Young and Dumb (need some advice)

[Bledso]

Hello, this is my first post and I have a some questions about concealed carry.

I'm turning 21 this Saturday and want to buy my first handgun (it will be for concealed carry). Now, I have very little experience with guns in general but from what I have handled and shot, I vastly prefer revolvers to semi-autos. I went to just about every shop in my proximity and nobody seems to carry full sized revolvers (I was looking for K and L frames). I did, however, find a 686P (3" or under barrel length, cant remember the exact length) in one shop and have been thinking about it since. Given this is a large and heavy gun but it did fit my criteria (at least 6 round capacity, chambered in .357, and short barrel length). I'm going back to the shop tomorrow to get a better look and feel for it.

So here's my question:
If I decide that the 686 isn't too big/heavy for iwb edc, what holsters and belts do you suggest? I'm 5'10" 160lbs if it matters.

I have looked at whitehat holsters and they seem to get good reviews. The hybrid holsters in general caught my eye because of the large width, comfort of leather and thinness of kydex. leather pancake holsters seemed to appeal to many people too. I also looked at Lobo but he isn't taking orders anymore.

As far as belts go, I like the idea of precise adjustability offered by the nylon belts like ares and wilderness but I have always worn leather belts. I never tuck in my shirt so looks don't really matter as much as functionality. Also, are reinforced (whether synthetic or leather) belts too stiff and uncomfortable for iwb or would it be better for the size and weight of the 686?

Just looking for suggestions and personal experience from anybody who caries a large/heavy gun, thanks in advance.

 

[kilo charlie]

Welcome to the world of CC and happy birthday.
If you are like me, you will soon find that toting a gun that big and heavy, is not comfortable for any length of time. I've been carrying for a little more than 20 years and over that course of time , have bought 15 to 20 different guns that I thought would be perfect carry guns.
I've settled on a J frame in my pocket for 99% of my daily carry.
Your mileage may vary of course, but think "Light and small".

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Well... as it happens I'm carrying a 3" GP100 IWB at the moment which is close in size and weight to the 686 (I have carried a 4" 686 IWB before, but the shorter barrel is more comfortable for me). It definitely takes a sturdy belt. I am currently wearing a Galco reinforced nylon belt, but I also use a Bullhide leather belt with large and heavy guns. I'm using a Galco Summer Special holster, and it works well with with either belt for me. Unfortunately, everyone had different likes and dislikes, and comfort can be very subjective, so what works for me may not work for you (plus I'm about 2" shorter and 30 pounds heavier than you are). I went through some trial and error before I settled on the items that I listed.
If you feel that the 686 is too big and heavy, your next best option would probably be to look for a good, used K-frame such as a model 19, 66, 10, 64, or several other, similar, choices.

 

[sturtyboy]

Happy Birthday

Kilo Charlie is right on.

I also carry a "J" frame M337 10.5 oz. I carry on my ankle and I forget it's there.
I also carry IWB larger frames too. I'm 6'8" and 260. I can get away with all kinds of options. On the ankle has it advantages and disadvantages. But lighter is so much more comfortable to me.

There is a somewhat different IWB on the market. It uses washable, breathable material and has some other great features as well. StealthGearUSA The most comfortable holsters and best EDC gear ever. They cost a little more than others, but what a difference. Leather and plastic tend to hold the sweat. This material is breathable and washable. Makes sense to me. It's my choice for IWB carry.

 

[ColbyBruce]

You may be young, but you are not dumb. You are interested in S&W revolvers instead of a plastic shell shucker, which shows remarkable intelligence. If you have a range nearby that rents guns go there and try various models.

Happy Birthday!

 

[jonh1373]

S&W makes a very nice 640 pro version that is 2 1/8" in 357. The pro version is a few more dollars but is built closer to the performance center guns. It is steel vs alloy so a little more heft to absorb the recoil. Also has three dot night sights. Put some Hogue rubber grips and it is tough to beat. I suggest 38+P ammo for recoil and follow up shots. An owb holster can be very comfortable and concealable. Galco FLETCH (federal law enforcement training center holster) was made for federal officer training academy so fits most everyone. I carry a FIST straight up cant holster and also a Safariland B27. The 640 with the B27 is a very nice combo. Best of luck and before you get too excited about ccw get some training and practice, practice, practice.

