By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Somehow folks think that gunwriters know everything. I certainly do not know it all but what I know I know the hell out of.
As an example I recently ran across a MetroArms 1911 handgun in a favorite shop. The American Classic pistols are decent handguns for the price, a little nicer than the other Philippine guns. The used gun had no box or spare magazine but was a bargain at less than half the new price. I was surprised that it was a 10mm as I was unaware MetroArms made a 10mm. I added to my education! I ordered a Wilson Combat 10mm magazine after the first range trip- the MetroArms pistol is a shooter. Yes, the new Metro is a 10mm rather than my usual .45 ACP. The 10mm isn’t my most used cartridge but it is a cartridge I have great respect for.
I am resisting the urge to write Biblically as in the beginning there was—but the history of the 10mm is interesting. There are a number of fans of the 10mm who regard any other cartridge with a festering distemper. They will be glad to demonstrate that their 10mm is a long range cartridge suitable for targets on the leeward side of a high ridge, while the .45 is not accurate enough and falls like a drop kicked drunkard.
This cartridge was intended to be chambered in .45 ACP frame handguns but envisioned as a cartridge that would do things at 50 yards the .45 ACP could not. The original loads were probably too hot for most auto pistols, with the Norma load jolting a 200 grain bullet to 1200 fps. The Bren Ten project was a CZ 75 type pistol chambered for the bold and powerful new cartridge. The Bren Ten pistol did not prosper for any number of commercial reasons.
Colt saved the 10mm by introducing the 10mm Delta Elite, a modified Colt Government Model. The Delta Elite went through several changes including a modifying relief cut in the frame to relieve pressure.
The life of the 10mm Colt with original springs was about 3,500 full power rounds. The original recoil system was poor at best. With proper spring technology including heavy duty WC Wolff springs and an improved recoil guide or the DPM system the 10mm may be long lived. Just the same this is a hot number.
A portion of the problem has been solved with sensible loads. As an example, Hornady’s 200-grain XTP at 1050 fps has plenty of penetration. These loads are a particular favorite of Rock and Roll star and shooter Ted Nugent. There is an exception to the rule for my preference in pistols in the 10mm category.
The Glock 20 is easily the most accurate Glock I have fired in any caliber, and it is a 10mm. On one occasion I fired a five shot 1.25 inch group at twenty five yards with a 200-grain handload in the Glock. That is enough for anyone in the field. ‘Ordinary’ defense loads such as a 155-grain XTP break two inches at twenty five yards. There are any number of enthusiasts who are very serious concerning the 10mm cartridge.
Choice Ammunition has quite a following across the country. They produce good quality practice ammunition at a fair price and also hard hitting anti bear loads. I used a good supply of the 180-grain practice loading in testing the MetroArms pistol. This bullet features a HiTek coating resulting in little to no bore leading.
The company has a claim to fame in offering a diverse number of 10mm loads as a result of popular demand. These loads are by no means on the weak side. The 10mm offers more penetration than the .45 ACP and shoots flatter at long range, making it a superb hunting cartridge.
In the personal defense arena, the 10mm holds one more cartridge. Choice Ammunition offers loads using the proven Hornady XTP in 155-, 180-, and 200-grain bullet weights.
If you carry a 10mm in the wild you are probably concerned with large animals. The 200-grain bear load breaks 1,180 fps at the muzzle. Penetration is guaranteed and makes for a reasonable alternative to Magnum revolvers.
My personal favorite for all around carry load is the Choice Ammunition 180-grain XTP. Clocking at just under 1,200 fps in the MetroArms 1911, this loading penetrates 17 inches and expands to .68 inch per my testing in water jugs. That is a formidable loading, effective against light cover and heavy bones. In short getting into something different has been beneficial and very interesting. Will I be hanging up the .45 Auto and .357 revolver for the do it all 10mm?
Not yet. The MetroArms 1911 has proven reliable in firing 220 mixed loads- and it was well used when I picked it up.
For those who favor the 10mm I have no bone to pick with them, most are a dedicated and knowledgeable lot. The 10mm is a great cartridge, but I have to label this one an expert’s cartridge. With all due respect the .45 is easier to master and less expensive when ammunition and components are considered. When you have mastered the .45 ACP and found it is not enough you may consider the 10mm. That said, the 10mm is more powerful than the .40 or .45 often very accurate and hits hard. As a dedicated 1911 shooter my 10mm should be a 1911- my hands don’t fit the big frame Glock well.
The MetroArms pistol is credibly finished. The feed ramp is well polished, the trigger action is smooth enough at just over five pounds compression, and the sights are similar to the Novak with three white dot inserts. Fortunately the sights are well regulated for 180-grain loads.
This pistol features a speed safety and extended slide lock. The fit of the barrel bushing is snug, not quite needing a tool for take down. Function has been flawless.
As for accuracy I was pleasantly surprised. This pistol will put five shots into 2.0 inches at 25 yards; a bit more accurate than most 1911-style 10mm pistols. The pistol is properly sprung with an adequate recoil spring heavy enough to control recoil. The Wilson Combat magazine locks in tight and functions well. While the original magazine is flush fit, the Wilson Combat magazine was ordered with a thick base pad.
I enjoyed testing the pistol and find it a viable option for all around handgunners. Few automatics have the versatility of the 10mm. Load a hollow point load for home defense and carry use, a heavier load for deer hunting, the Choice Ammunition anti bear load when needed. With a little thought and research the 10mm just may be a replacement for either/or the .45 ACP or .357 Magnum. We are blessed to have so many options.
SPECIFICTIONS:
Overall Length 8.27 in.
Weight 40 oz.
Caliber 10mm
Capacity: 8
Choiceammuition.com
Wilsoncombat.com
Tristararms.com
