Even then, however, you’ll likely recognize that they’re each suited for different tasks. In a perfect world, you shouldn’t have to choose between buying a 9mm or a 10mm. Both 9mm and 10mm pistols are in vogue right now, but which is better? If a shooter is considering 9mm vs 10mm, the best choice will be determined by a number of variables. The 10mm Auto has gained favor in many backcountry defense applications and, in recent years, manufacturers have pumped out more 10mm pistols than ever. But like ugly sunglasses and mullets, it’s made a strong comeback in the past decade. It soon faded into obscurity as a law enforcement cartridge due to its robust recoil. Like myself, it’s a product of the 1980s. The 10mm cartridge is a relative newcomer. Modern bullet and firearm design has only strengthened its position as top dog. It was invented in 1901 and has been fielded in just about every military conflict and law enforcement application since that time. The 9mm, otherwise known as the 9mm Luger or 9x19mm Parabellum, is the single most popular semi-auto handgun cartridge in the world today. The 9mm and 10mm are cartridges with only a millimeter of difference in bullet diameter, but very different histories. Although there’s only a tiny difference in bullet diameter, the 9mm and 10mm cartridges excel at different applicationsĪ wider variety of 9mm pistols (left) is available, but the 10mm pistols (right) are part of a fast-growing category

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