Best 10 mm Semi-Auto / Opinions welcomed!

[bobcat3388]

Greetings and salutations,
I am relatively new to this forum and have recently seen the "need" for a 10mm semi-auto to add to my small, but well rounded collection. I searched other forums and found the most recent discussion dated in 2012. Quite a few offerings have been added/updated in the market since then.
I am currently considering the following pistols: 1) Colt Delta Elite, 2) Sig Sauer 1911 Tac Ops 10mm, and 3) Sig Sauer P220 Match Elite SA/DA reverse two tone. I have read some articles about possible problems with the DE unsupported barrel. The 1911 Tac Ops is pretty new, so there may not be much with experience with these, but if so, is the DE barrel problem solved?
I carried a Sig P229 for many years, so I am familiar with that platform, but not sure how it would translate to the 10mm.

Thanks in advance to all in advance for posting comments.

[bobcat3388]

Okay, before someone notices and calls me out on it, I will correct a comment in my original post: I asked if anyone knew if the Delta Elite barrel problems, or perceived problems had been corrected in the 1911 Tac Ops. Well, duh, one is a Colt and one is a Sig, so no, the problem couldn't be fixed.

So much for starting a thread this late at night. Sorry about that!!!!!

[Chief Illiniwek]

I've recently started to think I have the same "need". The Glock 20 (or maybe the G29) and the Delta Elite are the ones that I initially thought of.

[Davinman]

Dan Wesson also makes a very good 10mm on what appears to be a 1911 platform. Something else to look into....

[TAC]

Originally Posted by bobcat3388

Greetings and salutations,
I am relatively new to this forum and have recently seen the "need" for a 10mm semi-auto to add to my small, but well rounded collection. I searched other forums and found the most recent discussion dated in 2012. Quite a few offerings have been added/updated in the market since then.
I am currently considering the following pistols: 1) Colt Delta Elite,

The Delta Elite is credited as being the first firearm produced by a major manufacturer to chamber the 10mm.[2] The ill-fated Bren Ten sparked a genuine interest in the 10mm round with outdoorsmen and as a defense round.
The pistol was dropped from production in 1996 due to lackluster sales and the availability of smaller pistols with higher magazine capacities chambered in .40 S&W.[3]
Colt announced the re-introduction of the Delta Elite at the 2008 SHOT Show. This new generation is generally similar to the previous version. The "new" Delta Elites will be manufactured with the traditional barrel/bushing arrangement. Colt Customer Service stated they had a lack of acceptable accuracy problem with the "bull" bushingless barrel setup. That was the cause of the delay in the Delta Elite's production schedule. The new Delta Elite pistol was released March 31, 2009.[4]

[source & additional info]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Delta_Elite#Variants

[Side by Side]

I have many 10mm pistols, out of all of them I feel the best by far is STI with the 2011 platform.

[Tom S.]

FWIW, I did a review on the Glock G40 here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearm...40-review.html

[younggun456]

I know this is the other brands section but I have a Smith 1006 and I love that thing. I've never had a fallure to feed, fire, or eject from it and it's size helps with recoil

[old tanker]

I got a Delta Elite in 1987 not long after they first came out and a case of Norma's 200 grain FMJ ammo. I bought the S&W 1076 a couple of yers later. Between the two of them I shot up all "hot" Norma ammo decades ago except for a couple boxes I keep to show off.

No problems of note with either pistol except the Smith did go back to the factory for a recall. Other than that, my opinion is the the 1076 is heavier and handles full house loads better, BUT good magazines are made of "unobtainium." Good magazines for the Colt are esy to find.

You will want to reload. I scored a couple of five gallon pails of 10mm brass from the FBI range on Fort Knox about 20 years ago. The flute marks from the MP10 are no problem reloading and make it easy to know your brass looking in the grass.

[Old Corp]

Have a Colt Delta in SS and had Novak adjustables put on it. Shoots great.
Also retained my old duty M1076, and though it's been shot ALOT, the duty and training round was the !0 LITE, which means not much real wear occurred.
Somehow I accumulated a prodigious amount of brass and 10 LITE ammo.
Between the two, have always felt the Delta edged out the M1076 in accuracy, and I'm more of a M1911 guy anyway, so it's my favorite.

