Best 10mm Pistols & Handguns: Go Big or Go Home

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.

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.

10mm Pistols Comparison Chart

Below is a side-by-side comparison of our top 10mm pistol picks, showing current prices, calibers, capacities, and dimensions to help you choose the best 10mm handgun for your needs.

How We Chose The Best 10mm Pistols

We’ve shot thousands of rounds and spent hundreds of hours with 10mms between our hands-on reviews, shooting events, and guns from our own personal collections.

Input from this article came from both writers and some of the full-time staff at Pew Pew Tactical. We have had hands-on experience with almost every firearm on this list, many of which we have full reviews for.

All hands-on gun reviews at Pew Pew Tactical adhere to a strict testing protocol. That includes 500 rounds through every review gun with both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and mags. We shoot 5-round groups and 5 and 7 yards and use a pistol rest for at least one round of fire to eliminate shooter error.

We selected these pistols based on reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, recoil mitigation, feature sets, price point, and availability.

Best 10mm Handguns

1. FN 510 Tactical - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

FN 510 Tactical

$999

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$999 at Sportsman's Warehouse

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Firearms Depot (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15 (flush), 22 (extended)
• Barrel Length: 4.71"
• Weight: 32 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

Many readers were disheartened by the lack of the FN 510 Tactical last time around. We took that to heart and got our hands on the 510 to see if it was worthy of this list --- and it definitely is.

A threaded 4.6-inch barrel, 15-to 22-(yes, 22) round capacity, and an optics-ready slide make the 510 Tactical a very appealing package.

We experienced good reliability, excellent accuracy, and a reasonably comfortable recoil impulse. The optics mounting system is super solid, as is the overall build quality.

If you are looking for a suppressor-ready pistol with all the tactical features and the highest stock capacity you can get in a 10mm, the FN 510 Tactical is the clear winner.

Check out our hands-on review of the 510!

2. Sig Sauer P220 Legion - Best DA/SA

Best DA/SA 10mm

Sig Sauer P220 Legion 10mm

$1599

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1599 at Sportsman's Warehouse

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, DA/SA or SAO
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 8
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 44 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

The P220 Legion 10mm is an upgraded variant of the original Sig P220 line of handguns.

While it’s one of the pricier 10mm pistols out there, buying a Sig 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.

Whether you opt for the DA/SA or SAO version, you are getting an excellent trigger. The alloy frame helps add weight over some of its competitors, helping reduce recoil. Improved Legion frame ergonomics help tremendously with the hand feel.

Follow that up with some nice tritium night sights, an optics-ready slide, and a match-grade barrel, and you have a recipe for a highly accurate pistol that still keeps the core reliability that the P22X series of pistols is known for.

3. Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS - Most Reliable

Most Reliable

Glock 20 Gen5 MOS

$620

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$620 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Brownells (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4.61"
• Weight: 30.6 oz
• Country of Origin: USA, Austria

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 29.81 ounces unloaded, as opposed to the 24.97-ounce G17, it feels almost the same in your hands. 

For me, making the G20 your go-to defense weapon makes perfect sense because of its generous 15+1 capacity. 

The Gen 5 MOS version has an improved trigger, front slide serrations, ambi slide release, and an optics mounting system. One of our editors, Wyatt, has a Gen 5 Glock 20 MOS and says that he feels it is the best and softest shooter out of all the striker-fired options.

We have a complete Hands-on Review of the Gen 4 Glock 20 that you should take a look at!

4. Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP - Best Compact

Best Compact 10mm

Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP 10mm

$629

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$629 at Sportsman's Warehouse

Guns.com (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 11
• Barrel Length: 3.8"
• Weight: 27 oz
• Country of Origin: Croatia

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 fps 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.

What's your take on the Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP? Give it a rating below.

5. Sig Sauer P320-XTEN - Most Modular

Most Modular

Sig Sauer P320-XTEN

$779

at AR15 Discounts

Prices accurate at time of writing

$779 at AR15 Discounts

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 33 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

While it may be the newest gun on the list, the Sig Sauer 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 helps to tame the 10mm cartridge into a more pleasant shooting experience.

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.

6. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm - Best Ergonomics

Best Ergonomics

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm

$567

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$567 at GrabAGun

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4" - 4.6"
• Weight: 27.8 oz - 29.3 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

Like the P320-XTEN, the Smith & Wesson 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 4-inch and 4.6-inch barrel versions and can be had with or without a thumb safety. A newer 5.6-inch integrally compensated option has also just hit the market for those who want to tame some of that 10mm recoil.

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!

7. Dan Wesson Specialist - High-End Pick

High-End Pick

Dan Wesson Specialist 10mm

$1813

at Classic Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1813 at Classic Firearms

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, SAO
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 8
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 42.3 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

It is no secret by now that we are big fans of Dan Wesson handguns here. But that love is well warranted.

Dan Wesson has become a staple in the industry for offering near-custom fit and finish on 1911s, but at a more affordable price point than manufacturers like Les Baer, Ed Brown, and Wilson Combat.

The Dan Wesson Specialist 10mm brings just about everything you'd want in a 1911 platform to the palm of your hand.

Tight tolerances? Check. Reliability? Check. Ultra-crisp 1911 trigger? Check. Thin profile and amazing ergonomics? Check.

In addition to the gun feeling like a Swiss watch, you also get a front night sight and tactical rear sight, front slide serrations, aggressive grip checkering, a flared magwell, G10 grips, an ambi safety, and an accessory rail.

If you are looking for a tack-driving, reliable, smooth-shooting 10mm experience and are okay with shelling out a few extra dollars and a bit lower capacity, the Specialist is about as good as you can get under the $2000 mark.

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 maintaining 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 the notoriety that it deserves, it is a well-rounded caliber, which is one reason 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 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.

Meet the Experts

This article builds on the work of former Pew Pew Tactical author Brandon Harville. Brandon is an avid hunter, skeet shooter, recreational shooter, and gun collector with experience in evaluating guns like 10mm handguns.

Editing and adding to this article is Wyatt Sloan, Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor, former competitive shooter, and avid hunter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, a few 10mms included, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

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 10mm 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 Concealed Carry A Full-Sized Pistol.

Latest Updates

June 2025: Added quick comparison chart.

October 2024: Removed RIA Tac Ultra and added FN 510 Tactical, Dan Wesson Specialist. Added information on how we chose the pistols for this list.

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.

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.

Best 10mm Pistols Comparison Chart

How We Chose The Best 10mm Pistols

We’ve shot thousands of rounds and spent hundreds of hours with 10mms between our hands-on reviews, shooting events, and guns from our own personal collections.

Input from this article came from both writers and some of the full-time staff at Pew Pew Tactical. We have had hands-on experience with almost every firearm on this list, many of which we have full reviews for.

All hands-on gun reviews at Pew Pew Tactical adhere to a strict testing protocol. That includes 500 rounds through every review gun with both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and mags. We shoot 5-round groups and 5 and 7 yards and use a pistol rest for at least one round of fire to eliminate shooter error.

We selected these pistols based on reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, recoil mitigation, feature sets, price point, and availability.

Best 10mm Handguns

1. FN 510 Tactical - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

FN 510 Tactical

$999

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$999 at Sportsman's Warehouse

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Firearms Depot (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15 (flush), 22 (extended)
• Barrel Length: 4.71"
• Weight: 32 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

Many readers were disheartened by the lack of the FN 510 Tactical last time around. We took that to heart and got our hands on the 510 to see if it was worthy of this list --- and it definitely is.

A threaded 4.6-inch barrel, 15-to 22-(yes, 22) round capacity, and an optics-ready slide make the 510 Tactical a very appealing package.

We experienced good reliability, excellent accuracy, and a reasonably comfortable recoil impulse. The optics mounting system is super solid, as is the overall build quality.

If you are looking for a suppressor-ready pistol with all the tactical features and the highest stock capacity you can get in a 10mm, the FN 510 Tactical is the clear winner.

Check out our hands-on review of the 510!

2. Sig Sauer P220 Legion - Best DA/SA

Best DA/SA 10mm

Sig Sauer P220 Legion 10mm

$1599

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1599 at Sportsman's Warehouse

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, DA/SA or SAO
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 8
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 44 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

The P220 Legion 10mm is an upgraded variant of the original Sig P220 line of handguns.

