Colt M1911 / M1911A1 vs Glock 18

1911–present

1986–Present

Millions

~250,000 estimated (including all variants)

216 mm

204 mm (8.03 in) standard, 236 mm (9.29 in) on 18C model

127 mm

102 mm (4.02 in) standard, 135 mm (5.31 in) on 18C model

1,100 g

625 g (1.38 lb) empty (standard), 730 g (1.61 lb) with 33‑round magazine

7+1 or 8+1 rounds

33 rounds standard, 50‑round drum, 10‑round compact magazines available

short recoil

Short recoil, locked breech, striker‑fired Safe Action system

SAO

Safe Action striker‑fire with slide‑mounted fire selector (semi‑auto / fully‑auto)

Fixed or adjustable

Fixed polymer rear notch and front post; optional tritium night sights and aftermarket rail‑mounted optics