Best 10mm Handgun – Which is right for you?

I’ve got a soft spot for 10mm pistols, loving how they pack a punch while staying precise. The 10mm cartridge was built to outshine the .45 ACP, offering more power and better ballistics. It didn’t catch on at first, but after the 1989 FBI Miami shootout, folks saw its value. Even though the FBI moved away from it due to recoil issues, we shooters stuck with it. Now, there’s a solid selection of 10mm guns out there to choose from. In this article, we’ll check out the six best 10mm handgun that are available in the market that will best suit your shooting needs.

Why the 10mm?

The 10mm Auto is a sturdy handgun cartridge, outmatching the 357 Magnum in power and boasting magazine capacities from 8 to 15 rounds. Loved for its versatility, it can be loaded lightly for casual shooting or with more punch for hunting and defending against larger threats. It’s suitable for concealed carry, home defense, competitions, and hunting.

Despite its ups and downs in popularity, the 10mm is gaining traction again as more manufacturers include it in their handgun offerings. While the 357 Magnum remains popular for revolvers, the 10mm has surged ahead with advancements in ballistics, offering more power and capacity.

Initially embraced by the FBI, the 10mm faced setbacks due to recoil and gun durability issues. This led to the development of the FBI load and eventually the 40 S&W cartridge, making firearms more manageable. Nonetheless, the 10mm still enjoys a dedicated following and has inspired various firearm designs.

Types of 10mm Handguns

• Concealed Carry: Admittedly compact and subcompact 10mms are somewhat rare. They most certainly exist and can be found from major companies, including Glock. You’re more likely to find compact 10mm 1911s than most other options. Capacities can vary from 7 to 10 rounds, with options for extended magazines giving you 15 rounds of firepower.
• Full Size: Full size, duty type 1911s are the most popular and easiest to find option for 10mm aficionados. The 10mm was made to be a fighting gun round, and full-sized handguns are without a doubt the most popular fighting handguns. Barrel lengths can vary from 4 to 5 inches, and capacity can range from 8 to 15 rounds.
• Beyond Full Size: The 10mm is an excellent long-range performer, and the beyond full-sized category are guns designed for tasks like long-range shooting and hunting. Barrels exceed 5 inches, and this offers a longer sight radius for more precise shots. These big guns are often easier to handle with full power loads of 10mm and let you go hot.
• Revolvers: Yep, the 10mm has found its way into a number of revolvers. Why not? It can outperform the sacred cow that is 357 Magnum, and people still love their blessed six guns. The 10mm in a revolver opens uploading options, even more, giving you even lighter loads and potentially very hot and manageable choices.

How I Chose the Best 10mm Handgun

As a former Marine with over twenty years of shooting experience, I’ve had the opportunity to try numerous 10mm handguns. However, when compiling this list of the best revolvers in the 10mm category, I didn’t solely rely on my own experiences. I got some input from professional shooter friends to ensure a comprehensive selection.

Considering factors such as shootability, reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value, I aimed to provide a well-rounded 10mm handgun list to you. I understand that choosing a 10mm gun is subjective, so I’ve categorized these guns on their best case use to cater to diverse preferences. Additionally, I’ve included a buyer’s guide to assist in finding the ideal 10mm handgun. So, read on to find the best 10mm gun for your needs.

Best 10mm by Category

Editor’s Choice FN 510		Optics Ready Includes 15 and 22 Round Magazines Suppressor Height Sights	Check Price
Best Concealed Carry Glock 29		Small and Compact Very Reliable Affordable and Easy to Find	Check Price
Best Home Defense Glock 20		15 round magazine capacity Glock Reliability Modern and Modular	Check Price
Best 10mm Revolver Ruger GP100		Outstanding Trigger Easy to Control Can shoot 40 S&W as well	Check Price
Best 10mm 1911 Colt Delta Elite		Thin Grip Novak Sights 1911 aftermarket	Check Price
Softest Shooting SIG P320-Xten		Optics Ready Modular Design Soft Shooting	Check Price
Best Duty 10mm S&W M&P 2.0 10mm		Optics Ready Suppressor Height Sights Great Trigger	Check Price

Best 10mm Handgun Reviews

The 10mm handgun is a popular choice for many reasons. Do you have your sights set on one? Let’s look into the specifics of each of our favorites and see what would be the best for you.

