Since its introduction, the 10mm Auto has been putting magnum power into semi-auto pistols. In recent years, it's had a bit of a resurgence in popularity.
My introduction to the 10mm Auto came in the fall of 2014. I wanted to try some handgun hunting, and I’m a huge fan of 1911-style pistols. But the .45 ACP just didn’t have the punch needed for deer and hog hunting — not at any sort of distance anyway. I kept reading about this 10mm Auto, though, available in 1911-type pistols and with power nearly on par with the .41 Magnum.
My first 10mm was a PARA Elite LS Hunter with a 6-inch barrel, and I used it on a couple of deer hunts that fall. Unsuccessfully. Anytime I went afield with the PARA, I either saw no deer or they were 200 yards away. But in the spring of 2015 I took the PARA to Texas in search of feral hogs. Seven hogs later, I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve had the good fortune to shoot more than 15 different models of 10mm pistols, reviewing several of them for publications. I’ve fired a couple thousand rounds of 10mm Auto in that time, using a dozen brands of ammunition, on the range and afield — the latter while taking wild hogs and deer.
These are among the things I’ve learned about the amazing 10mm Auto.
10mm Auto Basics
First, if you can shoot it well, the 10mm is a much more powerful self-defense round compared to the 9mm or .40 S&W. The larger weight of 10mm bullets and the sheer ballistic superiority of the 10mm round make it so. Most 10mm rounds are loaded with 180- to 200-grain bullets and zip along at 1,150 to 1,250 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle. This is why, for example, handgun hunters use the 10mm — not the 9mm.
Second, it does take some time and practice for most people to learn to shoot the 10mm well. The reason? It has considerably more recoil than the 9mm or the .40 S&W. And more than the .45 ACP, too, I’d argue, unless you are using .45 ACP+P loads. Most pistols made for the 10mm are considerably heavier than other semi-autos, so they can be harder to aim with consistency, too. In my opinion, each individual shooter will have to evaluate their own skills and circumstances to determine whether a 10mm pistol is the right choice for them. If you can master it, however, you'll be better armed than most.
Third, the 10mm is a versatile round, able to shoot farther and with more power than most other pistol cartridges. They are a lot of fun to shoot and to hunt with, and I think that every serious handgunner should at least give one a try.
Expand Your Knowledge on 10mm:
- The 10mm Auto: Cooper’s Big Bore
- Best 10mm Ammo For Self-Defense And Hunting
- 10mm Vs .45 ACP: Making the Right Choice
- Glock 10mm: The Caliber's Stalwart Option
- Top Choices for the Best 10mm Pistols on the Market
- Top Picks for the Best 10mm Carbines
- Top Choices for the Best Budget 10mm 1911s
10mm Pistol Development
The history of the 10mm is wrapped up with Col. Jeff Cooper, founder of the Gunsite training facility and the father of the “Modern Technique” style of pistol training. Cooper was a huge fan of the 1911 platform. But he also understood the limitations of the .45 ACP round. While the big, lumbering 230-grain bullet was a great fight-stopper at relatively close ranges, it quickly lost power as distances increased.
According to various sources, Col. Cooper wanted a better combat pistol round, one with enough energy to launch a 200-grain bullet at 1,200 fps. Some have labeled Cooper as the “inventor” of the 10mm. But gun writer Richard Mann, who has researched and written about Cooper more than anyone I know, says Cooper was more of an “inspiration” to the genesis of the 10mm, not the guy who made it.
In 1983, the 10mm Auto was introduced to the world in the form of the Bren Ten semi-automatic pistol. The initial ammunition, according to Cartridges of the World, 13th Edition, was designed and loaded by Norma with a 200-grain bullet. “Muzzle energy is about double that of the .45 Automatic,” the book’s authors note.
