The 10-millimeter cartridge trajectory is trending upward. Since its inception, the cartridge has traversed many mountains and valleys to be where it is today. A decade ago, the cartridge was niche, with only several new guns chambered in it. Now, almost every major manufacturer is making a handgun for the magnum-like cartridge. A more surprising trend has been its inclusion in pistol caliber carbines (PCC). This is where the 10mm’s potential is finally harnessed.

The LC in 10m.

Personally, I love the 10mm cartridge. Is it practical for training or duty work? No, the ammo is expensive, and shooting it is fatiguing. But its power, velocity, and performance are exciting. While the failed FBI round has risen, flatlined, and then brought back to life again, its popularity is here to stay. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper intended to deliver a magnum-like performance in a semi-automatic handgun for Law Enforcement use (Google April 11, 1986, FBI shootout in Miami, and you’ll understand this thinking). Instead of gunning down bad guys, the cartridge has grown as a hunting and defensive round in rough country (you know, where bears and other predators live). And for us Ohio Hunters, that’s where I think the LC Carbine in 10mm will flourish.

For those unaware, Ohio is a straight-wall cartridge state for deer hunting. To some, this might strike you as odd, but it’s better than the days of shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders as our main options (yes, pistols could be used if the barrel was 5” or longer and the caliber was .357 or larger). The LC Carbine in 10mm falls within the parameters of Ohio Hunting Regulations. Its ergonomics, modularity, and quick follow-up shot capability will suit hunters well in the woods of Ohio. The carbine will also bode well as a home-defense rifle. Adding a light, optic, and a vertical grip or hand stop elevate the rifle’s performance for either pursuit. Finally, the basic features of LC Carbine are present, including ambidextrous controls, reversible magazine release, folding sights, and a 16.25” barrel with a .578”-28 muzzle threading. Of note, the 10mm will take Glock-pattern magazines. A 30-rounder is included in the box.

Final Thoughts

The choice of adding the 10mm cartridge to the LC Carbine lineup was a good one. The platform optimizes the capabilities of the cartridge while giving it flexibility in the field and on the range. I also like its potential as a hunting arm for straight-wall-only states. If anything, that’s an excuse to buy another gun! Street pricing will be $829 and should be hitting dealer shelves soon.