[hyena]

A buddy just bought a Rock Island Armory 10mm, and I was very impressed with it. And not just for the price. It shoots great.

[ken158]

I had the 10mm need also and started with a Glock. Not bad but I wanted something more refined... Picked up a Delta Elite with the new sights and then a new Sig 220 SAO appeared that I had to have... so I dumped the Glock and made the Sig a Christmas present to myself. It is a keeper and the Delta may hit the market although it is a fine gun.

[jimmyj]

Glock Model 20

[dmar]

In 10mm, I started with the Glock 29; pocket cannon that shoots pretty easy! I liked the 10mm, so I got a Colt Delta Elite, and love it, very nice... No issues with either gun. The G29 is a hell of a small/compact self defense semi-auto.

As for your choices, depends on what you want to do with the gun. Personally, I'd go with the new Sig 220 Match Elite, but that's because I already have the Delta Elite... Personally, I'd choose the Delta before the 220 because I like the 1911 platform best, and the Delta is more versatile and just a cool gun, to me...

I really like the looks of the Match Elite, and have read good things about it. Great to see Sig come out with the new 10mm line. I've got a P220 in .45 ACP, and really like the platform, as well. I think the Match Elite would make a great range gun, if you reload.

If you're looking for a 1911 platform, I'd go with the Delta Elite over a Sig 1911 any day. The Dan Wessons are very nice, as well. For all around use, I think it's hard to beat the Glock 20.

Any way you go, you're going to love the 10mm round!

[epj]

Bought a DE when they first came out. Basically a GI configuration with a 10mm chamber. Not overly accurate and had a tremendous hammer bite with the Norma ammo. Didn't keep it long. My 1006 and 1076 are a pleasure to shoot, even with pretty hot ammo.

[Nitrous SSC]

Love my 1076. I think the size and sheer brunt of the guns make them fun to shoot lots of 10mm.

[Mister X]

The only need I would ever have for a 10mm would possibly be a woods/hiking gun.

In that case, I would opt for a Glock 20. Maybe a 29 as well.

[dave1918a2]

I only have one 10MM and I intend to keep it. I take it out once in a while and shoot it and to show it off. It's called a Bren Ten and I got when they first came out.

[44wheelman]

I have been considering a longslide 10mm: 6.3" DW Bruin for $1900, or Remington 6" Hunter for $1100. Had been (and somewhat still am) considering the Sig 220 at $1200.

Had a Colt Delta from made in the 90's, it went away in a trade for a USFA .45 which I got 2.5x trade value than what I had in it.

I had one of the EAA/Tangfolio 10mm Match guns I bought used for $500... at that price point was easily the best value, ran fine, shot well, just became dis-interested in it, can't explain why I got rid of it.

Had a few, want another, but still have my 1066 & 610.

[crw]

There is only one right answer here. One of the S&W 10 series. I have a 1076,1026,1086 and a 1066. There is not another 10 that can compare to the strength of any of these. I have owned almost every other 10 you can think of and the others just don't stack up. I think you could set off a blasting cap in any of the above and it would just say may I have another please. I probably have put at least 5K rounds in all of mine and never once had a FTF or FTE. I think they will strip frozen green beans. LOL. Take any other 10 apart and just compare to a S&W. No need to say anything else.

[cometpx4]

In past 20 years I have had: 1076, 1086, 1006, G29, G20, Delta Elite, Dan Wesson silverback, Smith 610 3 and 7/8's barrel, 610 Lew Horton 3" with unfluted cylinder, (kick myself for parting with that one) and I have one now-a G40 5.5" longslide.
Best 10mm I have ever owned or shot, hands down, to the point where i take it and 100 rounds on every range trip including my "revolver day" at the range.

[k22fan]

bobcat3388,

First decide what kind of trigger action you want, DA/SA, stricker fired, SA, or some other favorite. Next decide how heavy a pistol you want and how important the pistol's mechanical ability to shoot tight groups at longer range is. After that, shop for a specific model.

