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Craft Holsters - Holsters - Smith & Wesson Holsters - Smith & Wesson 686 Holsters
OWB Holsters for Smith & Wesson 686
Fan Favorite Holsters
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Variants:
27
Reviews
How To Choose The Best OWB Holster For Your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4"
When you're shopping for a new OWB holster for you.Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4", knowing exactly what you want matters. If you've narrowed it down to a OWB holster, you're already on the right path. Below, we’ll walk you through why this carry style might be the ideal fit, how to find the best model for your body type and setup, and what materials and add-ons to consider.
Why Choose an OWB Holster?
OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters are a top choice for open carry, range use, and everyday carry when concealment isn’t your highest priority. If you're looking for comfort, accessibility, and all-day stability, an OWB holster for your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" is hard to beat.
Maximum Comfort
Since OWB holsters sit outside your waistband, they avoid the friction and pressure that can come with inside-the-waistband models—making them ideal for extended wear.
Fast and Natural Draw
OWB holsters typically allow for a quicker, more intuitive draw, especially in high-stress situations. Perfect for open carry or range practice.
Secure Weapon Retention
With solid belt attachment points and molded shapes, OWB holsters provide excellent stability and prevent shifting or bouncing during movement.
Better Weight Distribution
A properly fitted OWB holster spreads the weight of your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" evenly across your belt, reducing strain on your lower back or hips.
Open or Concealed Carry Flexibility
While traditionally used for open carry, many OWB holsters—when paired with a jacket or longer shirt—can still offer decent concealment.
Whether you're carrying on duty, at the range, or during outdoor activities, an OWB holster gives you control, comfort, and quick access to your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4".
How to Choose the Right OWB Holster for Your Body and Draw Style
Finding the best OWB holster depends on how it fits your body type and preferred carry position.
Body Type Fit
Larger carriers may prefer lower-riding OWB holsters that keep the grip closer to the torso, while slim builds might look for higher ride designs to aid in concealment. Looking for the best OWB holster for fat guys? Go for models with strong belt loops and broad platforms for stability.
Carry Position
Most OWB holsters are worn at the 3–5 o’clock position on your dominant side. For tactical or duty use, some prefer a slightly forward cant or even a drop-leg style.
Left or Right Handed?
Be sure to choose an OWB holster made for your dominant hand. Many OWB models are available in left- or right-hand configurations, and some allow cant adjustments to suit your draw angle.
Retention & Ride Height
Adjustable retention screws, ride height options, and belt slot angles help you fine-tune how your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" rides and draws—especially important if you carry daily or train regularly.Check out other holster carry styles
Be sure to check out what other carry styles we have:
IWB Holsters
OWB Holsters
Choosing the best OWB holster for your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" comes down to fit, comfort, and confidence. Whether you carry concealed every day or need something rugged for outdoor use, this carry style delivers dependable performance.
Check favorite holster carry styles
Holsters for Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" reviews
5 reviews
Latest reviews
Tracy C.
Excellent holster. Very well-made. Thank you.
06/06/2024
United States
Don S.
The holster I purchased is beautifully crafted and a deserving way to holster my S&W 357 626. It fit without stretching anything and now I will need to buy mahogany grips for the gun to match the holster. If I had to say one thing I did not like is there is more trigger exposed than I am normally used to. Shipping also was fantastic. I will be buying holsters here for all of my handguns. Thank you
03/25/2024
United States
J.F. M.
I live in California so was actually surprised at how quickly the holster was constructed and mailed. I am wearing it as I write. I have a S&W 686 with a 4 inch barrel. This holster is so comfortable. I wear my weapon Cross-Draw. This way it does NOT get fouled up by the seatbelt when I am driving my car. This holster is perfect for Long Distance driving or Hunting. It is a BIG gun but this holster keeps it TIGHT to the body. It is very well made and the weapon slides in snugly: breaking in is not necessary like my shoulder rig for the .380. This is a great holster for the 686. You dont even know it is there. Well constructed and excellent quality for the price. Yes, you should buy it. Jon
09/19/2023
United States
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Best Gun Holster Accessories
Choose the right accessories below that will enhance your carry. Don't forget that a proper magazine pouch, a belt or a concealed carry bag are always good choices.
MAGAZINE
POUCHES
Get yourself a custom mag pouch or speedloader pouch. Because there is never "enough ammo" right?
