Smith 686+ PC Snub - AIWB Holster Options? [Archive]

Speederlander

09-24-2018, 03:39 PM

For a Smith 686+ PC Snub, what are the best AIWB holster options? I consider Keeper to be top flight for semi-auto but they don't do revolvers. Open to any suggestions. I like the holsters that include the foam on the bottom to drive the grip in towards the body. I'm not seeing it for L-frame revolvers.

Gun here:
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-686

Up1911Fan

09-24-2018, 03:48 PM

I'm sure JM could make one.

Hizzie

09-24-2018, 04:24 PM

JMCK

He did my 3” GP100 Wiley Clapp rig.

Speederlander

09-24-2018, 04:26 PM

Thanks guys! I will check him out. What I see already looks like it is right in line.

wvincent

09-24-2018, 04:28 PM

Speederlander

09-24-2018, 04:33 PM

I don't see this revolver as an option from their pull-down so I just sent them an email asking about availability and/or an extra charge for a one-off/custom.

Speederlander

09-24-2018, 04:57 PM

Tagging this for interest as I have the same revolver.

Did you keep the factory sights or change them out?

wvincent

09-24-2018, 04:59 PM

Did you keep the factory sights or change them out?

Factory has proven satisfactory for now. How ever I am considering a gold bead front sight if I can find one.

Speederlander

09-24-2018, 05:09 PM

JM just responded and said no molds available for it.

jeremy_[

09-24-2018, 08:15 PM

Gypsy EDC might be able to or Dale Fricke.

mmc45414

09-24-2018, 08:40 PM

JM just responded and said no molds available for it.

Hizzie

09-24-2018, 09:17 PM

JM just responded and said no molds available for it.

He used to do 686’s.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?9432-JM-Custom-AIWB-for-S-amp-W-686-4-quot

It was that thread that made me go JM for my 3” GP100.

Lon

09-24-2018, 11:38 PM

He used to do 686’s.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?9432-JM-Custom-AIWB-for-S-amp-W-686-4-quot

It was that thread that made me go JM for my 3” GP100.

I wonder if the + is the problem. Different cylinder than the standard 686 so it would need a different mold.

S Jenks

09-25-2018, 04:03 AM

I have a JMCK for my GP100 Wiley Clapp, my new (to me) 686+ PC fits in there pretty well. Mine was ordered three years ago before the 3” GP100 was a listed option.

The broken edges of the hammer on the PC help with the gut-poke a bit where the Ruger’s hammer is very sharp. Looking back I should have ordered the holster with a higher cut.

Despite the cylinder mass and weight, appendix carry of a short-barreled revolver conceals surprisingly well.

mmc45414

09-25-2018, 05:37 AM

He used to do 686’s.

I wonder if the + is the problem. Different cylinder than the standard 686 so it would need a different mold.
He said he had a mold that broke, and he doesn't have a gun to work from.

I wondered about the cylinder flute issue because of my M-69 being 5 shot, but the discussion never really went that far.

Hizzie

09-25-2018, 08:59 AM

He said he had a mold that broke, and he doesn't have a gun to work from.

I wondered about the cylinder flute issue because of my M-69 being 5 shot, but the discussion never really went that far.

I prefer unfluted holsters to avoid dealing with with the 5/6/7/unfluted issue altogether.

revchuck38

09-25-2018, 12:29 PM

Oops, wrong place, disregard.

Tony Mayer

09-27-2018, 08:21 PM

Hey guys, I just checked with my CNC mold guy to see if he has an L Frame (up to 4" barrel) that will fit un-futted cylinders and the 7 shooter. For whatever reason, I have been getting asked about the L frame quite a bit lately so there may be enough interest to warrant the cost. And of course I may have to buy one for test fitting :cool:

Stand by.

Tony Mayer

09-27-2018, 08:25 PM

And he just emailed back, negative....at this time.......but he is going to try and find one to scan. So that's a big fat maybe!

mmc45414

09-27-2018, 08:45 PM

And he just emailed back, negative....at this time.......but he is going to try and find one to scan. So that's a big fat maybe!

