SIG Sauer P226 vs Smith & Wesson Model 686

1984–Present

1980–Present

~1,200,000+ units estimated

~2,500,000 estimated

196 mm (7.7 in) standard; 185 mm (7.3 in) Compact; 210 mm (8.3 in) Tactical

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

112 mm (4.4 in) standard; 102 mm (4.0 in) Compact; 140 mm (5.5 in) Tactical

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

985 g (2.17 lb) empty (standard); 1,050 g (2.31 lb) with loaded 15‑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

15 rounds standard (9mm); 10 rounds (9mm Compact); 20 rounds (9mm Tactical); also available in 12‑round .40 S&W and 10‑round .45 ACP magazines

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

Short recoil, locked breech with rotating barrel; DA/SA with manual safety/decocker

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

Double‑action first pull, single‑action subsequent pulls; optional single‑action only trigger for competition models

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

Fixed three‑dot tritium night sights (front blade and rear notch) on most models; optional Novak or SIGLITE rail‑mounted optics

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