Amp
Member
I want a new gun. Thinking 686+ with a 3" barrel.
What I really need is a reason.
Maybe a few photos will help.
What I really need is a reason.
Maybe a few photos will help.
Show me your 3" 686+
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
My 3" is a stock 686-6+, so the same as the S&W website.
My favorite features are that it's small enough to conceal with a proper belt and holster, yet big enough to accurately and comfortably handle 100's of full power magnum loads at one range session.
Also the full length extractor easily empties the cylinder of spent magnum cases that have expanded tight, without having to smack it hard, like I have to with my 2 1/2".
I like the balance, and it doesn't tire my arm holding it outstretched the way my 4" does.
I guess I'm like Little Red Riding Hood, in that for me, the 3" is just right.
My favorite features are that it's small enough to conceal with a proper belt and holster, yet big enough to accurately and comfortably handle 100's of full power magnum loads at one range session.
Also the full length extractor easily empties the cylinder of spent magnum cases that have expanded tight, without having to smack it hard, like I have to with my 2 1/2".
I like the balance, and it doesn't tire my arm holding it outstretched the way my 4" does.
I guess I'm like Little Red Riding Hood, in that for me, the 3" is just right.
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blues7
Member
blues7
Member
The 3" can be carried concealed...I don't do it often but it works. The extra half inch of barrel length is meaningless if carrying IWB or AIWB (as I prefer). The grip and dimensions of the rest of the gun are the same. The Triple K holster I show in the post above does a good job tucking the gun in.
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OP
Amp
Member
Thank you all. I have been shopping...
Had a 4" that got away but I remember it was just a bit too long.
Like the full length extractor rod on the 3" but I could be talked into the 2.5".
Cannot hide any of them in front, little to chubby.
Had a 4" that got away but I remember it was just a bit too long.
Like the full length extractor rod on the 3" but I could be talked into the 2.5".
Cannot hide any of them in front, little to chubby.
Like the 3 in. version
I found that w/ the right holster I can conceal carry a 3" 686-6 + w/o any trouble.
The factory grips are comfortable and fit me well.
I do prefer nice wood stocks though.
These Hogue, mono-grip, Pau Ferro checkered, fit me well. I have about an average hand I suppose. The palm swell is a really nice fit.
The holster I found that works for me is a DeSantis 001 33. It's a thumb break style, fit's the 3" bbl just right.
The cylinder flutes don't match up between the gun and holster because the holster is made to fit a 6 hole cylinder.
I covered the pistol w/ a light sock, stored said revolver in the holster for a week or so and now the fit is fine. I got this idea from one of the members of this forum, thanks again to all of ya.
I found that w/ the right holster I can conceal carry a 3" 686-6 + w/o any trouble.
The factory grips are comfortable and fit me well.
I do prefer nice wood stocks though.
These Hogue, mono-grip, Pau Ferro checkered, fit me well. I have about an average hand I suppose. The palm swell is a really nice fit.
The holster I found that works for me is a DeSantis 001 33. It's a thumb break style, fit's the 3" bbl just right.
The cylinder flutes don't match up between the gun and holster because the holster is made to fit a 6 hole cylinder.
I covered the pistol w/ a light sock, stored said revolver in the holster for a week or so and now the fit is fine. I got this idea from one of the members of this forum, thanks again to all of ya.
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Citiboy289
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- Jun 8, 2010
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I have owned one for about 2 years also own a 686 in a 4 inch.
The 3 inch is easy to shoot , dead on accurate and has a visual effect of " I mean Business " Several people upon seeing it in person have openly commented that it is the most scary weapon they have even seen.
You can not go wrong with it Good luck
The 3 inch is easy to shoot , dead on accurate and has a visual effect of " I mean Business " Several people upon seeing it in person have openly commented that it is the most scary weapon they have even seen.
You can not go wrong with it Good luck
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Here is my 2 1/2" 686+. It also has night sights as I prefer night sights on my concealed carry handguns:
It's already a 40 oz handgun (loaded), which isn't an issue if you're using a proper dual thickness carry belt and a good IWB holster.
But the 2 1/2" versus 3" barrel is a mixed bag. The 3" 686+ is going to be a little heavier still, but a 3" barrel is more ballistically efficient with .357 Magnum.
A 3" barrel also allows for the use of a full length ejector rod, which is useful ejecting the longer, and higher pressure .357 Magnum cases, which are more likely to stick than the cases from a .38 Special or .38 +P load. The full length ejector rod is why the FBI adopted the 3" Model 13 rather than a 2 1/2" barrel - it's a good compromise for concealed carry.
Since I shoot .38 +P self defense loads, I opted for the 2 1/2" barrel. However, if you want a 3" barrel but want lower weight (and are ok with 6 versus 7 rounds) a 3" Model 66 is an option that will shave off about 4 oz of weight.
The sizes are very similar and my 686+ and 66 fit the same holster. Model 66 on the left and 686+ on the right:
It's already a 40 oz handgun (loaded), which isn't an issue if you're using a proper dual thickness carry belt and a good IWB holster.
But the 2 1/2" versus 3" barrel is a mixed bag. The 3" 686+ is going to be a little heavier still, but a 3" barrel is more ballistically efficient with .357 Magnum.
