Smith and Wesson 686 concealed carry options

[willstill]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting a thread so if I'm doing it wrong, sorry. I just completed my concealed carry course and I'm just waiting on my permit to get issued. In the mean time, I'm trying to figure out a good way to carry my 686 with a 4 inch barrel. So far the only holster I have is a shoulder holster. I figured that would be the easiest method. However, I still have huge problem with printing. I love my gun. I've wanted this gun since I was a kid. But if I'm unable to find a reasonable means to conceal it, I'm going to have to opt for something different. Do you guys have any suggestions? Do you guys mind posting any pics of you're set ups?

Also, I just bought some new grips let me know what you guys think!

 

[Klein Helmer]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting a thread so if I'm doing it wrong, sorry. I just completed my concealed carry course and I'm just waiting on my permit to get issued. In the mean time, I'm trying to figure out a good way to carry my 686 with a 4 inch barrel. So far the only holster I have is a shoulder holster. I figured that would be the easiest method. However, I still have huge problem with printing. I love my gun. I've wanted this gun since I was a kid. But if I'm unable to find a reasonable means to conceal it, I'm going to have to opt for something different. Do you guys have any suggestions? Do you guys mind posting any pics of you're set ups?

Also, I just bought some new grips let me know what you guys think!

How timely.

Whether it comes from personal conversation or the internet, it seems the conventional wisdom is that N Frame revolvers are, for a number of reasons, unfit for carrying (particularly CC). I am likely not the first to do so, and I will certainly not be the most knowledgeable, but I would like to humbly offer my dissenting opinion. I will speak on my personal experience as it pertains to what I have taken to be the two most common objections to carrying an N Frame, i.e., the physical drawbacks stemming from the heft and weight of the piece, and the aesthetic issues regarding difficulty in concealing it.

I'll start with weight. SOOO many people told me, "Oh boy, you're going to get tired of lugging that huge thing around within a week, snirk snirk." What? Do all of these guys have little birdy arms? (kidding...) Anyway, I've been shoulder carrying my six inch 629 for over a month now and I love the way it feels. I feel that big smoke wagon resting under my arm and know that I'll be ready the next time a Grizzly wanders into the haberdashery. Maybe my perspective is unique, as I had been renting and shooting an N Frame before I had ever had a gun, and had only ever planned to carry one, so it didn't seem cumbersome relative to having worn something smaller.

With regard to concealment, I was legitimately shocked the first time I put on a sport coat, suit jacket, and hoodie while wearing the gun. From everything I had heard, I was half expecting to see a bulge so outrageous that I would have to eat crow and get a different gun. I carry my gun under my left shoulder, and regardless of the garment (so long as it isn't a very light fabric), the impression of the gun is pretty modest. The outline of the but of the grips is visible, but is not protruding far and really does seem subtle. I live in a predominantly liberal metropolitan area, and I would expect most people (as I once did before changing my views on guns) to recoil at the sight of a giant .44 magnum. To this point, I have not picked up on anyone noticing it. I will acknowledge, knowing it is there myself, that I can see it - so too would I imagine could someone familiar with firearms. So to be completely honest, this method of carrying might better be designated "covered carrying" than concealed, but in my case the difference has been nominal.

GO FOR IT.

 

[willstill]

Klein Helmer, I definitely understand how you feel! I'm used to having overweight weapons on me weighing me down. I served in the Army for 5 years as an infantryman. I turned 21 in Germany and just switched to the national guard and moved back home. With in 3 weeks of being home, I bought my self a belated birthday present. A brand new .357! The only other handgun I've shot prior to my 686 was an Army issued Beretta 9mm, so like you, I wasn't shocked by the weight. I'm used to carrying heaving things all the time, an extra 44 oz. won't make much of a difference! It's not the weight that bothers me. I actually like it. It reminds me that it's there. My problem is the printing. Just like you, It's not dramatic at all only someone who knew what they were looking at would know. I've been thinking of trying some sort of in the waste band holster or outside, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look for a GOOD proper holster. I've seen the size of weapons people use and they are now longer than my, just skinnier. Why wouldn't I be able to do it with my 686? I just can't find anywhere online that anyone has used an inside/outside concealed carry method with a full size revolver.

