Glock 18 vs Smith & Wesson Model 686

1986–Present

1980–Present

~250,000 estimated (including all variants)

~2,500,000 estimated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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