(BEST 10MM Pistols ARTICLE UPDATED TO TRY AND INCLUDE IN-STOCK ITEMS. SOME EXACT MODELS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE)
Many gun aficionados have heralded the 9mm handgun as the ideal self-defense firearm, but despite its popularity, the “nine milli” is not the only worthy choice available.
On the contrary, the 10mm pistol is making a big comeback and it’s got just as many excellent attributes as its counterpart.
Why Buy a 10MM Pistol?
Stopping Power is the main reason why to buy a 10MM Pistol. The 10mm is a rimless large pistol with a maximum pressure of 33,000 psi that has some serious power.
The findings of multiple ballistic gel tests found that the 10mm could travel more than 17 inches after impact whereas the 9mm could only travel 13 inches after impact.
In other words, a 10mm pistol could penetrate two people at center mass and continue traveling.
While the 10mm handgun fell by the wayside for many years, recent advances in metallurgy have resulted in a surge in popularity. Modern pistol models are better equipped to handle the 10mm caliber than those built in the 1980s.
Today, we’re going to take a look our top picks for best 10mm pistols.
For each, we’ll discuss what makes them a worthwhile purchase and why the 10mm is every bit as ideal a handgun as its nemesis, the nine millimeter.
Are you ready? Let’s get started.
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Our Picks for the Best 10MM Pistols Handguns
| Product | Rating | Price | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Colt Delta Elite | 9.8 | $$$ |  |
 | Dan Wesson RZ-10 | 9.7 | $$$ | |
 | EAA Witness P Carry | 9.5 | $$ | |
 | Glock Gen 4 Full-Size Pistol | 9.4 | $$ | |
 | Kimber Eclipse Custom II | 9.3 | $$ | |
 | Para USA Elite LS Hunter | 9.1 | $$$ | |
 | Remington 1911 R1 Semi-automatic Hunter LS | 9.0 | $$ | |
 | Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra MS | 8.8 | $$ | |
 | Sig Sauer P220 | 8.7 | $$$ | |
 | Wilson Combat Classic | 8.5 | $$$$ | |
Colt Delta Elite Semi-Automatic
This government model is at the top of the heap when it comes to ten-millimeter semi-automatic handguns. Colt was one of the original pioneers of the ten milli and they’ve only gotten better with time.
This combat pistol blows away much of the competition because it’s got enough power for medium size game hunting in addition to CQC (Close Quarters Combat).
Each one comes with Novak sights with dots, an enhanced hammer, wide slide serration, a lowered ejection port and an upswept beavertail grip safety.
At $1,099, the Delta Elite is a bit more affordable than some of its counterparts and you’ll know that you are paying for quality engineering and a durable build.
Dan Wesson RZ-10
This 1911 model has a Clark-style target rib machined on the top of the slide with defensive sights.
The Razoback‘s got a pair of sexy double diamond Cocobolo grips that are a nice touch for collectors.
This is another one that’s on the pricey side at $1,499.99, but it’s a high-performance single action pistol that is known for never jamming and never disappointing.
EAA Witness P Carry
This is a great option for those looking for a carry gun. It’s a low profile weapon with snag resistant sights and a stainless steel slide.
Unlike some other models, the Witness features a magazine that can hold 15 rounds. It’s got a one-piece full size polymer grip and an automatic firing pin block.
You won’t find the Witness at Cabela’s or 1800gunsandammo.com, but click the link above to check price.
Glock Flat Dark Earth Gen 4
This one is an aesthetic marvel and a shrewd one at that. If you’re looking for cover and you’re in an outdoor combat situation, this is the 10mm pistol you want to have on your hip.
Its forest green body is but one of the Gen 4’s terrific features. Built for performance and durability, the Dark Earth Gen 4 has fixed sights, a shiny finish and an enlarged, reversible magazine release.
Each FDE Gen 4 comes with three customizable backstraps and three magazines. Its RTF (Rough Textured Frame) makes it easy to handle.
