When discussing the power and accuracy of handgun cartridges, the debate is usually centered around the 9mm vs. .45 ACP vs. .40 S&W debate.
But there’s another gun that’s often left out…the 10mm.
And depending on who you ask, some shooters will tell you that the 10mm is one of the more powerful handgun calibers out there.
The benefits of this cartridge include deeper penetration and greater muzzle energy than the 9mm and .45 ACP, but that comes at a price.
So, let’s take a tour through the 10mm. We’ll talk about its history and even give you some recommendations.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best 1911 10mmRock Island Armory TAC Ultra MS
While easy on the wallet, the quality, fit, and finish are still excellent on this 1911.
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Best Metal Frame 10mmWhat is lacks in capacity it makes up for with an excellent trigger and outstanding accuracy.
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Editor's PickLegendary Glock reliablity and aftermarket support encompasses all of their pistols, including the 10mm lineup.
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Best Compact 10mmSpringfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP 10mm
A solid feature set and a great size to performance ratio make this great for those who want to conceal a 10mm.
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Best Striker-Fired 10mmGood ergonomics, a solid trigger, and great accuracy make this an easy gun to shoot.
Table of Contents
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PPT Editor Wyatt Sloan contributed to this article update.
Origin Story: 10mm Auto
The 10mm was designed in part by Colonel Jeff Cooper, a marine, firearms instructor, and 1911 lover who was looking to improve on the .45 ACP cartridge.
Col. Cooper was known for a number of incredible feats, but one of his most notable contributions to the firearms world was his assistance with the 10mm Auto — a powerful caliber capable of reaching 1,200 feet per second and able to maintain accuracy beyond 50 yards.
Despite being an incredibly popular cartridge in the early 1980s, the 10mm Auto became yesterday’s news seemingly overnight as law enforcement phased out 9mms in the wake of the infamous 1986 FBI Miami shootout.
This gun battle led to the FBI creation of the .40 S&W — a shortened and arguably suboptimal version of the 10mm Auto.
While the 10mm didn’t get all of the notoriety that it deserves, it is a well-rounded caliber, which is one of the reasons why it’s garnered a cult following over the years.
And it’s experiencing a resurgence as new hobbyists are discovering just how awesome this cartridge is.
Whether you’re interested in purchasing your first 10mm handgun or just want to add a new gun to your growing collection, we have some picks for you.
Pros and Cons of 10mm
Why would anyone want a 10mm, you ask?
Well, there are a few reasons…
First, it’s got a bit more oomph than your standard 9mm round. This is especially handy if you intend to do any hunting with a handgun.
The added power lends itself well to hunting with greater penetration and increased muzzle velocity.
But that’s not without some tradeoffs…namely the recoil.
10mm can have some recoil if you’re not expecting it. That said, it can be managed, especially in a larger platform pistol.
This brings us to point number two on the con side…gun size. Most of the 10mm guns you find are going to be full-sized.
For hunting, this is a-okay, but if you want to concealed carry…well, that can get trickier. You might have to get creative with your wardrobe, is all we’re saying.
Best 10mm Handguns
1. Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra MS
At first glance, you might be reluctant to even shoot the TAC Ultra MS because of how beautiful it looks.
But don’t let its flashy design fool you; this 10mm pistol performs with the best of them and might do you everything that your .45 ACP 1911 does and then some.
Aside from its flawless craftsmanship, I like the attention to detail that was put into the Rock Ultra MS.
The magazine well has a slightly larger-than-usual opening that works brilliantly with the gun’s tapered 8-round magazines, making reloading on the fly simple and convenient.
Another nice perk is the fiber optic fight sight, which makes target acquisition much easier than guns using standard iron sights.
That, combined with the gun’s smooth design to reduce holster snag, makes the Ultra MS an excellent weapon for tactical situations.
If you’re one of those people who prefer solid guns with a sturdy feel over polymer-based pistols, you’ll love the Ultra MS.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Sig Sauer P220 Legion
The P220 Legion is the 10mm Auto variant of Sig’s famous P220 line of handguns.
While it’s one of the pricier 10mm pistols out there, buying a Sig Sauer means you’re guaranteed dependability and pinpoint accuracy with every round fired.
The P220 Legion ain’t no slouch. It’s big, bulky…not something you’ll holster and forget about.
With that said, it’s a beautiful gun that perfectly combines the power of the 10mm cartridge with Sig’s superior engineering.
