Decision time: 10MM

L

Longhorn1986

New member
I have the itch for a 10mm that I'm gonna need to scratch before too long.

I have narrowed it down to three choices:

Sig P220
Sig 1911 Tacops
Kimber Custom TLE/RL

First off, I am not interested in a Glock, EAA, DW and anything else. The three listed above are the finalists.

Second, I don't need the idiotic need-jerk Kimber bashing. I have two TLEs in .45 already and have nothing but praise for them and for Kimber's CS. Save the inane comments for someone else. Legitimate criticism of the pistol is fine.

With that said, what are the arguments for and against each of the three?

I am a fan of the 1911 platform, but the P220 is supposed to be a great pistol.

As I said, I've been happy with my Kimber 1911s, but am open to exploring Sig's version. I have heard that Sig's CS is abysmal, but like anything else on the internet, you weigh the comments accordingly.

I would love to fire all three, but I am not aware of any ranges around here that have any of them in 10 mm to rent.
 
I enjoy the Sig P220 in .45acp a lot, the grip is nice along with the other features Sig pistols have. A 10mm in the 1911 format sounds neat, plus you get all the after market support 1911's have. Tough choice, though no wrong choice. I'd say grab the one with the best price and use the rest for ammo/range time.
 
I have a P220 in .45 acp and the felt recoil is less to me than any of my 45 1911s. I have one 10 mm in a 1911 and the ammo I shoot throuh it is fairly stout. So if recoil is a concern for any reason then the 220 might have an advantage over a 1911. It's not an issue for some folks
 
First off, I am not interested in a Glock, EAA, DW and anything else. The three listed above are the finalists.

Second, I don't need the idiotic need-jerk Kimber bashing. I have two TLEs in .45 already and have nothing but praise for them and for Kimber's CS. Save the inane comments for someone else. Legitimate criticism of the pistol is fine.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes: Makes it irresistible. ;)

Okay, since you don't want the best 10mm (Glock) I'll not share data from mine.
I've only owned Mimbers in 45 acp, moved on to Dan Wesson, Les Baer. (Did not bash)

The May 2016 Gun Tests Magazine evaluated the Sig 220 Match Elite (along with the better choice Glock :D)
Refined & pleasant to shoot, but expensive compared to the others.
More of a hunting pistol, too large & heavy for concealed carry.
We would own one in a heartbeat, except for the price.
Sig 180 V-Crown averaged 1,231 fps / 606# KE from the P220-10
 
The only 2 platforms that have proven capable of holding up to 10mm loads are the Glock and S&W 1006 series. If I didn't want a Glock I'd find a used Smith. I don't trust any 1911 in 10mm. Too many issues over the years and I'm still not convinced anyone is building a good one. By default I'd give the Sig a chance between the 3 listed. It hasn't been around long enough to be proven, but the others have been around long enough that I'd not want one in 10mm.
 
I currently have 3 10mms; a old 1911, a Ruger revolver and Sig P220. I like them all but of the semis that I have seen, the Sig has the best chamber support. The Sig is well built, accurate, and very comfortable to shoot with real 10mm loads. I would not hesitate to get a Sig if I was shopping for a 10mm.
 
I know you said no Glocks... So in regard to that I'll recommended the Sig.

Meanwhile, I'll be slinging 200 grain XTP's at over 1,300 fps, hitting 12"x12" steel plates at 150 yards easy as pie, shooting 2" groups at 50 yards (with reloads, when I get the trigger squeeze right).... Oh, and that 1,300 fps with 200 grain XTP's is using book data. Accurate Powders data to be exact (AA #9).

The 7" KKM barrel really brings it to life.



 
Of your choices I would scratch the Kimber off the top.

Then, it's really a matter of wether or not you like 1911 or p220 better? The bonus for the 1911 (which you said you like ) is that is is generally cheaper than the p220 models.

I would think the magazine availability would be much better ( In 10mm for sure ) with the 1911 as well. Wilson Combat for example and others.

As for the unmentionable Glock, I have a model 20 with a longer threaded barrel and ...................... I just don't like it.

I really dislike Glock triggers as they are very uncomfortable to my finger. I smoothed it down with the Dremel, but it's still terrible after a range visit.

I say get the SIG 1911 TACOPS, it comes with 4 magazines to boot!
 
"Three more 10mm autos" were tested by Gun Tests, The Consumer Resource for the Serious Shooter magazine (May 2017 issue); the Dan Wesson Bruin Bronze (graded "A"), the Kimber Custom TLE II (graded "A-") and the EEA Tanfoglio Witness (graded "A; Best Buy").

The biggest gripes the testers had for the Kimber were the "overly aggressive" front grip strap and G10 grips "...rasping against some of our team's palms like a cheese grater" and the sharp-edged mainspring housing "...jamming some reviewers' palms". They liked the pistol otherwise, as evidenced by their "A-" rating.
 