After the infamous 1986 Miami bank robbery — which saw two FBI agents killed by a pair of very well-armed bank robbers — the FBI looked for a new round; the FBI’s duty-issued 9mm had proven itself generally ineffective against the two Miami hoods. The 10mm was the agency’s choice — but only for a while. The 10mm’s stout recoil and fairly expensive ammunition led the FBI to eventually switch over to the .40 S&W.
For nearly 20 years, the 10mm languished. The occasional pistol was produced, and ammunition offerings were very limited across the board.
But it certainly didn’t go away.
The 10mm Auto Renaissance
PARA and a couple other gun makers got the 10mm going once again several years ago: PARA unveiled the aforementioned Elite LS Hunter, and from this the round and pistol began its current steady resurgence.
Now, I doubt that the 10mm will ever be as popular as its smaller 9mm cousin. There’s too much recoil in the 10mm round for most shooters, and too much weight in most of the pistols chambered for it. And that’s okay.
But we like bigger and faster. When shooters started to see more 10mms on the market and began hearing that the 10mm round was indeed bigger and faster than the 9mm and the .40 S&W — with superior muzzle energy versus the .45 ACP — more people like myself started trying it. And we quickly discovered what a gem a good 10mm pistol truly is.
How I Chose The Best 10mm Pistols
As mentioned, since my introduction to 10mm in 2014, I've gotten to put thousands of rounds downrange through a wide variety of different models. My experience with and knowledge of 10mm pistols has certainly expanded in the interim. My appreciation for the cartridge has only grown since then, and I've come to enjoy the caliber in more platforms than the 1911.
There are many great options out there, including some that were very hard for me to leave off of this list. That said, for these categories, I had to decide which model was the best for each. No runner-ups here.
Based on my trigger time behind over a dozen 10mm handguns, I compared the qualities of each ranging from their reliability and ergonomics to their general features and price. Depending on the category, some of those took priority over than others. Regardless, whether you're looking for a powerful defensive gun for the waistband, the nightstand or bear country, I'm confident that one of these 10mm pistols will get the job done.
The Best 10mm Pistols
- Best Overall: Glock 20
- Best 1911: Colt Delta Elite
- Best For Home Defense: FN 510 Tactical
- Best DA/SA: SIG Sauer P220 Legion
- Best For Carry: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP
Specs Comparison Of The Top 10mm Pistols
| Model | Action | Safety | BBL Length (in.) | OAL (in.) | Weight (oz.) | Capacity | MSRP |
| Glock 20 | Striker-fired | Trigger | 4.61 | 8.07 | 30.69 | 15+1 | ~$745 |
| Colt Delta Elite | SAO | Manual thumb | 5 | 8.75 | 39 | 8+1 | $1,199 |
| FN 510 Tactical | Striker-fired | Trigger | 4.71 | 8.3 | 32 | 15+1 ; 22+1 | $1,139 |
| SIG Sauer P220 Legion | DA/SA | W/ or W/o manual thumb | 5 | 8.8 | 44 | 8+1 | $1,599 |
| Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact | Striker-fired | Trigger & grip | 3.8 | 6.75 | 27 | 11+1 | $653 |
Best Overall: Glock 20
Pro
- Supremely reliable
- Great aftermarket support
- Good capacity
- Reasonably priced
Con
- Some don't like Glock ergonomics
- Factory trigger isn't the greatest
Glock 20 Gen 4 Specs
Action: Striker-fired
Safety: Safe Action Trigger
Barrel Length: 4.61 Inches
Overall Length: 8.07 Inches
Weight: 30.69 Ounces
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: ~$745
The Glock 20 has been around for many years, and it’s a nice handgun: accurate, durable, lighter in weight than most 10mms and packs lots of firepower with its 15-round magazine and one in the chamber. For years, folks hunting in big bear country have favored this model as their sidearm, and I think it's a great choice for that.
When it comes to bear defense, reliability and power are paramount, and the Glock 20 has both of those qualities in spades. Even for other uses outside of bears, this no-frills full-size 10mm would make a great choice for just about everything besides concealed carry.