And when you look at all the perks that come with owning this gun, you start to justify its price tag.
Perks like…
- Aggressive grip texture that lets you grip firmly on the gun without irritating your hands.
- Solid stainless steel slide and frame.
- Ambidextrous safety system that feels natural and easy to operate on the fly.
- Adjustable rear sight and tritium fiber optic front sight.
- Match-grade barrel for improved accuracy over longer range.
But can we just take a moment and appreciate how the gun looks?
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Glock 20
You didn’t think we’d do a handgun write-up and leave Glock off the list, did you?
It’s a Glock – ’nuff said.
With the G20, you get all of the durability and accuracy that Glock models are revered for, but you also get the power advantage that comes with the 10mm cartridge.
The thing that I like about Glocks is that they’re always the safe option.
If you’ve become accustomed to shooting one of them, then you’ll be able to handle any of them comfortably.
The G20 is essentially a slightly bulkier version of its 9mm counterpart, the G17.
Aside from having slightly wider grips and a weight of 27.6 ounces unloaded, as opposed to the 22-ounce G17, it feels almost the same in your hands.
If you’re looking for something slightly slimmer, Glock also makes the G20 in Short Frame (SF).
For me, making the G20 your go-to defense weapon makes perfect sense because of its generous 15+1 capacity.
And choosing the Gen 4 variant of this gun means that you get Glock’s dual recoil spring, which gives the kick a noticeable reduction.
We have a complete Hands-on Review of the Glock 20 that you should take a look at!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP
Is 10mm a spicy round? Absolutely. Do some people still want a spicy round in a small gun? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Designed for people who want to harness the power of 10mm in a concealable package, the Springfield XD-M Elite Compact is a welcome entry into an otherwise lacking category of smaller 10mm pistols.
Sporting a 3.8-inch match-grade barrel, this gun is definitely doable for those who wish to carry a 10mm and not be weighed down with a boat anchor.
It should be noted that 10mm is a very efficient cartridge, only losing about 25-75 feet-per-second of velocity between a 3.78-inch barrel (G29) and a 4.61-inch barrel (G20). With the Elite Compact, you are still getting most of the juice out of the cartridge.
Springfield’s flat-faced trigger is a notable improvement over the previous XD series triggers. It breaks pretty cleanly around the 5-pound mark, which is a reasonable weight given its intended role.
The gun also features fully ambidextrous controls, a fiber optic front sight, a removable flared magwell adapter, and interchangeable optics mounting plates included for mounting your red dot of choice.
Two 11-round magazines are included, and extended 15-round magazines with grip sleeves are also available.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your take on the Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP? Give it a rating below.
5. Sig Sauer P320-XTEN
While it may be the newest gun on the list, the P320-XTEN showed us that it was up to the challenge.
The P320 has been around for the better part of about ten years and has established itself as a major player in the world of striker-fired handguns.
Sig took their existing platform and scaled it up to accommodate the beefier 10mm cartridge.
A thinner, more ergonomic grip module with aggressive texturing and a generous beavertail help to tame the 10mm cartridge into a more pleasant shooting experience.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You also get a flat-faced trigger that breaks around the 4-pound mark, a 5-inch bull barrel, X-Ray night sights, and an optics-ready slide.
The P320-XTEN has a standard capacity of 15 rounds and comes with two magazines, and the optics cut is compatible with the ROMEO2 and Trijicon RMR.
Interested in learning more? Check out our full review of the P320-XTEN here or watch our video review below.
6. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm
Like the P320-XTEN, the M&P 2.0 10mm is a newer entry in the world of 10mm pistols.
Smith & Wesson took their tried and true M&P platform and adapted it for the heavier-hitting cartridge. The result is an excellent duty pistol with a solid capacity of 15 rounds.
Some keen design choices were made here, including a new trigger that uses a flatter face for a crisper, more natural break.
Additionally, the gun is optics-ready and comes standard with tall sights that will co-witness with most standard height red dots.
An ambidextrous slide release, reversible magazine release, and interchangeable backstraps help ensure that most users will find this to be a relatively comfortable gun to hold.
It is available in both 4-inch and 4.6-inch barrel versions and can be had with or without a thumb safety. Another nice bonus is the inclusion of three magazines rather than the industry standard of two.