A 3" barrel also allows for the use of a full length ejector rod, which is useful ejecting the longer, and higher pressure .357 Magnum cases, which are more likely to stick than the cases from a .38 Special or .38 +P load. The full length ejector rod is why the FBI adopted the 3" Model 13 rather than a 2 1/2" barrel - it's a good compromise for concealed carry.
Since I shoot .38 +P self defense loads, I opted for the 2 1/2" barrel. However, if you want a 3" barrel but want lower weight (and are ok with 6 versus 7 rounds) a 3" Model 66 is an option that will shave off about 4 oz of weight.
The sizes are very similar and my 686+ and 66 fit the same holster. Model 66 on the left and 686+ on the right:
Redlegvzv
Member
Consider the 4". What, my 4" is chopped liver LOL? 4" is widely considered to be the handiest and best all-around barrel length.
Hopper
Member
Not a great picture, but I'm a huge fan of my 686+ 3". As another poster above, mine is completely stock except for the HiViz front sight:
riverrat38
US Veteran
Do a google search on hickok45 686 to see a couple of videos on a 3 inch TALO model. He really likes his. The TALO doesn't matter because the only difference is the grips, and hickok45 changed his to boot grips. I prefer boot grips on a snub carry revolver.
I liked my 3 inch 686, but sold it with the idea of getting a new M66-8 snub when they hit Gunbroker.
Best,
Rick
I liked my 3 inch 686, but sold it with the idea of getting a new M66-8 snub when they hit Gunbroker.
Best,
Rick
OP
Amp
Member
Saw his videos. That guy can shoot.
DocGlock
Member
How's this for a reason?
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M.Cunningham
Member
Love mine. I carry it often in a Mitch Rosen holster.
I have one of those 3-5-7s 3" on order. How do you like yours?
OP
Amp
Member
Thank you for the pics and comments.
I have one coming from Gallery of guns.
They have them on sale right now if anyone wants one.
I have one coming from Gallery of guns.
They have them on sale right now if anyone wants one.
DocGlock
Member
Really like it and how it looks, but it's hard to go wrong with anything 3" (in my opinion).
Druggist50
Member
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- Nov 28, 2016
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Consider the 4". What, my 4" is chopped liver LOL? 4" is widely considered to be the handiest and best all-around barrel length.
Beautiful piece. I'm also in the market for a 3" 686, but have found the 4" to be a truly "all-around piece." The only thing for me would be if I wanted to carry the beast. Any experience in doing so with your 4" 686?
I have carried my 4" 586 (42oz (unloaded...I figure loaded will add another 10-12 ozs.
) with a single-layer 11/2" belt and a self-made pancake holster very comfortably all day. I will soon make a dedicated double layer gun belt, but don't know if I want another holster. I am a smidge over 6 feet, and weigh 210+-, so, your body size may tell you a different story.
But, I would LOVE a 3" 66, or maybe the new 66 23/4" or maybe the 686 3".
But...I wouldn't kick the Ruger 3" Talo Wiley Clapp model out of bed, either!
OP
Amp
Member
Should be here late this coming week.
sammynomas
Member
How's this for a reason?
Got the same gun on layaway!
ultratec00
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2011
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Picked one of these up to compliment my 5" Talo. Installed Meprolights, spring kit, and a Hogue Bantam grip.
Like any smith I own, smoothed up like a champ, and this size is quite enamouring.
Like any smith I own, smoothed up like a champ, and this size is quite enamouring.
Redlegvzv
Member
No, I carry concealed and no 686 is really suitable for the way I carry.
Love my 686+ Talo. Accurate gun with a nice trigger. Only thing I did was replace the nice wood stocks with the Hogue boot grip, much more comfortable to shoot...
I don't carry mine, as I prefer different options for ccw, but with a good holster/belt I think it would carry fine. The 3" 698+ is a great truck/house/range gun for me. I've got 2", 3", 4", 6", and 8" revolvers and have to say, the 3" 686 is a very versatile choice. It really can do it all...
I don't carry mine, as I prefer different options for ccw, but with a good holster/belt I think it would carry fine. The 3" 698+ is a great truck/house/range gun for me. I've got 2", 3", 4", 6", and 8" revolvers and have to say, the 3" 686 is a very versatile choice. It really can do it all...
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Okay, I'll show you mine....except I can't....I never took a picture of it. So I'll show you my 2.5" and my 4" 686+s and you can see the 3" just sort of fits in between. It's lovely.
It looks just like M. Cunningham's above, with rubber stocks - I really like some of those wood stocks but the gun came with pebbled rubber stocks and I have not removed them. But I might.
I agree with rich5764 above - it's too big for me for concealed carry but the 3" has become the bedroom gun for me. Not that it is anything significantly different from the 2.5" that was my bedroom gun but (a) I just like it and (b) I like change sometimes.
It looks just like M. Cunningham's above, with rubber stocks - I really like some of those wood stocks but the gun came with pebbled rubber stocks and I have not removed them. But I might.
I agree with rich5764 above - it's too big for me for concealed carry but the 3" has become the bedroom gun for me. Not that it is anything significantly different from the 2.5" that was my bedroom gun but (a) I just like it and (b) I like change sometimes.
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