Besides that, as is true of all Glocks, the G20 has excellent aftermarket support. Finding a holster, upgrading certain components or adding accessories won't be a problem. Glock even offers a Gen 5 MOS model now if you want to add a red dot to it. At the end of the day, I just think it's hard to go wrong with a Glock.
Glock 20 Deals
| Guns.com | Starts at $607 |  |
| Palmetto State Armory | $621 | |
| Sportsman's Warehouse | $621 | |
Best 1911: Colt Delta Elite
Pro
- Rock-solid 1911
- Great trigger and ergonomics
- Nice sights
Con
- Relatively low capacity
- Expensive
Colt Delta Elite Specs
Action: SAO
Safety: Manual thumb safety
Barrel Length: 5 Inches
Overall Length: 8.75 Inches
Weight: 39 Ounces
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $1,199
Colt was one of the few gun makers that kept offering the 10mm in lean times, in the form of the Delta Elite, a 1911 with a 5-inch barrel. Colt also offers a variant that has a rail beneath the barrel for mounting hardware if that's something that appeals to you. I put 300 rounds through one recently, and it’s a solid, accurate pistol. I found the Novak sights to be a real treat as well.
Some people simply prefer hammer-fired handguns with metal frames, and others just love 1911s. Whatever your reasoning may be, if you want a solid 10mm pistol that's not polymer and striker-fired, the Colt Delta Elite is a great option. 1911s are so slim that you could even carry it without much problem. It's only major drawback compared to some others on this list is its capacity.
Colt Delta Elite Deals
| Guns.com | $1,299 | |
| GrabAGun | $1,268 | |
Best For Home Defense: FN 510 Tactical
Pro
- Very high capacity
- Suppressor-ready
- Optics-ready
Con
- Subpar trigger
- Pricey for a polymer-frame gun
FN 510 Tactical Specs
Action: Striker-fired
Safety: Trigger safety
Barrel Length: 4.71 Inches
Overall Length: 8.3 Inches
Weight: 32 Ounces
Capacity: 15+1 ; 22+1
MSRP: $1,139
Some would maybe describe the FN 510 Tactical as overkill, but when it comes to a home-defense gun, I think it's just right. Why go small when size doesn't matter in the nightstand?
It comes with a flush-fit 15-round mag and an extended 22-round mag, so capacity shouldn't be an issue unless you're defending against a zombie horde. On top of that, it's probably the most feature-rich 10mm pistol on the market. Out of the box it comes ready to mount a wide variety of red dot sights, a suppressor or compensator and, naturally, a light or laser. The trigger isn't my favorite, but it's not terrible either and people say it gets better the more you shoot it.
If all you're after is maximizing your firepower in a relatively compact, suppressible package, the 510 is the gun for you.
FN 510 Tactical Deals
| Sportsman's Warehouse | $1,000 | |
| Bass Pro Shops | $1,000 | |
| GrabAGun | $1,000 | |
Best DA/SA: SIG Sauer P220 Legion
Pro
- Reliable
- Great trigger and very accurate
- Heavy weight makes for soft shooter
- Comes optics-ready
Con
- Relatively low capacity
- Very expensive
SIG Sauer P220 Legion Specs
Action: DA/SA
Safety: W/ or w/o manual thumb safety
Barrel Length: 5 Inches
Overall Length: 8.8 Inches
Weight: 44 Ounces
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $1,599
SIG’s P220 line started life as a .45 ACP, but a while back the company introduced some 10mm variants of the P220 as well. Currently, however, the only P220 model offered by SIG in 10mm is the Legion Full-Size. Featuring a Legion Gray finish, these pistols sport 5-inch barrels, SRT (Short-Reset Trigger) DA/SA triggers and steel guide rods. They also come with optics-ready slides and X-RAY3 Day/Night sights.
