The video opens by explaining the renewed popularity of 10mm handguns for hunting, biking, backpacking, and camping, especially where encounters with large animals like bears and moose are possible. Modern 10mm pistols are contrasted with the heavy-recoiling “hand cannons” of the 1980s and 1990s, emphasizing that current designs are more controllable and practical. The host lays out clear evaluation criteria for the rankings: trigger quality, ergonomics and grip size, sight design, magazine capacity, and overall aesthetics. The five pistols under review are introduced as the Tisas 1911 (including the Tisas 1911 X), SIG Sauer P320 XTen, Springfield XDM Elite 10mm, Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm, and Glock 20 Gen 4. This establishes the framework for a direct comparison focused on real shooting performance and usability rather than brand loyalty or hype.
The Glock 20 Gen 4 is placed in fifth position despite being acknowledged as a solid, reliable 10mm option. Its ranking is hurt by brick-like ergonomics, a notably large grip compared with other modern 10mm pistols, and the familiar heavy, notchy Glock trigger. Basic factory Glock sights and plain, utilitarian looks also count against it. The discussion briefly notes other Glock 10mm models, including the compact Glock 29 and the long-slide Glock 40 MOS-cut variant, as alternatives. Moving to fourth place, the SIG Sauer P320 XTen is praised for reliability, attractive styling, and good sights, along with a competitive 15-round 10mm capacity similar to Glock. However, it feels front-heavy, with ergonomics that seem slightly awkward next to the competition, and the SIG-style trigger is criticized. These factors collectively keep the XTen from ranking higher, even though it remains a capable, modern 10mm platform.
Third place goes to the 10mm 1911 platform, represented by the Tisas 1911X and the Rock Island Ultra HC. The Tisas 1911X offers an 8-round single-stack capacity, while the Rock Island Ultra HC provides a 16-round double-stack option. Both benefit from the classic 1911 single-action trigger, which is highlighted as excellent, along with all-metal construction that helps tame 10mm recoil to feel similar to .45 ACP. Traditional 1911-style sights and, in some models, lower capacity are noted drawbacks, and the reviewer leans toward striker-fired polymer guns for everyday use. In second place, the Springfield XDM Elite 10mm is introduced with a clear disclosure that Springfield supplied the pistol without content requirements. The XDM Elite earns high marks for its ergonomics and how naturally it fits the hand. Its trigger is strongly praised, though the U-shaped rear sight design is disliked. The pistol includes an optic cut, an FDE finish the reviewer prefers, and a magazine marked 15 rounds that actually holds 16.
The final section begins with an honorable mention for the FN 510 10mm, which offers a 15-round magazine. The host notes that this pistol has not yet been obtained for testing but is planned for a dedicated review in a future video. The number one spot is awarded to the Smith & Wesson M&P 10, described as surprisingly slim for a 10mm handgun with very aggressive, effective grip texture. Its ergonomics are considered superior even to the well-liked Springfield XDM Elite. The M&P 10 features suppressor-height sights, an optic cut, and a trigger that is nearly as good as the XDM Elite’s, delivering strong performance in rapid fire. Accuracy and recoil control are highlighted as standout strengths. The video closes by reiterating the full top-five ranking, emphasizing that the comparison was based on honest, back-to-back mag dumps rather than fanboy bias, and inviting viewers to share their own rankings and experiences with these 10mm pistols.
Loading...