The 10mm pistol cartridge is an excellent self-defense option for anyone looking for serious stopping power and penetration.
It is not as popular as the 9mm or a .40, but it has an excellent balance of power, velocity, and recoil.
There are many models and options to choose from, and it’s challenging to pick the best weapon for you.
Below are the 8 Best 10MM Pistols for 2022.
#1. Rock Island Rock Ultra FS 10 MM 8 Round Pistol
- Capacity: 8 Round
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.75”
- Weight: 2.49 lbs
- Frame Size: Full Size
The Rock Island Rock Ultra FS 10mm 8 Round Pistol is a 10mm 1911 with a full-size frame.
It has a durable steel frame with a tough parkerized matte finish for added protection.
With a 5” rifled barrel and a 4 to 6 lb trigger, you will have an excellent shooting experience.
It has beautiful battle-ready G10 tactical grips for enhanced control and comfort.
The Ultra FS has a snag-free design with low-profile sights and smooth angles for smooth drawing and holstering.
Rock Island equipped it with a low-profile rear sight and a high-performance fiber optic front sight.
With an eight-round capacity, you will have plenty of shots between reloads.
It also includes an ambidextrous safety, an adjustable over travel stop, and a skeletonized hammer and trigger.
If you want a beautiful 10mm 1911 at an affordable price, the Rock Island Rock Ultra FS 10mm 8 Round Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. S&W M&P 2.0 TS Compact 4″ Optics Ready 10MM Pistol
- Capacity: 15 Round
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.2”
- Weight: 1.78 lbs
- Frame Size: Compact
The Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 TS Compact 4” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is all about consistent shots on target with a high capacity.
It features the M2.0 flat face trigger, providing consistent finger placement for well-aimed shots with a lighter trigger pull.
The 18-degree grip provides a natural, comfortable shooting experience with enhanced control and accuracy.
For additional comfort and customization, the 2.0 TS Compact comes with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts for the perfect fit.
It has a low barrel bore axis, providing improved recoil management for faster follow-on shots.
With a compact frame, you get an impressive 15-round capacity in a small form factor.
S&W equipped the M&P 2.0 with a 4” barrel with a 1:10” twist ratio for pinpoint accuracy.
The weapon comes with an Armornite finish that provides additional corrosion resistance.
If you want a comfortable 10mm pistol that is ideal for concealed carry, the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 TS Compact 4” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Springfield XDM Elite OSP 4.5″ Optics Ready 10MM Pistol
- Capacity: 16 Round
- Barrel Length: 4.5”
- Overall Length: 7.6”
- Weight: 1.94 lbs
- Frame Size: Full Size
Springfield’s XDM Elite OSP 4.5” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is a full-size pistol designed for the most demanding shooters.
The 4.5” match-grade barrel, 16-round capacity, and optics-cut slide make it an excellent choice for home defense, law enforcement, and competition shooting.
Springfield also improved the trigger with their match enhanced trigger assembly (META) that has a flat face and an overtravel stop.
The trigger pull is light and crisp with a hard reset and has short trigger travel.
The frame has an extended/removable flared magwell and improved slide serrations to ensure you can quickly load rounds into the chamber when needed.
You will have plenty of ammo with the two included 16-round magazines.
It includes a Picatinny rail on the bottom for a laser or flashlight.
For faster target engagement, the XDM is a grip safety paired with a trigger safety.
The pistol has an ambidextrous slide release, making it perfect for left or right-handed shooters.
If you are looking for a 10mm full size with serious capacity, the Springfield XDM Elite OSP 4.5” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is the pistol for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Glock 20 G4 10MM Auto 4.61″ Black Nitrite Pistol
- Capacity: 15 Round
- Barrel Length: 4.61”
- Overall Length: 8.03”
- Weight: 1.92 lbs
- Frame Size: Full Size
The Glock 20 G4 10mm Auto 4.61” Black Nitrite Pistol is a reliable 10mm pistol with excellent capacity and a durable polymer frame.
Shooters may expect heavier recoil with a 10mm round, but the Glock 20 G4 comes equipped with a dual recoil spring assembly that mitigates felt recoil while providing enhanced longevity.
A nice feature of the Gen4 Glocks is that it has a rough texture surface for an improved grip, and it comes with interchangeable back straps for enhanced control.
The 4.61” cold hammer-forged barrel provides consistently accurate shots and improved durability.
It features a black nitrite finish, which provides excellent corrosion protection and improved longevity.
It also features a rail on the bottom for your favorite accessories.
If you want a high capacity 10mm that is known for its reliability, you cannot get much better than the Glock 20 G4 10mm Auto 4.61” Black Nitrite Pistol.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#5. S&W M&P 2.0 Optics Ready 4.6″ 10MM Pistol
- Capacity: 15 Round
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 7.9”
- Weight: 1.83 lbs
- Frame Size: Full Size
The S&W M&P 2.0 Optics Ready 4.6” 10mm Pistol has a full-size frame with excellent capacity and firepower.
It is perfect for the range or self-defense with a 15-round capacity and impressive features to enhance control, accuracy, and recoil mitigation.
The 4.6” M&P stainless steel barrel has an Armornite finish for enhanced durability and accuracy.
At just 1.83 lbs, it has a polymer frame and stainless steel hardware for a lightweight package that is comfortable for all-day wear.
