Carry Conceal a 686?

[P95loser]

I want to hear from people who successfully carry conceal a full sized firearm in an office environment.

My current CCW is a P3AT in a front pocket holster. I am much more proficient and feel much more at ease when I have that S&W 686 4" revolver in my hands. Is there a way I could carry conceal my revolver at work?

My dress usually consists of blue jeans with a collared button up shirt untucked. I was thinking of one of those high ride pancake holsters, but I assume if I lift my arms, it would show.

 

[Joe Demko]

I have a 4" 686 that I've carried concealed. It was neither easy nor comfortable. That is one big, heavy gun. I carried under a shirt by using a high quality version of the elastic bellyband holster. Lift the shirt or tear open the snaps to access the gun.

 

[SWMAN]

I've carried 686 4" in a Desantis OWB holster, under a long sweat shirt w/o a problem. I've been thinking about getting a Milt Sparks VMII for it. Anyone here have one? Is it a good carry?

 

[DragonFire]

I know this doesnt' address your question really, but I have a 386 3" revolver that conceals nicely in a FIST OWB holster. Of course at 18oz it's only half the weight of a 686, but it's the same frame size.

By office environment, do you mean shirt and tie, or jacket/coat? It's hard to conceal an L-frame in a dress shirt, or anything that has to be tucked in. And untucked shirts aren't really suited for offices. Under a jacket is pretty easy, but the weight can be a bit heavy for all day, and of course, you would never be able to take it off.

 

[P95loser]

It's a really relaxed office... blue jeans, untucked collared shirt.

I have a P3AT and a 637, but I just shoot the 686 so much better... It makes me want to have it with me at all times.

 

[jad0110]

You could always do what I am considering: a 2.5 - 3" S&W K Frame or Ruger Six series in 38 or 357. Nice, well rounded, versatile carry guns that bridge the gap between a pocket gun (642) and a big HD gun like my 686. And they should be about as easy to shoot well as your big L.

 

[The_Shootist]

Shrug

I have carried my 4" bbl 686+ in typical Texas wear - shorts and a t-shirt with a DeSantis IWB, rightside. Leftside I have a double speedloader pouch, next to my cell phone. Never had a problem, never been made.

I think the trick is getting a thin, but durable holster, like the DeSantis model to carry it with. But really...whats the point? There are lighter options out there(G19/1911/various SIG models - heck even a Makarov) that will do the job for CCW with less bulk and weight.

Pretty much the only role I'd consider using the 686 in would be winter when people (including bad guys ) are more layered up. But down here that amounts to about a month - somtimes barely that .

Otherwise a G19/1911 or my M85 Taurus in my pocket will do the trick just fine.

 

[glockman19]

I have only carried my 4" 686 in a OWB holster. While it is concealable with untucked shirt or jacket I prefer smaller guns to CCW. I will be getting a S&W 640 for just this purpose.

I currently CCW a S&W 642/442, Glock 26/19, & Ultra Kimber.

 

[James T Thomas]

similarity

I have no experience in carrying the 686, however, the GP100 -4 inch, I know about. I'm small framed and overweight. It helps "conceal" things.

My experience is to forget about the weight burden. That's period!
What; ten ounces, maybe less? However, I must add that I have been accustomed to carrying heavy objects around for periods of time, and just resolved myself to doing so and going on with my life's business.

I carried with suit jacket over top of untucked shirt and did have a bulge.
But it blended with my own natural bulge. I had occasion to remove the jacket and aside from an occasional grip end making a statement, no one seemed to notice. I certainly was never questioned.

The workplace for you may be different though.

I use the El Paso Saddlery pancake which rides the revolver high, but firm.
Good price, good quality, and workable.

 

[P95loser]

Well, a lot has happened since I posted this thread 2 days ago. I have since traded a different handgun for a S&W 6906. I went and purchased a high rise holster for it and am currently wearing it very comfortably.

Now the good old 686 is where it belongs... in the nightstand!