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The FN 510 and Glock 20 are two of the most powerful full-size 10mm pistols on the market, designed for shooters who demand high-capacity firepower and rugged reliability. Both handguns excel in duty use, home defense, and outdoor applications, offering superior stopping power and durability. While the FN 510 is a modern, optics-ready pistol with a 22+1 capacity and tactical enhancements, the Glock 20 remains a battle-tested workhorse known for its simplicity, reliability, and extensive aftermarket support.
In this article, we’ll compare the FN 510 and Glock 20 across critical categories, including size, ergonomics, accessories, performance, and concealability. Whether you’re looking for a feature-packed, high-capacity 10mm pistol or a proven, no-nonsense sidearm trusted for decades, this guide will help you decide which handgun best fits your needs.
FN 510: A High-Capacity 10mm Pistol Built for Duty and Defense
The FN 510 is a full-size, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in the powerful 10mm caliber. Designed for duty use, home defense, and tactical applications, the FN 510 delivers high-capacity firepower with an industry-leading 22+1 round magazine, making it one of the most capable 10mm handguns on the market. Built with FN’s battle-proven engineering, it offers durability, reliability, and modern features suited for demanding shooters.
Featuring a 4.71-inch barrel, the FN 510 is built to maximize accuracy and ballistic performance. Its overall length measures 8.3 inches, with a weight of approximately 32 ounces unloaded. The pistol’s optics-ready slide accommodates a variety of red dot sights, and its suppressor-height night sights provide co-witness capability. The FN 510’s aggressive grip texture and interchangeable backstraps ensure a secure hold, even during rapid-fire sequences or under adverse conditions.
One of the standout features of the FN 510 is its versatility. The FN 510 ships with both a 15-round flush-fit magazine and a 22-round extended magazine, offering flexibility for concealed carry or extended shooting sessions. The pistol’s flat-faced trigger delivers a consistent pull with a tactile reset, enhancing accuracy and control. Its fully ambidextrous controls make it suitable for left- and right-handed users.
With its combination of high capacity, superior ergonomics, and robust construction, the FN 510 is a serious contender in the full-size 10mm pistol market. Whether for personal defense, duty use, or recreational shooting, it provides the stopping power and reliability FN firearms are known for.
Glock 20: A Proven 10mm Powerhouse for Defense and Outdoors
The Glock 20 is a full-size, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 10mm Auto, built for those who demand high power and reliability. Introduced in 1991, it remains one of the most trusted handguns for personal defense, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a sidearm capable of handling large predators. Its simple yet durable polymer-frame design ensures longevity, while the Safe Action trigger system provides a consistent, reliable firing mechanism.
Equipped with a 4.61-inch barrel, the Glock 20 is designed to optimize the performance of the potent 10mm round, offering superior velocity and energy transfer. The pistol has an overall length of 8.07 inches and an unloaded weight of approximately 30.69 ounces, striking a balance between power and controllability. Its standard magazine capacity of 15+1 rounds provides ample firepower, and extended magazines are available for those needing more capacity.
The Glock 20 features a reinforced polymer frame that helps absorb recoil, making it more manageable despite the 10mm’s high energy output. Its textured grip ensures a secure hold under various conditions, while the modular backstrap system allows for a customizable fit. The pistol’s low bore axis aids in recoil control, improving shot placement and reducing muzzle flip.
Built with Glock’s renowned reliability, the Glock 20 functions in extreme conditions with minimal maintenance. Its corrosion-resistant slide and barrel, paired with simple takedown and cleaning, make it a practical choice for high-stress environments. Whether for self-defense, hunting, or tactical applications, the Glock 20 remains a dominant force in the 10mm handgun market.
FN 510 vs Glock 20 Size Comparison
The FN 510 and Glock 20 are full-size 10mm pistols designed for duty use, personal defense, and outdoor applications. Their large frames accommodate high-capacity magazines and provide a stable shooting platform for managing the powerful 10mm round. While both offer excellent ergonomics and durability, key differences in size and weight affect handling and carry comfort. Both pistols are substantial in size, making them best suited for open carry or duty use rather than concealed carry.