Speederlander

10-01-2018, 01:42 AM

wvincent

10-03-2018, 10:03 PM

I would pay a (reasonable) premium if it became available.

As would I. Tony Mayer, send me a PM if you need to borrow one.

Eagle1*

10-04-2018, 03:10 AM

Have you seen these? Look pretty good to me..

https://mk-tekholsters.com/products/sw-686-plus-iwb-holster

Hizzie

10-04-2018, 10:13 AM

Have you seen these? Look pretty good to me..

https://mk-tekholsters.com/products/sw-686-plus-iwb-holster

A single skinny overhook for an L-Frame?

03RN

10-04-2018, 08:00 PM

Have you seen these? Look pretty good to me..

https://mk-tekholsters.com/products/sw-686-plus-iwb-holster

That doesn't look like it was designed for aiwb use. It looks like someone took an owb holster and put a belt clip on the outside.

Tony Mayer

10-04-2018, 08:57 PM

Guys (and gals if there are any) how many of you would be interested in an L Frame holster? If I get enough I will see what I can come up with from my mold guy. Only serious inquires please.

Thanks

wvincent

10-04-2018, 09:07 PM

Guys (and gals if there are any) how many of you would be interested in an L Frame holster? If I get enough I will see what I can come up with from my mold guy. Only serious inquires please.

Thanks

I certainly am in for one.

DocSabo40

10-05-2018, 06:27 PM

I would be in for one or two.

revchuck38

10-06-2018, 04:32 AM

I'd take one as well.

mmc45414

10-06-2018, 06:40 AM

how many of you would be interested in an L Frame holster? I know I asked in the past, but I ended up with some Sparks gear for mine.

JAD

10-06-2018, 08:38 AM

I have at least one buddy who will buy one.

TC215

10-06-2018, 03:49 PM

I would be interested as well.

Tony Mayer

10-06-2018, 04:47 PM

5 confirmed, need at least 5 more , but 8-10 more would be better!
Thanks

Speederlander

10-08-2018, 04:45 AM

I'm in. The 686 Plus PC snub with unflutted barrel.

zephyr

10-14-2018, 11:18 PM

5 confirmed, need at least 5 more , but 8-10 more would be better!
Thanks

I'm in for two Tony! I am the guy who was asking you for one back in April. I need em for a 3 inch 686+.

Tony Mayer

10-16-2018, 08:41 PM

That takes it up to 8, just need at least 2 more!

zephyr

10-16-2018, 11:23 PM

I put the word out to a few other forms Tony, hopefully you'll get enough hits to proceed within a few days. If not I'll buy the last two (in addition to the two I already committed to) if necessary, they would be easy to resell.

Tony Mayer

10-17-2018, 02:21 PM

Ok, will get my mold guy on it!

zephyr

10-17-2018, 03:13 PM

Ok, will get my mold guy on it!

Awesome!

Here are some thoughts to maybe share with your mold guy to ensure the most universal fit:

In the 686-5 model S&W changed the frame to a new cylinder stop design. It would be best if the mold could accommodate both pre and post -5 designs.
Both 2.5" and 3" barrels are popular so ideally the mold could support both.
686-4 and up come in both 6 and 7 round variants. The cylinders are the same width though so ideally the mold could support both. The lugs are different between the two but hopefully the mold can account for that.

Tony Mayer

10-17-2018, 08:13 PM

Awesome!

Here are some thoughts to maybe share with your mold guy to ensure the most universal fit:

In the 686-5 model S&W changed the frame to a new cylinder stop design. It would be best if the mold could accommodate both pre and post -5 designs.
Both 2.5" and 3" barrels are popular so ideally the mold could support both.
686-4 and up come in both 6 and 7 round variants. The cylinders are the same width though so ideally the mold could support both. The lugs are different between the two but hopefully the mold can account for that.