You can check out our full review of the M&P 2.0 10mm here!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Final Thoughts
Some people feel like the recoil from a 10mm is a tad too strong, causing them to sacrifice accuracy for power, while other shooters describe the 10mm’s recoil as noticeable but easy to manage.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how the gun feels in your hands. So give the 10mm a try. See how you like it.
Do you use a 10mm? Let us know all about it in the comments! Interested in using your 10mm as your CCW? Well, maybe you can – read up on How to CC A Full-Sized Pistol.
98 Leave a Reply
Glock 20 (SF) Power house for home defense and sometimes CCW.
Why are you not discussing the S&W M&P 2.0 Performance Center instead of the regular model?? It surely would take the top spot of your recommendations.
I absolutely love my Colt Delta Elite.
I’ve carried a Colt 10mm from 1987 to present. Never a miss fire or a jam. It is stainless steel, National match gold cup. It is an awesome pistol. I use 200 grain rounds through it. Shoots with a little kick, but manageable. I recommend to anyone, if you can get one of these and get used to it, it is a fine, fine handgun (semi auto). Will never give it up, and it will be passed on to the next generation.
Just wondering if anyone else is thinking what I’m thinking?
IF 10mm is a better option cause of its stopping power, distance, etc.,etc.,. Wouldn’t it make sense to put on an AR platform. I know there are some doing so now but not a fan of HiPoint. At least not yet, if no one else comes out with a better looking 10mm AR style, might just become a fan.
Wouldn’t it be a good choice say for home defense with the kinda power it has.
I would SO buy a 10mm rifle from TTI, or any other maker that looks as sleek.
RMWXtreme makes gas-driven ARs in 10mm Auto fed from modified grease-gun magazines. They are well built and a riot to shoot!
Yes, please look at the new Hi-Point JXP 10 and the FN 510 for your next review.
Uh, WTF? 1911, such as Nighthawk, Wilson, Dan Wesson, Colt, etc. ??
Thanks for reading! We can't include every gun out there on our list, so we have to make some cuts. Doesn't mean we don't like those guns, just that we don't have the space to rope in everything we love.
Would love to see a review of the new FN 510 tactical as well…
Two years ago this coming March, I almost bought the Rock Island featured in 10mm. What stopped me then, was the unavailability of Ammo. I couldn't find any at the LGS's,, and what little I found online had ridiculously exorbitant prices. Couldn't even find new or once fired brass to load my own.
One of these days, but with our current economy, I haven't been buying much of anything.
I have a Glock Model 40 Gen 4. It’s my EDC. Big? Yes. bulky, yea..but I’ll continue to make it my EDC. I’m not a huge guy, 5 11, 235 lb., and 75 years old. I do not mind the size, or bulk it provides me. I prefer the Underwood rounds while carrying at home in the country. Any other time, away from home, Liberty rounds are what I use. I realize it’s full potential, and respect it. I carry a minimum of 2 spare mags. Better to need ‘’um+have ‘um than not…it seems to have less recoil and noise than 40 cal. 9mm, while I would not care to be hit with, in my humble opinion, is just not powerful enough. No beats though, in my area of GA. I fired a friends Model 20, and really liked it. The 40, though somewhat bigger w/a 6.02” barrel, was all I could find, and boy I’m really really glad I got the 40!❤️
Ditto
I currently own a Gen3 Glock 21 and a Gen5 Glock 19. While I love my .45, the newer Gen5 feels much nicer in my hand, thanks to the lack of finger grooves on the grip. My point? I'd like a Glock 20 10mm, but don't want the Gen4. Any word in the ether if and when Glock decides to modernize their non 9mm line and move the rest of their calibers into the modern Gen5 world?
I feel like I read this article last year when I was shopping for a 10mm. It looks like the exact same list. End of 2021 and the XDM 3.8" comes out and you fail to mention it. The two SW models come out, and you fail to mention them. They have great reviews! People torture tested the shit out of those guns, and they definitely don't have the same issues as the Colt...so I feel like this article is recycled with a changed date.
Hey Nathan, thanks for the feedback. We tweak and update articles on the regular. That said, we try to offer our opinions on guns we've tested. So, if it's not on the list we haven't had the chance to test it out. But we're getting our hands on new guns so we'll do our best to update with newer models as we can. Thanks for reading!
I actually liked seeing someone shooting a pistol with one hand. There are so many conflicting claims about how you can't chamber a round because you may have only one hand, yet the shooting is always with two hands, no matter what.