You may want to try and find some now-discontinued 10mm P220s on the used market, such as the Hunter with a Kryptek camo finish, as the Legion series guns are from SIG's top-shelf and cost a pretty penny. That said, if you can afford it, I think the upgrades found throughout the P220 Legion should be appreciated. Plus, given the sheer heft of the P220, it makes for a smooth shooter as far as 10mm pistols go.
If you prefer DA/SA pistols over SAO or striker-fireds, this is as good as it gets in 10mm.
SIG Sauer P220 Legion Deals
| Sportsman's Warehouse | $1,600 | |
| Cabela's | $1,600 | |
Best For Carry: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP
Pro
- Small, light, easy to carry
- Comes optics-ready
- Reasonably priced
Con
- Small, light 10mms are hard to shoot
- Some reports of ammo sensitivity
Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP Specs
Action: Striker-fired
Safety: Trigger and grip safeties
Barrel Length: 3.8 Inches
Overall Length: 6.75 Inches
Weight: 27 Ounces
Capacity: 11+1
MSRP: $653
Maybe the best in the affordable category of 10mm pistol options, the XD-M Elite holds its own against all comers. The line of Springfield Armory’s polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols are renowned for well thought out ergonomics, making it a very controllable launchpad for the “Perfect 10”. Plus, the guns are available in a slew of configurations from compact carry piece to the duty-sized.
Honestly, I think the XD-M in all its iterations offers shooters an accurate and solid 10mm pistol—one many have found more than fills the role of a heavy hitter, but I think that the 3.8-inch compact is the XD-M model that really steals the show.
There are other small, carry-sized 10mm pistols out there, but I don't think any of them have as good of ergonomics or features as the XD-M Elite. It even fits one more round in its flush-fit mags than the compact 10mm Glock 29 does. If you're looking for a powerful 10mm that can disappear in an IWB holster, this little Springfield Armory is likely your best bet. That said, don't be afraid to check out the other models as well if you're shopping for a full-size pistol.
Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact OSP Deals
| Sportsman's Warehouse | $630 | |
| Guns.com | $583 | |
Bonus: 10mm Auto Ammo Options
If you love your 10mm, you must feed it, and there are more ammunition choices today in this caliber than ever before. Among those I have used and do recommend, are:
Barnes Bullets: The VOR-TX firing a 155-grain all-copper XPB Bullet is ideally suited for whitetail deer and hog hunting.
SIG Sauer: The Elite Performance FMJ in 10mm is a solid range and practice round, while the 10mm V-Crown load with a 180-grain JHP bullet is a great option for both hunting and self-defense.
Federal Premium: Federal’s American Eagle line of range ammo includes the 10mm with a 180-grain FMJ bullet, and it’s a workman’s choice for practice. And what about for hunting? The Trophy Bonded Bear Claw with a 180-grain bonded soft point bullet is tough to beat.
Hornady: The Critical Duty 10mm round with a 175-grain FlexLock bullet has “man stopper” written all over it. Gel tests say so, too. For hunters, the Custom brand is the choice. It’s loaded with the 180-grain XTP bullet, a lead core covered by gilding metal, for deep penetration on the toughest game animals and reliable expansion.
Remington: The Remington UMC in 10mm is about the most reasonably priced choice for the range I have found. It’s clean burning, too.
Many more 10mm ammunition brands and pistols are available today, too, and I expect a good number of new entries in coming years. Yes, it’s a great time to be a fan of the 10mm. Jump in now, before the 10mm waters get too crowded!
10mm Pistol FAQ
Yes. 10mm Auto has a higher muzzle velocity and more energy than .45 ACP, it also retains more of that velocity and energy over greater distances. That said, “stronger” isn't a well-defined term when it comes to comparing handgun cartridges, and .45 ACP's larger diameter and typically heavier projectiles lends itself to potentially better expansion with hollow-points.
Yes, but only with proper shot placement. 10mm is on record as having killed grizzly bears before, but you still have to do your part to hit the right spots.
