DawgFvr
I'm sort of like Saxon: I've found anything bigger than my J 642 to become tiring after a few hours on my belt. (Which by the way is a good thick Galco gun belt that helps tremendously. That's just as important as a good holster, in my relatively limited experience.)
I'm also seeking a shoulder bag for carrying a larger handgun (65). I'm especially looking at sling bags, but the ones I've looked at so far (one from REI and one from
Maxpedition) make quick access problematic.
Re, the weight of L v. K. As I've mentioned here and elsewhere, I'm now selling (sale is pending; check is in the mail) my 686+ 4" because I found - quickly from experience - that carrying it even with my good gun belt and holster was just too much gun to be carrying routinely. For the range or an occasional wilderness shooting, it would have been fine. But I wanted something for EDC while at camp (which for me occupies a month or two of a year ... at least in good years ...).
So, I've traded down in size, going with a 3" 65. I looked long and hard at a 3" 686, which indeed are back in production (even though I think only in 7 shot (?), and not yet available where I am yet to take a look and feel). But after a lot of reflection, I decided to save the few ounces and go with the 65, which is also a bit more compact than the 7 rnd 686.
But I agree with Saxon, Dawg: that's just my experience. I, too, know that lots of people carry full sized L and N-frames all day, nearly everyday, and never blink. I guess it's all in what feels right for you.
Still, hope this helps with the decision process. I know how useful reading others' opinions can be just in deciding what are the right questions to ask.
Keep us posted about what you decide, and how it works out.
Nem