Best 10mm Handguns – 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 best 10mm handguns 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 Handguns

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 Tanfoglio Witness Elite		Extremely Well Made Amazing Trigger Very Modular	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 Budget 10mm Rock Island Armory Ultra		Excellent features Affordable 1911 aftermarket	Check Price
Wildcard CMMG Banshee		AR-type platform Radial Delayed system reduces recoil Excellent at longer ranges	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.

Tanfoglio Witness Elite LTD 10mm Review

I’m far from a competitive shooter, but I do hang out with a few fellas who love IPSC. The Tanfoglio Witness Elite LTD seems to be the number choice for 10mm guns for the major power factor class. In my time shooting with these friends, I’ve been left nothing but impressed with the Tanfoglio Witness Elite LTD.

This all-metal shooter isn’t afraid of being a hefty girl, and as Freddy Mercury once said, fat-bottom girls make the world go round. The Tangfolion eats up the recoil of the 10mm round and delivers an ultra-smooth, premium shooting experience. The trigger is divine, and the 14 round magazine delivers plenty of 10mm. 

These guns are highly modular and often come optics ready, allowing for easy attachment of various sights. It’s not uncommon to see Tangofolios equipped with advanced optics, compensators, interchangeable handles, gas pedals, and more. These customizations are all part of an effort to make a smooth shooter even smoother and to extract every ounce of performance possible

Tanfoglio Witness Elite LTD 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 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

Rock Island Armory Ultra FS 10mm Review

A lot of the guns on this list are quite expensive. 10mm can be a costly caliber to get into, but budget options exist. The best budget 10mm I’ve ever handled or seen is, without a doubt, the Rock Island Armory Ultra FS 10mm. This is a 1911 platform, but RIA has outfitted it with numerous modern features to modernize the old man. The Ultra FS is a single stack design, so you are limited to 8 rounds, but get an ultra-thin grip with those famed 1911 ergonomics.

The full size ‘Government’ profile 1911 is a big gun, and that makes handling the 10mm a comfortable affair. The extra features include the LPA rear sight and high visibility front sight gives you a rapid sight option that’s also adjustable. The grips are G10, and keep the gun locked in your hand even when the 10mm is a thunderous load.

The addition of a nice long beavertail also allows for a comfortable high grip to maximize control over the gun and to fight muzzle rise. This improved control is handy given the high muzzle velocity typically associated with 10mm rounds. The gun maintains the simplistic appeal of a 1911, but the modern features add a nice touch to a budget 10mm.

Rock Island Armory Ultra FS 10mm Pros and Cons

CMMG Banshee 10mm Review

I like throwing a wildcard in every now and then, and the CMMG Banshee is most certainly a wild option. It’s legally a handgun, so I’m not breaking the theme of best 10mm handguns, but it’s not a traditional handgun. This AR pistol from CMMG really lets you unleash some 10mm magic. By its nature as an AR pistol, it’s very easy to control, can be easily braced, and shot out to 100 yards with relative ease.

The long threaded barrel allows you to maximize velocity from the 10mm, and the easy addition of optics extends your effective range and speed of engagement. The CMMG Banshee 10mm would be an excellent home defense gun, a great truck gun, a pest control device, or whatever else you want it to be. The CMMG Banshee uses radial delayed blowback to provide outstanding control and recoil reduction on top of unbeatable reliability.

Oh yeah, it uses Glock mags too.

CMMG Banshee 10mm Pros and Cons

Recommended Ammo

Best 10mm Handguns – 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.

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 Handguns – 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 for giving 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.