Posted on 07/29/2018 6:46:18 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Anyone in search of a candidate for the title “Comeback Kid of the Cartridge World” should take a serious look at the 10 mm Auto. Though ballistically the 10 mm is known for its flat trajectory, its arc through history has seemed more like the peaks and troughs of a heart monitor readout. Touted as the “ultimate,” lampooned as a “dud,” ensnared in problems and mired in controversy not of its own making, no other cartridge in the modern era has teetered on the brink of obscurity and clawed its way back as many times as this proverbial cat. Along the way, the 10 mm Auto has acquired its own mythology, including a healthy dose of downright falsehood: the power of a .41 Magnum; a destroyer of firearms; a recoil monster waiting to gobble up weak and timid shooters. The 10 mm is not really any of these things. Those who have taken the time to get to know the 10 mm have discovered what it really is—a powerful and versatile handgun cartridge that favors the performance-oriented aficionado of semi-automatics.
Lately, the 10 mm has experienced a renaissance of sorts that has resulted in its greatest popularity since it was introduced. To understand the 10 mm Auto’s new-found success I took a look at some contemporary 10 mm firearms. But to understand how the 10 mm got to where it is today, I also needed to understand its history. So, first, a little truth.
The History
The 10 mm Auto was born from an attempt to get maximum performance out of a 9 mm Luger-size handgun. Gun writers such as Jeff Cooper had been kicking around the idea of a .40-cal. cartridge that would offer more power than a 9 mm and more capacity than a .45 ACP.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanrifleman.org ...
I have a Fusion Firearms custom built 1911 10mm 6-inch long slide. Fusion Firearms is run by Bob Serva, the owner of Dan Wesson Firearms when they introduced their 1911 models. It is a work of art and shoots great and with 45ACP recoil with the 6-inch slide weight.
Always liked the caliber. It reminds me of the Elmer Keith designed 41 magnum made for revolvers as a Police revolver round. More power than a .357 magnum less recoil than a .44 magnum. It failed as a Police revolver for multiple reasons. But it is a hell of a hunting round with revolvers slightly lighter than the .44s and with a bit less recoil. I always wanted one for $h!ts and giggles.
I’ve never fired a 10 but if I decide to get a 1911, it will be a 10. Great caliber to carry around in a vest or as a sidearm if you are off the beaten path.
I have a Ruger Black Hawk 7 1/2” bbl in 41 Mag. I like it too.
Maybe I will look at it again.
I have carried mine CCW in a shoulder holster under a jacket. Recoil is much less than a 41 Mag and way less than a 44 Mag. Mine is just like a 45 ACP.
Are those full power 10mm loads, or the ones loaded about to .40 S&W?
I had 3 10mms around 1988. Two stainless Colt Delta Elites and one Thompson 1911 style.
The Colts were beautifully made and shot fine. I could barely tell the recoil was heavier than the .45ACP, and these hot early Norma loads.
The Thompson was also a fine gun. I had one of their .45s which was OK but it was clear they had put much more effort into the 10mm. It was better finished and the tolerances seemed tighter.
All good guns but I would choose a large Glock now.
I bought mine when the company was located in New York. I see they have relocated to Florida, can’t figure out why. Mine is similar to this, but I got custom build so I got everything I wanted:
https://www.fusionfirearms.com/freedom-series-long-slide-3740
Those rounds are definitely geared for hunting. Not practical for taking down two legged creatures.
Too much penetration for human targets.
sweet... long slide getting the most out the round too
These were full power loads from Double Tap. I will look up the performance, but they will probably be for the shorter Glock 20 or 29.
The rounds from Doubletap were:
180gr Bonded Defense - 1300 fps, 5” bbl
For Bears protection:
10mm 230gr. Hardcast Solid™ Wide Flat Point Gas Check -
Ballistics : 1120fps / 641 ft. lbs. - Glock 20
1008fps / 519 ft. lbs. - 100yds Glock 20
1075fps / 590 ft. lbs. - Glock 29
I remember the impact that Don Johnson / Sonny Crockett had on the firearms world with his Bren Ten.
And I was 5 at the time.
It was such a neat question, and a good conversation. I still think that the .40 holds everything for everyone.
Depends on the round you choose. This one from Doubletap:
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=126_134&product_id=589
A perfect match for someone needing a high speed, low penetrating option for home defense or CCW. This loads offers 11.5” of penetration with .7” of expansion and EXTREME fragmentation throughout the wound channel. One of the most desturctive rounds on target produced to date in the 10mm.
Caliber: 10mm
Bullet: 135gr. Sierra Jacketed Hollow Point.
Ballistics: 1600fps / 767 ft.lbs. - Glock 20
EAA Witness is a good gun based on the CZ75, and probably a lot less expensive than others. Never shot one in 10mm though.
” I still think that the .40 holds everything for everyone.”
I have a .40 that I sometimes carry but when I want to reach out and touch something I grab my .357 Blackhawk with 7.5” barrel.
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