10mm Handgun Comparison for 2025

You're looking at the gun case trying to figure out which 10mm to buy, and honestly, you've got more solid choices than ever. The 10mm market has exploded beyond just the Glock 20 dominating everything, though that big Austrian brick still rules the roost for good reasons.

Here's the thing: every 10mm shooter has their own idea of what this cartridge should do. Some want a woods gun that'll stop a charging hog. Others want something for USPSA Major division. A few masochists actually carry them concealed. The guns reflect these different missions, and picking the wrong one for your intended use will leave you frustrated.

I've shot most of these platforms with everything from mild 180-grain plinking loads to nuclear 200-grain hard-cast bear stoppers. After a few thousand rounds through various 10mm pistols, here's what actually matters and which guns deliver.

The big three polymer strikers

Glock 20 Gen 5

The Glock 20 remains the 10mm king for one simple reason: it works. This isn't the sexiest answer, but after 15 years of 10mm shooting, I keep coming back to it. The Gen 5 fixes most of the earlier complaints about grip texture and trigger feel, though you're still dealing with that massive grip circumference.

Weight sits at 30.7 ounces empty, which helps tame recoil but makes this a substantial carry gun. The 4.6-inch barrel gives you decent velocity without the unwieldy length of the G40. Magazine capacity hits 15 rounds, and aftermarket support is endless.

What you'll feel shooting it: that distinctive Glock trigger with about 5.5 pounds of take-up, then a clean break. Recoil is straight back with minimal muzzle flip thanks to the low bore axis. Hot 10mm loads feel punchy but controllable. The grip angle takes getting used to if you're coming from other platforms.

The MOS version lets you mount optics directly, which makes sense for a cartridge that shines past 25 yards. I've run an RMR on mine for hunting applications, and the combination works well once you get the mounting height dialed in.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0

S&W's entry feels more natural in the hand than the Glock for most shooters. The grip angle is less aggressive, and the texture provides excellent purchase without being abrasive. At 28.9 ounces, it's slightly lighter than the Glock while maintaining a 4.6-inch barrel.

The trigger is where this gun shines. Out of the box, you get a cleaner break than the Glock with less overtravel. Reset is short and positive. The hinged trigger safety feels less intrusive than Glock's blade system.

Capacity matches the Glock at 15 rounds, but the magazines feel more robust. The steel construction seems better suited to the 10mm's pressures than some polymer magazine designs I've tested.

Range notes: This gun points naturally for most shooters. The bore axis sits slightly higher than the Glock, so muzzle flip is more noticeable with hot loads. Still very manageable, just different. Groups tend to be tighter at 25 yards compared to the Glock in my experience.

Springfield XD-M Elite

Springfield's offering brings some unique features to the table. The match-grade barrel and trigger make this the most accuracy-focused of the polymer options. Capacity jumps to 16 rounds in the full-size version, giving you one more than the competition.

The grip safety and trigger safety provide redundant protection, though some shooters find the grip safety annoying. Weight hits 32 ounces, making this the heaviest of the polymer trio. The extra mass helps with recoil management.

Trigger feel is excellent from the factory. Springfield did their homework here, delivering a crisp break with minimal overtravel. The fiber optic front sight is a nice touch for target work.

The problem with the XD-M: aftermarket support lags behind Glock and S&W. Holster options are more limited, and upgrade parts are harder to find. If you plan to modify the gun extensively, this matters.

The newcomer that changes everything

SIG P320 X-Ten

SIG's modular approach finally made it to 10mm, and the results are impressive. The X-Ten uses the full-size grip module with a 5-inch barrel, giving you maximum velocity from the cartridge. At 31.2 ounces, weight is comparable to the Glock.

The flat trigger is outstanding. SIG's trigger technology has advanced significantly, and the X-Ten benefits from all that development. Break is crisp at about 4.5 pounds with minimal overtravel.

