Anyone Conceal Carry a Firearm?

I'm thinking about selling my Beretta Mini-Cougar .40 so that I can buy a Smith & Wesson 686.

I'm in Arizona and can open carry anywhere and on the 29th of this month it becomes legal to conceal carry without permit. In the past I have, in other states received my conceal permit and now I'm thinking I'd like to conceal again (because of health issues).

Has anyone carried a 686 (L frame) or similar size sidearm? Was it difficult to conceal and carry comfortably? I hear a longer barrel in a pancake holster carries better because the barrel pushes the butt into your side. Not sure if I should get 2.5 or 4 inch barrel.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/f597dc314f87.jpg[/atsimg]

[edit on 7/27/2010 by kinglizard]

Nope, don't carry or need one thanks.

This is not America....

Originally posted by nerbot
Nope, don't carry or need one thanks.

I pray neither of us ever need one.

Originally posted by kinglizard
I'd like to conceal again (because of health issues).
[edit on 7/27/2010 by kinglizard]

What health conditions do you have that would make it necessary to carry a gun???

Really the only thing I can think of is various mental health conditions that would make you paranoid

Note: I'm not criticizing your decision to carry a gun, I'm just confused about your reasons

nick, That's the best sideways insult I've read in awhile.

thanks

You still didn't answer my question...

reply to post by kinglizard


Well to be honest it really does not matter. Both will get the 'job' done in any situation. I would go with the small one because it is easier to whip out and aim with the shorter barrel. The longer barrel would be more difficult to conceal and of course harder to aim and get out. But in the end a gun is a gun and a bullet is a bullet. No matter what it comes out of the effects are the same.

Thanks myth..I'm leaning that way though the 4 inch has a full size extractor which I like. I don't know I'm really interested in how they carry.

Originally posted by nick_napalm
You still didn't answer my question...

If it was an honest question it would have been answered. If I posed a question as you did it would go something like this.

You are either too immature, young or lack life experience if mental instability is the only medical issue you can think of that may require a person to be concerned about their security. So which is it?

No disrespect meant...

Get it? I know you do as I and everyone else already knows the intent of your "question". Be a man and stand up for your post, I had more respect for you when you just said what you meant.





[edit on 7/28/2010 by kinglizard]

reply to post by nick_napalm


If you look like your avatar, that would be the mental condition that I would want to protect my family from.

Don't defend yourself from these jerks. They'll never change their minds. After all, they are far superior to any of us. And all specialists by the sound of it.

I carry a 32 & 9mm when conditions warrant.

If I was to buy another gun to carry, it would be one of those hammerless revolvers. That way you can shoot without having to draw it out, if you carry in your pocket, and there is no hammer to get caught in the clothing.

I carry concealed most of the time these days, I used to carry concealed all of the time. For a while I carried a Ruger GP100 which is about the same size as the Smith and Wesson 686, though a tad bit heavier. It depends alot on how much time out of the day you have to carry the GP/686 for 6 hours or so it didnt bother me much but I was carrying for 12+ hours per day and those big revolvers tend to get very heavy the longer you have to carry them.

These days I carry either a full sized 1911 IWB or a Glock 36 IWB its summertime here now so mainly its the Glock 36 which is much light and much easier to conceal because of size.

I actually prefer the pancake style holsters if not carrying IWB.

reply to post by kinglizard


I carried that same gun for years off duty my friend...

Don't let anyone fool you, the 4" is too long for a good comfortable carry..

The 2 or 2 1/2 in S&W is perfect. Just get a good quality high rise holster.. Not very good for "in the pants" though; seemed very uncomfortable for me.

I like the "Pancake" style holster and would recommend a good leather and NOT the nylon.. The nylon does not seem to keep it's shape..

One of my favorites

That is a good holster..

Let me know if I can help anymore..

ps.. What kind of sights are you getting? I would not go with anything other than Night Sites for personal carry....

Trijicon Night Sights

Originally posted by wookiee
I carry a 32 & 9mm when conditions warrant.

I was thinking about an lcp or S&W.380 bodyguard but decided on a wheelgun. That way I can use it as a range gun and CC. I do like the 9mm round though. I've also got a Beretta 92fs.

Originally posted by DarkStormCrow
For a while I carried a Ruger GP100 which is about the same size as the Smith and Wesson 686, though a tad bit heavier.

I like Ruger. A couple years ago I had a SP-101, I wish I hadn't gotten rid of the thing.

GP100 is a monster...heck of a gun but a monster.

reply to post by semperfortis


Thanks brother, I trust you opinion more than most...I'll take your advice an go with the 2.5 inch 686.

You know tritium sights never crossed my mind with the 686. I think pistol when I think night sights for some reason. I'll look into it.

reply to post by kinglizard


Without going into much detail my Brother, night sights have saved my life..

While I still own a 357 with the old notch and post sights, my "go to" gun is the Sig GSR C3 with Trijicon Night Sights...

As long as the revolver has "target" style sights, and the 686 does, the gun shop you purchase it from should be able to mount the sights just fine. They are generally just a little over 100.00 usd.. A very good investment in my opinion...

Let me know how it works out!!!

Semper

Originally posted by semperfortis
While I still own a 357 with the old notch and post sights, my "go to" gun is the Sig GSR C3 with Trijicon Night Sights...

I have never handled a 1911 and am unfamiliar with the 1911 battery of arms. I don't have extensive training like you so I'm thinking a revolver would be best for someone like me.

The thought that keeps entering my mind is that in a life or death situation I will be scared, pumped up with adrenalin and will lose fine motor skills. I worry that I will forget to unsafely a pistol or if I need to rack the slide...what if I stovepipe a round or some other pistol related issue. I'm shot a lot but I know that is out the window when adrenalin is flooding my body.

The Sig GSR C3 is a beautiful weapon...I just looked it up on youtube. Man there are so many sidearms I want.

Semper, do you know if you can use moon-clips with the 686?

reply to post by kinglizard

I've carried this firearm, I believe it was the four inch and I carried it in a cross draw holster. It carried very comfortably in that fashion. Conceals easily under a coat or light shirt, the holster can be slid to the left on your belt a little for better concealment and if needed easily slid forward. Also with a cross draw you have better control of the weapon as far as the possibility of someone trying to snatch it from your holster.
Seeashrink