10mm Glocks: The Big Dawgs of Striker-Fired Thunder!

When it comes to the 10x24mm Auto cartridge, more commonly known simply as “10mm,” it is hard for this reporter not to think about the movie This is Spinal Tap. There wasn’t a massive shootout in the mockumentary about a fictional British band (there wasn’t) – but there was an infamous sequence involving Nigel, the fictional lead guitarist, who brags that his amplifier can go to 11. He repeatedly proclaims it’s one louder than 10.

It was meant as a joke, but it is noteworthy that a year earlier the 10mm cartridge was developed to be just a bit more powerful than existing pistol rounds on the market at the time. However, 10mm didn’t exactly catch on at first. Yet, following the 1986 FBI Miami shootout in which agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found themselves outgunned in the firefight, it was briefly adopted as the standard pistol caliber.

The Big 10mm – Not a Supersized 9mm

The 10mm Auto cartridge was designed by the late Colonel Jeff Cooper, considered the father of the modern technique of handgun shooting, to offer significant velocity and stopping power. That makes it a good choice for hunting and self-defense.

It should be noted, however, that the 10mm cartridge wasn’t meant to be a supersized 9mm when Colonel Cooper developed it. He was a supporter of the .45 APC round and wanted to create a cartridge that would offer the same ballistic performance that the .45 ACP had at 25 yards but at 50 yards.

Yet, all too often some see that the 10mm is simply one millimeter larger in diameter and call it a day. The modern 10mm cartridge utilizes a much longer cartridge case, which is capable of holding more powder. In addition, it can be loaded to a higher pressure. Once the bullet weight and velocity are factored in the difference is notable.

10mm Glocks

Perhaps had this beefier cartridge been developed just a bit earlier, we might have heard the T-800 in The Terminator, also released in 1984, request an “Uzi 10mm.”

Of course, the Uzi never has been produced in 10mm, but another famous firearm has gone all in on 10mm – that is the Glock. Though the original Glock 17 was introduced in 9mm, the Austrian firearm maker has embraced the 10mm cartridge, and now offers seven firearms chambered for the cartridge that arguably takes shooting to 11 and beyond.

Glock 20 Gen4

The Glock 20 was first released in 1991 and was among the handguns that were developed after the FBI adopted the 10mm cartridge. The FBI soon reversed course – in part determining that G-men in suits didn’t need to carry the mini hand cannons on a daily basis. However, the Glock 20 found favor with those looking for a high-powered everyday carry (EDC) handgun. Its polymer frame helped reduce the felt recoil, while it still offered a capacity of 15+1 rounds – just two fewer than the 9mm Glock 17.

Size: Standard
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 15
Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
Overall Length: 8.07 inches
Overall Width: 1.34 inches
Height (with Magazine): 5.51 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 30.69 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 39.86 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 6.29 pounds

Glock 20 SF

The Short Frame version of the Glock 20 hit the market in 2009 and was designed for those who aren’t blessed with monster-size mitts. The Glock 20 SF brings much of what the original 10mm model offered, but in a slimmed-down package – almost like it joined the Ozempic bandwagon! It is ideal for those with medium- to small-sized hands, while it also provides a long sight radius for improved precision.

Size: Standard
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 15
Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
Overall Length: 8.07 inches
Overall Width: 1.34 inches
Height (with Magazine): 5.51 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 30.51 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 39.68 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 6.29 pounds

Glock 20 Gen5 MOS

Introduced last year, the Glock 20 Gen5 MOS brought the latest features from the Austrian gun maker, including an nDLC surface finish, improved rust resistance, and a high-traction Gen5 frame texture. A reversible magazine catch, ambidextrous slide stop lever, and Glock’s Modular Backstrap System (MBS) ensure that it fits the hand like a glove. It is also an optics-ready model.

Size: Standard
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 15
Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
Overall Length: 8.07 inches
Overall Width: 1.38 inches
Height (with Magazine): 5.51 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 29.81 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 38.80 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 5.85 pounds

Glock G29 Gen4

The Glock G29 Gen4 is proof that big things can come in small packages – namely in that it is still a subcompact chambered for 10mm. Offering 10+1 capacity, the G29 Gen4 is an ideal option for concealed carry, as its aggressive grip patterns allow for a secure hold even when wearing gloves.

Size: Subcompact
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 10 (optional 15)
Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
Overall Length: 6.97 inches
Overall Width: 1.38 inches
Height (with Magazine): 4.53 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 26.81 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 32.63 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 6.29 pounds

Glock G29 Gen5

The newest entry in the line of 10mm pistols, the Glock G29 Gen5 features the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), which promises increased accuracy with a polygonal rifling and improved barrel crown. It further offers the removal of the finger grooves and an ambidextrous slide, while the front serrations provide an additional tactile surface for manipulating the slide even with a wet or sweaty hand.

Size: Subcompact
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 10
Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
Overall Length: 6.93 inches
Overall Width: 1.38 inches
Height (with Magazine): 4.53 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 26.81 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 32.80 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 5.84 pounds

Glock 29 SF

Just like the Glock 20 SF offered a reduced frame without reducing accuracy or capacity, the Glock 29 SF delivers in a subcompact. It provides the same 10+1 capacity but with a more comfortable, ergonomic grip for those with small hands – making it easy to handle and just as accurate.

Size: Subcompact
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 10 (optional 15)
Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
Overall Length: 6.97 inches
Overall Width: 1.38 inches
Height (with Magazine): 4.53 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 26.81 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 32.80 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 6.29 pounds

Glock 40 Gen4 MOS

Glock has proven quite adept at downsizing its 10mm pistols, yet, it has shown it is equally able to supersize it with the Glock 40 Gen4 MOS, which offers a long slide and barrel for improved velocity while providing a higher magazine capacity. The pistol’s Modular Back Strap design and reversible magazine catch also offer added customization. The MOS configuration also allows for easy mount of a reflex sight on the slide, including Leupold, Trijicon, C-More and others. Whether for target shooting or hunting, the Glock 40 Gen4 MOS will keep your eye on the prize.

Size: Long Slide
Caliber: 10mm AUTO
Magazine Capacity: 15
Barrel Length: 6.02 inches
Overall Length: 9.49 inches
Overall Width: 1.34 inches
Height (with Magazine): 5.47 inches
Weight (with Empty Magazine): 35.45 ounces
Weight (with Loaded Magazine): 44.62 ounces
Trigger Pull Weight: 5.39 pounds

Taking It To 10

Though there are now amplifiers (and other products) that will go to “11,” it remains more of a marketing gimmick and joke. The same certainly can’t be said of Glock’s 10mm handgun lineup.

It is legal in many states to hunt white-tailed deer with the cartridge, which further makes the 10mm Glock a reliable backup gun. At the same time, the polymer frames can still reduce the felt recoil, allowing for follow-up shots, even with the heavy caliber. Moreover, Glock offers 10mm in a variety of frame sizes and hasn’t excluded those with smaller hands either.

Picking the Right Glock 10mm Pistol

Picking the right handgun comes down to so many factors that it is hard to concisely sum it up. But the easiest answer is one that comes down to hand size, and what the firearm is going to be used for. As an everyday carry, the G29 models have an advantage, while those who like to carry a sidearm while hunting may find the Glock 40 Gen4 MOS a better option.

Fortunately, Glock has realized one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to 10mm – and there are now a full lucky seven Glock 10mm pistols to choose from!

For more info, visit Glock.com.