What sets this apart: modularity. You can swap grip modules, triggers, and even calibers if you want. The optics-ready slide comes standard, and SIG's mounting system is more robust than most.

Capacity sits at 15 rounds, matching the Glock and M&P. The magazines are steel-lined polymer, which should handle 10mm pressures well long-term.

I've put about 800 rounds through one of these, and accuracy is excellent. The longer barrel helps with velocity, and the gun feels balanced despite the size. Recoil is well-controlled thanks to the mass distribution.

The classic steel options

Colt Delta Elite

If you want the traditional 1911 experience in 10mm, the Delta Elite delivers. This isn't a budget gun, but the fit and finish reflect Colt's manufacturing improvements over the past decade. The Series 80 firing pin safety adds drop protection without significantly affecting trigger feel.

Weight hits 38 ounces, making this the heaviest option in the comparison. That mass helps tremendously with recoil control. Hot 10mm loads feel almost mild through this platform.

The 5-inch barrel maximizes velocity, and accuracy potential is excellent. The single-action trigger breaks cleanly at about 4 pounds when properly tuned. Sights are basic but functional.

Capacity drops to 8+1, which is the trade-off for the 1911 platform. If you need maximum firepower, look elsewhere. If you want precision and shootability, this delivers.

Carry notes: This is a big, heavy gun. Concealed carry is possible but requires commitment to proper gear and clothing choices. Most Delta Elite owners use them for hunting or range work.

SIG P220 Legion 10mm

SIG's all-metal offering brings DA/SA sophistication to the 10mm world. The Legion treatment includes upgraded triggers, sights, and finish. At 34.4 ounces, it's substantial but not as heavy as the 1911.

The DA/SA trigger system gives you options. First shot is double-action at about 10 pounds, then single-action follow-ups at 4.5 pounds. The SAO version eliminates the DA option if you prefer consistent trigger pulls.

Build quality is excellent. The aluminum frame handles 10mm pressures well, and the stainless slide resists corrosion. The Legion gray coating looks good and provides additional protection.

Capacity sits at 8+1, matching the 1911. The single-stack design keeps the grip manageable for most hand sizes, which is an advantage over the thick polymer guns.

The budget contenders

Rock Island Armory 1911 10mm

RIA's 10mm 1911 brings traditional steel construction at a fraction of the Colt's price. Build quality is decent for the money, though fit and finish lag behind premium options. The parkerized finish is durable if not pretty.

At 38 ounces, weight matches the Delta Elite. The 5-inch barrel provides good velocity, and accuracy is adequate for most applications. The trigger needs work out of the box but responds well to basic gunsmithing.

What you get: a functional 10mm 1911 that shoots. What you don't get: tight tolerances, premium materials, or perfect reliability without some break-in period. For budget-conscious shooters willing to do some tuning, it's a viable option.

Ruger SR1911 10mm

Ruger's offering splits the difference between budget and premium. Build quality exceeds the RIA while costing less than the Colt. The stainless construction resists corrosion better than parkerized finishes.

Weight and dimensions match other 5-inch 1911s. The trigger is better than the RIA out of the box, though not as refined as the Colt. Accuracy is good, and reliability has been solid in my experience.

The SR1911 represents good value in the 10mm 1911 space. You get most of the premium gun experience without the premium price.

Size and weight breakdown

The polymer guns cluster around 29-32 ounces, with barrel lengths between 4.6-5 inches. The Glock 20 and M&P 2.0 are most compact, while the XD-M Elite and P320 X-Ten add length and weight for better ballistic performance.

Steel guns range from 34-38 ounces. The extra weight helps with recoil but impacts portability. The P220 Legion offers the best balance of size and weight in the steel category.

For concealed carry, the Glock 20 and M&P 2.0 are most practical. The steel guns work for open carry or woods use but challenge concealment.