FN 510 10mm Review

If you are hunting the most modern 10mm pistol on the planet, the FN 510 would be the way to go. The 510 is an expansion of the 509. It’s a 509 that’s a little bulkier to handle the bigger and longer 10mm cartridge. As you’d expect, it has all the 509 series design features. It’s a striker-fired, polymer-frame gun that rocks and rolls with a double-stacked magazine.

I think FN produces so many belt-fed machine guns that they aren’t afraid of capacity. The 510 comes with a flush-fitting 15-round magazine and an expanded 22-round magazine, which I call the Happy Stick. This is a lot of 10mm, and it’s nice for FN to take things to the limit.

Besides a massive magazine, the FN 510 is optics-ready. In fact, the gun isn’t just your average optics-ready option; it features suppressor height sights to allow for proper cowitnessing. The FN 510 uses a plate system that allows you to stack various optics on the gun. I don’t like the fact they are polymer plates, they seem doomed to fail. In general I don’t care for plate systems all that much.

Besides being optics-ready, the barrel is also threaded. You can toss on a suppressor or, even better, a compensator to tame some of the 10mm recoil. As you’d expect, the gun comes with an accessory rail.

The wide grip and aggressive grip texture make it surprisingly easy to hold. Your average 10mm barely feels snappy. When you get into the hotter, heavier stuff with hard-cast bullets, the FN 510 feels snappy but not uncontrollable or even uncomfortable. The double-stack magazine creates a wide grip, but the width helps disperse that recoil.

I have a tough time finding value in the price. It’s a thousand-dollar gun. That’s not cheap, and it faces stiff competition from the more proven and budget-friendly Glock 20.

FN 510 Pros and Cons

Glock 29 Review

The Glock 29 almost wins this class by default. There simply aren’t many subcompact 10mms. That’s not to say the Glock 29 isn’t a solid gun.The little Glock packs 10 rounds of 10mm in its double-stack magazine and can accept the 15-round magazines from the Glock 20. This little guy shares the same frame as the .45 ACP Glocks and boasts the durability and reliability that is consistent across the entire Glock pistol series.

The Glock 29 is a bit bigger than most subcompacts but still easily squeezes into waistbands and hides effectively. The Glock 29 is built to be dependable with all manner of 10mm loads, including the lighter, more comfortable options. The Glock 29 is currently available as a fourth-generation gun and packs a small rail for adding lights or lasers, as well as the Gen 4 recoil reducing guide rod. You might need it in this little fella.

The Glock 29 is a great gun, but it could use a longer grip for more control. Without something like the Pearce grip extensions, you’ll find yourself rocking a handing pinky. Other than that, the Glock 29 swaps out the traditional steel frame for a modern polymer one, giving you a subcompact option that’s great for concealed carry.

Read our review on the Glock 29.

Glock 29 Pros and Cons

Glock 20 Review

The Glock 20 is one of my favorite 10mms for a few reasons. First, it’s a plug and play 10mm pistol with no tuning, parts swapping, or load testing needed. Second, the Glock aftermarket is massive, and you can customize it if you so choose. Lastly, it’s dead nuts reliable. The Glock 20 is a modern polymer, striker-fired pistol that keeps things simple. It’s an easy transition for most shooters who’ve grown up on similar guns.

The Glock 20 is a big full-sized gun capable of accomodating a light, and that’s a must for home defense. The full-sized nature makes it easy to control and handle for the home defense encounters. It’s comfortable to shoot and can be done with relative ease with a single hand. The Glock 20’s 15 round magazine also offers you comforting capacity when things go bump in the night.