Perhaps second only to its discreet color is its price point. When you consider the rising prices on most full-size pistol models, this one’s an absolute steal.
Which 10MM Pistol Holds the Most Rounds?
The Glock G20 10MM pistol holds 15 rounds, one of the highest capacity magazines in the 10MM category. However, it should be noted you can buy extended magazines for several 10MM models.
SGM Tactical 10mm 30-Round Extended Magazine for Glock Pistols
The SGM Tactical® 10mm 30-Round Extended Magazine for Glock® Pistols provides superior performance at a price that’s tough to beat. This aftermarket magazine features tough steel-reinforced polymer construction with a tough polymer baseplate for superior strength and lasting corrosion resistance in even the harshest environments. Plus, numbered witness holes provide quick, easy round counts on the fly.
Kimber Eclipse Custom II
This 1911 pistol is a two-tone handgun with stainless steel match-grade barrels and bushings.
Each one comes with full size grips, a chamber indicator port, high-ride beavertail grip safety and an extended thumb safety. The Commander-style hammer and checkered side release are also quite appealing to most avid shooters.
It’s also got a brushed polished carbon slide and rosewood grips, making it one of the more attractive ten millis on the market. This one is famed for its hair-splitting accuracy and precision design.
You can usually get your hands on one for around $1,750.
Para USA Elite LS Hunter
This one’s got all the bells and whistles you want in a 10mm handgun from its adjustable rear target sight and green fiber optic front to its six-inch ramped barrel and beavertail grip safety.
It’s a high-end variation on the 1911 that comes with a bevy of unique features including VZ Operator machined G10 grips, oversized, flared ejection port, and an EGW HD Extractor.
At around $1,000.00, it’s not the cheapest model on my list, but it’s certainly worth every penny. Pound for pound, the Elite LS Hunter is a python compared to some of the cheaper choices available to the general public.
Remington 1911 R1 Semi-automatic Hunter LS
You know the expression, “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to Remington, the name speaks for itself. Remington has maintained a solid reputation among gun enthusiasts since 1816.
In the last 201 years, they’ve continued to improve upon each of their firearms, maintaining a position in the industry as masters of innovation and excellence.
The 1911 is no exception in terms of classic values and contemporary quality. Remington’s 1911 R1 is a beautiful piece with a black body and a gleaming silver stainless steel slide. This makes it a favorite on our list of the best 10MM pistols
With a match-grade stainless barrel, serrated slide, premium grip panels and two magazines, this one’s got the works.
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra MS
The sleek, snub-like design of the TAC Ultra MS makes it asuperior pistol for conceal and carry purposes. It’s compact, ergonomic and contemporary with a modern three-slat trigger, front and rear CNC angle grooves and Picatinny rail.
The TAC Ultra delivers 1,850 fps with a mild recoil that runs counter to its intense muzzle energy.
The skeletonized hammer and trigger are simply awesome to behold and the G10 tactical grips further the intimidating look. The durable parkerized coating puts the finishing touch on the design.
Sportsmansguide.com has Rock Island 10mm for around $600.
Sig Sauer P220
Sig Sauer‘s another one of those names like Colt or Remington that stick in the forefront of the gun enthusiast’s mind whenever the subject of handguns comes up.
The P220 is head and shoulders above many of their competitors’ models in that it features SigLite signature night sights for easy target acquisition and a threaded, chrome-lined barrel that provides the gun owner with handgun longevity.
Guns.com usually has new and used sig P220s for around $1,700.
Wilson Combat Classic
The Wilson Combat Classic comes in at number ten on my list because this one is really a vanity item at a whopping $3,799.99. The classic brown wood grip on platinum silver body makes it a favorite among Clint Eastwood fans and the like.
As far as 1911 pistols are concerned, this one is a performance firearm with Wilson’s own low-mounted adjustable rear sight and bullet proof one-piece mag well.
Basically, if you’re in the market for all the bells and whistles when it comes to the best 10MM pistols, this bad boy might become your best friend. It’s got a countersunk slide stop, reverse crown/flush cut barrel and boasts a flashy Wilson grip medallion.