You will have improved control and accuracy with an aggressive grip and interchangeable palmswell back straps.
The grip has a natural 18-degree angle for a natural feel for enhanced comfort.
It has a low barrel axis, which reduces muzzle rise for improved follow-on shots.
It is also backed by the Smith and Wesson lifetime service policy.
The weapon is optics ready and comes equipped with optic height white dot sights.
You can also equip a laser or flashlight with a Picatinny rail on the bottom.
If you are looking for a solid performing full size 10mm, the S&W M&P 2.0 Optics Ready 4.6” 10mm Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Glock 29 SF 10MM Auto 3.78″ Black
- Capacity: 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.78”
- Overall Length: 6.88”
- Weight: 1.68 lbs
- Frame Size: Subcompact
The Glock 29SF 10mm Auto is a subcompact, semi-automatic pistol created to meet law enforcement professionals’ needs.
This subcompact pistol is perfect for concealed carry.
It has a black polymer grip and frame and features an ergonomic grip that is reduced at the back strap for increased comfort and control.
The Glock 29SF also has a subcompact size that’s perfect for shooters with small hands and offers a ten-round magazine capacity.
It weighs only 1.68 pounds, making it the perfect companion for anyone looking to conceal carry.
If you are looking for a reliable subcompact 10mm pistol, the Glock 29SF 10mm Auto 3.78” Black Nitrite Pistol is your go-to weapon.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#7. Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP
- Capacity: 11 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.8”
- Overall Length: 6.93”
- Weight: 1.68 lbs
- Frame Size: Compact
The Springfield Armory – XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP is powerful and compact and packs an 11-round capacity of heavy-hitting 10mm cartridges.
This weapon is perfect for home defense or those who want a powerful concealed carry option.
Springfield equipped it with fully ambidextrous controls, a grip safety, and trigger safety for easy use for left or right-handed shooters.
It comes with a match enhanced trigger assembly (META) system giving you a smooth trigger pull on a lightweight polymer frame pistol.
It has a forged steel slide with a Melonite finish for added protection and serrations for a better grip.
The 3.8” hammer-forged steel match-grade barrel has a 1:10” twist ratio and a Melonite finish for increased precision and enhanced longevity.
This weapon is optics-ready with a fiber optic front sight and a tactical rack U-Dot rear sight for faster target acquisition.
The package includes two 11-round magazines with a stainless steel body.
The Springfield Armory – XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP is an excellent choice if you want serious firepower in a compact frame.
It also has a Picatinny rail on the bottom for added customization.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#8. Ruger Super Redhawk 10MM Auto 6.5″ Stainless Revolver
- Capacity: 6 Round
- Barrel Length: 6.5”
- Overall Length: 13”
- Weight: 3.38 lbs
- Frame Size: Full Size Revolver
The Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Auto 6.5” Stainless Revolver has the power of a 10mm in a reliable revolver form factor.
It has a triple-locking cylinder, providing more positive alignment and consistent shots.
With a large 6.5” cold-forged barrel with a 1:16” twist ratio, you get precision shooting and increased longevity.
It has a durable stainless steel frame with a beautiful satin finish and extra metal in the top strap, sidewalls, and barrel mounting areas to handle larger loads.
It features a rubberized grip that enhances control, accuracy, and recoil management.
If you want to equip a sight, it has integral mounts machined on the barrel rib, or you can use the adjustable rear sight and ramp front sight.
There are a few benefits of having a 10mm revolver, such as ease of use, reliable operation, and durability.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
Why You Should Consider a 10mm Pistol
10mms may not be as popular as other cartridges, but it hits the sweet spot between stopping power, velocity, and size.
Let’s look at the differences between 10mm cartridges and other popular rounds.
10mm vs. 9mm Cartridges
The 10mm round is a larger round that produces more stopping power when it hits a target.
A 10mm round has much more penetration than a 9mm round, making it perfect for hunting, or taking down bears.
While penetration is excellent for hunting, it is not preferred for home defense.
A 9mm round will be less likely to blast through your wall and hit your family, but a 10mm is still a good self-defense weapon.
The capacity difference between the two calibers is minor, and many 10mm pistols have large capacities.
9mm pistols will have less recoil than a 10mm pistol, making it better for those who want the least amount of recoil.
However, the 10mm has a very manageable amount of recoil and is easy to use.
10mm vs. .45 ACP Cartridges
The .45 ACP is the best cartridge for home defense because of its lower velocity and penetration.
In tight spaces, you can be confident that the .45 ACP will be less likely to penetrate your wall while still having some serious stopping power to take down your target.
The 10mm has way more penetration than the .45 ACP, and the round will travel further, making it perfect for self-defense or hunting.
Final Verdict
If you want the least amount of recoil with a large capacity, the best weapon will be a 9mm pistol.
A .45 ACP will be your go-to weapon for home defense with its serious stopping power while having less penetration, but it has a lower capacity.
If you want a mix between the 9mm and the .45 ACP, the 10mm is the perfect weapon for you.
It has enough penetration to take down a bear or other large predators, can have a large capacity, is an excellent concealed carry, and has a fantastic range.
References / Resources
10mm vs 45 ACP Cartridge: Which is the better option?
9mm Vs. 10mm: Which Handgun Should You Pack?
See Also
10 Best Laser Sights For Pistols
9 Best AR-10 (& a few .308 Caliber) Rifles
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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