Thanks for all of the excellent replies. I do appreciate the list sharing its knowledge!

It sounds like the "Match" witness or a S&S 10 series are both good choices.  The match is quite expensive, however.

Speaking of the S&W 10xx...would the 5" barrel of the 1006 be preferable to the 4.25" of the 1066/1076?  It sounds like the 10mm already 'barks' a bit and the extra length/weight might be an advantage?

thanks for the reply sql,

I have seen a few 1066 models going for $600 or so.  The 1076 are, as you say, much more expensive.

What would you say are the biggest differences between the G20 and the 1066?  Mag capacity is one, I suppose.  How about long term reliability/cost of mags and best ergonomics?  As I mentioned earlier I have owned several .45 glocks and the grips were not comfortable to me at all.  Maybe the G20 is different....

As you can tell I have yet to shoot any of these.  They are not popular in my area so I may have to purchase "sight unseen".  I hope to make the best decision I can given these constraints.

Hello List,

I am new to the 10mm world having been a long time .45acp guy.  Big slow bullets have always worked well for me, and the .45 has proven itself time and again.  That said I have enjoyed the wife's .38/.357 wheel gun, and started thinking I would like to try a ~.357mag sort of caliber in a semi-auto.  This has brought me to the 10.

Question:  For a new guy who can only afford one 10mm semi for awhile...which one should I start with?

I have had several flavors of Glock .45s and none of them appealed to me.  So another glock would not be my first choice...unless it is the best to start with.  What does that leave - the S&W 10 series (which one)?,  Colt Delta (too expensive), others?

Thanks for the help.  Any and all advice in getting started (i.e. reloading expertise) is welcome!