Seeking opinions on a 686 for concealed carry

[586DCM]

I sometimes carry a 4"bbl 586 in a high ride DeSantis Speed Scabbard or a shoulder holster. But I am looking to pick up a 2 1/2" L frame with the round butt for easier carry. As for 7 shot vs. 6 shot, I prefer the 6 because that is what I am familiar with and my Comp II speed loaders are all 6 shot. I don't think Safariland makes the Comp II for the plus, but HKS might make one. But I like the Comp II push release over the HKS twistys.

 

[M3Stuart]

The 686 is a great revolver, and my 4" is probably my favorite range gun now, but it is really to large for me to use CC. It's not the weight, just the size. Anyhow, I would go with the 7 shot and 3" barrel.

What he said.

My 686-4, plus, 4", RB is my FA-VO-RITE range gun. A friend has a new 686+ 3" and I've shot it a lot. It would make a great cc if you can deal with the weight. Likewise with the 2.5".

Personally, I don't carry .357 because, in the short barrel lengths (2.5" in my case) the thing is as much a flame-thrower as it is a gun. The noise would deafen me and the flash (at night) would blind me. I tested it, it was not pleasant. So I stick to .38+P for cc. YMMV, IMHO, etc, etc, etc.

Edit: my ccw's include a 66-4 in 2.5".

 

[remat457]

The 686 and the 686+ have the same diameter cylinder, so the 686 is not any slimmer than the 686+. The walls between each chamber are thinner to accommodate the additional round.

Noteworthy that they also did move the cylinder notches.

If I were buying a new 686 to carry, I'd get a 3" 686+. The 686 is already somewhat hefty, so why not go ahead and get the 3" barrel which gives you a full length ejector rod and the "plus" gives you an extra round. Now personally, I'd rather carry a more concealable (and lighter) K-Frame than the larger L-framed 686, but either will serve you well.

This is exactly what I was going to post!

 

[MikeChandler]

You can also look for the 681+ (7 shot) 3". It's got the fixed sight, which IMHO is more appropriate for concealed carry. You can find the PC ones made for camfour on the used market; they have no interlock.

 

[rrobertson]

Sorry to sort of hijack but my questions fit pretty well into this thread.
Im looking into a new 686/varient and it will be used to CC IWB most likely in a MS VMII. I would much prefer a regular 686 3in but alas S&W does not make one. I do not want the Plus model one as I dont like HKS speedloaders and as of right now Safariland doesnt make one for the Plus model. Does the 686 2.5in model SKU: 164231 have a full length ejector rod or no, and does anyone know if/when S&W will becoming back out with a regular 686 3in? As for weight im sorry to say man up lol, according to S&W website stats a 686 4in weighs 3ozs less unloaded then my TRP unloaded and the 686+3in is 6ozs less and the 686 2.5in is 8ozs less and I have a very bad back+leg injury from Iraq and have no problem IWBing my TRP in MS VMII w/ 1 1/2in horsehide from the beltman all day w/ 642-1 in Alessi ankle holster, its all in what gear you use and how its set up. So is the 2.5in model equipped with a standard length ejector rod or no and if not is it really a hindrence enough to wait for S&W to come out with a 686 3in and does anyone know if/when S&W is planing on coming out with the 686 3in again?

P.S. I hate plastic and love all steel 1911's so thats why the weight is not a factor for me. Again sorry for the sort of hijack.

 

[47D]

Does the 686 2.5in model SKU: 164231 have a full length ejector rod or no ... ?

No. It takes a 3" barrel in a L-frame or K-frame .357 to accomodate a full length ejector rod.

 

[ShinySix]

Every now and then I'll strap on the 686 6" six round in a Simply Rugged sourdough pancake held up with a 1.75" strap from Beltman. I throw two Safariland comp-2's in the pocket and I'm good to go. And then I sit down and that grip extends about four inches out of my back like some freakish birth defect under my shirt. I have some retro combat square butt grips from Ahrends on order, but I'm starting to doubt the whole concept.

I can deal with the weight, the bulge of the speedloaders, and the barrel length. But I cant overcome that massive grip. That's what you have to look out for.

 

[xopher88x]

I am able to CC a 686 2.5"

I do it IWB with a Side Guard holster and a good belt. Yes, it's heavy to tote all day, but it's doable, and I actually enjoy it. The lines of a revolver hide nicely against the human body. I practice with "full house" loads and carry the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 load. It's a really mild .357 load IMO.

I have Hogue Bantam grips installed by the way. Those are pretty compact.

 

[riverrat38]

"Noteworthy that they also did move the cylinder notches."

That is a function of having an odd number of chambers in the cylinder. With an even number, the notches fall at the center of the chambers. With an odd number, they are between the chambers, the same as the flutes.

rat

 

[ogilvyspecial]

For what it might be worth, here's a photo taken after my first post in this thread for use in another 686 thread.

It should give someone an idea of the size difference between the 2.5" & 3" 686's

 

[HCA]

I carry the 686+ with a 2 1/2" barrel and Crimson Trace grips. I suppose the full ejector rod on the 3" would have been nice, but truthfully, I don't see my self getting into an extended gun fight where I'll be reloading, so that really isn't an issue for me. I usually carry in an OWB Galco Combat Master holster, but have also carried in denim vest, a Smart Carry deep concealment holster, and under the arm with an elastic holster (surprisingly accessible and doesn't really print in a dark denim shirt). However, even with the 2 1/2" barrel, this is a heavy gun, but not completely uncomfortable. Standard ammo for me is the Hornady .357 magnum 125 gr Critical Defense load.

 

[AABEN]

GO for the 686+ for 30.00 extra you will get it back if you sale it.VERY good gun. 3in You will not even know it is only a few OZ heaver.

 

[SJshooter]

Here is a 681 (same as 686 but fixed sights) with a Galco Fletch:

and a studio photo

Note, I can't wear it with the target grips. First pic is magna stocks and Tyler T grip. Sturdy horsehide gun belt by TheBeltman - a must.