The article conspicuously fails to review the lighter, smaller higher capacity Springield XD Elite 10mm which is 3.8" barrel for concealed carry, has 11 round standard magazine and larger extended mag, and fits a hex sight. BAM!
I just got the 3.8" XDM elite, and it's amazing so far! I replaced my Hellcat as my daily driver and my G20 as my woods 10mm with it. It's small enough to carry around and ballistically you don't give up that much of an edge with the shorter barrel compared to other cartridges. My only complaint is the cheap plastic parts on the frame. I broke my magwell clean off and the screws up top for the optics mount were torqued way too much and I need a smith to remove them so I could add my Firefly. Otherwise, it's an amazing pistol.
Sweet. I guess I was being a bit of a Springfield apologist. I like(d) Springfield and think it seems intentionally overlooked when people write things about one gun and omit what Springfield has over them. I do have a Sig M18 which has that short barrel with great capacity. I will shoot for first time in a couple of weeks to see where it fits in.
I want to get a 10mm and I'm torn between a G20 and G40. On paper the extra barrel inch of the G40 doesn't seem to give it too much of an advantage in velocity over the 5" G20 (per Ballistics By the Inch). I already have a G23 .40 cal for EDC, and it penetrates plenty for two legged vermin in self defense situations. I'd be too concerned with over penetration with a 10 as an EDC.
My hope is that PA allows semis for big game hunting some day. Straight wall cartridges in manual rifles were just legalized this year for special regulations areas ( i.e. higher population areas). If semi-autos are eventually legalized that 10mm would become my primary local deer cartridge.
So my million $ question, does the extra barrel inch in the G40 justify it's cost over the G20 for hunting deer sized game?
Reduced recoil, longer sight plane and accuracy.
I enjoyed the read on the 10mm and the various models available. The firearm and round intrigues me but I carried a Colt .45 Auto in the Army, then 30 years in law enforcement; with a .38 special (wheel gun) for 25 years and the 9mm approved as an option my last five years of LE service. I have to admit, I am not a fan of .38, 9mm, or .40 Cal (real size being .36 caliber) and I only wish they increased the .45 ACP speed to 1200 fps. In a .38 Caliber experience with a suspect, I can only say that I thought I missed but realized after nine hits (my six) and three by my partner, they just didn't have much affect on the suspect. He eventually went down but not fast enough! I retired and carried only .45 ACP thereafter. The 10mm intrigues me but I'm more comfortable with the after impact expanded size of the 230 grain JHP in .45 ACP and the reason for the invention of .45 ACP in the first place. The 10mm is only one mm bigger than a 9mm and the speed, power, and distant accuracy of 10mm is intriguing, but I worry about over-penetration. Gelatin ballistics tests show the 10mm bullet traveling a long distance, in some cases through the other side of the 24 inch gelatin block. For hunting self-defense purposes, I would be a 10mm fan but not for concealed carry personal defense against animals of the two legged variety. A well placed shot to the head with .38, 9mm, 40 Cal, 10mm, or .45 should put a human down but in the heat of battle, the well placed shot just doesn't always avail itself. I've seen many people shot with 9mm and they just kept on a running. The autopsies I witnessed and the wound channel from the 230 grain JPH .45 is impressive. I'll stick with my .45 ACP. It is just a personal comfort thing.
My father (former south african combat medic during Angolan war) has echoed this to me many times… he carries a 45.
If we're going to mention the FBI shootout (and of course we must), we should also mention the guns that replaced their Nines -- for a while: The S&W 10xx series. While I'm partial to the 1006, they made a number of different configurations, now sadly discontinued, but still available on the used market. But if you want one, you best hurry, because prices keep going up. I paid about $600 for my used 1006 some ten years ago, but they go for double or triple that now - and I think they're still worth it. They don't look as smexy as the Delta Elite, but you'd have to work pretty hard to break one.
I love my G29. I purchased it for backpacking (a little heavy of weight sensitive) and day hiking. Test fired at a range prior to purchase and I found it to be very manageable. I can’t say that for a short barreled 357 which my palm still reminds me never again.
I wanted a protection tool and not a “non-shooter” caliber in a lite frame that you only shoot once and hope it hits what you aimed at, or it’s ammo was so expensive it becomes more of a novelty you bring out at the field range and get looks.