The Glock 20 is a great do it gun if you live in a rural environment. It’s capable of home defense, as well as dealing with predators on four legs and pests. Perfect for hiking, hunting, and riding the range with. The Glock 20 is the choice of the elite Sirius Patrols of Denmark for polar bear dissuasion.

You can read the full review of the Glock 20 here.

Glock 20 Pros and Cons

Ruger GP100 Match Champion Review

The Ruger GP100 Match Champion is one of the few revolvers out there that has tackled the 10mm. The 10mm can be loaded in all manner of ways. From hot-rodded loads to soft recoiling plinking cartridges and this makes it an excellent revolver round. Revolvers can handle loads hotter and weaker than most automatics. The GP100 Match Champion allows a reloader to try all sorts of 10mm loads.

The Match Champion gains its name from the fact it’s designed for the IDPA revolver classes. This full-sized revolver is designed to be easily controlled and fired rapidly for these competitions. The gun is outfitted with full-sized wood grips, easy to see high visibility sights and an ultra-smooth double-action trigger.

The Match Champion might be made for competition, but it’s an outstanding revolver for various roles. It’s too big for concealed carry but could be used for hunting, home defense, or just having fun. It’s tough to hate a six-gun, and they are always fun to shoot.

Read the full review of the Ruger GP100 here.

Ruger GP100 Match Champion Pros and Cons

Colt Delta Elite 10mm Review

When the 10mm premiered, there weren’t a ton of options for guns. Dornaus and Dixon had the ill-fated Bren Ten, and there wasn’t much more. Colt wanted to get into the 10mm game, and they already had a beloved platform. The M1911, around this time, the series 80 guns were the hot ticket, and the M1911 still ruled the market. The Colt Delta Elite became Colt’s 10mm M1911. It’s come and gone, and in 2016, it came back strong in a Gen 2.5 configuration.

One of the big benefits of going to an M1911 is the single-stack design. The 10mm is a large, long cartridge, which makes double-stacked 10mms a bit blocky. The Colt Delta Elite and the classic single-stack magazine design give us a bit more of a svelte grip. The Colt Delta Elite provides a solid option for those looking for the 10mm.

The Delta Elite series lacks modern features. It’s not optics-ready, and there is no rail or threaded barrel. Heck, it’s not even an ambidextrous design. The Colt Delta Elite in 2025 is more of a throwback to the original era of the 10mm. The newest generation does feature a few modern additions.

The gun has Novak sights, an undercut trigger guard, a dual recoil spring assembly, and a larger beavertail. The grips keep the classic Delta Elite triangle on the grips and feature a stainless finish that makes the Delta Elite a nice-looking gun.

Overall, we get the single-action trigger design everyone loves about the M1911. It’s short, sweet, and lightweight. The recoil doesn’t feel too much stiffer than .45 ACP, but if you load up some of those hotter 10mm loads, the recoil ramps up. Luckily, the trigger guard undercut, and bigger beavertail allow for a nice, high grip on the gun for better control.

As you’d imagine, this thing is a real tack driver. Even with just irons, you can get excellent accuracy at 25 to 50 yards with good 10mm rounds. The Delta Elite series are fantastic 1911s.

As you’d expect from a Colt, it’s pricey. It’s a beautiful, well-made gun, but I can see why some folks are turned away by the price tag and the lack of modern features. The Colt Delta Elite is old-school cool, and that has its own price tag.

Colt Delta Elite 10mm Pros and Cons

SIG P320-Xten Comp 10mm Review

SIG dishes out SKUs like Santa gives toys to good little boys and girls. I almost jumped on the first XTEN because I wanted a 10mm P320, but I’m glad I waited because it wasn’t long after the XTEN that we got the XTEN Comp. The XTEN Comp features the exact removable fire control grip as the P320, but the FCU only drops into .45 ACP and 10mm grips.

