Top 10 40 S&W & 10mm Auto Pistols 2025

By
Todd Woodard
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Published: Updated:
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The Springfield Armory XDM-E XDME94510GBHCOSP Green 10mm Auto pistol ships with two mags, two alternate grip inserts and three adapter plates. The similar Black version is also in the Top 10.

The resurgence of the 10mm Auto cartridge and handguns chambered for it continues, and so does our coverage of pistols chambered for the powerful round, as well as the 10mm-caliber but shorter 40 S&W. In the last few years, we’ve added many more tested 40-bore pistols in the pages of Gun Tests.

According to Cartridges of the World 17th Edition, the 10mm Auto was introduced in 1983 as the cartridge for the Bren Ten semi-auto pistol, made by the now-defunct Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc., of Huntington Beach, Calif. Ammunition was loaded by Norma, with a 200-grain full-jacketed truncated cone bullet, similar to some 9mm Luger and 45 Automatic loads of some years back. According to data furnished by Norma, the ammunition is loaded to a mean working pressure of 37,000 psi, with a maximum pressure of 44,400 psi. This is getting up in the area of some rifle loads and makes it a rather hot handgun cartridge. Muzzle velocity is listed as 1,200 fps, and energy at the muzzle as 635 ft-lbs. That makes the 10mm Auto cartridge more powerful than the 357 Magnum or the obsolete lead bullet 41 Magnum police load. Muzzle energy is about double that of the .45 Automatic. Gun and cartridge are the creation of Jeff Cooper and associates, who were trying to develop the ideal combat weapon. Colt and several others have offered the 10mm chambering.

The Bren Ten semi-auto pistol was based on a modification of the much-praised Czech CZ-75 pistol design. It had a 5-inch barrel, 11-shot magazine and weighed 39 ounces. It was a full-size combat-type pistol intended primarily for law enforcement/self-defense use, but it had many design problems. The 10mm cartridge is an ideal combat round with good stopping power, particularly with an expanding-type bullet. However, recoil is quite heavy. It would also be a good field cartridge for small to medium game or larger animals, in the hands of a good shot and skilled hunter. In the late 1980s, the FBI adopted the cartridge in a slightly reduced loading, along with a matching S&W pistol, as standard issue. Problems with the guns delayed general issue. Ammunition was initially quite expensive. This discouraged non-handloaders from doing much shooting with the round. Overall, the Bren Ten pistol and cartridge represent an excellent concept for a combat handgun, and it reflects the extensive background and experience of Cooper.

Currently, Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Nosler and many others offer suitable bullets. The 10mm Auto cartridge has been loaded by Federal, Winchester, Remington, CCI, and many other U.S. ammunition manufacturers. Actual ballistics are generally about 100 fps slower than early factory claims, so 10mm Automatic factory loads do not significantly exceed 45 ACP +P ballistics. However, factory loads produced by DoubleTap, Buffalo Bore and Underwood represent the hottest loads available, meeting and exceeding Cooper’s original design specifications for the cartridge.

The 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge was developed as an in-house joint venture between Winchester and Smith & Wesson in late 1989. At that time, the FBI had been working with the 10mm Automatic, developing a load that met its criteria for bullet diameter, weight and velocity. The folks at Winchester and Smith & Wesson realized that the power level the FBI had settled on could easily be achieved using a much shorter cartridge. This would facilitate accuracy and allow use of a smaller, more comfortable grip frame. This cartridge’s potential is much higher than many shooters assume, and several loads now offered actually generate about 500 ft-lbs of energy in typical guns. This is serious power for such a small package and rivals the best the .45 Automatic can offer. However, such a powerful and compact package requires comparatively high pressures. High peak pressure and a short barrel equate to high noise and muzzle blast. Nevertheless, for its purpose, it has to be considered a superior cartridge design.

Gun Tests has evaluated many handguns chambered in 40 S&W & 10mm Auto over the last few years, and we’ve often NOT liked some market favorites because we’re able to shoot several firearms side by side, which shows the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm. The list below includes semi-auto pistols, with a mix of striker-fired and hammer-fired versions, as well as double-action-to-single-action trigger styles and single-action triggers.