While the FBI did adopt 10mm Auto and then subsequently decommission it, it's only partly true to say that they “got rid of it.” The cartridge's hefty recoil combined with the large grips of the Smith & Wesson 1076 pistol were too much to handle for most average FBI agents, leading them to adopt .40 S&W instead. However, FBI HRT and SWAT teams did continue to use it, at least for a period.
10mm handguns are relatively versatile in their usefulness due to the several different styles and sizes that are now available. Boasting significantly more power than 9mm, 10mm is capable of putting down grizzly bears, bandits and everything in between. That power also makes 10mm handguns viable for hunting game like whitetail deer and boar. As long as you can handle the stronger recoil, a 10mm handgun would be a good choice for certain kinds of hunting, bear defense, some forms of competition shooting and even for protection against human attackers as a home defense or concealed carry gun.
Editor's Note: This article is an updated excerpt from Gun Digest the Magazine.
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I bought a LW 6.1 stainless barrel. It drops in. It covers the casing better. I load high pressure, very heavy, turned brass with a skirt a n 5 gas rings. I dip each in cosmoline. I remove thevexcess. They are drilled out 1/2inch deep the skirt is 3/8 deep leaving .333 thick walls for expansion onto the rifling. They weigh 290 grains. I also fill the hollow point with feces. I weld tin tips to each bullet. I then turn them to make them super smooth using emory papers 60,80,100 all the way to 5000 grit. These tin tipped turd bullets go 2242 fps. They eplode in the target
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I have read a ton on the 10mm and I plan to buy one today. This will be my first 10mm and I do plan to hunt with it and reload for it. I would rather have the Sig, Ruger, or the Delta Elite, but will go with the Glock due to price. I’m a retired Police Officer and Marine who can shoot a pistol well but, can shoot a rifle really well. Thanks for all the info on the 10mm.
Thanks,
Chuck McLeod
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For me, the 10mm. is the most versatile handgun in the universe When walking up a hog, or watching the feeder, I use hot, bonded 180 grn. bullets.
I can quickly go to self defense mode by exchanging the mag. with 180 grn.
XTP, which are chrono. at 1150 f.p.s. from my G20.
I handgun hunted over the yrs. with .357, and .41. I will always own a .44. My favorite and most versatile is the 10.
P.S. all my shots are under fifty yrds.⚫
10mm is over-rated in just about every category. Excessive punishing recoil becomes even worse with heavier bullets. Shooters scramble & do the brass shuffle at the range so not to leave even one case behind.
Most standard weight factory 10mm ammo 180’s & 200’s barely crack 1200 fps; hot 155 & 165 40S&W ammo is on par with 10mm in many loadings, cheaper & more plentiful too.
IMNSHO .357Sig is a better choice or employ the (superior to 10mm) 125 grain .357 mag in a revolver.
Says your personal opinion. While most of us will more likely still prefer a 6-inch barrelled 10 mm for quick dispatch of just about every critter found in North America, or anywhere else for that matter.
I recently watched (on TV) some adrenaline-junkie dispatch a mature water buffalo with a single, well-placed round (Hornady XTP 200-gr.) from a Dan Wesson 10 mm pistol. It certainly wasn’t an immediate kill, but it was unquestionably conclusive.
Comparing standard 180 and 200 grain 10mm to “hot 155 and 165 40S&W ammo” is like comparing 38 Special to 357 magnum. You simply won’t get the penetration from any 40SW loading that you can from a 180, 200, or 220 grain 10mm dangerous game load. You bring a 40SW or 357 to Alaska for bear defense and you’re going to get some furtive eye rolling from those who know better. Sounds like you need to learn some ballistics.
Sir, thank you for an outstanding article on the 10 mm!
As usual, if you want an utterly reliable pistol in 10mm or any other caliber that the average working person can afford, go with a Glock.
You missed the BEST One Springfield XD/M 10mm 10000 round tested..
Just bought a Springfield 1911 TRP 10mm LS. Custom quality at production cost.
