The eternal debate about the ideal handgun caliber for self-defense usually focuses on 9mm versus .45 ACP. The crux of that argument is carrying capacity versus stopping power.

But despite what keyboard commandos might insist, these aren’t the only options. One overlooked caliber is making a resurgence: the 10mm Auto.

With more power than 9mm and greater carrying capacity than .45 ACP, the 10mm might be the ultimate “best of both worlds” self-defense round.

But caliber is only half the battle. Within the 10mm realm, there are tons of handgun options to choose from. Some are great. Some are Saturday night specials. In this article, we’ll break down the best 10mm handguns on the market — our top 5 picks that offer the best performance for the value in various arenas.

Top 5 - Quick List

Here are our top picks (details at the end):

1. Best 10mm for Home Defense: Glock 20 Gen5 MOS

2. Best 10mm for Concealed Carry: Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm

3. Best 10mm for Hunting: Dan Wesson Bruin 10mm 1911

4. Most Versatile 10mm: Sig Sauer P320-XTEN

5. Best 10mm Revolver: Ruger GP100 1780

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Pmc Bronze 10Mm Auto 170 Grain Jhp

$20.00
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Prices accurate at time of writing

10mm Auto: What’s the Big Deal?

In the early 80s, ammo makers wanted to create the ultimate self-defense round, with power similar to the .45, a flat trajectory similar to a magnum revolver round, and a carrying capacity similar to the 9mm. The result was the 10mm Auto.

In the late 80s, the FBI adopted the 10mm to combat increasingly dangerous criminal threats. However, like everything else with guns, there are no ultimate “solutions,” only trade-offs. All that power packed in a small space created extra recoil. As agents started failing handgun qualifications, the Feds concluded the round was too powerful for a bunch of lawyers and accountants.

As a result, the FBI abandoned the 10mm for the .40 S&W, which is basically a shorter, less powerful version. However, the FBI’s hostage rescue team (the most elite tactical law enforcement unit in the world) continues to employ the 10mm round. Why? Because the round does exactly what it was designed to do — if you can manage the recoil.

Among civilians, the round gained popularity through the 80s, partly because Miami Vice’s Sonny Crockett carried a 10mm handgun on TV. However, interest waned with the rise of 9mm hollow point rounds, which delivered similar effective stopping power without the extra recoil.

These days, the 10mm Auto is making a comeback, and gun manufacturers are noticing. The general consensus is that the 10mm Auto is a superior gunfighting round to the 9mm but requires more effort and skill to employ effectively.

Advantages of 10mm Auto

Here are some key advantages of the 10mm round:

• High power - The 10mm delivers more power than 9mm, .357 magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and delivers similar performance as the .41. High muzzle velocity also ensures a flat trajectory. With this, it retains more kinetic energy at 100 yards than the .45 ACP has at the muzzle.

• Large capacity - Full-sized 10mm guns (and some compacts) usually allow for a standard 15+1 load configuration, similar to most full-sized 9mm handguns.

• Better for hunting - The 10mm is one of the few semi-auto rounds legal for hunting white-tailed deer in many states. Denmark even issues 10mm handguns as a last defense against polar bears!

• Great multi-purpose solution - The 10mm is effective for concealed carry, home defense, competition, and hunting. It’s basically good at everything. If you had to pick one round for the zombie apocalypse, you can’t go wrong with the 10mm.

Drawbacks of 10mm Auto

There are also a few drawbacks to consider:

• Recoil - All that extra power comes with extra recoil, which is amplified by smaller handgun designs. Physically weaker people may need to spend extra time training to manage 10mm guns effectively.

• Over-penetration - Extra power can also increase the chances of overpenetration in self-defense scenarios. However, this can be mitigated with the use of hollow point rounds that distribute energy on impact.

• Bigger guns - 10mm guns tend to be larger than similar 9mm options. This is fine for home defense and hunting but could be an issue for smaller people carrying concealed. Even the compacts are comparatively large.