While it’s one of the pricier 10mm pistols out there, buying a Sig 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.

Whether you opt for the DA/SA or SAO version, you are getting an excellent trigger. The alloy frame helps add weight over some of its competitors, helping reduce recoil. Improved Legion frame ergonomics help tremendously with the hand feel.

Follow that up with some nice tritium night sights, an optics-ready slide, and a match-grade barrel, and you have a recipe for a highly accurate pistol that still keeps the core reliability that the P22X series of pistols is known for.

3. Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS - Most Reliable

Most Reliable

Glock 20 Gen5 MOS

$620

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$620 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Brownells (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4.61"
• Weight: 30.6 oz
• Country of Origin: USA, Austria

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 29.81 ounces unloaded, as opposed to the 24.97-ounce G17, it feels almost the same in your hands. 

For me, making the G20 your go-to defense weapon makes perfect sense because of its generous 15+1 capacity. 

The Gen 5 MOS version has an improved trigger, front slide serrations, ambi slide release, and an optics mounting system. One of our editors, Wyatt, has a Gen 5 Glock 20 MOS and says that he feels it is the best and softest shooter out of all the striker-fired options.

We have a complete Hands-on Review of the Gen 4 Glock 20 that you should take a look at!

4. Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP - Best Compact

Best Compact 10mm

Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP 10mm

$629

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$629 at Sportsman's Warehouse

Guns.com (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 11
• Barrel Length: 3.8"
• Weight: 27 oz
• Country of Origin: Croatia

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 fps 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.

What's your take on the Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP? Give it a rating below.

5. Sig Sauer P320-XTEN - Most Modular

Most Modular

Sig Sauer P320-XTEN

$779

at AR15 Discounts

Prices accurate at time of writing

$779 at AR15 Discounts

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 33 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

While it may be the newest gun on the list, the Sig Sauer 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 helps to tame the 10mm cartridge into a more pleasant shooting experience.

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.

6. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm - Best Ergonomics

Best Ergonomics

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm

$567

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$567 at GrabAGun

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4" - 4.6"
• Weight: 27.8 oz - 29.3 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

Like the P320-XTEN, the Smith & Wesson 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 4-inch and 4.6-inch barrel versions and can be had with or without a thumb safety. A newer 5.6-inch integrally compensated option has also just hit the market for those who want to tame some of that 10mm recoil.

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!

7. Dan Wesson Specialist - High-End Pick

High-End Pick

Dan Wesson Specialist 10mm

$1813

at Classic Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1813 at Classic Firearms

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Action: Semi-auto, SAO
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 8
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 42.3 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

It is no secret by now that we are big fans of Dan Wesson handguns here. But that love is well warranted.

Dan Wesson has become a staple in the industry for offering near-custom fit and finish on 1911s, but at a more affordable price point than manufacturers like Les Baer, Ed Brown, and Wilson Combat.

The Dan Wesson Specialist 10mm brings just about everything you'd want in a 1911 platform to the palm of your hand.

Tight tolerances? Check. Reliability? Check. Ultra-crisp 1911 trigger? Check. Thin profile and amazing ergonomics? Check.

In addition to the gun feeling like a Swiss watch, you also get a front night sight and tactical rear sight, front slide serrations, aggressive grip checkering, a flared magwell, G10 grips, an ambi safety, and an accessory rail.

If you are looking for a tack-driving, reliable, smooth-shooting 10mm experience and are okay with shelling out a few extra dollars and a bit lower capacity, the Specialist is about as good as you can get under the $2000 mark.

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 maintaining 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 the notoriety that it deserves, it is a well-rounded caliber, which is one reason 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 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.

Meet the Experts

This article builds on the work of former Pew Pew Tactical author Brandon Harville. Brandon is an avid hunter, skeet shooter, recreational shooter, and gun collector with experience in evaluating guns like 10mm handguns.

Editing and adding to this article is Wyatt Sloan, Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor, former competitive shooter, and avid hunter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, a few 10mms included, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

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 10mm 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 Concealed Carry A Full-Sized Pistol.

Latest Updates

June 2025: Added quick comparison chart.

October 2024: Removed RIA Tac Ultra and added FN 510 Tactical, Dan Wesson Specialist. Added information on how we chose the pistols for this list.