The 10mm sucked for the FBI

Published on August 4, 2025
Duration: 2:26

The 10mm Auto, initially powerful, proved problematic for the FBI due to recoil and wear, leading to the development of the reduced 'FBI load.' This compromise eventually resulted in Smith & Wesson shortening the case to create the .40 S&W, fitting it into 9mm-sized frames. The video details the S&W 1076, an FBI-adopted pistol featuring a frame-mounted decocker and single-stack magazine.

Quick Summary

The FBI adopted the 10mm Auto but found its full-power loads caused excessive recoil and gun wear, impacting qualifications. This led to a reduced 'FBI load,' which Smith & Wesson later adapted into the .40 S&W by shortening the case for 9mm-sized frames.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Bren Ten & 10mm
  2. 00:31The 1986 FBI Shootout & Cartridge Needs
  3. 01:11FBI Load, Gun Wear, and .40 S&W Creation
  4. 01:38Smith & Wesson 1076 Features
  5. 02:06Live Fire: Bren Ten vs. S&W 1076

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the FBI stop using the 10mm Auto?

The FBI found that full-power 10mm Auto loads caused excessive recoil, leading to qualification issues and accelerated wear on firearms. This prompted them to develop a reduced-power load, which eventually evolved into the .40 S&W cartridge.

What was the Smith & Wesson 1076?

The Smith & Wesson 1076 was a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 10mm Auto, adopted by the FBI. It featured a single-stack magazine, a bobbed hammer, and a distinctive frame-mounted decocker.

How did the .40 S&W cartridge come about?

The .40 S&W was developed by Smith & Wesson based on the FBI's 'FBI load,' a reduced-power 10mm Auto cartridge. They shortened the 10mm case to fit into 9mm-sized pistol frames, creating a compromise between capacity and power.

What made the original 10mm Auto powerful?

Original 10mm Auto loads, like those from Norma, were known for their significant power, often compared favorably to the .357 Magnum cartridge in terms of energy and velocity.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Military Arms Channel

View all →