Some calibers begin as trends that quickly fade into the annals of history. In recent years, these calibers have included the likes of .480 Ruger, .357 Sig, and .45 GAP. Some might argue against this because firearms in these calibers are still out there, though they are few.
What can’t be denied is that, when first introduced, these cartridges enjoyed a brief period of popularity, but now they quietly sit on the sidelines of cartridge history. However, some cartridges are spared this fate. In fact, others have defied those odds and, over time, gained popularity.
The 10mm Auto is one such example.
10MM, a Brief History
The 10mm Auto (or 10mm) was introduced in the 1980s by the legendary Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper. Cooper was a proponent of the .45 ACP, but he sought something more powerful—the 10mm cartridge aimed to deliver greater firepower.
The late Lt. Colonel was enthralled by a cartridge that could propel a 200-grain projectile to 1,200 fps—a truly devastating concept. He ultimately succeeded in achieving that goal. The 10mm cartridge was first introduced in the Bren Ten, a CZ 75 variant that was popular upon its release, but faced issues related to poor manufacturing, quality control, and supply.
Eventually, the 10mm cartridge gained popularity in law enforcement circles after the 1986 Miami shootout, a watershed moment where officers realized their underpowered 9mm handguns lacked sufficient penetration. This led to the FBI officially adopting the Smith & Wesson 1076 in 10mm.
However, the round was ahead of its time. Firearm manufacturing standards were different back then, and many agents struggled to qualify with the weapon, often complaining about its recoil and weight for everyday carry. The solution was the development of the .40 S&W, a shortened 10mm case that was easier for agents to shoot.
For many 10mm enthusiasts, this appeared to be the death knell. But, in the 2010s, the 10mm achieved a renaissance that continues today, with nearly every major pistol manufacturer offering a 10mm handgun.
XD-M Elite Buildout
With so many options available and the caliber being very popular, it’s hard to choose the right one. I was in the same boat until recently, when I picked up a Springfield XD-M Elite in 10mm.
Yes, there are many other options, presumably better ones, but I wanted something affordable and with enough aftermarket support to modify it to my needs. But what are those needs? This is a fun gun for the range, but I also consider it a truck gun (or Toyota RAV4 gun), a home defense pistol, and a bear deterrent device.
With the wide range of 10mm ammunition available, it can fit a variety of roles. That’s why I think every firearm enthusiast would benefit from having one.
XDM Elite Spec List
Below is the rapid-fire spec list of the XD-M Elite 4.5” OSP.
| Specifications | |
| XD-M Elite | |
| Type | Semi-automatic, Striker |
| Caliber | 10 MM Auto |
| Capacity | 16+1 |
| Barrel | 4.5″ Hammer Forged, Melonite Finish |
| Overall Length | 7.6″ |
| Grip Width | 1.2″ |
| Height | 5.75″ |
| Weight | 31oz (or 1.9 lbs) |
| Frame | Black Polymer |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front, Tactical Rack U-Dot Rear |
| Slide | Forged Steel Melonite Finish, Optics Ready |
| Trigger | Average pull weight: 3 lbs. 14.5 oz. |
| Price (MSRP) | $674, but you can routinely find it for under $600 |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
Overall, the XD-M Elite checks plenty of boxes. While it has some quirks—particularly the grip safety—I find it to be a very capable gun, and the specs met my needs. Now it’s time to transform it into something (awfully) spectacular.
Building Out the XD-M Elite
The main improvements are aimed at enhancing ergonomics and making the gun easier to shoot—especially in stressful situations (like when a bear attacks my RAV4 in Ohio… it could happen).
The upgrades include sights, an optic, a threaded barrel, a compensator, a light, and hockey tape. Below is a list of these enhancements, along with links.
- Vortex Venom Micro Enclosed Red Dot: Robustness and simplicity are essential qualities an optic must have for a defensive handgun. I’ve been shooting this dot since its release and have been impressed with it. The real test will be how it holds up to a 10mm.
- XD OSP Optic Mounting Plate: I actually like Springfield’s optic mounting solution. It is robust and made of metal. However, you do have to order the correct one (on some models, a redemption code is in the box).
- Springfield Armory Factory Threaded Barrel: An easy must-have to add either a suppressor or compensator.
- XD-M Elite Co-Witness Suppressor Height Iron Sight Set: I prefer having backup iron sights. If you don’t, that’s fine. These are a relatively easy swap. Using a sight pusher makes it even simpler.
- Springer Precision Open Compensator for XD-M: A compensator to tame the recoil of a 10mm is a welcome addition, especially when using a hotter load. The fit and finish on this is nice, albeit it protrudes quite a bit.
- Streamlight TLR-1 HL: a quality light at a great price. Recognizing a threat versus an innocent bystander is as important as the pistol itself. With 1000 lumens and 20,000 candela, this pistol light can handle almost anything.
- Howies Hockey Tape: Not only does it enhance the appearance, but it is also practical. I find the XD-M Elite’s texturing a bit slick, and this hockey tape helps improve it.
Assembly
This build was as simple as a build can be. Only a few basic tools were needed. First, I swapped the medium backstrap for the small one using a punch and bench block. Next, I removed the slide to install the threaded barrel. Then, I used Acetone to clean the barrel threads before applying Loctite and the Springer Precision Compensator.
Afterward, I removed the optic cover and installed the Delta Point Pro OSP Optic Mounting Plate. Unlike most manufacturers that use two screws to hold the mounting plate, the Springfield version uses three for a more secure fit. The Vortex Venom mounted easily with the provided screws and a couple of dabs of Blue Loctite.
While I had the pistol in the jaws of the vice, I applied the Howies Hockey Tape (yes, I cut out around the grip safety). The last step was to swap the correct light key to the TLR-1HL and add it to the pistol. Voila, one mean-looking (or ugly) 10mm.
Zooming Out
This build turned out exactly as expected—a controllable, intimidating 10mm. While the XD-M can be a quirky platform, with its grip safety, ready-to-fire indicator, and unique texturing, I believe this build compensates for any of its drawbacks. It’s practical and easy to handle with the compensator. And, I will admit, this might be my most ridiculous-looking handgun project yet.
Initial testing was done using ammo from HOP Munitions and Winchester. With the addition of the comp and hockey tape, the gun was easy to control.
Additionally, I’ve been impressed with the Vortex Venom enclosed red dot. For its price ($199.99), it’s hard to beat—especially considering it’s backed by their VIP Warranty. Of course, more than a couple magazines are needed to really see if this gun will perform consistently, but I’m optimistic. Now to load it in the RAV4.