 

[Pisgah]

Bledso, trust me -- you will eventually end up with a box of half-a-dozen or so holsters you only carried with for a day or two before you finally hit on "the one" -- and when you do find it, someone else will tell you it's all wrong. It's one of those things you really just need to find for yourself and, especially if you opt for a heavy gun, it'll take a while.

A belt is easier. It needs to be as wide as your belt loops will handle and, most of all, stiff -- so danged stiff that at first it's hard to buckle. Again, you'll just have to trust me, but that rock-solid support is an absolute must with a heavy gun, and a delightful luxury with a light one.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Bledso:

Welcome to the Forum, and happy birthday. Kilo Charlie, as well as others have given you good advice. When I was your age, my idea of concealed carry was a Colt's Government Model in .45ACP in a Bianchi Avenger (leather) holster carried on a Bianchi Ranger (leather) gun belt. I carried a single extra magazine (the only one I owned). Of course, I was young, dumb, and strong and healthy. I carried that Colt for many years - never needed it, but I sure loved carrying it.

Fast forward to the present day - almost 40 years later, and my idea of concealed carry has changed drastically. My EDC (Every Day Carry) now consists of a pair of Air Weight J-frames - a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 both chambered in .38 Special, and both equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. I also carry an 8 round speed strip in a nylon belt pouch, and a small automatic knife and a flashlight in a small belt pouch. I (pants pocket) carry both of the revolvers in DeSantis Nemesis pocket holsters.

Bottom line - you will need to do some thinking and experimenting to find what works best for you. Just about every concealed weapon carrier I know of has a box of holsters they have tried, and just didn't work out. By the way, just about every gun store I know of has a box of used holsters under the counter somewhere, and most will sell you something out of the collection at a decent price. Remember, they didn't pay a nickel for the holsters in the box, so put your bargaining skills to use.

The Model 686 is an excellent revolver, but it's big, and heavy. One of the first things I found when carrying concealed on a regular basis was that the gun(s) you will actually carry are far better than anything you left in the car/safe/home. Life is a series of compromises...take your time and try and choose wisely.

I will leave you with something Wild Bill Hickock said in response to a question by a reporter who asked him: "In a gunfight, which is better speed or accuracy?" Wild Bill's response was: "Well, speed is fine, but accuracy is final".

Best of luck,

Dave

PS: I've included photos of my EDC - please excuse the crappy photos, thankfully, I'm better with a gun than with a camera.

Regards.

Dave

 

[Goblin]

I know it's expensive, but you should try inside the waistband and outside models. I recommend something like the Milt Sparks Summer Special II or PMK, my favorites. I suspect you'll prefer the feel of the OWB, but IWB is usually easier to conceal. A lot of people will agree with me that you need to buy holsters with 1.5" loops if you wear a 1.5" belt, always match the belt and holster. This keeps the gun in in position. Other people like their gun to move a little for greater comfort. A 686 is a great choice if you can live with the size and weight. That size and weight come in handy when you shoot the gun. Welcome to the forum.

 

[flyrobb]

He ain't lying!

Bledso, trust me -- you will eventually end up with a box of half-a-dozen or so holsters you only carried with for a day or two before you finally hit on "the one" -- and when you do find it, someone else will tell you it's all wrong. It's one of those things you really just need to find for yourself and, especially if you opt for a heavy gun, it'll take a while.

Pisgah is spot on. I've only been at this for a few years and look what happened And then as you add guns the holsters multiply even more HAPPY BIRTHDAY and welcome to the forum!

 

[scooter123]

Holsters - One of the original Cop's Holster providers was ******* Leather, now known as Galco. They make GREAT leather holsters that WORK. I've been using a Skyops Tuckable IWB for so long the model number isn't readable and it's worked well for my 40 caliber P239 or 45 caliber 1911. Prices for good leather aint cheap but the benefit is you only have to spend that money every 8-12 years.

Belts. Galco again. It you've been buying dime store belts at Sears and the like the prices will shock you. However, my current belt was purchased in 2008 for 40 bucks and it appears it will likely last another 10 or 15 years. Yeah, Galco makes belts that can last longer than you have been alive. If you want a good demonstration of Value, something distinctly lacking today, that is Value.

