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Have you been considering buying a new pistol? Before you do anything, let me show you why you need the best 10mm pistol. I have researched and reviewed some excellent contenders, and want to share with you the results of my findings. I think you’ll be plenty pleased with what these handguns can do for you on the range and while hunting.You may not need such power for home defense - there's a different lineup we reviewed for home protection.
These 10mm handguns are some truly powerful weapons that are worthy of your consideration. Equally powerful are the mag 44 revolvers we reviewed in this post. For less conspicuous handguns, we recommend our best concealed carry handgun reviews. But before you head on down and read the reviews, I have some important buying information that will make finding the right 10mm pistol a lot easier.
What to Consider Before Buying a 10mm Pistol
Let’s first explore what goes into delivering a solid 10mm pistol. By knowing what to look for based on your needs, you’re sure to end up with the gun of your dreams. Alternatively, you may opt for a 9mm pistol. In addition, since 10mm handguns are on the larger side, we also reviewed smaller guns for women's hands. For even faster shooting, check out our best AR pistol lineup.
Magazine Size
What are you planning on using your new pistol for the most? If you’re interested in competition shooting or hunting, you might want to consider one that has a high-capacity 15-round magazine.
If you’re just looking to protect yourself – whether on the streets or at home – a standard 8-round magazine should serve you well.
Grip Quality
When it comes to shooting, you must have a comfortable grip that accommodates your hands well. Some handguns come with a customizable grip, allowing you to alter the grip depending on your situation.
If you’re going to be using your new 10mm for different purposes, you might want to invest in a pistol that offers this feature.
Finish
Depending on the purpose of your new investment, you may need to opt for one that has a specific finish. Some come with a durable coating that ensures your new gun won’t be susceptible to wear or corrosion.
If you plan on having your pistol outdoors and in the elements, this feature is an absolute must. Be sure to check for special finish options to ensure that you’re getting a handgun that’s able to provide for your needs.
Barrel Length
On average, most 10mm handguns come with a 5-inch barrel. Many of them are longer, measuring in at 6 inches. If you’re looking to do some long-distance shooting on the range or in competitions, you might want to invest in a longer barrel model.
Go with a shorter barrel if you plan on carrying your pistol concealed, as this will make it much easier to manage, especially as your best first gun.
Best 10mm Pistol Reviews Summarized in a Table
Product Name | Benefits | Rating |
---|---|---|
1. Glock G40 |
| 5/5 |
2. Glock G20SF |
| 4.9/5 |
| 4.8/5 | |
4. Ruger SR1911 |
| 4.8/5 |
| 4.7/5 | |
| 4.7/5 | |
| 4.7/5 |
Attachments
Some pistols allow you to add attachments, like a red dot and sights. If you’re planning on using your new gun for hunting, you should invest in one that allows you to add these as you see fit.
It’s important to note, however, that some models don’t let you add anything. While you might save some money on your purchase, you need to consider if you might want to add attachments later on down the road.
Best 10mm Pistol Reviews
There are plenty of reasons why Glock is so highly-trusted, both among police forces and citizens. It’s always been known for being reliable. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the 10mm Glock is user-friendly and accessible.
The G40 is further evidence that Glock doesn’t like to get too comfortable. Now a 4th generation pistol, improvements keep coming to ensure that consumers are getting the very best that Glock has to offer.
Glock G40 Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 15 + 1 |
Barrel length | 6.02 inches |
Action type | Double |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 35.5 oz. |
Finish | Black |
Thanks to firing a powerful 10mm caliber, the G40 will appeal to hunters. This pistol will have no problem taking down a deer for you, that’s for sure. And because it is just so comfortable to fire, the G40 has a place among competition shooting, as well.
Regardless of your reasoning for buying the G40, its versatility and friendly price are sure to make your investment worthwhile.
One of my favorite features to come out of this Glock is its polymer frame. As an already large handgun, Glock needed to do something to help reduce its weight. And boy, did this make a big difference.

