Once considered a dying cartridge, the 10mm is experiencing a new jump in popularity. While that might be a surprise to some, those who have long loved the cartridge and the pistols that shoot it are breathing a sigh of relief. After all, the more you know about the 10mm, the more you like it.
Back in 1983, firearm and ballistic expert Jeff Cooper set out on a quest. The U.S. Marine Corps officer and firearms instructor was looking to develop a new cartridge that would combine the flat trajectory and accuracy of the 9mm with the stopping power of a .45 ACP.
In the end, Cooper’s brainchild was called the 10mm. The new caliber was designed to propel a 200-grain bullet — much larger than a typical 9mm slug — at about 1,200 feet per second, which is at the higher range of 9mm velocity.
While the gun’s ballistics met Cooper’s original goal, recoil was substantial. The 10mm was selected for service by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1989. During the testing and development process, the FBI Firearms Training Unit developed a version of the 10mm cartridge with a smaller powder load that they felt provided adequate performance while minimizing recoil and muzzle blast.
The cartridge was later decommissioned (except for use by the Hostage Rescue Team and Special Weapons and Tactic Teams) primarily due to problems with the S&W 10mm issue pistols, which were recalled in 1991. That same year, the FBI began issuing SIG pistols chambered in 9mm as an interim solution while problems with the S&W 10mm pistols were being worked out.
When Smith & Wesson introduced the .40 S&W in 1990, it became the go-to replacement for the 10mm auto for many law enforcement officers and civilian shooters alike. Consequently, the 10mm lost its momentum, and new guns produced in the caliber also lagged.
The cartridge’s resurgence came from a somewhat unexpected segment of shooters. Hunters, hikers and other outdoorsmen embraced the 10mm as their go-to choice for excursions into the woods, where they were likely to encounter large, dangerous predators. Over the next several years, the popularity has continued to grow.
This Year’s New Guns
This year, several new 10mm models are available from a handful of different manufacturers. Let’s take a look at five notable guns that might turn the heads of 10mm enthusiasts visiting your retail establishment.
The Witness2311 CMXX from Girsan is the company’s jump into the 10mm fray, and it’s a notable model that will turn some heads. The next generation Witness2311 CMXX pushes the iconic 1911 platform beyond its limits, delivering double stack capacity in a carry-ready package. Plus, its integral compensated barrel helps reduce the natural felt recoil of the caliber for quicker target reacquisition and faster, flatter shooting.
As the successor to the original compensated Match X, the CMXX is the first compact compensated double-stack 1911 chambered in 10mm. A redesigned frame eliminates the traditional 1911 grip safety, creating a slimmer, more streamlined grip, while adding an automatic firing pin block. Of course, the CMXX is also offered in 9mm and .45 ACP.
A new grip module with a smaller magazine well improves concealability, while aggressive 360-degree texturing keeps the pistol locked in the hand under recoil. An extended beavertail with a lower angle helps protect the shooter’s hand, and front and rear slide serrations enhance control during press checks and manipulations, making the CMXX a formidable everyday carry handgun. Other features include a tuned trigger set at 4.5 pounds or lower, an optics cut for mounting a red-dot sight, a black Cerakote finish and removable three-dot sights with a fiber-optic front. Specification-wise, overall length is 8 inches, with a bull barrel measures 4.25 inches. Unloaded weight is 1.65 pounds, capacity is 15+1 rounds and the MSRP is $1,150.
Kimber DS Warrior (OR) and DS Warrior LS (OR)
Kimber has been manufacturing top-quality 1911 pistols for nearly half a century, and that legacy continues with the introduction of the 1911 DS Warrior, available in 10mm, .45 ACP and .38 Super. Engineered for uncompromising performance, the DS Warrior features a superior finish, optics-ready capability and a lightweight carbon fiber-infused grip. In fact, each DS Warrior is individually hand-fitted, a level of craftsmanship unmatched by any imported high-capacity 1911.
The stainless steel slide, with front and rear serrations, features a Picatinny rail and black Kimpro finish. Sights include a front night sight with fixed rear sight attached to the optics-ready cover plate. The GT performance trigger is factory set to between 4 and 5 pounds pull. Magazine capacity is 15+1, or 18+1 with the extended magazine. Specs-wise, the 5-inch steel barrel features a deep crown and overall length is 8.7 inches. Weight is 33 ounces with an empty magazine. MSRP is $1,099.