It is a real pity that Star firearms went away. I had a Star Megastar in 10mm. Solid slabs of metal with springs and other internal parts. Once you mastered the DA/SA trigger, it put rounds where you wanted them with minimal recoil. Alas, in a financial bind, I sold it with all the ammo and dies.
I just traded for the Glock, would love to own the STI2011.
On a side note, I want to convert the 10 to a 45. Lone Wolf did this converting 40 to 9 to 357sig. All sources of 45 barrels show out of stock with no back order.
Brian,
You failed to mention the Glock 40 MOS long slide. and much better model of Glock in the 10mm platform
In my opinion, the 10mm hits the sweet spot of power, firepower, recoil, and range for a handgun round. The recoil is there, but a .357 snubby is way worse, and 180 grains at 1300 fps is effective on anything short of a moose at under 100 yards – and with practice, one can hit at 100 with a 10mm. I’ve had a Glock 20 for about 20 years now, and it is just a great pistol. At close range, it is possible to fire fast and accurately, and having 16 rounds on tap is a great advantage.
The 10mm is an excellent pistol cartridge, however it is a handful, and often too much for entry level or shooters with physical limitations. The first 10mm I bought was in 1989 right after seeing the Colt Delta Elite on the cover of the American Rifleman….several have come and gone, many were better than the Colt, but once it was “tuned” it’s still my favorite.
Mind tell us why there’s a CZ/Dan Wesson 10mm on the cover page and in subsequent photos, but absolutely NO MENTION of a superbly, ostensibly hand built 1911 made by DWA in Norwich, NY? Please do not confuse that location with Remington in nearby Ilion, NY, besides the R1’s are now built in Huntsville, AL
faux-paus no less.
I am a big fan of the 10mm but not having a great deal of money to fritter away, I went with less expensive platforms. Colt just abuses its shooters with its price, in my not very humble opinion.
The only reviewed gun I own is the Glock 20 and it is accurately reviewed as far as I am concerned. I also own a Glock 29 which I have modified to my specifications and it is one of my every day carry options. It rides in a DeSantis size 13 pocket holster in my right front pocket frequently.
The other choice is an EAA Witness all steel Compact which I have also modified with new springs and a special guide rod to reduce the possibility of frame cracking. After several thousand rounds now, no cracking yet. It is more accurate for me than my Glock, possibly due to the smaller grip radius. Modifications to the EAA include springs, guide rod and Tru Glo TFX sights, which I really like.
I also have an RIA Tactical which is a classic 1911 but with a rail. It is my most accurate 10mm.
Like Mr. Giersdorf, I find the recoil noticeable but hardly intimidating. I know it is there but I also know that it is not going to hurt me. So, why worry about it? Where is it written that one must have all of life’s experiences with absolutely no cost whatsoever? I am 75 and never had a hard labor job yet my hand strength and grip are quite adequate for 10mm. On the other hand, I find the .454 Casull to be beyond intimidating and the .44 Magnum overly loud with a stiff recoil. The 10mm is no where near either of those in recoil. Even in the “plastic” Glock 29, which is significantly lighter than the EAA all steel Compact.
I worry about “young” people who seem to be overly upset at the least possible inconvenience or even the slightest unpleasant experience. How will they persevere in the face of the slightest inconvenience? I do not view the 10mm as having too heavy a recoil and must question the judgement of those that do. If it doesn’t bother my old, palsied hands, why does it upset those far younger and, hopefully, stronger?
When you went 10mm hunting and saw no deer inside 200 yards, why didn’t you have a rifle with you, to make sure the trip wasn’t wasted time?
I never thought the recoil on the 10mm was that bad, especially with the standard factory loadings out now (+/- 500 ft/lbs). Glock 20s handle the recoil pretty well due low bore axis, but my Kimber 1911 handles 10mm just fine. The Sig P220 10mm has a little more muzzle flip (like all of their pistols) but the weight mitigates a lot of it. I’ve always thought the “heavy recoil” thing with 10s was overstated in about any writeup you see on them.