cybersnow
Member
Going to be my OWB carry in the back country in Idaho?
New 686 3” or 4” ?
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Snub Nose Sasquatch
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I would pick the one that balances the best for you. Assuming both balance equally, and if this is for OWB, then I would opt for the longer barrel for increased velocity and sight radius.
scruffy
Member
My preference was for the 3" as it is not a dedicated field gun, (I do have a OWB paddle holster for it). It balances great for me and can fill roles as CCW, nightstand gun, truck gun and works well at the range under 50 yds. Pleasure to shoot even with full house .357 magnums.
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I got the four inch 686+ because I am old and that was the popular size when I was a cop. The three inch is a handsome revolver too.
Either will serve well in a good OWB holster.
Either will serve well in a good OWB holster.
Agreed. And I have both. I keep the 3" on my night table. It's perfect there.
I prefer the 3 inch for an L frame. I can shoot it just as well as a 4 inch. Honestly, the differences between the two are negligible.
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Marshal Tom
Member
I like all of them but opted for a 3" over the 2.5" in a 66, 686 and 696, partially because of the longer sight radius and the longer ejector rod and also because I think they are more collectable than the 2.5 and 4" guns. If carried OWB the 4" for your intended purpose is probably the best choice.
firefighterjohn
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Boy that's a tough question since I have both, but my 3" is a 686 Plus. Both have great triggers, balance very well and are very accurate. Heck, you just might have to get both so you can decide for yourself?
I think that the 3" bbl. is the perfect OWB length for the L-frame 686s...it's balanced and, to me, the most aesthetically pleasing. Like firefighterjohn, mine is a 3" 686 Plus (mine has a SDM fiber optic front sight). It's quick to draw and extremely accurate. I have quite a few 4" N-frame and K-frame revolvers, so I don't see any issues with carrying a 4" L-frame 686 if that's what you decide. If you haven't already, you probably need to handle both and see which one floats your boat! Good luck.
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firefighterjohn
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Nice holster Hawg Rider, what brand is it and where'd you get it from?
For field carry I opted for a 4" 686 no dash I had round-butted in the 1980s generally carried in a Bianchi 111 Cyclone crossdraw.
I had a 3" 586 but would always opt to carry a 3" 65 or 66 for urban concealed carry! Traded the 3" 586 for a PC Shorty-9
I had a 3" 586 but would always opt to carry a 3" 65 or 66 for urban concealed carry! Traded the 3" 586 for a PC Shorty-9
BillBro
Member
Hard call there. I have both too but my 3" is a 696 44Spl and I know I couldnt pick a favorite.
It is a nice holster- very well made, and reasonably priced! It's a 1791 Gunleather RVH4.3 for L-frames in Classic Brown...$62. They also have a thumb snap model.
panamajack310
Member
I have a 3” and 4” 686. I love both but if I was going to have a woods gun I would choose either. The one in barrel length is not going to make much of a difference in velocity. And they are about the same weight so you won’t feel much of a difference carrying OWB. Just get you a good leather holster to distribute the weight on your belt.
Am I the only person who appreciates the 2.5" �� in all honesty any 686 ought to do just fine for OWB. I carry mine IWB which means I am sort of forced to go with 2.5" for comfort.