• Ammo cost - While not exactly a specialty round, the 10mm is less common than more popular standards such as 9mm and .45. Naturally, this means the cost per round will be a bit higher.

Best 10mm Handguns: Our Top 5 Picks

Here are our top picks for 10mm handguns:

(Source:  us.glock.com)

1. Glock 20 Gen5 MOS

Best 10mm for Home Defense

The Glock 20 Gen5 MOS is an ideal choice for home defense. This full-size, high-capacity gun builds on Glock’s legendary reputation for reliability, durability, and performance. If you need to reach for a gun in the middle of the night, you can’t go wrong with the Glock 20.

This fifth-generation model of the Glock standard includes the modular optical system (MOS) for direct sight mounting, an upgraded trigger, and a flared magwell for easy magazine changes. It also includes interchangeable backstraps for a precision grip, adjusting the gun to your grip rather than the other way around. Plus, the whole gun is designed to be ambidextrous.

Overall, users agree the Glock 20 Gen5 MOS is a rock-solid choice and an improvement over previous models. However, there are still some complaints about Glock’s notoriously squishy trigger (despite the upgrades).

Specifications

• Unloaded weight: 30 oz

• Length: 8.1 in

• Height: 5.5 in

• Magazine capacity: 15 rounds

• Action: Striker

• Price: $745

Key features

• Durable polymer frame

• nDLC exterior finish for superior hardness and rust resistance

• Modular optic system (MOS) supports optical mounts directly on slide

• Ambidextrous slide lock lever

• Reversible magazine release

• Upgraded trigger

• Dual recoil spring system for recoil reduction and faster target acquisition

• Includes 3x interchangeable grip backstraps

• Flared magwell and high-visibility magwell markings

User Reactions

(Source: www.smith-wesson.com)

2. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm

Best 10mm for Concealed Carry

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm (4-inch barrel) is a rugged, no-nonsense pistol that packs a ton of stopping power. While it’s not the smallest pistol for concealed carry, dressing around it makes the trade-off worthwhile. The 4-inch barrel model strikes a good balance between concealability and performance. Plus, S&W managed to pack a 15+1 round capacity into a 1.3”-wide frame, which is a lot of firepower without too much bulk.

That said, where this 10mm pistol really shines is the ergonomics. It comes with four interchangeable grips with aggressive texturing, plus ambidextrous controls, allowing for a custom fit and secure hold when it matters most. The low bore axis also reduces muzzle rise on follow-up shots, so you can recover your aim faster —- a crucial advantage in any defensive scenario.

Best of all, this thing is built to last through heavy use and harsh conditions, with a stainless steel slide and barrel with Armornite, corrosion resistant finish. If you’re looking for a reliable concealed carry 10mm, the M&P 2.0 won’t let you down.

Specifications

• Unloaded Weight: 27.8 oz

• Barrel Length: 4 inches

• Overall Length: 7.2 inches

• Width: 1.3 inches

• Height: 5.6 inches

• Magazine Capacity: 15+1 rounds

• Action: Striker-fired

Key Features

• Optics-ready slide with adapter plates

• Flat-faced trigger for clean breaks

• Interchangeable grip inserts for a custom fit

• 18-degree grip angle for natural pointing

• Aggressive grip texture for secure handling

• Low bore axis to reduce muzzle rise

• Ambidextrous controls for left- or right-handed use

• Suppressor-height sights compatible with red dot optics

• Picatinny accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers

User Reactions

(Source: danwessonfirearms.com)

3. Dan Wesson Bruin 10mm 1911

Best 10mm for Hunting

The Dan Wesson Bruin 10mm 1911 is a premium handgun designed with hunters in mind. Combining the power of the 10mm Auto with a precision-crafted 1911 platform, the Bruin delivers accuracy, stopping power, and reliability for all your outdoor adventures.

Dan Wesson produces top-quality 1911s, and the Bruin is their premier design for pistol hunters — watch out hogs! The long barrel with the 10mm round gives you unmatched stopping power at a distance, which is critical for hunting. Plus, adjustable rear sights speak to the fact that Dan Wesson is serious about long-distance accuracy.