The DS Warrior is also available in a long-slide model, the DS Warrior LS (OR). While it weighs in at 33 ounces like the 5-inch model and has the same magazine capacity, it features a 6-inch stainless steel match-grade barrel with deep crown. The longer slide provides a longer sight radius for enhanced accuracy and extracts maximum velocity from the 10mm cartridge. It also features a tritium night front sight with TAG fixed rear sight plate. MSRP for the LS variation is $1,350.
Smith & Wesson M&P10MM M2.0 Carry Comp
Smith & Wesson has been in the 10mm business for over three decades. In fact, the company’s first 10mm handgun was the model 1006, released in 1990 as part of the company’s third generation line of semi-automatic pistols. Its newest iteration, the M&P10MM M2.0 Carry Comp pistols, checks all the boxes for a top-quality, high-powered self-defense pistol.
The new Performance Center M&P10MM M2.0 Carry Comp pistols focus on enhancing the shooting experience. Strategically designed to leverage the gases escaping the end of the gun during firing, the PowerPort helps reduce felt recoil meaning you can stay on target better, all in a sleek design. Additionally, the unique design pushes gases away from the shooter’s vision, allowing him or her to maintain an unobstructed view when firing.
Other features include a flat-faced trigger designed for consistent trigger finger placement, an optic slide cut for mounting popular red-dot sights, a stainless steel slide with Performance Center Armornite finish and an Ameriglo Trooper front night sight. Four interchangeable palm swell grip inserts let the user customize hand fit, and the gun comes with two 15-round magazines. As far as specifications, the striker-fired pistol is 7.25 inches in overall length and has an unloaded weight of 27 ounces. MSRP is $799, putting this pistol well within the range of most defensive handgun shoppers.
The EAA Influencer X is a new full-size 1911-style pistol chambered in 9mm, 10mm, .45 ACP and .38 Super. The 9mm, 10mm and .38 Super models feature a reverse-crowned barrel. All calibers feature a competition barrel fit for superior accuracy. The rear sight is fully adjustable and removable for mounting any red-dot with an RMSc footprint.
Designed with competition, personal protection and critical duty in mind, the Influencer X meets the demand of every role. With its full-length accessory rail, fully machined forged steel frame, machined steel slide, flared magazine well, extended beavertail, ambidextrous thumb safety, accuracy test target, aggressive grip texturing, two-tone Cerakote finish, an excellent trigger and lightening-cut slide, the Influencer X comes standard in a durable, hard travel case.
Features include a forged steel slide with lightening cuts, high-texture grips for good purchase even in poor handling conditions and a full-length accessory rail for mounting lights, lasers and other accessories, and
Specifications include a 5-inch stainless steel barrel, overall length of 8.75 inches and a weight of 2.55 pounds. Capacity for the single-stack 1911 is 8+1. The two-tone finish is an attractive tungsten and black. MSRP is $839, meaning this 10mm pistol gives shoppers a lot of bang for their buck.
SIG SAUER P320-XTEN Endure Comp
Last but not least is the latest 10mm offering from Sig Sauer, the legendary pistol maker that has been making 10mm handguns since 2015. With a super-cool colored slide and frame combination, this is a great-looking gun that is sure to turn a few heads for people looking into your display case. The second in the ENDURE Series of pistols from SIG Custom Works, this compensated 10mm is designed for adventure and ready for the toughest outdoor conditions and most demanding users.
The P320-XTEN ENDURE COMP features a fully Cerakoted slide for extreme protection against the elements, with a Custom Works exclusive laser-etched topographic pattern. The pistol also features a 3.8-inch barrel for maximum accuracy. The slide is optics-ready with a PRO footprint, and it comes standard with XRAY3 Day/Night Sights. The exclusive ENDURE X-Series Grip Module also features a new aggressive LXG laser stippling that provides maximum grip during wet conditions. Chambered in 10mm, each P320-XTEN ENDURE COMP comes standard with three 15-round magazines.
Other features in this striker-fired pistol include an X-Series flat trigger for enhanced accuracy and SRAY3 day/night sights for excellent accuracy in low-light conditions — the exact conditions many self-defense gun uses occur. Overall length is 7.1 inches, and the gun weighs in at 32.3 ounces with empty magazine inserted. MSRP starts at $900 — a good price point for the quality you can expect from a Sig Sauer pistol.