I also really appreciate Glock’s special proprietary Modular Optic System. This makes it a breeze to mount a variety of sights and red dots.
Of course, you don’t have to invest in sights if you don’t want to. The G40 comes with a fixed sight up front and adjustable iron sights at the rear.
Another big plus is the implementation of gas nitride in the slide’s finish. This hardening process ensures that the Glock G40 is designed to withstand extended firing and handling.
If you want a highly-durable pistol that you can count on to last, the striker-fired G40 is an excellent buy. But solid construction is one thing. How does it handle on the range?
Quite well, in fact. It’s certainly comfortable for such a big handgun. And a big part of that comfort is thanks to its customizable back strap. Grip too big or small for your hands? Need it to accommodate gloves? No problem.
With 3 different sizes available, you can choose the perfect grip for your needs. And as a lefty, I like that the mag catch can be reversed, further adding to the G40’s user-friendliness and convenience.
Shooting larger handguns can quickly lead to strained wrists and painful hands for the unprepared. Thankfully, the G40 comes equipped with dual-recoil that greatly minimizes how much recoil you feel when firing. And believe me, the G40 has its share of recoil.
The magazines hold 15 rounds each, and you get 3 of them with the pistol. As one of our highest-rated 10mm handguns, the Glock G40 is sure to serve you well. It’s an excellent investment that performs well and won’t break the bank.
Pros
Cons
Features:
- Its affordable price and reliable performance make this a great investment
- The trigger is easy to squeeze and requires only 5.5 pounds of pressure
- 15-round magazines ensure that you won’t have to reload as often
- The shorter frame makes it a great 10 mm handgun for carrying
- The customizable grip helps to ensure your comfort and safety
If the G40 is still a bit too rich for your blood, the Glock G20 is worth a look. You’re getting many of the same great attributes that made the G40 such an excellent buy, but with far less of the cost.
Out of the two Glock 10mm reviews, the biggest difference that you’ll notice between them is the overall size. Whereas the G40 had a 6.02-inch barrel, the G20 measures just 4.6 inches.
Glock G20SF Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 15 + 1 |
Barrel length | 4.6 inches |
Action type | Semi-auto |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 27.7 oz. |
Finish | Gas nitride |
A polymer frame makes a return, helping to keep the weight to a minimum. And I must say, this does make a big difference when handling the G20. And for all of the fellow lefties out there, you’ll be pleased to know that the magazine release is reversible.
Another nice addition to make its way over the G20 is the ability to customize the grip to your liking. This too is a big deal that goes a long way in ensuring that you have a comfortable – and safe – shooting experience.

I would have liked it if Glock included its Modular Optic System on the G20. But alas, you’ll have to stick with the fixed front and rear sights.
You get two magazines included with the Glock G20, both of which hold a total of 5 rounds. So, is this the best 10mm handgun that money can buy? Well, it depends on what your reasons are for buying it.
It’s certainly an accurate handgun, with high craftsmanship and durability on its side. And the gas nitride finish helps to ensure that the G20 can handle plenty of use.
The shorter frame is sure to appeal to lots of gun owners, too. But aside from the grip, there isn’t much here that can be customized. Still, as 10 mm handguns go, the Glock G20SF is a respectable contender that is well worth the price of admission.
Pros
Cons
Features:
- The high-quality construction ensures you’re getting a pistol with longevity
- Three-dot tritium night sights make it easier to shoot in the dark
- Textured grip delivers a tight, comfortable grip when handling
- Recoil is minimized to ensure greater comfort when firing
- The 6-inch barrel ensures powerful, accurate shooting
From the moment I laid eyes on the TRP Operator, it was evident that this is a serious piece of equipment. From its 6-inch barrel to its carbon steel construction, the 10 mm 1911 Operator can be an intimidating handgun.
At over 2.6 pounds, the TRP has some weight to it. You’ll want to be fairly experienced in handling a pistol this size if you want to enjoy your time shooting it. Most 10mm pistols are hefty as it is, and the Operator is no different.
Springfield 1911 TRP Operator Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 8 + 1 |
Barrel length | 6 inches |
Action type | Semi-auto |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 42 oz. |
Finish | Black |
It measures nearly 10 inches in total length, so it’s not compact by any means. It’s a pretty pricey weapon, but you’re certainly getting your money’s worth, too.
The craftsmanship that went into making the 1911 TRP Operator is in a class all by itself. In terms of quality, it’s one of the best 10mm pistols you can buy.
It comes equipped with a 5-pound aluminum trigger that feels smooth and responsive when firing. Furthermore, I couldn’t detect any play or give during my time with the TRP on the range.

