Anyone Carry A S&W 686 2.5" as CCW?

[Gunmeister]

I love revos, especially those that carry six rounds. I'd like to know if anyone out there carries a 2.5" S&W 686 as a daily concealed carry weapon. If so what method (IWB or OWB) do you use? Can you recommended a relatively comfortable holster?
I know "J" frames are easier to carry and conceal but I really like the feel of the 686 and 6 rounds of .357Mags is a plus also.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Sadly, my permit won't allow me to carry, but like you -- I love the 686. I've been thinking of picking up the snubbie so I agree it's a good choice. If I were carrying, I'd prefer on the belt carry. To me, it feels most comfortable.

Laura

 

[PI Rob]

Hi,
Sorry, I don't carry a 2 1/2" 686. I do carry a 2 1/2" 66 though. For OWB carry, I like the Galco Fletch or an old Safariland Klipspringer paddle holster. I bought both of them off E-Bay for about $35 each, so it was a good deal. A new Galco is more expensive, I think, and Klipspringer's are few and far between. I like the looks of the El Paso Saddlery "Tortilla" and "Street Combat" though, and they seem reasonably priced.

Good luck in your search.
Rob

 

[Golddog]

Baby L carry

I frequently carry either a 2 1/2" or 3" 686. They're a touch less comfortable than the same length 66's, but they work well enough in my Tucker Texas Heritage IWB or a my Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB, both made for the short L frames.

The Tucker, for me, is the most comfortable of all IWB's.

 

[Gunz]

IWB of a revolver is too uncomfortable for me. Even the SP101 5rd revolver does not do me the comfort level of a 1911 or G36. I wear a 2.5 686+ from time to time, but it is an OWB paddle or belt slot-and-loop on a steel-lined belt like an Aker to handle the weight. I wear Xdraw. Mitch Rosen made an OWB strong-side for a lady's hip Slot-and-loop and I bought one with a gun package. I wear it Xdraw, and MAN is that the BEST feeling, most COMFORTABLE and reassuring and fast-access rig or WHAT!!!!! Ever since I found that rig, I have been looking for custom rigs made for women's hips. (Not that I am gay or a pervert). The cut and angle of a holster made for a woman's taller/wider pelvis is amazing for fast-draw from a seated position. I ordered one from Mitch Rosen for a 686+ 2.5 woman's holster and it makes carrying the snubby very comfortable. (I would rather wear a woman's holster any day than women's underwear; that crosses the line between pratical design and un-Christian fetish)

 

[seeker_two]

(I would rather wear a woman's holster any day than women's underwear; that crosses the line between pratical design and un-Christian fetish)

But the silk Victoria's Secret uses is just HEAVENLY....

Your point about the holster is well-made, though. Does it conceal well for you?

 

[Gunz]

LOL....Victoria's Secret silk is delightful draped over the lovely curves of women.... The concealment of Xdraw with the Mitch Rosen is fantastic for a snub. It may not be all that great for a longer barreled sidearm, though. The muzzle is canted outward, but a good jacket completely covers it without printing. Give ti a try, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[TK73]

Personally, I don't carry, ...

... but one of my buddy happens to be a security advisor/bodyguard. He carries either a HK USP9C o a S&W M686 Plus 2.5" to work. After lengthy discussion and handling he bought both guns from the shop where I work. Last time we spoke, he complained bitterly about the weight and comparable thick cylinder of the M686+ digging painfully into his hide, especially after eight hours of constantly carrying concealed. His choice of holster is a good one, though (= GALCO "Silhouette" belt holster). I remember that before he made his choice, I've heavily recommended the slightly more compact and somewhat lighter M65 LadySmith (as the regular M65 isn't in production anymore, as you know), the 3 in. M64 .38 M&P and M66 Combat Magnum w/2.5" barrel to him. Nothing I've said persuaded him to go with a revolver somewhat easier to carry (a big advantage of the 3" M&Ps is the longer ejector rod stroke you'll get and rugged fixed sights). Back then, I already knew the day will come that he'll complain, but it certainly wasn't my fault. If he'd at least carry hot .357 Magnum ammunition in his M686 to gain an edge in stopping power, but he carries .38 Special loads in it...

Make no mistake the M686 is a great gun and I own one w/6" tube myself. However, unless you intend to carry w/hot .357 Mag. (and train with them accordingly) to gain an advantage here and/or are really comfortable with a heavy sixgun I would rather suggest an easier to carry revolver.

That's my personal opinion, of course.

 

[B27]

For years I switched back and forth for my daily concealed carry gun between this 2.5 inch 66 in the warm weather-

and a SIG P220 .45ACP in cool weather.

It finally dawned on me that the bigger SIG was the most comfortable to carry because of it's flat sides and I now carry it year round.

But don't get me wrong.
I loves me my revolvers.
I bet every one of the last half dozen handguns I have purchased have been revolvers.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I own a 2.5in 686P---but it has become mostly a house/range gun----even with the the snub nose---its still a BIG gun----it's still a keeper and I have no plans on selling it any time soon.

Recently picked up a Ruger SP101 .357 to see if it will work for a carry gun---I'll give it a shot and see what I come up with.