The entries include the dates of the original review, but if they’re on this list, they’re worth looking for as used products, or if you’re lucky, overlooked NIB items stuffed into a dusty shelf somewhere.With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Top 10 40 S&W & 10mm Pistols in the listicle below. Of course, we haven’t tested every handgun on the market, so we’ll be interested to see which one is your favorite in the comments below. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test. Expect the prices of new or used guns to be different. — Todd Woodard

 

10 FN FNS-40 40 S&W, $350 (April 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

This used gun had accuracy, trigger, grip. Originally an F, it was regraded after excellent customer service.

The full-size grip on the FNS-40 fills the hand without girth. The grip angle made it a natural pointer.

 

9 Springfield XDM-E 3.8 Compact OSP 10mm Auto, $575 (August 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

Smaller of the two brand-new 10 mils we tested. Very light and easy to conceal.

Springfield Armory starts off with a 3.8-inch hammer-forged barrel for accuracy. The tube sports a flat-black Melonite finish, as does the slide. We have commented positively on the feed ramp of several Springfield Armory pistols in the past, and this XD-M Elite didn’t disappoint us — the ramp surface is polished to an almost mirror finish. All the better to feed a round with, frequently, a very short ogive.

 

8 Lone Wolf TWL-S Frame/Gray Man Slide 10mm Auto, $884 (August 2020)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

The Grey Man G20 is a handful. The small grip made this pistol easier to conceal. Trigger was excellent.

The LWD 10mm Compact’s short grip makes for great concealment and is just enough to hang on to when the 10mm is fired.

 

7 Springfield XD-S 3.3-Inch XDS93340BE 40 S&W, $378 (September 2019)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

Best Buy. Completely reliable, accurate enough for personal defense. Useful trigger and good sights.

In combat firing above, the Springfield gave excellent results. Also, it was faster to an accurate first shot than the SIG because we did not have to work the long DA SIG trigger with the XD-S. The XD-S produced groups as small as 2 inches, partly because of the easy-to-see red-fiber-optic front sight.

 

6 Springfield Armory XDM-E XDME93810CBOSP Black 10mm Auto, $575 (February 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

The frame of the XDM Elite has come a long way. The grip provides a good gripping surface. Provides an ambidextrous magazine release and a manual grip safety and three different grip inserts to accommodate different sized hands. Accurate and reliable.

The XDM-E pistols ship with two mags, two alternate grip inserts and three adapter plates.

 

5 Glock G23 Gen 5 PA235S203 40 S&W, $700 (October 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

Recoil management was excellent. We like the flared magwell, front slide serrations, and improved trigger.

When we went hot at the firing line, we were amazed at how well the Gen5 G23 tamed the snappy 40 S&W. Some of our testers were pleasantly surprised. We found the Glock shot right on. We covered the target with the front sight and proceeded to create holes that looked like they were made with a 40-caliber hole punch. We had no need to adjust sights.

 

4 Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm Auto 13389, $619 (August 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A (OUR PICK)

Slightly more accurate. We felt the S&W had the lighter recoil impulse and the shooting results testified to that. The grips would benefit from the light touch of some 600-grit sandpaper.

The M&P ships with no fewer than seven different mounting kits, as well as a variety of screws, for the most common red-dot sights.

 

3 Springfield Armory 1911 Ronin PX9121L 10mm Auto, $799 (November 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

Best Buy. This Ronin is a no-nonsense 1911 with a good, sights, trigger, reliability, and accuracy.

From the shooter’s perspective, the Springfield Armory offers excellent defense sights with a contrasting front sight, a red fiber-optic tube. The sights on the Springfield Armory were also practical for the ledge that could be used for one-hand cocking.

 

2 Smith & Wesson M&P40 M2.0 11522 40 S&W, $581 (October 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

Best Buy. The 18-degree grip angle made the M&P M2.0 feel natural. The trigger was very consistent.

In the S&W grip-adjustment system, there are three grip-module options to increase the reach to the trigger, depending on your hand size. Modules also have palm swells. The frame tool stores inside the grip itself, so it doesn’t get lost.

 

1 Springfield Armory XDM-E XDME94510GBHCOSP Green 10mm Auto, $650 (February 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A

We gave these two XDM-E pistols every chance to show that one was lacking versus the other — or even just different. Springfield Armory, and their production methods, passed with flying colors. Choose this one if you like the slide color. We actually did.