By the way, you can edit your first post then using edit/advanced delete the whole second post.

[BearBio]

I chose the Glock 20.

[dusty3030]

I have a Glock 20SF. Love it.

[Iggy]

I've been packing these two Dan Wesson 10mms off and on since 2003.

Top is Govt Model, Bottom CCO configuration.
Lots of rounds down the barrels over the years. So far so good.

[shocker]

I give credit to Glock for keeping the 10 alive during it's long hibernation.
I've got a 29SF. I went to an aftermarket barrel for shooting cast, and a heavier recoil spring to keep the brass from being ejected into the next county.
Couple of friends have the Rock Island 10 and like it. For 600 and change it's a good balance of performance vs. cost.

[Lewel]

I have a couple of 10mm guns. I like my Sig 220, It feels and shoots good. I like the fact it is a current production gun. I have a S&W 1066 that is a pleasure to shoot. It seems a little trimmer than the Sig. The only drawback to it is that it is no linger made & parts can be a problem to find. I have not needed ant yet but it is something to think about.Both of these guns make shooting 10mm pleasant. I have a Ruger Blackhawk that I am having converted to shoot 10mm & 40 S&W. I think it will be interesting to compare it to the 10mm autos.

[bobcat3388]

First of all, thanks to all who have shared their opinions. I have been looking around at some of the gun auction sites at the different options available. My purpose for having a 10mm is to have the availability to have one "in the stable." I would also spend range time and take it out as a hunting back up. I currently have a .44 mag for that purpose, but want to have the option for something else as well.
I just found one of the new Delta Elites for a decent price. It is a "special edition," that is cerakoted in FDE. It is a great looking gun, but my dilemma is whether to lean toward that or stay with the traditional SS finish. I will also check out the STI, as it resembles the CZ/Bren Ten platform.
Thanks again for all of the input.

[Mike0251]

Silverback on my list in March. Can't wait!

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I own only one, a 1026 my son gave me. Have mags. POI = POA with the stock Novaks. The recoil is not a problem with this strong and wind-resistant gun.

I can see where it would pay to try out a Delta Elite to see whether the recoil was acceptable. One would fit my hand better, although the 1026 is acceptable.

Hand size and reaction to recoil are individual attributes that will affect the answer.

[Jessie]

I already have a Glock 41 so I'm thinking of just getting a G40 slide assembly with the 4 bases for the optics.
It's a couple of hundred dollars cheaper with no transfer fee which is nice.
I just have not made the leap yet. I can see a use for the 10mm, especially out of a 6" barrel with a red dot.
Of course, when it comes to guns, I'm very easily convinced of practicalities.

[colt_saa]

The choices of good firearms is rather large. As sugessted above, deciding on a trigger, action or platform style will narrow the field for you.

The SIG P220 is a great DA/SA platform for the 10MM Auto cartridge. I have had mine 6+ years now. I really like it as an overall firearm

My Colt Delta Gold Cup is exceptionally accurate. One of the most accurate autoloaders I own

I wish that Colt would revive the Gold Cup chambered for the 10MM Auto cartridge. This was discussed with Colt managment at this years SHOT Show. Unfortunately it is not in the cards at the moment. Colt did release a second variation of the Delta Government model at the 2017 SHOT Show, it has a equipment rail for those folks that like flashlights and lasers hanging off their firearm

The long discontinued Smith and Wesson 10xx family of auto loaders are both robust and soft shooting. However they have been climbing in price over the past few years. Parts and magazines are getting hard to find

EAA has some great pistols in their ELITE line. The Match Elite is a solid performer at a reasonable price. I am very fond of the Elite Pro.

There is also the Witness Hunter with it's 6" barrel and SA trigger it is a fine gun

Now the Smith and Wesson 310/610 family of revolvers opens up interesting territory

Since revolvers chambered for auto-loading cartridges head space on the moon clip and not the case mouth, this revolver can safely chamber and fire both the 10MM Auto cartridge and the 40 S&W. This gives you a very large selection of factory ammunition.

