Took the plunge, put a down payment on a 686

Don't let the fact that you've always carried a J-frame as your usual CCW sway you from happily carrying a GREAT 4" K-frame. What's your usual dress-code attire & general body configuration? The bigger the CCW, the better (higher quality) holster/belt required. Pocket carry isn't an option anymore.

The 686 is a great pistol, and if you practice with it, it will be an incredible range gun and an astounding self-defense piece. When it first came out, S&W wanted it to go toe to toe with Colt's Python. It was initially a beautiful .357, with silver trigger and hammer (hard chromed). The front sight was an integral part of the barrel and the walnut grips a proud addition. Alas, S&W couldn't keep up the pace, but the guns are still first rate.

I've never seen the gun torture tested with full magnum ammo, but S&W beefed up the right areas. I've always wanted the 7-shot model.

Delta, you need a Side Guard Holster. They make a fine IWB S&W 686 4" model. And you need to find & buy a book > "Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting" by Col. Ed McGivern. Practice 'till you shoot like that gentleman from Montana...then teach all of US how!

Confederate: That's a nice looking gun. I see one like that in my future.

You bought a great revolver. I have several 686s and they very accurate. I use them as range and field guns but not as concealed carry unless winter time and I'm wearing a coat. Prefer the lighter and smaller J frame for carry.

When I carry a 4" wheel gun, I do it comfortable in a Tex Shoemaker pancake. A t-shirt tail is all I need to conceal it.

9mm - Great looking gun - Nice engraving of Diana .

Good belt and good holster is the key to comfortable carry.

Any way on earth I can concealed carry that thing? Any recommendations on a holster? IWB would be nice, but I somehow doubt thats really feasible.

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It is feasible, though not for everyone.

I am 6'7", 185 lbs, and I do in fact carry a 4" S&W Model 28 (an N Frame even porkier than your 686) IWB fairly often. I do so with a Lobo Gunleather IWB holster, on a 1.5" Beltman bullhide belt. It is actually reasonably comfortable, though I do have to dress around that porker of a gun a bit (baggy shirts with a pattern do the trick).

I also carry a 4" Ruger Police Service Six with a leather FIST #20 IWB holster very regularly with very little discomfort and perfect concealment, even with just a white T shirt. In fact, it is as or almost as comfortable to carry as my 5" 1911.

I think it will work, as long as your desire to carry it and hence to experiment with it are strong enough.

Congrats on the 686 lay away.

I've got a 686 with a 4" bbl and would not try to conceal carry it. IMO the gun is just too big. Of course depending on how you dress a shoulder holster could be a possibility. I personally wouldn't want that much weight hanging on my belt all day no matter how good the holster is.

The L frames are nice. You'll enjoy shooting it a lot more than the little airweight. I have one of those to and I'm good for a box of ammo, but not much more. The larger gun handles the recoil better and gives your a longer sight radius. Mine is blue, the 586,



but there's something to be said for stainless too. There are a number holster makers who can do a nice job for you. I think a wrap around probably workers better on a revolver than a pancake does. However, the pancake might smooth out the shape a little better making the rig easier to conceal.

Vern

Pancakes work very well for OWB, open or concealed carry. Hold the gun up tight to your side, and have a smooth, curved profile.

Get the 3" 686+. If you'll carry it it makes more sense IMO. I've got one and after putting a 12# trigger spring in and filing a hair off the hammer spring screw, I sat down with an old T shirt and some polish and made her real pretty. Not mirror finish but brightened her up a bit.

+1 for Eric at Side Guard Holsters. He made me an IWB for my 4" 586, and it works quite well.

Delta959:

The 686 can be carried IWB quite easily. I've got a 3" 686+ that I carry in a Tucker 'Texas Heritage' IWB. Very comfy and the holster is adjustable so you can get the cant you want and the ride height you want. Experiment to find what works best for you.

HTH,

Chris

Don't let the fact that you've always carried a J-frame as your usual CCW sway you from happily carrying a GREAT 4" K-frame.

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The op is contemplating carrying an L-framed, Model 686 concealed, a revolver that is a mite bulkier and heavier than an equivalent (in terms of barrel length and general configuration) K-frame. As others have noted, with the right holster/belt set-up, an L-framed revolver can still be carried concealed comfortably and effectively but never quite so well as can be done with a true K-framed Smith revolver. On the other hand, everything else being equal, the same weight and size disadvantages the L-frame has in terms of carrying it comfortably concealed when compared to the K-frame become advantages when controlling the revolver in rapid fire situations.