I would go with the Glock as they both shoot the same ammo and use the same mags. A G/26 couldn't be more than 3oz's heavier than a 638. Good luck in your new career and thanks for your service.

The old Auto vs. Revolver reliability argument is a bunch of nonsense.

My M&P40, purchased new, has processed in excess of 6000 rounds without a hitch. My new Ruger GP-100 has given me 5 to 10 percent light primer hits for the first 300 rounds and is not reliable yet.

Go figure.

The Glock is just as reliable as a revolver. I own one that has never malfunctioned in thousands of rounds, and I have a rather lax cleaning schedule. The 26 is a better fighting gun than the 638 in every way. However, I will say that the 26 is an awful lot of gun to carry on your ankle unless you are a rather big man.

i definitely vote for the g26 over the smith
when the clips from the 17 will fit the 26 - nuff said for backup and versatility
i have read alot of g26's are on the ankle

I am issued the G22 and the G27. I have not been able to carry both much. The baby glock is a great shooter and totally reliable. The 27 is so heavy and with the weight of all the duty gear I have to have, I wind up wishing for the snub nose. I have had both and wish I had the revolver back. I can shoot the baby glock way better than the snub. I guess I cant make it any easier for you other than to say get both.
Better shooter and makes me feel more prepared by itself===glock
Easy to carry more likely to wear as back up ===snub