Double Tap ammo (if you can get any)creates ammo as large as 230 grains that is true double tap, and another that’s made specific for big game including large bear. The later showing the ballistics of the ammo shot with the G29.
It’s a Glock and can use the same magazines of its larger framed family.
The only fails have been from limp wristing so squeeze it hard and it will serve you faithfully.
Iv been considering getting a g20 barrel/heavier spring and a couple g20 mags to convert my G21 if I wanted to slap some 10mm. Haven’t done it yet. But think I will at some point.
Ya, no Tanfoglio (EAA)? Sorry, I’ve shot all the guns on the list and none of them compare to the Tanfoglio Stock III.
No EAA Witness, no XDM? I remember going to a casual match at my local range. It included multiple reload and moving drills. Of the 10 of us, the one-armed guy with the 10mm 1911 placed middle of the pack, he clobbered me. I sure learned a lesson about the value of training that day.
All good pistols, but I would consider adding Springfield to the list. I own the TRP Operator in 10mm which is a beautiful gun and quite well built. I have owned the XD-M 10mm as well and never had a problem with it.
Great article.
Someone looking for power minus the size and weight can get a 6 inch barreled 357 Sig. with Lehigh 90 or 65 grain solid copper ammo.
This stuff can be loaded safely to rifle velocity using a 6 inch barrel and Longshot powder.
I couldn't believe the velocities I was getting from my chrono and energy matches the 10mm or 357 Mag......800ft. lb.+
The bonus to this setup is that noise and recoil are amazingly minimal.
Minimum barrel length for this formula is 6 inches.
I have a Kimber and it runs smooth with no hick-ups ever. I would stake my life on it to function every time. You can feel the speed compared to a 45 acp.
If u haven’t tried 10mm, you should. On a full size steel frame, the recoil is no big deal! My experience is with a rock island armory, nice gun!
The Glock G29-SF (short frame) is ideal for concealed carry. It is noticeably heavier and thicker than a 9 mil but that's necessary due to the higher pressures of the 10mm round. Capacity is 10+1. Additionally, there are some good IWB holster options for this weapon. The felt recoil is definitely stronger than firing a 9 but, that's expected when moving 180 grains at 1,300 FPS, hitting with 600 ft lbs. of energy which is about twice as much as .45 ACP and 9.
Have had a Colt Delta Elite for a couple years. Slim enough to carry comfortably in an IWB holster, heavy enough to handle genuine full power loads without issue. Functions flawlessly with OEM mags and about 95% of the time with after market Ed Brown and Wilson (won't lock slide on last round). If you can find affordable .40SW, Midway USA sells a replacement 1911 barrel and Wilson Combat has .40 cal 1911 mags that work well enough to justify the added expense. Performance against two or four legged predators is more than adequate. All that with 1911 looks and feel are hard to beat.
How about something without any plastic or MIM parts?
Wilson Combat or Nighthawk Custom?
RUGER SR1911 10MM
article did not mention KIMBER CUSTOM 2 10MM. I LOVE mine!! it is just as good as the COLT DELTA ELITE but cost much less!! colt....$1200.......Kimber.....$600-$700 when I bought mine. it did not mention RUGER SR1911 either, but I do not have one of those. I had a GLOCK 20. I loved it, but it was just too thick. I had a Springfield Armory XDM 10MM......much better grip than GLOCK. I may have to buy one of those again!!
Or the Kimber TLE II, how could you not mention Kimber but include plastic guns?
If only SIG put out a P220 with a mag capacity of 15 rounds to compete with the G20, I’d be sold.
If SIG would only put out a P220 with 15 round mag capacity to compete with the G20 I’d be sold.
Glock needs to make a single/single-and-a-half stack, G19 sized (especially width-wise), 10mm with a 10+1 capacity. I'd buy that in an instant.
Look at g29 i haven't read the article but might be what your looking for.
I've been carrying a G20 Gen4 for a year now. Absolutely love it!! It's become an extension of my hand when I use it. If your looking for an entry platform into 10mm, the G20 is it!
Is there a lot of muzzle flip to the G20? I had previously owned a G23 which I felt had a little too much muzzle flip for a pistol chambered in .40. It seems like the G20 would be nearly uncontrollable in a rapid fire situation.
Surprisingly controllable compared to Glock 23. Extra size and weight, combined with Gen 4 recoil spring make this a gem to shoot. Just be sure to practice to ensure proficiency.