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Craft Holsters - Holsters - Smith & Wesson Holsters - Smith & Wesson 686 Holsters
Shoulder Holsters for Smith & Wesson 686
How To Choose The Best Shoulder Holster For Your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4"
When you're shopping for a new Shoulder holster for you.Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4", knowing exactly what you want matters. If you've narrowed it down to a Shoulder 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 a Shoulder Holster?
Shoulder holsters are a classic and practical carry option for those seeking comfortable concealed or open carry, especially when waistband carry isn’t ideal. Worn across the shoulders with the firearm positioned under the arm, this style offers balanced weight distribution and easy access.
Ideal for sitting and driving
Shoulder holsters excel for users who spend long periods seated, such as drivers or office workers. Your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" stays accessible without digging into your waist or being blocked by seatbelts.
Even weight distribution
Designed to spread the weight across your upper body, shoulder holsters reduce pressure points, making them comfortable for extended wear, especially with full-size pistols.
Great for concealed or open carry
Depending on your clothing, shoulder holsters work for both concealed and open carry. Wearing a jacket or overshirt keeps your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" out of sight while maintaining easy access.
Room for extras
Most shoulder holsters include off-side magazine pouches, allowing you to carry spare magazines or accessories without needing additional belt gear.
Balanced and secure
With dual-strap harnesses and adjustable positioning, shoulder holsters stay in place, providing stability, comfort, and control while you’re on the move.
Best for full-size firearms
Shoulder holsters comfortably support the weight of full-size pistols and revolvers, making them popular among professionals, outdoorsmen, and those carrying heavy handguns.
Whether you’re carrying for duty, travel, or everyday concealment under jackets, a shoulder holster keeps your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" secure, balanced, and ready.
How to Choose the Right Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" Shoulder Holster for Your Body and Lifestyle
Body fit and harness adjustability
Choose a shoulder holster with fully adjustable straps to fit your chest and shoulders comfortably. Slim builds may prefer tighter harnesses, while larger frames benefit from wider straps with padding.
Vertical vs horizontal carry
Vertical rigs hold your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" pointing downward for better concealment and security with full-size pistols. Horizontal rigs allow faster cross-body draws, often preferred for mid-sized handguns.
Gun size compatibility
Ensure your holster is molded specifically for your Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 4" for proper retention and safe carry. Shoulder holsters work best with mid to full-size firearms.
Handedness
Select a holster designed for your dominant hand. Right-handed users carry under the left arm for a natural draw, and left-handed users carry under the right arm.
Retention and safety
Look for holsters with strong retention systems such as thumb breaks to keep your firearm secure during movement while still allowing for a quick, smooth draw.
Comfort features
Choose models with breathable, padded harness materials to reduce irritation during long wear, especially if used under heavy jackets or tactical gear.
Check out other holster carry styles
Be sure to check out what other carry styles we have:
Choosing the best Shoulder 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
3 reviews
Latest reviews
Pete
Love it! Best one ever
06/22/2023
United States
Doc H
Great holster. I'm quite a big guy ( >2.10 m tall, and over 125 kgs. ) so for me it's not that easy to find a fitting shoulder holster. I just added my measurements at the additional info table while ordering, and got myself a tailored size holster, with plenty of room for adjusting. Couldn't wish for anything more.
03/31/2023
Lithuania
Charles
Nice holster, nice quality, comfortable good choice.
12/05/2022
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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