Colt M1911 / M1911A1 vs Smith & Wesson Model 686

1911–present

1980–Present

Millions

~2,500,000 estimated

216 mm

228 mm (9.0 in) with 4" barrel, 191 mm (7.5 in) with 2.5" barrel

127 mm

101.6 mm (4.0 in) standard, 63.5 mm (2.5 in) compact variant

1,100 g

1.05 kg (2.3 lb) empty, 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with 4" barrel; 0.94 kg (2.1 lb) empty with 2.5" barrel

7+1 or 8+1 rounds

6 rounds (standard), compatible with .38 Special cartridges of the same capacity

short recoil

Double‑action revolver, transfer‑bar safety, internal lockup with a single‑action trigger pull when cocked manually

SAO

Double‑action trigger with a 5‑6 lb pull; single‑action pull approximately 3‑4 lb when hammer is manually cocked

Fixed or adjustable

Adjustable rear sight (windage and elevation) and a fixed front blade; some models equipped with three‑dot tritium night sights