To reiterate, while this is certainly a worthy option, you’re going to pay big to get your hands on one of these much-coveted trophy ten millis. For more practical, frugal gun enthusiasts, I’d highly recommend any other handgun on this list.
You might be able to find a used Wilson Combat Classic on Guns.com
What to Look for in the Best 10mm Pistols
There are several considerations a gun owner should contemplate before making a 10mm pistol purchase. The key factors to think about when selecting the weapon for your personal needs are durability, price point and reliability.
Last but not least, what accessories are available for the 10MM.
10MM PISTOL ACCESSORIES
A lot of people think that gun accessories only apply to larger firearms like rifles and shotguns, but there are plenty of accessories for handguns as well.
Beretta offers a variety of handgun accessories including custom grips, lasers and lights, rear and front sights and magazines.
You’ll want to confirm how many rounds your 10mm pistol can hold before purchasing any magazines from such manufacturers.
I’m a big proponent of lasers, sights and lights since they can enable the shooter to fire in any environment, whether it’s day or night.
Cabela’s carries my absolute favorite sight, the Trijicon RMR Adjustable LED Reflex Sight. It’s a tad expensive at $349.00, but it’s worthy every penny.
You get a true-color multi-coated lens and eight adjustable brightness settings as well as a tritium phosphor lamp. The best part is, it’s powered by a single lithium battery. Each unit also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
How to Select Your 10mm Pistol Ammo
Ammunition is every bit as important as the gun from which you fire it. The 10mm caliber is garnering a long-awaited and well-earned reputation among gun consumers, but brands and styles are an integral part of the shooting process.
Today, 10mm ammo is designed to make its forebears proud with 135 to 180 grain range that’s controllable and precise, providing the user excellent stopping power and ballistics.
What is the Best Ammo for a 10mm Pistol?
There is much debate among the online community as to which ammo is the best ammo for a 10mm handgun, but the general consensus seems to be this:
You don’t want a load that tops out at the teetering edge of SAAMI specs, but you also don’t want something like a 230 grain load which will penetrate too deeply in a defensive situation.
You want ammunition that will fire cleanly from your firearm every time and you want each round to be accurate.
People seem to underestimate the 10mm pistol, perhaps because of its checkered past. But the truth is, it can do a lot of damage with very little. For this reason, a fairly mediocre bullet like a 165 grain Montana Gold can produce a substantial wound.
List of the Best Ammo for a 10mm Pistol:
Hornady 175 grain Critical Duty
American Eagle 10MM Auto 180GR
All of these loads will let you take care of business with varying degrees of penetration and performance, but none of them will let you down.
10MM Pistol History
The 10mm pistol has an interesting history. It was developed in the early 1980s by the firearms manufacturer, Colt, in collaboration with the renowned firearms expert, Jeff Cooper. The goal was to create a powerful and versatile cartridge that could be used for self-defense and law enforcement purposes.
The 10mm Auto cartridge, also known as 10mm Norma, was introduced in 1983. It was originally chambered in the Colt Delta Elite, a variant of the Colt M1911 pistol. The 10mm Auto offered a significant increase in power compared to other popular handgun cartridges at the time, such as the 9mm and .45 ACP.
Top 10MM handguns – Conclusion
There you go, I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best 10mm pistols out there.
Is a 10MM Pistol Worth It?
Yes a 10MM Pistol is worth it, considering you can pick up a quality 10MM pistol for around $500. If you consider the stopping power of the 10mm pistol. the improved recoil and number of accessories for the 10MM, then no doubt it is worth adding to your collection.
By now, you should have a better idea of the specs you should expect from a decent ten milli pistol. Also, suggest you guys take a look at my article on the best range bags to find one that can help you safely store your weapon.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal needs and preferences. But this list should serve as a good starter for shooters who are looking to select a beginner pistol.