See Magazine Pouches
GUN BELTS
A solid and stable gun belt is what you need to prevent your holster and the rest of your EDC from sagging.
See Gun Belts
care kits
Don't forget to get yourself a handy kit that contains everything you need to make sure your holster will last you a lifetime.
See Care KitsLight bearing holsters are quickly becoming a preferred choice among firearm enthusiasts for their functionality and innovative features. Whether you're in search of a light bearing leather holster or a light bearing nylon holster, Craft Holsters has a vast array of options to cater to your unique needs.
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
If you're an aficionado of cutting-edge firearm accessories, you've likely come across a light bearing holster. This special type of holster is designed to accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light or tactical laser, providing the perfect amalgamation of functionality and style. Initially adopted by law enforcement and military professionals, these holsters are now becoming a staple among civilians, especially those who prefer a holster with light for nighttime use or low-light environments.
Key Benefits of Light Bearing Holsters
- Modern and innovative design, marrying style and function
- Suitable for both concealed and open carry with light bearing iwb holster and light bearing owb holster options
- Exceptional balance and premium comfort when carrying
- Quick and easy access to your firearm, especially in low light conditions
- Can accommodate various handgun models with tactical lights
- Ideal for larger pistols with light attachments
- Often features additional compartments for ammunition storage
- Easy concealment with styles like the light bearing iwb holster, even in warmer months
Main Types of holsters with light
Craft Holsters specializes in bringing a wide range of light bearing holster choices to cater to different preferences and needs. Here's a sneak peek into our major categories of light bearing holsters:
IWB Holsters
Just like the name suggests, IWB holsters with light are a type of concealed carry holster worn inside the waistband, most frequently attached to the 1 o’clock or 3 o’clock waist area.
OWB holsters
These are mainly used for outside waistband carry and they fall under the category of open carry holsters.
Shoulder holsters
Explore our collection of pistol holsters with light for shoulder carry that allows you to carry your light-equipped pistol with utmost convenience and style. In general, shoulder holsters offer probably the highest level of comfort and are quite easy to conceal, especially in colder months.
Materials
At Craft Holsters, we utilize a range of premium materials to craft the perfect light bearing holster for you. Here’s a glimpse into our craftsmanship:
Leather Holsters
Our light bearing leather holsters are renowned for their quality and durability, promising a lifetime of utility and elegance.
Kydex and Nylon Holsters
Apart from leather, we also offer a range of light bearing kydex holsters and light bearing nylon holsters, promising durability and a comfortable carrying experience.
Light Bearing Holsters FAQ
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
A light bearing holster is a specially designed holster that can accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light, providing easy access and secure storage for your firearm. It is an essential accessory for those who prefer carrying a pistol with a light attachment.
How to Make a Light Bearing Holster?
Creating a light bearing holster involves utilizing premium materials like leather, kydex, or nylon, and crafting them to fit specific handgun models with light attachments perfectly. At Craft Holsters, each holster is carefully designed to provide a secure fit for your firearm with a light. However, making one at home would involve precise measurements and skills in crafting materials. It is recommended to consult detailed guides or seek professional assistance.
What are the Best Light Bearing Holsters?
The best light bearing holsters are those that are crafted with precision and quality materials, offering a perfect fit for your firearm and ease of access. Our top recommendations at Craft Holsters include:
- IWB Holster w Steel Clip (Light/Laser)
- Shoulder Holster System (Light/Laser)
- Comfortable Belt Holster (Light/Laser)
How to break in a light-bearing holster?
If you get one of our holsters with light molded exactly for your gun and tactical light or laser, you most probably won’t have to bother with holster break-in. However, in case your new holster feels a bit too tight, just follow our Break-in Guide. And if you don’t have any break-in solution at hand, feel free to get our Small Break-in Kit, which comes with everything you need for a successful shoulder holster break-in.
Most User Recommended Tactical Lights
There are many tactical lights on the market, we created a list of the most sought after pistol lights and we have custom made holsters ready for them. Here they are
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Streamlight TLR-1 HL X Holsters
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Streamlight TLR-7 SUB SIG Holsters
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Streamlight TLR-7X Holsters
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Streamlight tlr7 Holsters
Streamlight tlr7a Holsters
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SureFire X300U-A Holsters
SureFire X300U-B Holsters
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SureFire xcs Holsters
Viridian C5L Holsters
Viridian E Series FDE for Hellcat Holsters