Users agree this gun is basically a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. However, some users are hesitant to take a two-thousand-dollar gun out into the wilderness and risk dropping it in a river or off a cliff. The choice is yours.

Specifications

• Unloaded weight: 44 oz

• Length: 9.7 in

• Height: 5.8 in

• Magazine capacity: 8 rounds

• Action: Single

• Price: $2,359

Key Features

• Top-tier gun designed specifically for hunting

• First long slide 1911 from Dan Wesson

• 6.03-inch barrel makes full use of 10mm charge for velocity, range, and accuracy

• Crafted from high-grade stainless steel

• Tritium fiber optic front sights and adjustable rear sights

User Reactions

(Source: www.sigsauer.com)

4. Sig Sauer P320-XTEN

Most Versatile 10mm

If you’re looking for a 10mm handgun with unparalleled versatility, the Sig Sauer P320-XTEN is the standout choice. Known for its modular design, the P320-XTEN provides a customizable shooting experience for a variety of applications.

The P320-XTEN is a unique gun, allowing users to swap out slides, barrels, and grips to transform the gun for any situation. Whether for home defense, concealed carry, or hunting, you can swap in components that best suit these applications. The key is the base modular fire control unit (FCU) that forms the backbone of the gun. If you want a gun that can do everything, this might be the one for you.

Most users buy this gun specifically for the modularity, but they also agree that it’s another rock-solid, reliable gun from Sig Sauer. At the same time, beginners might be confused by the modular design. So, be sure you’re ready to dive into the world of firearm customization before purchasing this one.

Specifications

• Unloaded weight: 33 oz

• Length: 8.5 in

• Height: 5.6 in

• Magazine capacity: 15 rounds

• Action: Striker

• Price: $799.99

Key Features

• Full-sized XTEN variant of the popular X polymer frame

• Carbon steel body with polymer baseplate

• Based around the modular fire control unit (FCU)

• Switch between slides, barrels, and grips for tailored fit and function

• Advanced ergonomic grip

• XRAY3 Day/Night Sights

• Optics-ready slide for advanced sighting options

User Reactions

(Source: ruger.com)

5. Ruger GP100 1780

Best 10mm Revolver

For a reliable and powerful 10mm revolver, look no further than the Ruger GP100 1780. With its robust construction and classic revolver design, the GP100 is ideal for those who appreciate the simplicity, precision, and rugged reliability of a good ol’ six shooter.

The Ruger GP100 is a top-quality, functionally indestructible hand cannon designed for intense use. The fully stainless-steel frame and high-quality trigger can withstand endless punishment and just keep on firing. This model also improves upon feed issues present in earlier versions. If a no-nonsense solution is what you’re after, this might be the gun for you.

Users say this is a great all-around gun that’s basically good at everything, assuming you like revolvers. The only real drawback is the limited capacity inherent to the platform, which limits its effectiveness in a self-defense situation. The recoil can also be tough for some.

Specifications

• Unloaded weight: 37 oz

• Length: 8.5 in

• Height: 6.0 in

• Cylinder capacity: 6 rounds

• Action: Single

• Price: $969

Key Features

• Designed for heavy use and basically indestructible

• Fully stainless-steel frame

• Fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight

• Cushioned rubber or walnut grip

• Precision design eliminates feed issues of previous models

User Reactions

Final Thoughts

The 10mm Auto is a highly versatile round that’s making a comeback. While there is no magic round that can do everything perfectly, the 10mm comes pretty close. It’s good for just about any application, if you can learn to manage the recoil. For most people, it’s worth a try to see how it might fit into your arsenal. Check out any of the guns listed above and see if this round is right for you.

Ready to take the leap and explore 10mm handguns for yourself? Pro Armory has the ammo and accessories you need to reach all your shooting goals. Check out our complete selection of 10mm ammo and handgun accessories.