54 Responses
No love for STI? The Nitro 10 Tactical is a dandy, with 15-rds (18-rd mags available) of double-stack goodness. Match-grade trigger, match barrel, and trijicon tritium night sights are standard.
Really, STI no mention??
But Colt’s #1…. I like Colt and 1911″s but sorry, I disagree with Will’s picks,
I’m quite in love with the Kimber camp guard 10. Have you tested it yet?
Personally own the Glock 29 and love it! Recoil with normal 180 grain loads is nothing. Don’t understand why everyone is scared of the recoil. Heavier hunting cartridges have a little more kick, but normal loads kick less than hot 9mm ammo out of my M&P Shield.
Kimber Camp Guard 10MM fine pistol
You should do a bit more research on your part Kenneth. These are the specs. for the Underwood 10mm Extreme Defender.
Specifications:
– Caliber: 10mm Auto
– Bullet Weight: 115 Grains
– Bullet Style: Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense
– Case Type: Ducta-Bright 7a Nickel Brass
– Muzzle Velocity:1700 fps
– Muzzle Energy: 738 ft. lbs.
– Penetration:18 inches
Maybe not 1850 fps, but certainly not 1400 fps
My witness limited is also excellent with all loads. The cracked frame issue was a bad batch of pistols where the heat treatment or composition of the allow was flawed. Colt also had frame issues that have since been corrected by notching out the frame where stresses were concentrating and forming cracks. I hate my glock, it’s ugly, no other reason.
I live in the communist state of Connecticut where colt currently resides
Colt hasn’t done any had products because they threw the unions out when they had the big strike in the 80s and all those guys left or retired then they hired a bunch of Garbage from Hartford . They neuter their AR 15 rifle took state money from Connecticut and got on the anti-gun wagon , they sold all the machinery that made like the python diamond back in the anaconda . Now they regret it and trying to make that junk cobra that blows up and come back because they’re made with mim parts ! They don’t even make their own stuff everything is subcontracted and they’re a bunch of scumbags I hope they go out of business permanently
Hell yes!! SIG SAUER P220 ELITE STAINLESS/ ROSEWOOD GRIPS 10MM!
Yessss by far hands down!
You should do your research you’re absolutely wrong all this crap about unsupported barrels
I’ve seen more of the glocks cracked in half with factory ammo
I’ve had 10 mm since 1988
I load them over 1400 ft./s with a 180 grain bullet
You probably could get 1800 ft./s with a 6 inch barrel and a 135 grain bullet
I have a glock 20 & glock 29 both are very accurate handles well
Love both
Good list. Thank you. Sure that i’ll buy based on these recommendations.
This is nothing but a promotion for cabellas
I have the Glock 20 & Glock 29 and they’re both great. That being said, I sure with Springfield would come out with a XDm in 10mm.
I have a 3 gen G20, a delta elite, a 1006 and a 1076. The 1006 is my favorite shooter. Yes, it’s all stainless and heavy like a brick but I think that helps control of heavy cast bullets. I still carry it IWB and it does print but it is my favorite DA/SA.
Will is definitely a Colt fanboy because the Delta will never compete in the same circle with Glock unless the Delta was modified, and then it’s still a roll of the dice.
“russell payne” got it right with his post.
please tell me what cabelas has an r1 for under 1100 i will go buy it right now
A glock fanboy taking a crack at a colt fanboy, ironic.
-Tanfoglio/CZ fanboy
Your out of your mind The colt Delta elite out of the Box 1992 production that I shoot every weekend with normal 1980s production loads that I have to reload now because all you could get is low powered crap Will outlast any junk plastic glock blow up in your hand gun
That is why I do not load anything less than 135 grains in 10mm defensive loads. Heavy bullets tend to penetrate further than light ones.
It’s OK if they’re all Democrats
i love the colt delta elite it so balanced and accurate not to mention its a very sharp looking gun its solidly built and packs a punch thanks i took this list and im not at all dissapointed i am thrilled
“The TAC Ultra delivers 1,850 fps with a mild recoil that runs counter to its intense muzzle energy.”