| Specification | FN 510 | Glock 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 10mm Auto | 10mm Auto |
| Action | Striker-fired | Striker-fired |
| Weight (empty mag) | 32 ounces | 30.69 ounces |
| Height (with mag) | 6 inches | 5.51 inches |
| Overall Length | 8.3 inches | 8.07 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.71 inches | 4.61 inches |
| Magazine | 15-round flush / 22-round extended | 15-round standard / extended available |
| Mag Capacity | 22+1 rounds (extended) | 15+1 rounds |
| Trigger Pull | Approximately 5.5 lbs | Approximately 5.5 lbs |
| Sights | Suppressor-height night sights | Fixed polymer sights |
| Grip Material | Polymer with aggressive texture | Polymer with finger grooves |
| Manufacturer | FN Herstal | Glock Ges.m.b.H. |
| MSRP | Approximately $1,139 | Approximately $650 |
FN 510 vs Glock 20: Enhancements, Accessories & Range Performance
The FN 510 and Glock 20 both support a variety of enhancements and accessories, but they differ in factory features, customization potential, and range performance.
The FN 510 comes optics-ready from the factory, featuring a slide cut for direct mounting of red dot sights without additional plates. It includes suppressor-height night sights, allowing for co-witnessing with optics. The full-length accessory rail accommodates tactical lights and lasers, while the aggressive grip texture and interchangeable backstraps provide a secure, customizable hold. Its flat-faced trigger delivers a consistent pull with a short reset, enhancing precision during rapid fire.
The Glock 20 benefits from Glock’s extensive aftermarket ecosystem, offering a wide selection of sights, triggers, slides, and grip modifications. While not optics-ready out of the box, the MOS variant allows for easy red dot installation. The factory polymer sights are serviceable but often replaced with night sights or fiber optics for improved visibility. The Safe Action trigger provides a predictable pull, though some users opt for aftermarket upgrades to refine break and reset.
On the range, the FN 510’s added weight and grip design aid in recoil control, making it easier to manage the 10mm’s power. Its longer barrel maximizes velocity and accuracy, while the suppressor-ready setup makes it a strong choice for tactical use. The Glock 20, with its slightly lighter frame and lower bore axis, offers fast shot placement and proven reliability in harsh conditions. Its straightforward operation and availability of extended magazines make it an ideal option for defensive and outdoor applications.
FN 510 vs Glock 20: Controls
The FN 510 and Glock 20 have distinct control layouts, impacting ergonomics, ease of use, and overall handling. The FN 510 features fully ambidextrous controls, including the slide stop and magazine release, making it accessible for both left- and right-handed shooters. The oversized, textured controls ensure quick and reliable operation, even when wearing gloves. The pistol’s flat-faced trigger provides a consistent pull with a short, tactile reset, enhancing precision during rapid fire.
The Glock 20, in contrast, uses a more minimalist control setup. It has a left-side slide stop and a reversible magazine release, but lacks fully ambidextrous functionality. The Safe Action trigger system is consistent and reliable, but the trigger pull remains standard at approximately 5.5 lbs. While some shooters find the factory slide stop small, aftermarket extended controls are widely available to improve ease of manipulation.
For users who prioritize factory ambidexterity and enhanced ergonomics, the FN 510 offers a more modern control scheme. The Glock 20, however, maintains Glock’s signature simplicity and benefits from a vast aftermarket for customization.
FN 510 vs Glock 20: Carry & Holsters
The FN 510 and Glock 20 are both full-size 10mm pistols, making them less ideal for concealed carry but well-suited for open carry, duty use, and home defense. Their size and weight require a high-quality holster to ensure secure retention, comfort, and accessibility.
The FN 510, at 8.3 inches in length and weighing 32 ounces unloaded, features an aggressive grip texture and a full-length accessory rail, which can affect holster compatibility. The best FN 510 holster options include OWB Kydex holsters with active retention for duty use and custom-fitted leather holsters for those prioritizing comfort. Given its optics-ready design and suppressor-height sights, a holster with an open-top cut or optics accommodation is recommended.
The Glock 20, with an 8.07-inch overall length and a slightly lighter 30.69-ounce weight, has a more rounded grip profile, making it marginally easier to carry. The best Glock 20 holster choices include molded OWB holsters for secure retention and comfortable IWB options for those who prefer concealed carry, though its bulk makes this challenging. The Glock 20’s popularity ensures a wide range of holster options, including those accommodating weapon-mounted lights or extended magazines.
