carried a L-frame IWB, but I have done it with a 3" K-frame. For that, I used a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and a VMII-style holster from another maker. Both worked very well and were comfortable for long periods, with the VMII-style holster being the most comfortable. I'd recommend that style of holster as it provides a lower profile and spreads the weight out over a larger area. Lots of makers make that style of holster.

Milt Sparks, obviously, and TT Gunleather both make excellent versions. I have a TT Gunleather holster and it has excellent quality, is reasonably priced, and they usually have a pretty quick turnaround time, at least compared to makers like Milt Sparks. I'm not sure if TT makes one for the 686, but if it's not listed on their website you could contact them to see if they can help you out. I'd also suggest Side Guard Holsters. Excellent quality with good prices, but turnaround time can be a little long.

While it may sound counterintuitive, I'd also suggest looking for a holster that carries the cylinder even with the belt. I've found this to be a very stable arrangement that allows the gun to be carried low but still give plenty of grip clearance.

Keep in mind the amount of gun you're sticking in your waistband and account for that with your pants, in case you haven't already.

I'd also suggest getting a good, sturdy, double-layer gun belt. I like Beltman but the holster makers I suggested, as well as many others, make good belts. One advantage of getting a holster and belt from the same maker is they can make sure the holster's belt loops fit the belt properly. I'd suggest a 1.5" width, maybe with some reinforcement if offered. Make sure to follow the maker's sizing directions if you go this route.

Apologies if I mentioned anything you already knew and have already taken into consideration.

 

[tygsmith98]

I haven't carried a L-frame IWB, but I have done it with a 3" K-frame. For that, I used a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and a VMII-style holster from another maker. Both worked very well and were comfortable for long periods, with the VMII-style holster being the most comfortable. I'd recommend that style of holster as it provides a lower profile and spreads the weight out over a larger area. Lots of makers make that style of holster.

Milt Sparks, obviously, and TT Gunleather both make excellent versions. I have a TT Gunleather holster and it has excellent quality, is reasonably priced, and they usually have a pretty quick turnaround time, at least compared to makers like Milt Sparks. I'm not sure if TT makes one for the 686, but if it's not listed on their website you could contact them to see if they can help you out. I'd also suggest Side Guard Holsters. Excellent quality with good prices, but turnaround time can be a little long.

While it may sound counterintuitive, I'd also suggest looking for a holster that carries the cylinder even with the belt. I've found this to be a very stable arrangement that allows the gun to be carried low but still give plenty of grip clearance.

Keep in mind the amount of gun you're sticking in your waistband and account for that with your pants, in case you haven't already.

I'd also suggest getting a good, sturdy, double-layer gun belt. I like Beltman but the holster makers I suggested, as well as many others, make good belts. One advantage of getting a holster and belt from the same maker is they can make sure the holster's belt loops fit the belt properly. I'd suggest a 1.5" width, maybe with some reinforcement if offered. Make sure to follow the maker's sizing directions if you go this route.

Apologies if I mentioned anything you already knew and have already taken into consideration.

Any feedback and tips are better than none! I appreciate it a lot and ill look through them and see if they have any or if I see one that I fancy. Thanks!

 

[jimmyj]

Contact Mark at "[email protected]"

 

[Ingramite]

I carry mine Mexican Carry with a Barami Clip Grip hooked over my belt.

 

[wheelyfun66]

As mentioned above, i find the TT Gunleather "Mike's special " to be very nice for IWB carry of both k and l frames.
That model has a slightly increased cant angle and carries a bit lower... adding up to a very body-hugging, concealable package.
Good gun belt helps a great deal too..

 

[dirty & hairy]

Contact Mark at "[email protected]"

Lobo IWB Belt Loop holster

Been wearing this one every day, all day for a few months now. Super comfortable and rock solid. Easy on and off. What's not to love? Highly recommended.

 

[BobG78]

You should look at frontier gunleather. This one is for a 686 4". It's quite comfortable considering the weight and the size.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[lrrifleman]

tygsmith98,

I have a 686-6+ with a 3" barrel. For IWB, I have a Homeland Holster hybrid Kydex holster. I find that this design kinda eliminates the digging into my body when I carry it at about 3:30. IIRC, I paid about $50 for it on fleabay.