Comp means it’s compensated. The comp isn’t attached to a threaded barrel. Instead, it’s built into the slide, which is a little longer than the barrel itself. This creates the port that allows gas to be redirected to counter muzzle rise.

Simply put, the XTEN feels a lot more like shooting a 9mm than a 10mm in terms of muzzle rise. This is most noticeable with the heavy, fast, and hard-hitting rounds often used for bear defense. It’s the softest shooting gun on this list.

What SIG did best was help deal with the ergonomics of a double-stacked 10mm pistol. Most double-stacked 10mm grips tend to be blocky, wide, and uncomfortable for people with small hands. The SIG P320 XTEN is still a little bigger than most, but it is less blocky and ultimately way more ergonomic than the other options.

The optics-ready design allows you to use a Leupold DPP or SIG optics. It’s a direct mount, which I prefer, but direct mount does limit your overall options when it comes to optic selection. Luckily, the SIG series of optics are pretty solid options, and SIG wants to keep you in their ecosystem.

The X series grip module works quite well. It’s ergonomic and comfortable, with a nice grip texture. It’s comfy to shoot and plenty reliable. Most of the P320 quirks have been erased, and the XTEN handles like a well-oiled machine.

SIG P320-Xten Comp 10mm Pros and Cons

S&W M&P 2.0 10mm

The S&W M&P 2.0 series made a ton of improvements to the classic M&P lineup. This includes a full-length steel chassis, a more aggressive texture, and a vastly improved trigger. Some might argue releasing the 10mm version might have been the best upgrade. The M&P 2.0 is a full-sized 10mm handgun that is built like a duty gun. The 4.6-inch barrel uses the 10mm cartridge well, and the 15-round stock magazine is nothing to frown at. There is a 4-inch version available for a slightly shorter length and more carry-friendly design.

We get the M&P 2.0 features, like an optics-ready design that comes stock with suppressor-height sights. This system uses a plate-based system to accommodate multiple optics. We get the famed interchangeable palm swells, all fitted with a hyper-aggressive grip texture. S&W makes the gun with and without a manual safety, so everyone has an option to get what they want.

The M&P 2.0 and its semi-flat-facing trigger are ready for those long-range engagements. With an optic in place, you have a comfortable gun for up to 50 years with a flat shooting 10mm cartridge. It’s got excellent accuracy and would be a great choice for self-defense, including considerable animal defense, or even a good hunting cartridge with the right ammo.

The super aggressive grip texture and customizable grip make it easy to control the famed ‘centimeter’ cartridge. It’s controllable and gives you an excellent tool if you need to make those fast follow-up shots. It’s flat shooting enough that tracking sights are easy. This is the S&W M&P that pulled me into the fold.

I’m not a massive fan of the plate system. I prefer a direct mount design to avoid tolerance stacking, but sadly, plates have become the standard, more or less, for mass-produced guns. The early versions of the M&P 10 had reliability issues, so make sure you avoid the used market.

S&W M&P 2.0 10mm Pros and Cons

Recommended Ammo

Best 10mm Handgun – Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for a 10mm handgun, there are several factors to consider to make sure you choose the best option for your needs. Here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide I’ve compiled to assist you in making a well-informed decision when selecting a 10mm handgun.

Factors To Consider When Buying a 10mm Handgun

Before we get to the factors, there’s one question I’d always ask people: ‘Are you sure it’s for you?’ As a 10mm fan, I know it’s a great cartridge, but it’s not as plug-and-play as 9mm. You need to read the box of ammo before buying, as many loads, including defensive ammo, mimic the FBI lite load. If that’s your preference, .40 S&W might be a cheaper and more ergonomic option with lower ammo costs.