For those that hand load, the chambers on the 310/610 revolvers can be lengthened to accept the 10MM Magnum cartridge. This cartridge can give you an extra 200-400 FPS in velocity over the 10MM Auto cartridge

Then we come to custom built and converted firearms chambered for the 10MM Auto cartridge

Smith and Wesson's CS40 is built on the 45ACP frame and uses 10MM Auto magazines with a spacer in the back. It is a wonderful platform for a 24 ounce, 6+1 round, CS10 conversion

For something a bit larger and carrying one more round the Smith and Wesson 4013/4014/4053/4054 are also easy 10MM Auto conversions. Here is a 1014

The Mauser M2 is another great conversion gun. Due to the rotating barrel design this is the softest shooting pistol that I have ever fired that was chambered in 10MM Auto. It is a bit wide for some folks, but is holds 10+1 and is built like a tank

My favorite though is the 6" 1911 long slide that I built a few summers ago. The 6" barrel is a Briley mathc barrel with theur spherical bushing. The trigger rides on ball bearings for a very light, repeatable and safe trigger pull. The Aristocrat sight allows for 3 different ammunitions (or distances) to be set up all at once, very convienient fir hunting especially if you have a laser rangefinder on hand.

Obviously I am a Fan of the 10MM Auto cartridge. Hopefully you will become one also

[joebiker]

Being a Glock and CZ fan my recent acquisition of a Glock twenty has scratched that itch if I feel the need for another it will be a Witness. I love the G20.

[tlawler]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

The choices of good firearms is rather large. As sugessted above, deciding on a trigger, action or platform style will narrow the field for you.

The SIG P220 is a great DA/SA platform for the 10MM Auto cartridge. I have had mine 6+ years now. I really like it as an overall firearm

My Colt Delta Gold Cup is exceptionally accurate. One of the most accurate autoloaders I own

I wish that Colt would revive the Gold Cup chambered for the 10MM Auto cartridge. This was discussed with Colt managment at this years SHOT Show. Unfortunately it is not in the cards at the moment. Colt did release a second variation of the Delta Government model at the 2017 SHOT Show, it has a equipment rail for those folks that like flashlights and lasers hanging off their firearm

The long discontinued Smith and Wesson 10xx family of auto loaders are both robust and soft shooting. However they have been climbing in price over the past few years. Parts and magazines are getting hard to find

EAA has some great pistols in their ELITE line. The Match Elite is a solid performer at a reasonable price. I am very fond of the Elite Pro.

There is also the Witness Hunter with it's 6" barrel and SA trigger it is a fine gun

Now the Smith and Wesson 310/610 family of revolvers opens up interesting territory

Since revolvers chambered for auto-loading cartridges head space on the moon clip and not the case mouth, this revolver can safely chamber and fire both the 10MM Auto cartridge and the 40 S&W. This gives you a very large selection of factory ammunition.

For those that hand load, the chambers on the 310/610 revolvers can be lengthened to accept the 10MM Magnum cartridge. This cartridge can give you an extra 200-400 FPS in velocity over the 10MM Auto cartridge

Then we come to custom built and converted firearms chambered for the 10MM Auto cartridge

Smith and Wesson's CS40 is built on the 45ACP frame and uses 10MM Auto magazines with a spacer in the back. It is a wonderful platform for a 24 ounce, 6+1 round, CS10 conversion

For something a bit larger and carrying one more round the Smith and Wesson 4013/4014/4053/4054 are also easy 10MM Auto conversions. Here is a 1014

The Mauser M2 is another great conversion gun. Due to the rotating barrel design this is the softest shooting pistol that I have ever fired that was chambered in 10MM Auto. It is a bit wide for some folks, but is holds 10+1 and is built like a tank

My favorite though is the 6" 1911 long slide that I built a few summers ago. The 6" barrel is a Briley mathc barrel with theur spherical bushing. The trigger rides on ball bearings for a very light, repeatable and safe trigger pull. The Aristocrat sight allows for 3 different ammunitions (or distances) to be set up all at once, very convienient fir hunting especially if you have a laser rangefinder on hand.

