2.5 inch 686 Plus

[Animal_Mother556]

I have recently acquired one. I would like to carry it. I am not new to shooting revolvers, but I am new to carrying them. What kinds of holsters are you all using with your revolvers? I would prefer to carry this thing OWB but can't decide between Kydex and leather.

Thanks, guys.

[Animal_Mother556]

No one? Okay...do any of you even carry a K or L framed revolver with short bbl??? (or any full-sized revolver)

[Jason Falla]

For me holster choice is not about the type of weapon that I am carrying but where I want to carry it, how long I have to carry it for, the type of function that I am performing with the gun, what situations or positions I am likely to have to present the gun from.

I like carrying outside the waist band and I use predominately a leather holster for my day to day activities. I know that I am slightly slower using a leather holster over my kydex but comfort plays a big part during my day to day carry.

If I am performing a security role, EP, PSD or similar, I will use Kydex for the most part as I may be more likely to produce the weapon in that role.

You may be restricted in the kydex due to not many manufacturers making a holster to fit that gun. You will definitely be able to find a leather on though.

Just some thoughts.

[Hizzie]

I packed a S&W 681PC Quadport 4" for a long time. I used a Ready Tactical Products paddle holster and speedloader holder. Would have prefered a Comp-Tac but the mold was broke at the time. Cylinder bulge and overall weight are the enemy. A good belt, possibly suspenders, a quality holster and proper cover garment will make it possible. I prefer SL Variant speedloaders for reloads backed up with plenty of speed strips stashed like fire extinguishers here and there. Oh, and pics or it never happened!

[savagesteel]

I've had the 686 plus, 2.5" barrel gun on my buy list forever. Great gun. If it were me I would go with a Bladetech SRB (Sting Ray Belt holster) until I could get a Mitch Rosen leather holster or custom Kydex job made up. I haven't found too many Kydex makers with the 686 on their list of gun models. I'd be interested to see pics of what you went with when you decide!

[shua713]

My brother just purchased a 686 plus but with a 4 inch barrel. He has a leather holster, owb. I will check with him and see what kind he uses

[PD Sgt.]

I have a Milt Sparks VMII for my 696 (.44 Spl. 3" barrel) and it has been comfortable for IWB. I was a little concerned about cylinder width, but so far I have not had a problem.

For a revolver I would probably stick with leather over kydex. I am not sure how much wider the mouth of the holster has to be made for the kydex to accommodate the cylinder, and how that would affect concealability. OWB I would look at the 55BN or the PMK by Sparks, or one of the many other quality holster makers (Alessi, 5Shot, etc.) offerings.

[DocH]

I agree that as far as revolvers go,leather will be easier to find for that particular revolver than kydex. I carry a Mod.19 S&W 2 1/2 in.quite often these days and I either use a Mitch Rosen 5G slide,or an AIWB rough side out holster.
I actually prefer the AIWB now for all handgun carry,but there are occasions where it is not feasible. You'll need a sturdy double thick belt.Width doesn't matter much.I like 1 1/4 in. for myself.

[Animal_Mother556]

pics or it never happened!

Sorry, bro



Thanks for the input, guys. I have decided on leather pancake....now i will have to decide what brand. I have heard good things about Lobo holsters

[davidz71]

I still have a 2.5, 4 and 6 inch 686 revolvers and shot them in competition. I used a Safariland #29 lined thumb break holster for the 4 inch and put the 2.5 inch in there also to save having to buy another holster.