I found it to be incredibly easy to realign with my target for fast follow-up shots. Shooting it was consistently accurate, too, doing more for my ego than many other 10mm auto pistols I’ve fired recently.
I’d go so far as to say that the Springfield Operator is quite possibly the most accurate 10mm pistol among the reviews. And that’s saying a lot, as there are some precise handguns here.
And I appreciate that you can add attachments like red dots and sights. The 8-round mag capacity isn’t quite as impressive as what Glock offers in its G40 and G20. But it’s certainly reasonable.
And of course, I’m a big fan of the ambidextrous safety. The customization options in the grip are nice to see, and the quality is through the roof. If you’ve got the scratch, Springfield’s 1911 TRP Operator will make a fine addition to your arsenal.
Pros
Cons
Ruger’s SR1911 is built for control. If you’ve been on the lookout for a reasonably-priced ergonomic 10mm 1911, you will want to give this entry some serious consideration.
At 2.5 pounds, it’s a heavy handgun, to be sure. But don’t let that deter you from giving it a look. It just means that you will need to be fairly well-versed in handling guns of this size and weight.
Ruger SR1911 Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 8 + 1 |
Barrel length | 5 inches |
Action type | Semi-auto |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 39 oz. |
Finish | Stainless steel |
I was pleasantly surprised by just how stable it was in action. At no time did I find myself fighting with the pistol. It provides you with a smooth shooting experience on the range. It’s one that is consistently reliable, as well.
My only issue is that the trigger doesn’t feel as solid as it could be. Still, this didn’t do anything to hinder its performance at any time.

At 5 inches in length, the barrel gives the Ruger SR1911 excellent balance and handling. If you want a solid defense weapon for your home, I think you will find this pistol to serve you well.
I’m also quite impressed with the price. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to protect yourself and your loved ones. Or, if you’d like to hunt with the SR1911, it is more than capable of that, too.
Pros
Cons
The Springfield Armory XDM has all the qualities of a 10mm AR pistol, but without the sticker shock. This semi-automatic shooter is great on the range and handles well.
I did have some trouble getting accurate shots at greater distances, but by and large, it’s a solid contender. What makes this 10mm handgun stand out is its 15-round magazines.
Springfield Armory XDM Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 15 + 1 |
Barrel length | 5.25 inches |
Action type | Semi-auto |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 31.2 oz. |
Finish | Black |
If you want an affordable pistol that keeps you well-armed at all times, you’ll be plenty pleased with what this gun brings to the table. Even better, you get three magazines shipped with the gun.

The build quality is sound, too, as it boasts a polymer frame that helps to give the XDM a lighter feel. This also adds a load of durability to the pistol, as well.
I like the recoil effect on this one, as it helps to maximize your comfort when firing. If you’re looking to protect your home at a reasonable price, you’ll be happy investing in the XDM.
Pros
Cons
The Colt Delta Elite is a 10mm auto that’s similar to a 1911. It’s a solid performer that hasn’t changed over the years. It sports a 5-inch barrel and a beavertail grip.
The balancing of the Delta Elite makes it an excellent contender for home defense. And if you have children in the house, the grip safety is a big plus.
Colt Delta Elite Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 8 + 1 |
Barrel length | 5 inches |
Action type | Single action |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 2.4 lbs. |
Finish | Stainless steel |
The blade trigger is a nice addition, too, as it makes firing more comfortable. And I found reloading to be equally easy thanks to grooves in the slide.
The build quality and construction of the Delta Elite is most excellent, too. You’re investing in a well-made pistol that should provide you with years of service.

I thought its accuracy was right on par with other 1911 10mm handguns. It has plenty of comfort and control to offer you while firing, making it a solid buy for both defense and competitions.
The magazines hold a total of 8 rounds each, and there are two included with the pistol. The price is a bit on the high side, but you can’t argue with its reliability.
Pros
Cons
The Sig P220 is an excellent handgun for hunting. The Hunter variant is designed to take down large game, giving you the perfect shooting companion while you’re out in the wild.
As such, the P220 Hunter comes with Kryptek Camo coating that works to offer both protection and durability. You certainly won’t have to worry about corrosion or wear and tear from setting in.
Sig Sauer P220 Hunter Technical Specifications: | |
Magazine capacity | 8 + 1 |
Barrel length | 5 inches |
Action type | Double |
Caliber | 10mm |
Weight | 39.4 oz. |
Finish | Kryptek Typhon |
A 3-lug Picatinny rail system gives you the option to add attachments, like a red dot or sight. Fieldstripping the P220 Hunter is a breeze, too, giving you a user-friendly experience without the need for special tools.

Shooting the P220 is a dream, to say the least. It’s accurate, reliable, and just a lot of fun to use. The magazine holds a total of 8 rounds at a time, which I found to be ideal for hunting.