 

[Klein Helmer]

Klein Helmer, I definitely understand how you feel! I'm used to having overweight weapons on me weighing me down. I served in the Army for 5 years as an infantryman. I turned 21 in Germany and just switched to the national guard and moved back home. With in 3 weeks of being home, I bought my self a belated birthday present. A brand new .357! The only other handgun I've shot prior to my 686 was an Army issued Beretta 9mm, so like you, I wasn't shocked by the weight. I'm used to carrying heaving things all the time, an extra 44 oz. won't make much of a difference! It's not the weight that bothers me. I actually like it. It reminds me that it's there. My problem is the printing. Just like you, It's not dramatic at all only someone who knew what they were looking at would know. I've been thinking of trying some sort of in the waste band holster or outside, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look for a GOOD proper holster. I've seen the size of weapons people use and they are now longer than my, just skinnier. Why wouldn't I be able to do it with my 686? I just can't find anywhere online that anyone has used an inside/outside concealed carry method with a full size revolver.

I wish I had some advice for you regarding the waist band holster, but I've never really researched them, let alone worn one. I am sure someone on here will be able to help you out though; I am a completely new to firearms, and every time I have come on here looking for an answer, the posters have been courteous and informative.

Also, from a Latin nerd, cool signature.

 

[Klein Helmer]

Oh jeez, I just realized your question was about a 686 - which I know to be an L Frame. My remark about your thread being timely was due to the fact that I had just posted about carrying N Frames, and excitedly thought I could copy and paste it in here as a response to your inquiry. I think most of it is still relevant, but boy is my face red...

 

[willstill]

Klein Helmer, I'm glad you like my signature! I'll be compltely honest with you, I know NOTHING about latin. I have it as my signature, bc it's my state moto.

Kansas State Motto Ad Astra per Aspera o the Stars with Difficulty

As for the frame mix up, I wasn't going to say anything. lol I'm new to the smith world as well and I haven't used an N frame revolver, but I just assumed you meant that carrying was similar between the two! lol

 

[ma96782]

Now you have an excuse to purchase a J frame.

Get to it.

Aloha, Mark

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

cc 686

I carry a 686 or 586 without any problems. I use the correct size Remora clipless holster and a good holster belt. My reolvers are a tad shorter...2 5/8 and 3" I doubt 4" would be much trouble if you are 5'10" or above. Yes I am looking at a host of IWB holsters. Believe me there are plenty of them. I'll admit that I rarely need to cc for more than three or four hours. And to quote or paraphrase some sage, A gun isn't supposed to be comfortable, it is supposed to be comforting. Man up, eh!

Bottom line is the 686 is concealable.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Like you, I am ex-airborne infantry, and have no problem carrying a large weapon!

I have been conceal carrying for years, and am here to tell you...have no fear! There are literally hundreds of holster makers who will make you a great IWB or OWB holster for that big ol' revolver.

I would suggest first getting a "gun belt" from Beltman or Lobo Leather, as you WILL need it to support the weight of the 686 and keep it rooted in place on your body.

I love leather holsters from TT Gunleather, Mitch Rosen, Lobo, Seth's Gun Leather, etc...

Try wearing the holster juuussssst behind the point of your hip. In this way, you can still sit and drive without the revolver digging into you.

A good holster and belt combo will have you concealing under just an untucked tee shirt, with NO problems!

Here is a link to a holster that I carry my 686 in: http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/338594-ccw-l-frame-step-inside.html

but I would not recommend it for a "beginner" concealed carrier, due to the fact that it can move and shift around (only one attachment point) and the weight is not distributed evenly (due to one attachment point). I provide this link just so you can see that a 686 can be carried with ease.

And, maybe I shouldn't tell you that my most carried weapon is a Glock 26 Gen 4.....but the 686 gets the nod for outdoor adventures and certain night time excursions (when only needs to be carried for a few hours)

 

[Murphy's Law]

I have a 686 3" and finally ordered a Milt Sparks pancake holster. If lucky might see it by Xmas. At least it is fitted exactly to the specific gun type.

 

[Gunner4640]

FYI I carry my 686 4" in a OWB Tagua leather Holster I got from Ebay for $38.00 The guy fits perfect, I wear a straight cut shirt over it, no printing. My other carry is a Betetta cougar 9 with the same brand holster. also I bought a 1 3/4 " belt from Bullhide-belts I do not feed the belt through the loops, works great for me. just saying

 

[wildenout]

Kangaroo Carry holster might be a good choice for you! Google them.