You’re absolutely right.
The 10mm was a riff by Jeff Cooper off the .41 Mag, which was Elmer’s fondest dream realized.
Both Elmer Keith and Jeff Cooper put too much emphasis on the idea of a cop taking long range (like 50 yard) shots with a handgun. Today’s cops can barely hit anything at seven yards, so equipping them with a long-range handgun just means that more people, animals and property downrange are in more substantial danger.
The 10mm and .41 are both excellent cartridges, but they’re really now consigned to the limited number of people willing to pony up the money for the high-end handguns to handle them, and the practice needed to use them competently.
Personally, I wish that S&W would put out a product in stainless that holds five rounds of .44 Special, with, oh, a 3” barrel. For me, that would be an ideal CCW revolver.
They did from 1996 to 2002, the Model 696 on the L frame (same as the 686). You can't fire really hot loads in it because the forcing cone in thin, but a 240 grain semi wad cutter at 850 fps will take the starch out of a problem. Best to look for a 696 or 696-1 because they were made before the lock. I've got one and it's a nice piece.
“Personally, I wish that S&W would put out a product in stainless that holds five rounds of .44 Special, with, oh, a 3” barrel. For me, that would be an ideal CCW revolver.”
I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I have a Charter Arms 5 round .44 Spl that I consider a fine carry piece.