 

[Rangerpat]

Happy birthday, Bledso. Take it slow, don't get in a big hurry buying your first handgun.

The best advice on gun selection is post #5 by ColbyBruce, go to a range and rent some different guns to "test drive" before you buy.

My personal experience is that the less weight of the gun, the more likely you will carry it on you. I CC a S&W j-frame revolver for that reason.

 

[jimmyj]

Long Story Short
"KISS" system : Keep it simple sam

1. Belt: 1.75" leather garrison
2. Holster: good quality dual carry pancake
3. Position: 3-4 O'clock

 

[Arc Angel]

There are only two kinds of guns in this world: Those that are comfortable to carry and only work well at extremely close range (inside 5 yards); and those that require a certain amount of effort in order to carry, and really don't, 'come into their own' until you suddenly find yourself fighting for your life. (Most often a completely unexpected event!)

The world is full of people who carry pistols. Very very few of them have ever been in any sort of armed confrontation. Me? I'm careful about what I carry. What no EDC pistol should ever be allowed to become is a, 'personal security pacifier'. Why? Because heaven forbid that the felon you might, someday, have to face should turn out to be better armed than you!

Small guns are nice to carry; and possession of any gun, at all, can create a sense of increased personal security; but, in reality, feeling secure is NOT the same thing as actually being secure. I don't usually carry a small pistol as a primary weapon; and, years ago, (decades actually) I got over using my ankle to carry a primary. The ankle is an acceptable place to conceal a secondary pistol; but never a primary.

As an older instructor once pointed out to me: A gun on your ankle is going to be a whole lot slower to get to; and, worse, in order to draw it you're going to have to lower your head into the projected danger zone where most bullets tend to fly in a gunfight! (NOT where you want your head to be.)

The holster you're looking for should be designed to pull the butt of the pistol in tight to your side. One of my favorites is El Paso Saddlery's, #88, 'Street Combat' holster. Otherwise an ITB design from a holster maker like Kramer Handgun Leather, or Matt Del Fatti should nicely fulfill your requirements.

I agree that it can be a chore and, somewhat, uncomfortable to carry a big gun around with you all day long; but, after decades of doing it, I will say that you get used to it; AND, the first time you find yourself in a real honest-to-goodness CQB pistol gunfight, you'll thank me for telling you these things.

Today I, most often, carry a humongous Glock Model 21. Sometimes I alternate to a (I think very convenient) Glock Model 19. I'm an older gunman; and for many years I did carry a revolver. Originally it was an S&W Model 19. One day I finally blew that weak, 'K' frame up; and the Smith Factory replaced it with their (then) brand new, 'L' frame Model 686 - Which I dearly love and am glad to own; but I am not inclined to carry anymore.

One of the best everyday gun belts on the market is made by The Beltman in Apex, North Carolina. You will want a leather belt that 1 1/2 inches wide, and contains a polymer stiffener. Order a belt with a 7 hole rather than a 5 hole tongue; and add 2 inches to your normal belt size in order to accommodate ITB carry.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Lots of good advice.....I've had my concealed carry permit since 1978 when I got out of law school.

Only been using the Wilderness Frequent flyer belts for about 2 years... 1.5inch 5 stitch...... great with jeans and shorts.(now have 2 black and tan)

About 1980 got my first 1 1/2inch Bianchi B12 belt with fancy stitching...which retired to cabin duty in about 2010..... now on my second.


I had a 3" 586 for a short while (should have kept it) but didn't find it great for concealed carry...for me a 3 or 4 inch K frame carries much easier.

My most carried revolvers are a 3" 66 or 3" 60-10 (J-frame) think micro 686.......

The box-o-holsters is the ugly truth...... holsters and grips are very personal decisions.......welcome aboard and good luck with your search.

 

[Arik]

You will find yourself experimenting with all kinds of holsters. It's one of those things you usually can't try before you buy. And by "try" I mean wear it for a day or two. So just a heads up, you'll probably spend a few hundred bucks and have a drawer full of useless holsters.

Carrying a 4 inch barrel revolver iwb you may find that because of the cylinder thickness you may need pants a size or two wider and that the barrel will eventually rub a hole in your pants.