The frames of the XDM-Elites are textured to provide a good gripping surface. You don’t have to press the trigger and lower the striker to field-strip the XDM-E, but you do have to depress the grip safety.

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Glock G40 MOS PG4050200MOS 10mm Auto, $729 (January 2024)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

This Glock Model 40 MOS worked perfectly and shot well. That long nose helps it stay down on target for follow-up shots. If you’re a Glock shooter already, you’ll like the G40 more than the SIG.

Sig Sauer P320 X5-10-BXR3-R2 10mm Auto, $800 (January 2024)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

Somehow, SIG Sauer managed to make a larger caliber work in a frame that fits your standard-sized SIG holsters — no big hands required. If you shoot SIGs, go with this one.

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP XDME93810CBOSP 10mm Auto, $575 (August 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

The XD-M Elite was the smaller of the two brand-new 10 mils we tested. Very light and easy to conceal, the Elite would make a great woods gun.

Kimber Rapide Black Ice 3000387 10mm Auto, $1499 (November 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

The Rapide Black Ice is a near-custom version of a full-size 1911 platform chambered in 10mm.

Rock Island Pro Match Ultra 6” 52008 10mm Auto, $1199 (November 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

Offers excellent accuracy, a decent trigger and sights, and added heft with the 6-inch barrel.

Heckler & Koch P30S-V3 81000127 40 S&W, $859 (October 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

The P30 is the benchmark for a DA/SA-style pistol with an excellent grip and sights and good accuracy.

SIG Sauer P239 23940BSS 40 S&W, $600 (October 2021)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

Recoil was controllable and accuracy was good. The

design felt dated, but we’d buy a used P239.

Springfield Armory XD-M 5.25 10mm Auto, $681 (September 2020)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

Best Buy. To take backpacking, the XD-M and its 16-round payload might well be our choice.

Colt Delta Elite 02020RG 10mm Auto, $1134 (September 2020)

GUN TESTS GRADE: A-

When we were firing the Buffalo Bore stompers, we were just fine with the Colt’s smooth front strap.

SIG Sauer Tacops 10mm Auto 1911R-10-TACOPS, $1050 (September 2020)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B/A-

Had extraction issues. SIG fixed the problem, so we upgraded its marks to include customer service.

Dan Wesson Razorback 01889 10mm Auto, $1622 (September 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B+

If you need a good 10mm pistol to ride on your hip or your chest through all kinds of weather, consider the stainless-steel Razorback.

Glock Model 20 SF Short Frame GEN 3 PF2050702 10mm Auto, 546 (February 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B+

The Short Frame makes this Glock easier to shoot for those with smaller hands. Accuracy was good. Reliability 100%. Being trigger snobs, we would like to a better trigger. We liked the Glock Night Sights.

Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 FS Tactical II 10mm Auto, $700 (September 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B+ BEST BUY

The bull barrel and all-steel everything made the RIA pistol a load to carry, but tamed recoil in our rapid-fire tests.

Kahr CT40 40 S&W, $354 (April 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B+

Thin and had a nice grip angle. A manageable gun that’s well suited for EDC.

OTHER TESTED GUNS

Smith & Wesson SV40 VE 123400 40 S&W, $258 (April 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B

The trigger was awful but serviceable. The checkering on the rear strap was too aggressive.

Taurus G2c 1-G2C4031-10 40 S&W, $271 (April 2022)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B

The trigger is the thing with Taurus. It takes some getting used to, and then it can be quite serviceable.

Kahr CW40 CW4043 40 S&W, $301 (September 2019)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B

A well-made and reliable handgun, despite a number of corners being cut to offer the pistol at a low price.

SIG Sauer P224 SAS 224-40-SAS2B 40 S&W, $800 (September 2019)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B

A compact pistol with a short barrel and grip that takes some getting used to, yet excellent accuracy.

Taurus G2C 1-G2C4031-10O 40 S&W, $250 (September 2019)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B

An upgrade over the original, with superior grip treatment and a new matte-finished slide.

Taylor’s & Co. 1911 A1 FS Tactical II PC2/230056 10mm Auto, $700 (September 2023)

GUN TESTS GRADE: B-

A virtual twin of the Rock Island, but had some stoppages that we’re not sure about.

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