Sweet, thanks for the info!

jtcarm

10-17-2018, 09:15 PM

JMCK

He did my 3” GP100 Wiley Clapp rig.

Pictures?

Hizzie

10-17-2018, 09:35 PM

Pictures?

http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=13161

wvincent

04-16-2019, 01:03 PM

Going to bring two back to life for two reasons:
1. Did Tony ever get these built? Not seeing on website.
2. Did anyone ever find a good working alternative that is already in production?

blues

04-16-2019, 02:19 PM

Tony built me an AIWB for a 3" 686+.

Speederlander

04-16-2019, 06:46 PM

Tony built me an AIWB for a 3" 686+.

That include a claw and/or foam wedge? How does it work for you? Highly recommended for daily carry? Would really appreciate the full scoop.

blues

04-16-2019, 07:00 PM

That include a claw and/or foam wedge? How does it work for you? Highly recommended for daily carry? Would really appreciate the full scoop.

It's built on Tony's "AIWB" platform / concept. (I emailed him, we discussed a couple of other model holsters but this is what we came up with in the end and I think Tony was right in choosing this for me.)

No claw, and I put my own velcro and wedge on the holster.

It's much more comfortable and concealable than would seem possible for a gun with the size and heft of an "L" frame. That said, I purchased it for the times when I might want to carry the gun. It is not an EDC for me. That role falls to one of my Glocks or a S&W 642-1.

You'd really have to try it out for yourself to determine whether it's for you. (I believe Tony has, or had, a 10 day return policy.)

I've also used a Triple K #314 (https://www.triplek.com/product/314-insider-holster/) and found it both comfortable and secure on the belt. (I owned the Triple K before purchasing the JMCK.)

blues

04-16-2019, 07:20 PM

Forgot, I had a picture of the 686+ with the Triple K:

37330

03RN

04-16-2019, 07:33 PM

That include a claw and/or foam wedge? How does it work for you? Highly recommended for daily carry? Would really appreciate the full scoop.

I have a k frame version that is my EDC. No claw but there is a kydex bump under the belt loop that rotates the grip in and the wedge pushes the grip in too.

Very comfortable. Morso than any other jmcustom aiwb holster I have.

I wish I could try out a 3" l frame in one. I wouldn't mind an extra round. I'm just not sure I'd want the extra girth every day

wvincent

04-16-2019, 09:49 PM

Forgot, I had a picture of the 686+ with the Triple K:

37330

Thanks putting up the pic.
Question though, I thought all pluses were seven shot, unfluted cylinders.

blues

04-16-2019, 09:58 PM

Thanks putting up the pic.
Question though, I thought all pluses were seven shot, unfluted cylinders.

You're welcome.

Nope that was the way it came stock. (Except for the front sight.)

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-686-plus-2

S&W Image:

https://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/styles/product_main/public/firearms/images/164300_01_lg_0.jpg?itok=6856cy6P

wvincent

04-16-2019, 10:02 PM

You're welcome.

Nope that was the way it came stock. (Except for the front sight.)

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-686-plus-2

S&W Image:

https://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/styles/product_main/public/firearms/images/164300_01_lg_0.jpg?itok=6856cy6P

Ahhh, my mistake. It's the PC 686 Plus that is unfluted.

wvincent

04-16-2019, 10:04 PM

Tony Mayer, flagging you in this thread because I know I wasn't the only person who wanted this.
Are we at production on these?
Any updates at all?

Thank you.

Tony Mayer

04-16-2019, 10:16 PM

Guys, right now it is stalled. My mold guy is completely buried, and had not found a real gun to scan for a mold. Will talk to him when I am back next week and let you know what's happening. Thanks

blues

04-16-2019, 10:25 PM

FWIW, since it may be moot given Tony's reply above, here's a couple images of the holster he made for the 3" 686+ (with fluted cylinder):

https://pistol-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15005&d=1490210319

https://pistol-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15006&d=1490210340

(Images taken from this thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?24898-More-Excellence-From-Sparks-NV) I started a couple years back.)