K or L Frame

[celot]

I just purchased a 686 -6rd 2.5 inch barrel gun.
While I was looking thru the web for a good holster. I have found that some sites say K Frame 2.5 inch and some sites say L Frame 2.5 inch.
How do I tell if I have a K frame or an L Frame?
Currently all my other guns are semi-auto. So don't laugh at the revolver novice.
Except the wife's
S&W Bodyguard .38sp with insight laser.
Only other revolvers I have ever had were Ruger GP100's years ago.

 

[nedlate]

The 686 is a L Frame.

Ed

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The M686 is an L-frame. It is a tiny bit larger than a K-frame. For the most part, if you're looking at old used holsters (an the world is full of millions of them, it seems) a K-frame holster will work fine.

 

[BUFF]

The M686 is an L-frame. It is a tiny bit larger than a K-frame. For the most part, if you're looking at old used holsters (an the world is full of millions of them, it seems) a K-frame holster will work fine.

Maybe it will, maybe it won't. The higher grade holsters are very tightly molded to the particular frame size, plus the 686 had the barrel underlug that the K frames usually don't.

Look for a L frame holster, they shouldn't be hard to find. L frames sre hugely popular guns.

 

[Blackshirt]

The L-Frame came about because K-Frames were loosening up when regularly fed full-house .357 Magnum cartridges. The beefier frame and full barrel under-lug also make the L-Frame easier to shoot...

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! You now know it is a L frame. Some prefer to carry a K, because they are a little smaller and lighter. You need to figure out which holster fits it best. There were many trial & error holster purchases made by many. Try a gun show. (take your gun) Look for used examples on ebay. SOME nice holsters sell cheap. Good luck on your hunt! Bob