The 10mm is picking up traction again. Some are even referring to it as a “new” round because so many gun companies are producing new models in 10mm. Considering the entire history of firearms, the 10mm is relatively new. But it was introduced back in the early 1980s.
Several gun companies produced 10mm models early on and the FBI even adopted it for a while. But the high-pressure round caused too much recoil for most practical purposes. The most popular model back in the 1980s was the “Bren Ten”, a CZ-75 style handgun. Glock made round a little more popular when it produced several models chambered in 10mm. But like many other calibers, it just couldn’t hang on.
Hunting with a 10mm?
The biggest question I get from people is when this cartridge should be used. Is it better for self-defense or hunting? I’ll get the unhelpful answer out of the way first. It’s up to the shooter and what they need from a gun. There, that’s the neutral answer because some gun experts will say the 10mm is perfect for self-defense and some will say, nah!
There isn’t much debate, however, when it comes to hunting with a 10mm handgun. It’s a powerful round that is adequate for just about any beast you encounter in the woods. I have heard numerous stories of people shooting bears and dropping them instantly. In a few cases, the bear was charging the hunter when they shot in self-defense. This makes the gun perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who lives near the mountains or large wooded areas.
The cartridge is picking up steam across the country, but it has been a popular choice in Alaska for years because of the power it harnesses when fired. Hunting with a handgun is a whole new ballgame in the hunting world. You must get closer and be more accurate with a gun that is not stabilized like a rifle is against your shoulder. But when you are within the effective range of the 10mm, it’s a great hunting round.
Because it is becoming more popular, the 10mm is earning its regular place on the ammo shelves. This means more options to pick from. Hornady makes a 135gr MonoFlex round that is reported to be a great hunting round. If you want more knockdown, you can go up to a 220-grain bullet too.
Self-Defense With a 10mm
This is the topic most debated with this cartridge. Some have the belief that larger, more powerful bullets are better for self-defense. I think this is true within reason. On the other side of the fence, people argue that a 10mm has too much kick for self-defense. With high recoil, it would be hard to shoot fast and stay on target.
And in most self-defense incidents, shooting faster is a necessity. The other issue besides the powerful cartridge is the size of the gun. Most 10mm handguns are on the larger side. This makes it difficult to conceal, and heavy to lug around all day. Another thing to consider is the cost of ammo.
If you carry a gun for self-defense, it’s best to train on a regular basis. This requires ammo and ammo is not cheap, but 10mm ammo is expensive. So how much are you prepared to spend on ammo for training? You will feel like you’re buying gold-plated bullets.
Even though I bring up the recoil on the 10mm, I don’t want to sound like it’s an unbearable round to shoot. It kicks a little more than a .45 ACP. That’s not so bad that it’s impossible to shoot, but some will struggle with it. This is the part where it depends on the shooter. Those who shoot a .45 regularly may not notice much of a difference. Others, however, will not like the kick that comes with the hotter self-defense rounds. But if you can control the recoil and don’t mind spending the extra money, a 10mm could work for self-defense.
Who makes a 10mm handgun?
Just about everybody. Highpoint is even producing a 10mm handgun. And no, I don’t own one, I just saw it in the gun store. I won’t get into the quality of various handguns here, but I have serious questions about a 10mm handgun in the $200 range. For those who like 1911, you are in luck. The number of 1911s offered in 10mm is growing. Here are some of the 1911s chambered in 10mm that I like:
- Springfield Armory: TRP Operator
- Ruger: SR1911 Target
- Colt: Delta Elite
- Rock Island: Ultra FS
- Kimber: Eclipse
If you want a semi-auto 10mm, you will have even more options. Because more people are taking an interest in the 10mm, new models are being announced constantly. Here are some that have caught my eye:
- Springfield Armory: Elite
- Smith & Wesson: M&P M2.0
- Sig Sauer: P320 XTEN
- FN: 510 Tactical
- Glock: G20SF
Summary
When it comes to self-defense, there are several factors to consider. The size of the gun, holster options, price, and the type of self-defense. Keeping a larger caliber handgun in the car for certain events makes sense. I would carry a 10mm for self-defense when hiking, camping, or going anywhere else where animals are a threat. As far as the ballistics go, a 10mm comes with a punch.
It has the power and there is a lot of defense ammunition available. This leaves me with the same opinion as every other self-defense caliber. If the caliber you choose will stop a threat, you can shoot it accurately, and ammo companies make defense ammunition for it, it will work. There’s a wide range of defense calibers out there and opinions on each one vary all over the board.
I have .380 pistols and 10mm pistols. I can see the pros and cons of each one so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all caliber. We have choices, and we can choose more than one. If you have or plan to buy a 10mm, it will be great for hunting, and if you want to use it for self-defense, it will work for that too.
