JM Custom AIWB for S&W 686 4"

[MSparks909]

My EDC for the last couple of months has been my G34 in a JM Custom AIWB. I tend to spend a good portion of my fall time in the woods (usually alone) scouting duck hunting spots or exploring. I've never felt outgunned against 2 legged predators with 9mm but I've sometimes been doubtful about taking down a wild boar or defending against a bear if the need ever arises. I am also a big revolver fan and truly enjoy shooting my 686 (where as my G34 feels like "business as usual" sometimes). I thought about ordering a leather OWB holster to keep the 686 in but then started thinking of the feasibility of carrying the 686 AIWB. I ran my idea by Tony and he said he could make it happen. I asked for a standard ride height, to have the cylinder at or slightly above the belt line, extra tuck, split kydex loops and to incorporate a slight sweat shield. Holster came in today so I thought I would share some pics.

Here's a pic of the side that rides against my body. Slight sweat shield:
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3962/rhxl.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/rhxl.jpg/)

Here's a pic of the side with the belt attachment:
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/5285/5w7w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/5w7w.jpg/)

Looking down the sights. You can see the slight sweat shield to the left of the frame and how the kydex rides above the cylinder to keep the holster above the pant line (snap caps in the cylinder, not live ammo):
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/239/z6ue.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/z6ue.jpg/)

Here's how it looks when being carried. Plenty of room to get a good grip while drawing:
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8044/e3sj.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/689/e3sj.jpg/)

My viewpoint looking down:
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4049/sb7w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/sb7w.jpg/)

I've only worn the holster around the house/yard for the last couple of hours but it is very comfortable (more so than my G19 & G34 JM AIWB models). This holster is also more stable than my G19/G34 holsters and doesn't seem to cant back and forth on my belt line as much while walking around (not that the others move excessively) thanks to the extra width of the holster. The extra weight is also a non-issue. It's not really noticeable over the fully loaded G34 even though I'm carrying an extra 10-12 oz with this setup. I'll be heading to the local range tomorrow to practice some Bill Drills from concealment and re-familiarize myself with revolver shooting as I haven't shot this gun in several months. I'm sure the revolver purists will have fits that I'm carrying my 686 in a kydex holster, but to me this is a defense tool first and foremost. Plus stainless doesn't show wear marks as easily as a 586 Blued model would. If all goes well at the range I'll be carrying this setup with me on a Labor Day Dove hunt. There were many feral hogs in the field I'll be hunting this summer and I don't want to chance stopping one with just 7 1/2 bird shot.

EDIT: I'm 5'10", 160 lbs and athletic build. 32" waist. Complete concealment with shorts and a t-shirt. The rounded grip of the 686 doesn't print as easily as my G19/34 especially when walking into the wind.

[JDM]

Awesome work.

I wonder if he's got a 2-5/8" 629 laying around...

[MSparks909]

Awesome work.

I wonder if he's got a 2-5/8" 629 laying around...

Not sure. He did mention he wanted to expand his AIWB holsters to include more revolvers. If there's a blue gun for it I'm sure he can make it. I found a 4" 686 blue gun and he was able to mold mine off that.

[wsr]

Thats nice I need one for my 3in 65

[GJM]

And for my Scandium four inch 329 .44 magnum.

[Chuck Haggard]

Hmmmm......

I have a 4" 681 that I have thought about bobbing the hammer on and using as a carry gun for certain jobs......

[shootist26]

what kind of grips are those?

[MSparks909]

what kind of grips are those?

Factory rubber grips. I thought about getting some grips without finger grooves but these fit my hand pretty well. Looking to upgrade the sights in a couple of weeks.

[EVP]

That looks awesome! I have thought about AIWB my 686 4. I would of thought that it would of been bulkier to carry then my g19 or p30. I may have to give it a shot.

[SGT_Calle]

Not sure. He did mention he wanted to expand his AIWB holsters to include more revolvers. If there's a blue gun for it I'm sure he can make it. I found a 4" 686 blue gun and he was able to mold mine off that.

Did you keep the blue gun or did they? I see a 686 in my near future and would love a good AIWB holster for it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free (http://tapatalk.com/m/)

[shootist26]

Factory rubber grips. I thought about getting some grips without finger grooves but these fit my hand pretty well. Looking to upgrade the sights in a couple of weeks.

Here's what I did for my 686 sights if you want ideas. I wanted a tritium front with a plain black rear (just like my semiauto sights) and ended up with this config in post #14. Works well for me.
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?7129-Looking-to-upgrade-my-S-amp-W-686-revolver-sights

[Tony Mayer]

MSparks909, thanks for the business and the review.

To everyone else who, thanks for the kind words and the interest. I buy blueguns or make my own molds from the real guns so if there is a pic of a holster out there I have a mold to make another one. Right know I can do the 686's up to 4" barrels, the Ruger GP100 up to 4" , Ruger SP01 up to 3" and the J-frames. I can possibly make a mold of a 4" 629 if there is enough interest. Thanks again and let me know if you have any more questions.

[MSparks909]

Here's what I did for my 686 sights if you want ideas. I wanted a tritium front with a plain black rear (just like my semiauto sights) and ended up with this config in post #14. Works well for me.
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?7129-Looking-to-upgrade-my-S-amp-W-686-revolver-sights

It was actually your thread that sparked ideas on sight upgrades. I'm most likely going to copy your setup.

