Model 686 2.5"

[jackge]

I'm looking for a bit of guidance here gentlemen. I have an opportunity to buy a NIB, Model686 with a 2.5" barrel and want to use it for a carry gun. I don't know anything about this model, is there anything to watch out for?
SemperFi

 

[Ace-3]

I have a 686 2 ½ six shot that is a shooting machine. I have had the action worked over and a gold bead sight installed and grips to suit my shooting. I carry it in a Com-Tac holster that is quick to draw and holds the gun very well. It is a large gun and it can be heavy for just six rounds carried. If and when I have the money I will most likely have it converted to 7 rounds. I own several 686's and they are great guns

 

[one eye joe]

I have a 2 1/2" 686 no dash, converted to a 7 shooter by S&W. It's one of my favorite revolvers. It's VERY accurate, and carries easily in a Kramer cross draw. I would look for a 686-4 or earlier for forged parts and NO IL. The 686 is a superb revolver.

 

[black1970]

Bought a Lew Horton 2 1/2" when they first came out. I beleive that was the first snubbies made by Smith. (686) Never going to get rid of it.

 

[jughed440]

I have a 2 1/2" 686 no dash, converted to a 7 shooter by S&W. It's one of my favorite revolvers. It's VERY accurate, and carries easily in a Kramer cross draw. I would look for a 686-4 or earlier for forged parts and NO IL. The 686 is a superb revolver.

how much did the 7 shot conversion cost ya??

i have a 2 1/2" -4 that i would like to do the same thing with...unfluted would be nice.

 

[Col Defender]

I like mine!

 

[jackge]

Thanks everybody for your useful hints, much appreciated.

 

[jackge]

It is a large gun and it can be heavy for just six rounds carried.

Do you mean it's too heavy or too big in bulk?

 

[augy]

Thanks everybody for your useful hints, much appreciated.

I have 2 686-3's with the 2 1/2 inch barrels.

It would be my favorite carry gun, but where I live it is not practical to carry it concealed, as we don't have enough cold weather. I carry a Kahr PM9 or a S&W 342 Ti. I can carry either in my front pocket without a problem.

You live in Mi, and the weather is colder most of the time, so it might be a good choice for you.

augy

 

[jackge]

I have 2 686-3's with the 2 1/2 inch barrels.

It would be my favorite carry gun, but where I live it is not practical to carry it concealed, as we don't have enough cold weather. I carry a Kahr PM9 or a S&W 342 Ti. I can carry either in my front pocket without a problem.

You live in Mi, and the weather is colder most of the time, so it might be a good choice for you.

augy

You must have been reading my mind because that's exactly what I'm thinking I'll do with it.
Currently I've got a Model 29-3 .44 Magnum Nickel with a 4" barrel but it's a monster of a gun and I can't carry it at all.
I think I can put the 686 in the flap pocket of my leather bomber jacket and be good to go during the winter time.

 

[Sportsterguy]

My only advice would be to remove the Internal Lock if you're using it for SD. They have locked up, rarely but once would make me remove it. Great revolver that'll take a lifetime of .357 mags and serve you well.

 

[ab4ka]

I have one and I adore it! I shoot it better than my 6" 686+.

 

[jackge]

During the winter i'm going to use it for CC, any suggestions on a good leather holster? IWB or OWB.

 

[Cashdog]

I carry a -4 with 2.5" barrel quite a bit this time of year. When the weather warms up, it's back to the J frame. If you're used to a 4" N frame then the size will probably seem about right to you.

I ordered a No 1 pancake holster from Ray @ Lobo. Couldn't be happier with it.