+1 on the used S&W 1006 suggestion, but if you're dead set on your 3, I would suggest the P220 for the same reasons mentioned above.
 
It's sad to know that many companies never heard of 'flat top checkering '.
All my pistols have been modified as I made flat top checkering for front and back straps .Just as effective as the sharp type but no pain !!

How much variation is there in velocity with normal weight bullets ,factory loads. Do any guns come with more than one spring ?
 
I say get the Sig 220. I have a Glock 40 and a SAO Sig 220. While the Sig is pretty heavy, it's ergos are about equal to a 1911 for me. The Sigs SAO trigger is very good right out of the box on mine and the accuracy is amazing with the right ammo. Even plinking loads with plated bullets are accurate enough. The Sigs weight and recoil characteristics makes even the hottest loads very manageable, enough that I thought "Is that all?" when I first shot it. I've not fired a 10mm 1911 but if its recoil is even nearly proportional to full power 45's in a 1911, the 10mm version would be challenging and fun to master. The only negative with the Sig 220 10mm is that it ejects the brass a long way, only a problem if you reload.
 
I've had a S&W 1006 since 1990. It's a good platform for 10mm. I would think the Sig P220 would be as good (maybe better). I've tried a 10mm 1911. Recoil was more noticeable than the S&W. Lot's of stories about 10mm 1911's not holding up, too. Just knowing it was designed for 45 ACP, I can understand. 10mm is just much "more". Especially in the earlier type full power loadings. .38 Super pressures with a lot heavier bullet. If I needed a new 10mm, I'd probably buy a Glock (I know, you don't want a Glock) and I'm not much of a Glock fan. They make a tough, easy shooting 10mm though.
 
I don't have direct experience with any of the guns on your list. You like Kimber and you like the 1911. That seems to point to your choice to me.

With that said I have both a Colt Delta Elite and a Glock G29. Recoil in the Delta is noticeably harder to control then in the G29. No clue how this would compare to either of the Sigs on your list.
 
I agree that the 3rd Gen Smith is a nice pistol. I have one in 45 and it's been dead on reliable. I'm not sure I want to go with DA/S.A. though. As I have not shot an SAO P220, it's tough to evaluate it against the 1911s. The trigger on the P220 will be a major factor in whatever I decide.
 
I would choose the Sig P220. It was designed for the round unlike the 1911. It seems whenever the 1911 is adapted to longer or more powerful rounds there are problems that show up. Sig has one of the best reputations world wide for well behaved and accurate guns. Why look any further unless it just doesn't fit your hand.
 
I've currently got a P239, P229, P226 and P220 (.45) as well as several 1911 .45s. I don't have any 10mms. If I were to add a 10mm it would be a toss up between a longslide 1911 and the P220.
 
Last year I got a P220 Nitron Elite SAO in 10mm. I already have a Colt Delta Elite and really enjoy shooting the round and wanted another.

Although I own several, I don't like the grip angle or feel of Glocks; so I never considered the G20 or G40.

I've never owned a Kimber and have not enjoyed the few I've shot.

So, for me it comes down to the 1911 platform or the 220 platform - and with the SAO 220 the real difference is the trigger. I really, really like the 1911 trigger and was unsure of the 220's trigger.

One range session with the 220 and I was hooked. It is very different, but once it smoothed in I wouldn't rate one better than the other.

I've shot everything from wimpy American Eagle loads up to the big, powerful Buffalo Bore loads. Only with the heavy loads is the recoil impulse noticeably stiffer that a major .45 load. Its a fun pistol to shoot and much softer recoiling than the Colt.

As to concealed carry, I decided to give it a try. I used a Kramer OWB under a loose shirt with a 3 o'clock carry. If I bent over it printed but for the most part the sheeple are clueless. A LEO or other EDC'er would notice. It is a heavy gun, but for the longest time my EDC was a full size Government Model and it was not noticeably worse. My EDC these days is a P938 and it will continue to be. However, if needs arise I would do it again.

My one complaint is that on the range the P220 throws the cases 15 yards away in a very high arc. And yes, that is yards. I hope to calm it with a 24# recoil spring.
 
There is a 10mm club here. No one likes their Kimbers...2 members have had multiple problems and another member is selling his. I recently shot the Sig 220 and thought it was decent but the slide really seemed to slam to the rear. It only had 600 rounds through it so not enough to tell how it will hold up

Everyone likes their Glocks and Smiths.
 
> It's sad to know that many companies never
> heard of 'flat top checkering '.

It's harder to do cleanly and therefore more expensive than the pointy kind. You mostly see it on fine old English rifles and shotguns. It's a rarity to see it nowadays.
 
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