S&W 686 2.5 inch vs. 3 inch concealment

[martyg]

Hi
Other than the 1/2 inch, is there much difference concealing a 3 inch model 686 like the Talo version, vs. a 2.5 inch 686? I know the grips are a little different. But, what do you think, much difference in ability to conceal?

 

[REVL33]

no i don't think so i have a 2 1/2 the 3" should be no different the only gripe i have is it is but heavy and which i think is the holster problem because the cyl sits above the belt, it is a high ride holster and i think it could be alot better if it was dropped down right at the belt line .

i like my 2 1/2 i got to the range on friday and this gun is very accurate better than me at 15 to 20 yrds full house 357 158 grn did not recoil as hard as i was thinking it would be, very manageable imho what i find interesting is people say the the 2 1/2 has the short ejection rod which makes dumping the 357 harder i did not have that problem at all with mine it was easier that the 38 i was trying to extract .

bottom line get the gun in either style you prefer it is it is an awesome gun , just need to figure the best method for getting the carbon rings out from shooting the 38.

 

[jlanecole]

just need to figure the best method for getting the carbon rings out from shooting the 38.

.40 caliber bore brush? Also, Brownell's sells stainless steel 'Revolver Chamber Brushes.'

 

[REVL33]

.40 caliber bore brush? Also, Brownell's sells stainless steel 'Revolver Chamber Brushes.'

that seems to be a very good method from what i am hearing , you know i made the mistake of using my 45.cal bronze brush to start cleaning my my bore and did not realize it ohhh well hope i did not do some harm, it looks like i have a good size carbon ring also just past the forcing cone inside the barrel that i cant seem to get clean as well using hoppes #9 i got the carbon rings in the cyl pretty good but not good enough for me it is alot of work thx for the tip.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I have carried both the 2.5" & 3", not at the same time, cross draw and there isn't much difference between the two.

 

[Allen 1]

For carbon rings use a chamber mop and some Flitz polish.

Chuck the mop into a hand drill on low speed and polish it right out!

 

[Jeb21]

the 686, is a L frame will be a bit thicker than the 66, which is a k frame.

 

[badge 851]

Hi
Other than the 1/2 inch, is there much difference concealing a 3 inch model 686 like the Talo version, vs. a 2.5 inch 686? I know the grips are a little different. But, what do you think, much difference in ability to conceal?

Zero difference if carrying IWB or in a gun pouch/fanny pack. OWB holster would have to be ½-¾" longer is all.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Here's a photo that gives a fairly good side by side look of the two.

 

[Titan]

In my opinion the 686+ w/3" barrel is the best all-around revolver you can own for CCW or home defense.

It's well balanced, eminently concealable, and a lot of fun at the range as well.

 

[TAROMAN]

In my opinion the 686+ w/3" barrel is the best all-around revolver you can own for CCW or home defense.
It's well balanced, eminently concealable, and a lot of fun at the range as well.

Right on!
All of which makes me wonder - why did S&W make so few of them?

 

[ogilvyspecial]

S&W still makes the M686+ w/3" bbl., at least as of 2010 they did.

I went to a local gun shop (LGS), ordered it one day and got the "It's here"
call the very next day. A week later it was off to Pistolsmith, Teddy Jacobson,
Actions by "T", for some refinement. It's one of my favorites....

 

[Titan]

S&W still makes the M686+ w/3" bbl., at least as of 2010 they did.

I went to a local gun shop (LGS), ordered it one day and got the "It's here"
call the very next day. A week later it was off to Pistolsmith, Teddy Jacobson,
Actions by "T", for some refinement. It's one of my favorites....

A beauty! Great pics too!

 

[martyg]

ogilvyspecial: what are the grips on that 686? Where'd you pick them up?

Marty

 

[ogilvyspecial]

ogilvyspecial: what are the grips on that 686? Where'd you pick them up?

Marty

Marty, those are Ahrends Combat Grips. Luckily I found them, new in the package,
on a local gun forum in the classifieds a couple of years ago for $30 shipped.

I think they usually run twice that much new.

I just went through my grip box and sold off a few grips, the Ahrends
stayed here, which should tell you something.

Since this gun is one of our "house guns" it's always wearing these.

 

[shutupdata113]

i just love my 686 with the 2 1/2'' barrel....easy to conceal if need be but its strictly my go-to home defense gun. ive had it for 7 years and many guns have come and gone but this one will never be parted with....plus it was my first handgun ever

 

[martyg]

Does anyone have any pics of IWB holsters (and manufacturer) for the 3 inch 686 that you can post please?

 

[MO_mule]

martyg:

Tucker makes a nice IWB and so does Lobo, imho.

Attached are some pics of my Tucker holster. Lots of adjustment for ride height and cant and it is very comfy.

HTH,

Chris

 

[johngalt]

I think the 3" gives you a full length ejector rod, while the 2.5" is short.

 

[martyg]

Chris
Thanks. Nice rig.
I have a Texas Heritage for a 1911. I really like the holster and comfort. But I have a tendency to break those Kydex clips. I may go with leather belt loops. I have a message into Tucker on using leather loops.