Do your research before you post an article. There isn’t a single 10mm pistol in the world that delivers 1,850 FPS, let alone a 4″ barreled pistol. Underwood Ammo advertises at best 1400 FPS with their overpowered ammo. And the fact you’ve got the Colt Delta Elite as #1?! Who the hell decided it was a good idea to print your trash. The Delta Elite at least as far as I know doesn’t fully support the 10mm round in the chamber, which can lead to ALL kinds of bad things if someone gets a hold of full power or better ammo. Unless that’s changed, like others have said, you’re just a Colt fanboy.
Have a Glock model 40 G4 that I love. Lots of punch in an easily modified package with 3 magazines.
Love the 10mm. I find Ruger’s Government SR1911 in 10mm to be the best balance of value and performance.
Over the pat 10 years I’ve had a Delta Elite, a Glock 29, briefly a EAA Witness and now have the Ruger 1911 RS which is my favorite. I returned the EAA a couple days after I bought it because the owners manual says it is not to be used with “high velocity ammo” no further explanation. Took it apart to clean and found the recoil spring to be significantly weaker/softer than any of my other 10s. That led me to internet research and found a history of problems, cracked frames, etc. no way I would have used Buffalo Bore or Double Tap out of it. It was kind of an impulse buy because it felt great in my hand, but had zero confidence in it, so I took it back. Gun store was great on the return for a Springfield XDs 45. The EAA would probably have been fine if I only used th 40 SW loading in it, but I don’t. The Ruger is great. I’ve put about 500 rounds through it in the last 3 months and not a hiccup.
I found the section about ammo very off Ballance. For starters, standard 10mm bullet weights range from 135-200 grain with there being some lighter and up to 220 grain hard casts. He mentions over penetration with a 230 grain. How did the the 45 Ancient Cartridge Pistol get in there?
Also the other big factor is 10mm is making it’s comeback as a woods gun and the neutered FBI loads are very annoying. Get Underwood hard casts or Xtreme Penetrators (and now Hunters) for defense from critters that want to stomp or shred you to death.
Personally I detest reviewers like the trash I just read, who gave this guy the idea he knows what he is talking about ?? Obviously Cabela’s paid for hi review, I would imagine if he was paid for his knowledge it musta been a seriously small check. IMO, I honestly doubt he’s even shot the choices he’s reviewing.
I own this one as well great pistol along with ruger sr1911
Weak springs on a 10mm Witness. Did you have the polymer frame? My full size steel will chew through anything, happily, from heavy buffalo bore, to 135g zingers. Recoil spring keeps bucking back faithfully.
Yes! I did further research myself and found the same info on EAA 10mm’s all having a variety of serious problems from cracks to rounds not feeding properly. Scratched their compact pistols off my list of consideration. I own about 10 pistols now and still dont own a Glock. All I read are positive comments and reviews on Glocks, so I am really leaning towards becoming a Glock 10mm owner finally. Great prices, reliability, light-weight, high capacity, accurate and 3 magazines included? It seems like a real no brainer thus far!
Agree with Chaffins,
No 10mm can do 1850ps
I have the Ruger 10 also along with a colt delta gold cup , colt Delta elite blued , colt double eagle all in 10 mm
I like what ruger did with the engineering it’s nice and heavy with that big barrel
I still wouldn’t give up the Colts
Cannot agree with the reviewer on several issues. Colt has not produced any quality products in recent years and there’s a reason they had to file for bankruptcy protection. And to talk about Remington’s great reputation. Has this guy been living under a rock for the past several years? Remington has also filed for chapter 11 protection due to their terrible reputation resulting in people not buying their low quality products. Hopefully, both Colt and Remington will emerge as the great companies they once were. There are much better 10mm reviews on line.