Obviously I am a Fan of the 10MM Auto cartridge. Hopefully you will become one also

Who makes the wood grips shown on the 1006? I have found the aftermarket for 10xx grips pretty limited. Also like the grips on the longer barreled 610.

Has anyone considered A Chiappa.40 conversion to 10mm?

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by tlawler

Who makes the wood grips shown on the 1006? I have found the aftermarket for 10xx grips pretty limited. Also like the grips on the longer barreled 610.

These are the VERY First set of wood grips that Hogue made for the 3rd generation Smith and Wessons. Hogue had them mounted on a 4506 at the SHOT Show in Dallas many, many years ago. They left the SHOT Show with me thanks to the late Guy Hogue.

The good news is that Hogue still makes 3rd generation grips . . . The bad news is that these are made of Brazilian Rosewood which is no longer offered.

These grips on my 6 1/2" Model 610 are also from Hogue. They are made of Tulipwood. These are still available. The Hogue part number for N-Round, Tulipwood, checkered, no finger grooves is 25711.

I always order my Hogue grips with no finger grooves. They just fit me better that way.

[Brian in Oregon]

While I'm very happy with my 10mm Delta Gold Cup, I'd still like a DA/SA 10mm. Been looking for a Colt Double Eagle, but they've been long discontinued. SIG is now making their P220 in 10mm, but almost all production has been SAO, and I already have a SAO. When they made a SA/DA the way I want, I'll get one. I want a steel or stainless lower, not aluminum, on this version.

As for the "best" 10mm made, that's very subjective. Having said that, for a single action, the old Springfield Omega was probably the best. It had a very beefy slide and thus did not rely on very heavy springs. The Omega had dual extractors, though their purpose was to allow the slide to accommodate a wide variety of chamberings. They're still around. However, lack of parts make them pretty much an orphan.

[Abflyboy]

I had a Glock 20. Regret letting that one go ...

But I'm sure there will be another and most likely a Glock 40 to go with it.

[TXSWFAN]

Top-Nighthawk Heinie 10mm Longslide
Middle-Sig 220 10mm DA/SA
Bottom-Colt Delta Elite

Of the three, the Nighthawk is the smoothest, but it shreds brass. I don't reload so it's not a biggie to me.

The Sig and the Colt are both fine pistols. Very accurate and both function great. They go bang every time I pull the trigger, just like the Glocks.

[BruceM]

Smith 10xx series and SIG P220 SAO. I never was and never will be a fan of any 10mm 1911. Glocks are strong and reliable enough but I don't particularly care for them in any chambering.

Bruce

[LVSteve]

Originally Posted by TXSWFAN

Top-Nighthawk Heinie 10mm Longslide
Middle-Sig 220 10mm DA/SA
Bottom-Colt Delta Elite

Of the three, the Nighthawk is the smoothest, but it shreds brass. I don't reload so it's not a biggie to me.

Inquiring minds wonder why it shreds brass and in what way?

[DWalt]

"I had one of the EAA/Tangfolio 10mm Match guns I bought used for $500... at that price point was easily the best value, ran fine, shot well, just became dis-interested in it, can't explain why I got rid of it."

Don't overlook the 10mm EAA Witness. About the closest you can get to the original Bren Ten today

[TXSWFAN]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

Inquiring minds wonder why it shreds brass and in what way?

The brass from the rim to the middle of the case on one side was crushed in at least half way. I thought I had a spent case in the range bag to show you in a pic, but there wasn't one. So I went to the back yard and fired two rounds and of course the cases were unscathed.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by Abflyboy

I had a Glock 20. Regret letting that one go ...

I have a 2nd Gen G20 , bought it the month they were released back in 1992. It's been a great shooter, takes anything I want to feed it, never had any issues with hot ammo. It's the only Glock I've ever owned. I love the 10mm cartridge.

However, I'd trade it in a minute for a Delta Elite. I've always wanted one of those, and I'm wanting to get away from plastic guns. Ever since I bought my .45 1911, and the S&W M19, I've come to really appreciate a good piece of steel that goes bang. I'd forgotten how good they feel in the hand, and the workmanship involved in a quality all-metal handgun. I'll happily pay a premium for one over its half-plastic counterparts.