[SGT_Calle]

Any update on the holster after a month of use?

[Clyde from Carolina]

Awesome. I'm forwarding this to my best friend and mentor who is a diehard old wheel gun guy. He still misses his favorite old duty gun -- a 686 with 4" barrel.

[SGT_Calle]

Good news!
I managed to pick up a used 686 SSR, going to try to scrape up the cash for a holster.

[MSparks909]

I've only worn the holster about a dozen times so far. I've been fine-tuning/polishing up my trigger as of late so I haven't carried it as much as I want to yet. But on the times I do it carries fabulously, and after loosening the retention some I'm getting good, quick draws. It's amazing how much more concealable the rounded revolver grip is than a semi-auto pistol grip, especially under a t-shirt.

[Hizzie]

Any long term updates on the 686 and JM?

[MSparks909]

Nothing major to report. I carry this setup only 1-2x a month. I've been on a single stack kick lately so the 686 has been collecting dust for the last two months. Just bought some more reloading supplies so I'll start shooting it more next month.

[Rich]

I use to carry a heavy 3inch GP100 AIWB loaded with 38spl +P.

For some reason I never Appendix carried my M19,M13.M686 with 4inch barrels .

Mainly snub noses 1-7/8 to 3inch.


I sold off all my K&L frames in 2002. ( thinking I could always buy another)

But have been thinking of going back to a 3inch 357magnum either the GP100 or 686.

For some reason I shoot more accurately using a revolver. plus the heaviness of a L frame or GP100 tames the mild recoil of the 38spl 148WC or 38spl +P .
I use to be able to yank the trigger as fast as I could and have a nice tight group at 7Y .

BTW

I also had my gun smith grind off the hammer spur on my belly guns

[camsdaddy]

Im excited I have one of these available for a 4" K frame. I will probably carry my 3" 65 the most but like being able to also carry my 4" 13.

[Lyonsgrid]

Looks like i need one of these for a 2" model 64.

[Lon]

I didn't see a k or l frame on the drop down menu. What k frame options are out there? I have a 3" 65 that needs a good holster.

[camsdaddy]

No worries just send a PM or email and he will let you know whats available.
sales@jmcustomkydex.com

[Tony Mayer]

Lon, I can do 4" and 3" K frames. If you order, use any pistol in the drop down and tell me in the comments which K frame its for. Thanks

[Lyonsgrid]

Tony, can you handle a 2" model 64 - AIWB?

[Tony Mayer]

Tony, can you handle a 2" model 64 - AIWB?

Lyonsgrid, I can, although the 3" model will work just as well , the extra length will probably help concealment . Either way, I can make a new mold and modify it to a 2" K frame. Thanks

[Lon]

Lon, I can do 4" and 3" K frames. If you order, use any pistol in the drop down and tell me in the comments which K frame its for. Thanks

Great! Thanks

[camsdaddy]

I know from carrying a 2" 64 as well as a Glock 26 AIWB for a while that I suggest a longer holster. I found the "larger guns" (bigger than a J frame) with the shorter barrels have a tendency to try to roll over the belt line. I found the 26 and the 64 more comfortable in holsters for a slightly longer gun. To the point I prefer to carry my 26 and my 3" 65 (sold the 64) in a holster for their larger counterparts. I find it more stable.

[Lyonsgrid]

I know from carrying a 2" 64 as well as a Glock 26 AIWB for a while that I suggest a longer holster. I found the "larger guns" (bigger than a J frame) with the shorter barrels have a tendency to try to roll over the belt line. I found the 26 and the 64 more comfortable in holsters for a slightly longer gun. To the point I prefer to carry my 26 and my 3" 65 (sold the 64) in a holster for their larger counterparts. I find it more stable.
Thanks for the tips. I'll keep them in mind.

[camsdaddy]

Super excited the mail man showed up today with a box from Jm kydex. I was really impressed as always with the quality and workmanship. I look forward to carrying my K frame more now.

[Lon]

Super excited the mail man showed up today with a box from Jm kydex. I was really impressed as always with the quality and workmanship. I look forward to carrying my K frame more now.

Pics?

[camsdaddy]

I am having trouble getting the pics to load. I will be happy to email pics.

[Lon]

I am having trouble getting the pics to load. I will be happy to email pics.

Here ya go:

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/xpd54/06327DA0-93C9-4A17-A972-6EBDC6F9CAA8_zpsqyayhbyc.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/xpd54/FAFF551E-220A-468A-BFDF-E665911F8ABF_zpslrqjgk1k.jpg

[breakingtime91]

any updates how the 4inch k frames are carrying?

[camsdaddy]

I haven't carried mine. Been carrying my glock 19 so I have no update.

[Up1911Fan]

Here ya go:

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/xpd54/06327DA0-93C9-4A17-A972-6EBDC6F9CAA8_zpsqyayhbyc.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/xpd54/FAFF551E-220A-468A-BFDF-E665911F8ABF_zpslrqjgk1k.jpg

I'm gonna have to get one of those for my incoming 3" K-Frame.