.38 Special and CCW.

[686S&W]

I have a 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum (4" bbl) that I run 158 gr lead though fairly irregularly. Considering I don't get to shoot often I manage to pull groupings that are in the 9 ring on a 25 yard pistol target at 15 yards. This is a gun I'm seriously considering keeping on me when I get my ccw, hoping that if I ever have to draw it the size and nature of the big revolver would deter someone without having to fire. I don't think most people want to guess what's in the chamber of an S&W L frame.

I'm hoping to get some thoughts and opinions on whether I should actually try carrying .357 Mag, .38+p, or just regular .38 with jacketed hollow points. My logic is that the average desperate jackass will not be wearing body armor, or will be hiding behind a car door.

 

[SeanSw]

I don't CCW but I'll be the first to say that you absolutely should not count on the intimidation factor of a large revolver to stop a threat. There are disagreements on this, and state laws will vary, but you should only draw your weapon when the occasion demands that you fire it.

The 686 is a gun built for magnums and as long as you are accurate and comfortable shooting them their advantage is proven. Also consider the noise of firing such ammunition in an enclosed environment or cement enclosed alley. That's a big gun to carry, so be sure it's one that you can conceal comfortably and draw smoothly.

Most handgun calibers will penetrate a car door. Standard pressure .38 hollow points would be a waste in your gun IMO (with iffy expansion, if that's your game) but genuine .38 +p with the proper bullet selection is a very adequate round for self defense. They would be quite controllable and repeatable in your duty sized revolver.

 

[RTFM]

....another mall ninja thread....

 

[Mad Chemist]

The search function will provide the answer to most of your questions.
The larger revolver should be able to fire the hotter load comfortably. Still, shot placement is key so load whatever you can accurately control.

Unless you are huge or live in a very cold climate the 686 is going to be far from ideal as a CCW.

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...another mall ninja thread....

We all had to learn at some point, there is no reason to be disrespectful in reply to an honest line of questioning. New members are usually legit. We don't need to be so territorial about vetting them.

 

[sixgunner455]

If I were carrying an L-frame, it would probably be loaded with 158gr +p lead hollowpoints, or a +p 147gr jacketed hollowpoint, in .38 special. Potent, accurate, and easy to shoot in that smooth shooting 686.

I might hedge my bets and have two reloads, one with the same load as in the gun, and the other with 145gr .357 Silvertips.

 

[686S&W]

I was a bit quick on that one, didn't factor in the size of the revolver itself. If I were out hiking in anything but a state park I would have it by my side. Got my Smith used in 2002 and fell in love with it. I would trust my life to that pistol. I have a MK4 Series 70, but I'm not too hot with a .45. It's most likely me, but I haven't shot another 1911 or clone yet to tell if it's me or the gun. I guess if I'm going to carry I'll look into a Sig 228 or such. It would be foolish to hope that the size of the revolver would deter some jackass.

 

[johndoe1027]

I see no reason to carry a large frame unless it's all you can afford (which is as good a reason as any). Personally, I can only be comfortable in the NC summer with a J-frame 2" .38. I feel confident that the Gold Dot .38 +p will stop any immediate threat. Now if you're camping or hiking, you might need the .357 for things that are bigger than humans. I'd say go with the .357's if can follow them up quick. If not, find the cartridge that will let you have quick follow up shots. I'd rather hit with a cowboy load 38 (and be able to hit 4 more times if necessary) than miss with a hot .357.

IMO shooting someone through a car door is murder. There is no imminent threat of death from someone that is hiding from you. Please don't skim over the part that says IMO. In a case like that, slam the car door on their legs and run. Also, if you are drawing down on someone, it should be because they are going to kill you if you don't stop them RIGHT THEN. That is the only acceptable time to draw your weapon on someone. It's not a warning, it's a last resort.

Please don't take me the wrong way, I'm not trying to sound like a b-hole, just trying to help out.

 

[armoredman]

IMO shooting someone through a car door is murder. There is no imminent threat of death from someone that is hiding from you.

Think that out first - many time people have been shot by thugs hiding behind things, car doors, etc. Criminals are cowards, most of the time, brave only in packs, drugged up, or when "strapped". Drive-bys alone prove that point.
I don't pick defensive ammunition based on how well it penetrates car doors, etc, but it can be a factor in saving your life, or the life of a third person. Also, in this state, at least, running away is not required, we may stand our ground.

 

[johndoe1027]

I'm sorry 686, I missed your last post. There are a ton of wonderfully designed CCW's out there, semi, revolver, you name it. I personally don't care for guns with a decocker (sig) so I ended up with a S&W M&P compact (in addition to the J-frame for summer, unless the M&P continues to get more comfortable). You'll hear this until you scream... Just get the gun that fits you best and the one that you feel the most comfortable with. I like to add, try to find an american made gun that fits you well (if there's one) and don't take anyone's word over your first impression. If you like it, get it and get good with it, screw what everyone else thinks. Most manufacturers are on point these days (unless the gun costs less than $200 new, like a lorcin) and if there are problems, you can bet there's a thread here that lists them.

armored; You know, I might have read the initial post wrong anyway. Maybe he meant that they would not be hiding behind a car door. Sorry! I meant that if they are hiding (and not shooting). Sorry for the miscommunication. I got a little off track there. My apologies to everyone.

 

[langenc]

Go to ebay and check the major holster brands being offered and get a good holster. Carry if you like--38+p's minimum.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a S&W 4" Model 619 which is the same size as your M686. I bought a DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard in Black which makes that revolver comfortable to carry. http://www.desantisholster.com/001.html If you like an open top holster then the Speed Scabbard is a great choice too. http://www.desantisholster.com/002.html Both are well made, comfortable and not priced too high either.

As for ammo, if you can shoot well with .357 Magnum rounds then that's what I would carry when outside your home. When at home I load my 4" Magnum with Speer Gold Dot .38 +P rounds. You don't want to squeeze of a full house Magnum flame thrower in a small dark room in the middle of the night.