any one carry a S&W 686 2 1/2 in.?

[Frailer]

Too heavy for daily carry according to whom? You should be the judge of what is too heavy and what is not.

I don't think anyone would disagree with this, but the OP asked for opinions.

For *me* it's too heavy (and bulky) for what it is. My 640-1 fulfills the same purpose but weighs roughly a pound less.

The L-frame was designed to be a service revolver, and in that capacity it has few equals. But for concealed carry there are better options.

Again, this is merely my opinion.

[usmcgrunt]

When I was in the USMC a couple of my buddies bought this exact revolver and loved it! Not sure if they carried it much but they loved to shoot it! One of them just recently sold his, almost 25 years later!

Myself I carry a Model 19-4 with a 2.5 inch barrel in my Go Bag! Is it heavy..Yes! Do I carry it often...No! But I love it, its my second one, like an idiot I sold my first one and I got lucky a guy I knew was letting this one go! Although your looking at a difference of 10 oz give or take, with the heavier being the 686! As long as you get a well made holster it shouldnt be a problem once you get use to it!

Yes I'd buy and carry but mostly I'd just love to have one in my stable!

Good Luck!

Grunt Out!

[TiroFijo]

For ME is a boat anchor and flame thrower. Recoil is OK, accuracy is good, looks good and mean.

The 586/686 really shine in 4" and 6" barrel lenghts.

If you want a relatively small 357 revolver, the K frame 3" are hard to beat (but difficult to find). The pre-lock M13/M65 are great.

[akrapovic]

I did for a little bit. Like stated, it was a boat anchor. It was a 586l perf center so a little heavier.

[Denali]

I've been looking for a 357 revolver for awhile now and I found a good deal on a used 686 with 2 1/2 inch barrel. Just wondering if anyone had any experience with this gun for concealed carry? And any pros cons of the gun?

I carry a 3" 686 frequently, I also carry a 2.5" 66 from time to time. The 686 with 3" barrel is quite comfortable to conceal, has the best trigger of any double action revolver currently in production, and has very good pointing characteristics. I carry the 686 in a Galco vertical shoulder rig, or a belt scabbard.

[Denali]

I really like the 3” 65 & 66.

I hate S&W for dropping them from the line, the 66 was always a rare item., the Ladysmith(65)was a neat, easily carried item with superb pointing characteristics.

If S&W ever resurrects them, I'll be buying two of each...

[ccosby]

For ME is a boat anchor and flame thrower. Recoil is OK, accuracy is good, looks good and mean.

The 586/686 really shine in 4" and 6" barrel lenghts.

If you want a relatively small 357 revolver, the K frame 3" are hard to beat (but difficult to find). The pre-lock M13/M65 are great.

Yea I was going to say the 4 to 6 inch length of the 586/686 is really nice. The frame is kinda big for a smaller barrel to me personally. For carry I'd prob look at one of their smaller framed options personally.

Guess it comes down to how you want to carry it though. The 686 is a very nice gun.

[GLShooter]

I've carried mine at times. Never thought much about it as it rode well for me. I'm kind of skinny but it was manageable. It does duty as a front door gun most of the time.

Mine is pretty accurate. 3 pound coffee can lids at 50 yards were used to sight it in and I managed 5/6 back to back. Plenty good for arms length stuff if it is ever needed. I've shot it in a few belly gun matches so am confident in handling it.

Greg

[SquarePizza]

I carry an unflutted 686+ 3inch.

Like the others have said, it is a boat anchor, at something like 42 ounces unloaded. Add 7 shots of 158 grain and that ain't helping your load any.

Therefore, holster and belt selection are key. Try to minimize its ability to shift or move and you will find yourself being a lot more comfy. You will never forget you have it on (as opposed to carrying my dick special, which I can forget about), but if you stick with carrying it you will get used to it after a week or so.

[markyboy57]

I carry a 686+ in 2.5" and 3", often. Get a good holster and the weight
will not be an issue. I like to carry IWB with a Milt Sparks versamax II.
I routinely carry for 8 hours or more and only notice the weight when taking off my pants.