s&w model 686 for ccw

[mg357]

Dear Smith and Wesson Forum i have a concealed carry question. Do any of you carry a s&w model 686 revolver as your ccw gun? sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud member of the Smith and Wesson Forum.

 

[ab4ka]

Yup. Thanks to a new Simply Rugged Sourdough with IWB straps my 2-1/2" 686 now accompanies me

 

[MTAustin]

Yes. While maybe not the greatest choice for concealed carry, I used to carry my 4" 686 quite often. Carried it in a Bianchi leather pancake holster that holds it good and tight to the body.

 

[GatorFarmer]

The 6" versions are much less convenient to tote around than the snubs and 4" ones, but even that can be done.

Downside to the snub version is that I always thought that they were heavy for what they did.

I didn't like the seven shot versions, seemed slower to speedload. Or maybe I just thought a revolver ought hold six.

 

[biggs357]

I carry one of 2 guns as my edc(every day carry).My 686 4 inch or my 4506-1.

 

[Faulkner]

When the 586/686 was our issue duty weapon I carried one concealed off duty for a few years. Pretty much had to be jacket weather. I later replaced the 686 with a 3 inch K Frame model 65 which carries much better.

 

[Wayne M]

It'll work fine with something to cover it. Remember the purpose of CC is to have the gun with you and that 686 may get heavy after several hours a day, every day for years. In addition to the 686 a J Frame airweight and a pocket holster is a good idea for those "tired" times.

 

[chief38]

I do own a 586 (same gun except in blue) and while I think it is a great revolver, I would not consider carrying it. It is just too big, too heavy and too bulky for the bullets it shoots. A 3" model 65 or a 2.5" 66 will do the same job at half the size, and a lot less weight & bulk.

Just my .02 cents!

chief38

 

[CB54]

I carry both the 4" and 2.5" owb, using Galco holsters. The site is down or I would link to the specific holsters.

 

[USAF385]

I carry my 4" 681 very often.. in colder weather. I prefer it in a shoulder holster.. and save that for jacket weather.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

I have carried a 4" 686 or a 4" GP100 concealed, but they can get heavy after a while. A good belt goes a long way toward extending carry time with them.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

My primary carry, all year, is a 686+ with a 3" bbl, carried in a Mernickle Cross Draw Holster............

 

[Big Foot]

Some of you are really tough or good BS'iters. I lasted about two hours with my 4" 686 and finally had to twist ol' Clint Smith's phrase around: "Comfortable, not comforting".....

 

[Old cop]

Much too heavy for me, but I'm past 60 and carry airweight J's or my old Colt Cobra. Not being critical, a bigger gun is a better choice if you can tolorate it. Since retiring from LE my chosen environment is pretty safe so I feel well protected with my light weight .38's.

 

[grub348]

Yes,I carry a round butt, three inch 686+ most of the time. I had it machined for moon clips and I also put on a set of Lasergrips. It goes BANG everytime and is surprisingly accurate for a short barrel.I never really noticed it being very heavy but I sometimes carry a 629 MG or a full sized 1911 so I guess it's the lightest of the three.

 

[Rio Vista Slim]

Now that winter is approaching.....

As my forum name suggests, I'm a relatively small statured man. I normally carry a Colt New Agent 3" barreled 1911. But I started on revolvers, and have loved them since my first S&W Model 36 in 1970. A Model 637 shares time with the Colt, but my 686 Plus with its 3 inch barrel is too bulky to carry during warm weather.

When I wear jackets or coats, I always strap on the 686 in a Kramer Horsehide Scabbard.

My apologies for not showing this combination being worn. I'll try to get a decent picture of how well the gun and holster can be concealed under a loose flannel shirt or windbreaker.

With a good gun belt, the Kramer holster holds the revolver firmly in place, and the rubber stocks don't grab the fabric as I feared they might.

The Eagle Secret Service stocks shown in the preceding photograph are perfect for concealed carry, but are less-than-ideal when shooting full power .357 Magnum loads.