Standard 10mm loads can have significant recoil—not as intense as a .44 Magnum but still demanding solid fundamentals. A Buffalo Bore 10mm load in a Glock 29 is not for the faint-hearted. Before choosing 10mm, research your loads, understand recoil spring swaps, and be prepared for a higher investment.

With that being said, now let’s take a look at some of the factors that you must consider when choosing a 10mm handgun.

Intended Use: Determine what you’ll primarily use the handgun for. Are you looking for a concealed carry option, a home defense firearm, a hunting sidearm, or a competition pistol? The intended use will dictate the size, capacity, and features you should prioritize.

Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the handgun, especially if you plan to carry it regularly. Compact and subcompact models are suitable for concealed carry, while full-size handguns offer better control and capacity but may be less comfortable to carry.

Capacity: Check the magazine capacity of the handgun. Higher capacity models, typically full-size ones, offer more rounds, which can be beneficial in defensive situations or extended shooting sessions.

Recoil Management: Since the 10mm cartridge generates substantial recoil, especially with full-power loads, consider features that aid in recoil management. This includes ergonomic grips, recoil-reducing systems, and heavier handguns that absorb recoil better.

Reliability: Look for a handgun known for its reliability. You want a firearm that functions flawlessly, especially in critical situations. Research user reviews, reliability tests, and manufacturer reputation to ensure you’re getting a dependable handgun.

Ergonomics: Pay attention to the ergonomics of the handgun, including grip size and shape, trigger reach, and controls placement. A comfortable grip and intuitive controls contribute to better handling and accuracy.

Sights: Consider the type of sights the handgun comes with. Quality sights, such as night sights or fiber optic sights, enhance visibility in various lighting conditions and aid in target acquisition.

Customization Options: Determine if the handgun offers customization options to tailor it to your preferences. This includes compatibility with aftermarket accessories like sights, grips, and optics mounts.

Price and Value: Set a budget for your purchase and weigh the price against the features and performance offered by the handgun. While quality firearms often come with a higher price tag, there are also budget-friendly options available without compromising too much on quality.

Ride the Lightning

The 10mm is an awesome round capable of outstanding performance. This little powerhouse is fearless, capable, and can deliver better accuracy and range beyond the norm. The 10mm’s cult following has remained so loyal for so long for a reason. The 10mm offers you magnum performance in an automatic pistol that’s hard to beat. Check out why happiness is best measured by the centimeter.

Best 10mm Handgun – FAQs

Should you consider suppressor height sights for a 10mm handgun?

If you’re not planning to attach a suppressor or other optics to your 10mm handgun, you can skip past the need for suppressor height sights. They’re really designed to give you a clear line of sight over mounted attachments, so if you’re not adding anything on top, standard sights should do just fine.

Can you use a 10mm handgun for everyday carry (EDC)?

Using a 10mm handgun for everyday carry is totally doable, but it depends on your preferences and comfort level. Smaller, compact models might be better for concealed carry, while larger ones could work if you’re okay with the size and weight.

Is a chest holster a practical carry option for a 10mm handgun?

A chest holster can be a great option, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. It keeps your handgun secure and accessible while still letting you move around comfortably. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best choice for everyday city carry.

Can you use an aftermarket trigger guard for a 10mm handgun?

Yes, you can definitely swap out the trigger guard on your 10mm handgun for an aftermarket one. They come in all sorts of styles and can add some extra comfort and functionality to your firearm. Just make sure you’re getting one that fits your specific model.

Can I use a 10mm handgun for target shooting?

Many shooters use 10mm handguns for target shooting due to their accuracy and flat trajectory. The ability to load lighter rounds for practice makes them an excellent choice for honing your shooting skills.

Are there any 10mm handguns with ambidextrous slide stops?

Yes, many modern 10mm handguns feature ambidextrous slide stop, making them user-friendly for both right- and left-handed shooters. This feature allows for quick and easy slide manipulation, which can be particularly beneficial during competitive shooting or tactical scenarios.