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Thread: 686 holster question

  1. #1
    Boolit Master oldhenry's Avatar
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    686 holster question

    I have 3 holsters from Mernickle. All 3 fit the guns like a glove.

    I'm now toying with choosing a CC holster for my '90s era 4" 686+. I've been doing a computer search & came up with 3 possible candidates:
    1. El Paso Saddlery: 1930 "Austin"
    2. El Paso Saddlery: 1920 "Tom Threepersons"
    3. Galco "Wheelgunner" #WG104 which is a switch type (strong side or X draw)

    I can't determine from the info furnished if either are made for a specific gun or a one size fits all for a small group of guns. I suspect they are not made for a specific gun. All 3 have a top strap (which I don't like, but I could choose not to use it & fold it back). The Mernickles that I have do not have a strap to secure the gun because they fit so well none is needed.

    Does anyone have any experience with either of the 3 holsters in question?

    Thanks,
    Henry

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master
    rintinglen's Avatar
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    The only one of the three that I have experience with was for a Colt Official Police Revolver and was the El Paso Saddlery "Tom Threepersons." It was perfectly fit to the gun. I would choose it over either of the others. Just based on examination of photos, The Austin is a modified mexican flap "western" style holster that would look fine on a cartridge belt but would not conceal well, and the Galco holster appears to ride awfully high, making it hard to draw from.

    For what its worth, I would go with a pancake style holster for concealed carry of an L Frame 4 inch. Even then, it would be bulgy, but a loose shirt would cover it against casual observation.Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by rintinglen; 03-27-2020 at 07:48 AM.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Master oldhenry's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rintinglen View Post
    The only one of the three that I have experience with was for a Colt Official Police Revolver and was the El Paso Saddlery "Tom Threepersons." It was perfectly fit to the gun. I would choose it over either of the others. Just based on examination of photos, The Austin is a modified mexican flap "western" style holster that would look fine on a cartridge belt but would not conceal well, and the Galco holster appears to ride awfully high, making it hard to draw from.

    For what its worth, I would go with a pancake style holster for concealed carry of an L Frame 4 inch. Even then, it would be bulgy, but a loose shirt would cover it against casual observation.Click image for larger version. 

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    Thanks for the response.
    Henry

  4. #4
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    gon2shoot's Avatar
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    I really like my Threepersons holster from El Paso, good fit to the gun.
    grit yer teeth an pull the trigger

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Here’s my 686 in a Dillon holster I bought off eBay. Since you don’t like a retention strap this might work for you if you can find one.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

    LUCKYDAWG13's Avatar
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    maybe give Milt Sparks a call I have a few from them they make great holsters https://www.miltsparks.com/gallery.php If you need it sooner TT gun leather make fine holsters https://www.ttgunleather.com/

    I would like to add that the holsters that i have from them are all for bottom feeders
    kids that hunt and fish dont mug old ladies

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    Oldhenry -

    Howdy!

    IMHO - the Galco product is closest to being a CCW holster.
    Holsters w/ a retention strap seem ( to me ) to be less preferable than those featuring a “thumb break”
    style arrangement.

    The Galco holster shown however, positions the revolver muzzle-aft ( strong side ) and grip-aft when worn cross draw. This would bias gun purchase and draw into being performed limp-wristed vs a crossdraw holster that features a fwd muzzle rake ( strong side ) and grip-fwd when worn cross draw.
    That orientation helps keep the gun-wrist-forearm axis all in prefered firm alignment .

    If you can possibly afford, you might contact Ken Null of Resaka, Ga. Ken made me a superb holster to
    my spec’s, for carrying my 4” custom heavy barrel M-520 .357 Mag. It is ultra high ride to keep the cylinder above the belt line, hugs the hip via use of 2 included belt slots, is thumb break style; and positions the gun muzzle-fwd when worn strong side. Superb workmanship, timely delivery; reasonable price.


    With regards,
    357Mag

  8. #8
    Boolit Master oldhenry's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by txbirdman View Post
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Here’s my 686 in a Dillon holster I bought off eBay. Since you don’t like a retention strap this might work for you if you can find one.
    That is a beautiful holster. I could be happy with one like that.
    Thanks,
    Heny

  9. #9
    Boolit Master oldhenry's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LUCKYDAWG13 View Post
    maybe give Milt Sparks a call I have a few from them they make great holsters https://www.miltsparks.com/gallery.php If you need it sooner TT gun leather make fine holsters https://www.ttgunleather.com/

    I would like to add that the holsters that i have from them are all for bottom feeders
    I'll check out those 2.
    Thanks,
    Heny

  10. #10
    Boolit Master oldhenry's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 357Mag View Post
    Oldhenry -

    Howdy!

    IMHO - the Galco product is closest to being a CCW holster.
    Holsters w/ a retention strap seem ( to me ) to be less preferable than those featuring a “thumb break”
    style arrangement.

    The Galco holster shown however, positions the revolver muzzle-aft ( strong side ) and grip-aft when worn cross draw. This would bias gun purchase and draw into being performed limp-wristed vs a crossdraw holster that features a fwd muzzle rake ( strong side ) and grip-fwd when worn cross draw.
    That orientation helps keep the gun-wrist-forearm axis all in prefered firm alignment .

    If you can possibly afford, you might contact Ken Null of Resaka, Ga. Ken made me a superb holster to
    my spec’s, for carrying my 4” custom heavy barrel M-520 .357 Mag. It is ultra high ride to keep the cylinder above the belt line, hugs the hip via use of 2 included belt slots, is thumb break style; and positions the gun muzzle-fwd when worn strong side. Superb workmanship, timely delivery; reasonable price.


    With regards,
    357Mag
    Good observation on the Galco. I'll take a fresh look @ the photos.

    I had to refer to my Atlas to find Resaka. Thanks for the info on Ken Null: I may look him up when this COVID-19 settles down.

    Thanks to everyone. I love this forum.

    Henry

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