Sw 686+ Ccw?

[Quick Draw McGraw]

How hard is it to conceal the 7 round 686+? Would the 2.5 inch one be really that much easier to ccw than the 4 incher? (I'm not talking about pocket carry) Also, how does the 686+ compare with something like a model 60 (I don't have much interest in the scandium/titanium guns right now) as far as concealability goes? is it worth the extra rounds and shootability? Also, what carry method do YOU think would be the best? I know it varies from person to person, but I'd like to hear some reasoned out personal opinions on this one. IWB? Smartcarry? Small of back? (seems like nobody likes S.O.B., and I'd don't see why that is. Does it print too much if you bend over to pick something up?) As you can see, any info that you folks can give a total noob is greatly appreciated.

I've searched a lot through this great forum (and also through TFL) and have learned a lot, but I finally decided to break down and post a more specific question. I'd love to move to Indiana or Michigan (or somewhere else where I can ccw) as soon as I get out of college, and I just can't help but start asking questions now.

Oh yeah, how do those three guns (2.5 and 4 inch 686+, and 2.125 inch 60) compare in shootability when loaded with good defensive magnums?

Thanks to everyone.

 

[dairycreek]

686+ is a pretty good CCW!

I can't answer all of your questions but as far as concealability is concerned it is IMHO a very good carry gun. I carry mine, a 2.5" barrel, in a FIST IWB #1 clip holster and it works fine.

I have added a Hogue grip which is pretty good looking but also keeps the gun from catching and printing on my clothing. Good shooting

Had a 4" model as well but it was not, for me, as comfortable and effective as the "snubby".

 

[bountyhunter]

If you want a slightly smaller six-shot, the model 66 is a good choice.

 

[Quick Draw McGraw]

It's not that I'm looking for something smaller necessarily, but rather that I just wanted some opinions on whether or not having one or two more rounds in the gun was worth the extra size and weight to carry around. The model 66 would have been another good one to throw in for some middle ground.

By the way, other than the slightly different sites, what's the difference between the 2.5 inch 66 and the 2.5 inch 686 (not the + version)?

 

[Josey]

Weight and metal internals. I would go with the 686+ with Hi-Viz sights in 2.5" with Secret Service grips. I would buy a pair if S&W would round the butt in a K frame round butt style and put factory laser aim grips on them. Imagine a modern two pistol cowboy with laser sighting and 16 rounds of a great cartridge.

 

[Erich]

Imagine a modern two pistol cowboy with laser sighting and 16 rounds of a great cartridge.

I don't get the 16 rounds? Are you counting a extra "chamber round"?

 

[The_Shootist]

686+ CCW?

The weather suddenly bounced into the mid 70's here in Texas (shorts and T-shirt weather) which would normally cause me to switch to a flatter profile for carry (either my G19 or full size 1911).

But, I still put my 4" bbl 686+ on and found that with a baggy black t-shirt it concealed quite nicely in a thin nylon Safariland holster. I've ordered a pair of Hogue wood grips which will reduce the worry of printing.

I admit you have to be careful - but nowadays with people carrying cell phones/palm pilots etc in their belts, fleeting sight of a bulge likely isn't going to stir up any reaction as long as the holster masks the revolvers outline. Its the 2 speedloaders in the case on the left side carry that seem to bulge more than the revolver itself

 

[hankrearden2000]

One of their new alloy 18 ouncers would fit the bill I think. Steel L-Frames are just too heavy for me in anything but a duty-like rig. Recoil in the lifhtweights would still be manageable doue to the grip size--better than a j-frame for certain.

 

[jc2]

Look here for an IWB holster designed for the 686/686+. Mine has proven very comfortable and concealable.

http://www.caboholsters.com/

 

[LEWIS]

If 7 shot .357 mag is your preferance then might I suggest a Taurus Mod 617. The 617 is slightly smaller frame and titanium to boot, it conceals nicely in a IWB holster. If you carry a handgun day in and day out the added weight of the 686 starts to become quite noticable, by end of day you feel like you are starting to list.
I own a 617ti, a 686+ and a couple of 686p's. I love to shoot the 686's but I carry the 617 everyday.
LEWIS

 

[Majic]

Imagine a modern two pistol cowboy with laser sighting and 16 rounds of a great cartridge.

You have upped the ante to a M627 N-frame.

Probably the reason most dislike the SOB holsters are that they are a PIA (pain in the .....). Seriously they are not comfortable when sitting and can cause back problems.