[johnnyflake]

I have both a Glock 20 and a Rock Island 10mm 1911. They are both extremely reliable. No issues with either, after many hundreds of rounds. I much prefer the Rock Island over the Glock, as it is built like a tank, more accurate than the Glock and there is less felt recoil, with the Rock Island. The Rock Island is the Bees Knees to shoot and it's price is very reasonable.

[Viper1357]

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

for a single action, the old Springfield Omega was probably the best. It had a very beefy slide and thus did not rely on very heavy springs. The Omega had dual extractors, though their purpose was to allow the slide to accommodate a wide variety of chamberings. They're still around. However, lack of parts make them pretty much an orphan.

At least one of the best in it's day, and still a few to this day.






"

[joken1]

I have a Sig 220 elite SA, and a Kimber stainless target. The Kimber is the most accurate 1911 I own. I'm going to buy a G40 next.

[Big E3]

I love the 10’s but have only added one in the last year, the S&W 1006. I don’t shoot the Delta because I want to send it off to get a beaver tail. I don’t like 1911’s with mil spec grip safeties, always get hammer bite. I need to find a red dot for the G40 as well. So basically the G20.3 and the G29.3 get carried most often and the G20.4 has never been fired. I have a real hard time selling any gun, I might miss it.

[JaPes]

I only have experience with Glock pistols chambered in 10mm. Glock 29SF, Glock 20. No issues with ammo. No issues with function. Adjusted the sights to my preference, and they were both precise and accurate. The downsides are similar to any other Glock: grip angle, grip contour, OEM trigger not ideal. Because Glock has tremendous after market support, you can modify a Glock to no end. This in itself is a downside. I am never satisfied with a fresh out of the box, OEM stock Glock. At minimum I replace trigger components.

I bowed out of 10mm ownership because of factory ammo cost and because I no longer handload ammunition. Common off the shelf 10mm is either loaded to .40 S&W or a mild .40 S&W +P. Ammunition that is loaded to true 10mm charge (Underwood, CorBon, etc) is costly. If it is relatively costly to get trigger time, the pistol might as well be a brick in my safe.

If I were to get into 10mm again, I would lean to the Sig P220 (with a short reset and short reach trigger). I've put 10 rounds down the pipe of a 10mm Sig P220 as described above, and I had zero complaints. It almost made me get back into it.

[scoobysnacker]

Don't own one, so no dog in this fight. My outside opinion would be either a Sig or a Witness....

I'm not including high-end boutique guns.

I have always personally preferred metal to polymer, so that eliminates Glock etc for me.

I've read a few different opinions over the years, that all stated the 1911 platform gets beaten up by this round, especially in hotter loads (which, to me, is the purpose of a 10mm in the first place). So no 1911's.

I've read that Star made a fantastic pistol in this chamber, but they are out of business, so remove them from consideration.. nowhere to go for support, minimal replacement parts.

I've also read that S&W also made great pistols in this, but they have long since discontinued the models. So they are out too.

The Bren Ten was the 'classic' 10mm, but again, long out of production. Nope.

Not sure what else there is available.

[charlie sherrill]

I've got a gen 1 Glock 20 that was owned by a good friend of mine. He was the range officer at the SO I retired from four years ago. He bought the G20 new and carried it until we were issued G22's. I worked a deal with him for the G20 and about 1100 rounds of ammo. That was about six years ago. He passed away two years ago and this Glock ain't going anywhere. It is one of my house guns and sometimes truck gun. I've fired several hundred rounds through it without a hiccup. I've killed two deer with my Glock 22 and one with the Glock 20. The old G20 has got some wear but it functions perfectly. The difference is I only had to shoot the G20 once. Also, I've always like .41 magnums and the G20 is probably the closest you can get to that in a semi auto. I've never had an opportunity to buy one of the Smith 10 mm but would entertain that idea if I found a good deal. The Delta is also appealing.