Colt Single Action Army vs Smith & Wesson Model 686

1873–present

1980–Present

>500,000

~2,500,000 estimated

275–330 mm

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

114–190 mm

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

1,000–1,200 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

6-round cylinder

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

revolver

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 front blade

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