Recoil characteristics

Felt recoil varies significantly between platforms. The steel guns, particularly the 1911s, feel the mildest due to their weight and grip angle. The P220 Legion's DA/SA system and aluminum frame create a different feel—manageable but more noticeable than the 1911s.

Among polymer guns, the Glock's low bore axis minimizes muzzle flip but transmits more energy to your hand. The M&P 2.0 and XD-M Elite have slightly higher bore axes, creating more muzzle rise but spreading the energy differently.

The P320 X-Ten's longer barrel and balanced design provide excellent recoil control. The extra barrel length also boosts velocity, making it ideal for hunters who want maximum performance.

Common mistakes and troubleshooting

Limp-wristing polymer guns. The 10mm generates significant energy, and polymer frames need firm support to cycle reliably. Maintain a strong grip, especially with the Glock and M&P platforms.

Using weak ammunition. Many factory 10mm loads are downloaded to .40 S&W levels. If you're getting failures to extract or poor accuracy, try hotter ammunition. Underwood, Buffalo Bore, and DoubleTap offer true 10mm performance.

Ignoring grip fit. The 10mm's recoil amplifies grip issues. If you can't reach the trigger properly or the gun shifts in your hands, accuracy and control suffer. The thick polymer grips don't work for everyone.

Overlooking magazine quality. 10mm pressures stress magazines more than milder cartridges. Cheap aftermarket magazines often cause feeding issues. Stick with factory magazines or proven aftermarket options like Magpul.

Expecting .40 S&W recoil. New 10mm shooters often underestimate the cartridge's power. Start with mild loads and work up. The jump from .40 S&W to full-power 10mm is significant.

Availability and practical considerations

Glock 20s are everywhere. Every gun store stocks them, and used examples are common. Parts and accessories are unlimited. If you need a 10mm tomorrow, this is your answer.

The M&P 2.0 and XD-M Elite have good but not universal availability. Most shops can order them, and aftermarket support is solid though not as extensive as Glock.

The P320 X-Ten is newer, so availability varies. SIG's dealer network is strong, but you might wait for specific configurations.

Steel guns are hit-or-miss. The Delta Elite comes and goes from Colt's catalog. The P220 Legion 10mm is a limited production item. RIA and Ruger offerings are more consistently available but still less common than polymer options.

Ammunition availability has improved dramatically. Most shops stock basic 10mm loads, and online options are extensive. Reloading components are readily available for those who want to maximize the cartridge's potential.

Comparison

The verdict

For most shooters, the Glock 20 Gen 5 remains the smart choice. It works, parts are available, and holsters exist for every carry method. The reliability record is proven, and the platform handles everything from mild target loads to dangerous game ammunition.

If the Glock's grip doesn't fit your hands, the M&P 2.0 offers similar capability with better ergonomics. The trigger is superior out of the box, and the gun points more naturally for most shooters.

For maximum accuracy and performance, the P320 X-Ten deserves serious consideration. The modular design and 5-inch barrel make it ideal for hunters and precision shooters. The trigger is excellent, and SIG's build quality is top-tier.

Steel gun buyers should focus on the Delta Elite if budget allows. The 1911 platform maximizes the 10mm's potential, and Colt's current production quality is solid. The P220 Legion offers DA/SA versatility but costs more while providing less capacity.

Budget buyers can make the RIA 1911 work with some patience and minor gunsmithing. It's not a precision instrument, but it'll put 10mm bullets where you point it after proper break-in.

Look, the 10mm isn't for everyone. It's more expensive to shoot than 9mm, recoils harder than .40 S&W, and the guns are bigger than most people want to carry. But if you need the power for hunting, want Major power factor for competition, or just appreciate the cartridge's ballistic potential, these platforms deliver.

The key is matching the gun to your intended use. Don't buy a 38-ounce 1911 if you plan to carry concealed daily. Don't buy a polymer striker if you want maximum accuracy at 100 yards. Pick the tool that fits the job, and the 10mm will serve you well.