I love my Hi Point 40 using p+ ammo fmj. A little break in, some modifying, it Zinc, Magnesium, Copper hi temp die injection runs supre.e in my book. No more expensive guns for me. It can safely be modified to 10mm. But why? Using +p+ has more penetration. Please save your rebuttals. Though heavy, its upper slide is the strongest made. The term pot steel is used by the uneducated and the fixed barrel is as accurate as they come.
Civil defense ammo 10mm 2100 fps check it out !
When he described the Glock finish I stopped reading. I have had every 10mm produced and still own a G20sf and G29gen4. IMO they are one of the best in the market and I have had zero issues with them, plus you can run multi caliber conversions in one G29/G20 making it the most versatile handgun in the stable.
I don’t want to come here to start a fight, but for me “can shoot through two people and keep going” is a reason I would never use a 10mm outside a range. In a critical situation I don’t want automatic collateral damage.
Tested most of the 10mm and the Sig Sauer P220 da/sa trumps them all.
10 pistols reviewed. 7 of them are 1911s or variants of the 1911. The only Tanfoglio reviewed was their plastic-framed version — no mention of the steel-framed Tanfoglios.
Regarding velocity figures: Balderdash! The same load will give nearly the same MV in any pistol having the same barrel length…. and the reviewer never stated what weight bullet that was… kinda important don’t you think?
Why no mention of magazine capacity in all but one review?
Do you also have a “shotty” or a “Winny” in your “stable”? I detest slang used to establish the cool credentials.
underwood 1825 look it up, that’s pretty close !!
SAAMI pressure is rated at 37,000, sadly there are a few commercial companies that make full power 10mm. Pressure for C.I.P. is 33,000 which is less than 40 S&W. Full power 10mm safely pushes 750 ft/# and that is above .357 magnum in the same length barrel and close to .41 magnum. A good amount of power in a semiautomatic pistol, that’s hard to argue with.
The good thing is if you know the details of your gun you might be able to use .40 S&W. Much like the .38 special/.357 magnum relationship.
Another gun writer who knows little. The remark about the Colt Delta Elite’s power for hunting and CQ combat would apply to all since they all shoot the same bullet. Also, the Glock Gen 4 is not a 10mm model, it is the generation of gun which includes everything from 380ACP, 9mm, 40S&W, and 45ACP.
Get someone who know something about guns.
This article seems a bit dated to be mentioning firearms recommendations for “2019 and beyond” with some of the comments dated in 2017.
There are many more 10mm options available here and now in 2019! Obviously 10mm caught on and is in a growth spurt of sorts (going through caliber puberty) now. Oh, and my 10mm turned out to be a Springfield XDm 4.5” barrel. And prices today are not anywhere as expensive as described in the article – thank God!
I thought it was a little higher thought it was 39,500
I agree fully with all the rest
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Springfield Armory now has the XDm 10mm Auto in 5.25″ and 4.5″ and both are great pistols.
That BS, delta elite, especially earlier batches does not blow any competition away and they feel cheap and has tons of issues. They are piles of shit, Sig P220’s are the best hands down!
I am currently carrying a Witness P, 10mm, but, am seriously contemplating the Springfield, XDM. Do you have any good/bad reviews for it?
I wanted the OSP model for the optics but, the only one available is the one with the threaded barrel for a suppressor, which I don’t need.
Thanks!
Colt delta elites are pieces of shit! Quit bragging them up just to up the value on a gun you own! The best is the Sig Sauer P220 Elite Stainless 10MM!
It’s a crime that this list does not include the long-slide Glock 40 MOS in 10mm. The absolute most controllable, most durable, most reliable, and most affordable option out there. The extra barrel length increases muzzle velocity and adds some extra muzzle energy, and with the extra slide length, it makes even the hottest loads controllable. Plus, with the MOS setup, you are ready to drop in a red dot for easy and accurate shooting out to 50 yards or even further.
Great post! As a fan of 10mm pistols, I appreciate the in-depth analysis you provided on the best options available in 2024. I’m particularly interested in the Sig Sauer P320 XCompact and the Glock 40 Gen4. I’ve heard great things about their reliability and accuracy. Thanks for sharing!