For open carry, both pistols require a well-fitted holster with solid retention. The FN 510’s modern features may require a more specialized holster, while the Glock 20 benefits from broader aftermarket availability.
FN 510 vs Glock 20: Why Were They Made?
The FN 510 and Glock 20 were designed to provide shooters with a high-capacity, full-size 10mm handgun built for duty, defense, and outdoor applications. While both pistols serve a similar purpose, they represent different design philosophies and market approaches.
The FN 510 was introduced as part of FN’s expanding lineup of high-performance duty pistols, offering an optics-ready, high-capacity 10mm platform with modern tactical enhancements. Designed to excel in military, law enforcement, and civilian defense roles, it features a 22+1 round capacity, suppressor-height night sights, and an ambidextrous control scheme. The FN 510 provides shooters with a feature-rich, battle-ready sidearm capable of handling powerful 10mm loads with precision and control.
The Glock 20, first released in 1991, was designed as the original full-size 10mm type of Glock, offering a balance of power, reliability, and simplicity. Built to give law enforcement and civilian users a handgun with superior stopping power, it retained Glock’s signature Safe Action trigger system, polymer frame, and no external safeties. With a 15+1 round capacity, the Glock 20 quickly became a popular choice for those needing a rugged, dependable 10mm pistol for self-defense, hunting, and duty use.
Both pistols are built to handle the high-energy 10mm cartridge, but the FN 510 appeals to shooters looking for enhanced capacity and modern tactical features, while the Glock 20 remains a proven, no-frills powerhouse with extensive aftermarket support.
FN 510 vs Glock 20: Potential Issues
The FN 510 and Glock 20 are both battle-ready 10mm pistols with a reputation for reliability, but each has potential drawbacks that shooters should consider based on their preferences and intended use.
The FN 510 boasts a high-capacity 22+1 magazine and modern tactical features, but some users report that its larger grip size can feel bulky, especially for those with smaller hands. The aggressive grip texture, while excellent for control, may cause discomfort during extended shooting sessions. Some shooters have also noted that the factory trigger, while crisp, has a slightly longer take-up compared to other striker-fired pistols. Additionally, its optic-mounting system, while versatile, may require specific plates for certain red dot models, adding an extra step to customization.
The Glock 20 is known for its simplicity and rugged reliability, but it has a few common concerns. The factory polymer sights are functional but prone to wear, leading many users to upgrade to steel or fiber-optic alternatives. The grip angle, consistent across all Glock models, may feel unnatural to shooters accustomed to a more traditional design. The stock trigger, while predictable, has a spongy break that some users prefer to refine with aftermarket parts. Additionally, its lack of an optics-ready slide means those wanting to mount a red dot will need to opt for the MOS variant or invest in aftermarket slide modifications.
Despite these minor drawbacks, both pistols are proven platforms. The FN 510 offers modern features and a higher magazine capacity, while the Glock 20 remains a no-nonsense powerhouse with extensive aftermarket support and a reputation for reliability in extreme conditions.
FN 510 vs Glock 20: The Verdict
The choice between the FN 510 and Glock 20 ultimately depends on a shooter’s preference for capacity, modern features, and customization. Both are full-size 10mm pistols built for defense, duty, and outdoor applications, offering high firepower and proven reliability.
The FN 510 stands out with its 22+1 capacity, factory optics-ready slide, and suppressor-height night sights, making it a feature-rich, tactical handgun straight out of the box. Its ambidextrous controls, aggressive grip texture, and crisp flat-faced trigger enhance usability, while its longer 4.71-inch barrel maximizes velocity and accuracy. However, its bulkier frame and higher weight may be less comfortable for extended carry.
The Glock 20 excels in simplicity, durability, and widespread aftermarket support. Its 15+1 capacity, Safe Action trigger system, and Tenifer-coated slide make it a proven, no-nonsense sidearm trusted by law enforcement and outdoor enthusiasts. While it lacks factory optics-ready capability, the MOS variant provides an upgrade path for red dot users. The grip angle and spongy trigger may require adjustment for some shooters, but its lighter weight makes it more practical for those needing a rugged, easy-to-maintain 10mm pistol.
Choose the FN 510 if you want a high-capacity, optics-ready pistol with premium factory features. Pick the Glock 20 if you prioritize simplicity, a battle-tested design, and extensive aftermarket customization. Both deliver the stopping power and reliability that 10mm shooters demand.
