As different as the test guns are, they have a lot in common. Each has a polymer frame. And each also has an "OR cut", as the milled recess in the slide is called to accommodate red dot sights. Each test pistol also has a Picatinny accessory rail that can accommodate laser modules as well as a simple light. The magazine release on each test firearm can be swapped to the dominant hand. And all have an ambidextrous slide stop. Ultimately, all three makes share an impressive proportion of the law enforcement or military market segments. And all also have the impressive magazine capacity of 15 cartridges. But now to the differences.
The 10mm Auto GLOCK 20 in detail
At first glance, it looks no different from the icon bearing the number 17, although this GLOCK G20 is green colored and is called the "Hunter Edition" in this version. Even in its fifth generation, the 10mm Auto G20 remains true to the family tradition: not a gram too much and not a millimeter more than absolutely necessary. And although all the controls have been purposefully modified compared to their predecessors, they have been cosmetically rather than massively altered in terms of material details. The "Hunter" has one more magazine and fluorescent inserts in the sights, otherwise the same as GLOCK's usual three-dot sights.
The 10mm Auto SIG Sauer P320 XTEN Comp in detail
SIG Sauer describes this variant as "compact". This may be appropriate in comparison to the other test guns or may refer to the relatively short barrel. But in itself, the description is rather borderline, both in terms of mass and size. For example, the GLOCK measures less than 39 mm in height between the upper edge of the slide, measured behind the front sight, and the lower edge of the Picatinny rail, while the Smith & Wesson comes in at around 40 millimetres. The full 47-mm height at this point makes the SIG Sauer look much more massive compared to the front slide contours. The contents of the SIG Sauer box look very tidy as, unlike the other models, no backstrap adapters are included. In the case of SIG Sauer, the entire grip module is replaced as a free part that does not require a purchase licence. The inner "fire control unit" of the basic firearm, which is subject to a purchase licence, is always replaced.
The 10mm Auto S&W M & P 2.0 in detail
The largest pistol in this test trio is also the equipment winner. Instead of the usual three, the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 comes with four backstraps. The tedious and costly search for red dot adapter plates is no longer necessary: a range of different plates covers the spectrum of relevant brands and their models. There are also extra-high suppressor sighs.
On the shooting range: 10mm auto from GLOCK, Smith & Wesson and SIG Sauer in practice
The test pistols did not differ dramatically in terms of mass or size. No tester asked whether recoil could be brutal, because a SIG Sauer in this caliber had proved to be absolutely controllable some time ago. The hand position was the first point of interest. Taking the grip spur as a yardstick, the GLOCK and Smith & Wesson are over five millimetres lower in the hand than the taller SIG Sauer. Measured between the rear edge of the trigger guard and the back of the grip, the distance is 53 mm for GLOCK, 55 mm for Smith & Wesson and only 47 mm for SIG Sauer (due to a neat undercut). The SIG Sauer grip is therefore ideal for small and medium-sized hands, but then requires a larger version. The factory-installed "M" backgrips of the other test guns allow a few more degrees of freedom for larger hands and can be quickly exchanged if necessary. Both the GLOCK and SIG Sauer grips give a somewhat "angular" impression, but this is hardly noticeable as a disadvantage when firing. On the Smith & Wesson, the convex back of the grip also provides a corresponding grip feel. This and the very rough surface provide the most convincing haptic impression. On the other hand, the S&W lacks the straight surface at the front of the trigger guard, which some use to support the index finger of the non-firing hand to effectively counter muzzle flip when firing.
Firing impressions: much tamer than expected with energy values between around 750 and 900 joules. There were no malfunctions, except that in Clear Ballistics the heavy Hornady load fired from the S&W also exhibited jacket peeling off and fragmentation in the follow-up shot. Presumably this bullet design was not compatible with the ports in the barrel. However, they were convincing in terms of increased controllability with heavy loads. This was also the case with the SIG Sauer "Comp". However, the GLOCK's bore axis, which is very low over the hand, makes for only minor differences.
Model: | GLOCK G20 Hunter MOS | SIG Sauer P320 Comp XTEN | Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 (LS TS NS) |
Caliber: | 10mm Auto | 10mm Auto | 10mm Auto |
Capacity: | 15+1 rounds | 15+1 rounds | 15+1 rounds |
Dimensions (LxWxH): | 205x32x140 mm | 193x31x145 mm | 221x 32x148 mm |
Barrel Length: | 117 mm (4.6") | 96 mm (3.8") | 142 mm (5.6") |
Rifle Twist: | 1:15", 6 RH | 1:15", 6 LH | 1:15, 6 RH |
Trigger Pull Weight: | 2,600 g | 2,150 g | 2,100 g |
Weight: | 865 g | 915 g | 890 g |
| Equipment: | Green polymer frame, OR version, trigger with safety. Driftable rear sight with fluorescent outline, front sight with fluorescent dot. Two spare magazines, loading aid, three backstrap adapters, plastic case. | Polymer frame, OR version, ported slide. Rear sight and front sight with white lacquer dots are driftable. Spare magazine, plastic case, cable lock, no printed operating instructions, QR code. | Polymer frame, OR version, ported barrel and slide. Trigger with safety. Driftable rear and front sights, with fluorescent dots. Spare magazine, four backstrap adapters, collection of adapter plates and screws, plastic case. |
Conclusion: GLOCK 20, SIG Sauer P320 XTEN or S&W M&P 2.0 – Which pistol in 10mm Auto?
If you can do without the handling safety of a revolver – you don't need one. Pistols chambered in 10mm Auto are capable of more, given their controllability. Sober-minded users are likely to opt for the GLOCK, which has been a mature system for decades. Those with a more technoid mindset are best served by the S&W, also in terms of accessories. Those for whom length is important will choose the (just) shortest SIG Sauer. All three deserve a purchase recommendation.
Further information on GLOCK pistols is available on the manufacturer's website. You can also find out more about SIG Sauer here. You can find out more about the M&P 2.0 from Smith & Wesson here.
As mentioned at the beginning, we have already dealt with the 10mm Auto cartridge in more detail.
