The Bren Ten is coming back

TScottW99 · Feb 1, 2008

"Tucson, AZ - Feb 01, 2008 - Vltor Weapon Systems today announced the launch of the Fortis Pistol Project, a modern version of the famous Bren Ten style pistol.
Originally released in 1982, the Bren Ten pistol was designed to advance the state of the art in handgun technology. Designed to fill the need for a full size, full power, double action pistol, the Bren Ten created immense interest as a potent choice for law enforcement and military use.
Developed as a pistol and cartridge combination, the Bren Ten was the first production pistol to chamber the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge. In its original loading, the 10mm Auto was capable of launching a 170gr buller at 1,300 fps - generating over 600ft/lb of muzzle energy.
Unfortunately, the original Bren Ten and its successor fell victim to business management and financial problems - but the demand for a high quality American made, full size, double action pistol has still not been filled.

According to Eric Kincel, the General Manager for Vltor, the Bren Ten may have truly been a design that was ahead of its time; "Now is the time to make this pistol. With today's precision manufacturing techniques and the superior materials available, the Fortis will be a pistol line that is everything people hoped previous attempts would be."
Eric pointed out that the Fortis is nearly identical to the original Bren Ten in exterior appearance and ergonomics, but that some changes have been made to improve reliability, safety and strength. "The Fortis, while based on a twenty-five year old idea, is very unique. It offers a high tech, high quality pistol that more than fills the demands for a full size, magnum power auto loader."

The first released Fortis will be a "duty gun", a full size, all steel, high capacity 10mm Auto that will reliably answer the call of professionals and sportsmen that rely on a good pistol. However, Eric is quick to point out that the Fortis Project is a line of pistols based on one common design. "There will be other versions of the Fortis...different calibers, sizes and options specific to certain applications." When asked if they intend on releasing a faithful reproduction of the original Bren Ten, Eric's answer was simply "We sure want to".

Fortis Pistol Proposed Specifications (subject to change in final production)

* Manufacturer - Vltor Weapon Systems
* Model - Fortis (original release)
* Type - autoloading pistol
* Operation - Semi-automatic, Double/single action
* Caliber - 10mm Auto (others to follow)
* Barrel length - 5.00"
* Overall length - 8.75"
* Height - 5.75"
* Width - 1.30"
* Weight - 38 ounces
* Safety - reversible thumb and firing pin block
* Sight radius - 6.88"
* Sights - Adjustable, 3-Dot combat style
* Rifling - 5 Groove, radiused, RH twist
* Stocks - Engraved polymer panels
* Capacity - 12 rounds
* Finish - Black Steel Slide and Subdued Finish Stainless Frame"

As long as they make magazines this time and it shoots it should sell. The 10mm has been dumbed down since the original loading by Norma.

FOTIS · Feb 1, 2008

Great news. I love the 10mm. I had 2 1006 smiths.

JD338 · Feb 1, 2008

+1

The 10mm w/ 12 rounds is a serious pocket pistol. :wink:

JD338

Antelope_Sniper · Feb 12, 2008

+1
I want one!......
or is that a need??

GSSP · Jun 22, 2008

I had one of the originals. Serial # 757. Had ordered a 45 ACP barrel/slide, 22 barrel/slide as well. Ordered it throgh a dealer out of Gilbert, AZ. I lost my shirt on that deal. Only took possession of the basic gun, never saw mags or extra barrel/slides. The dealer got my money and no matter how I tried to contact him, threaten him, I lost it all. To top it off, years later, as a college student, newly married, I sold the basic gun for $500 at a pawn shop. Found out a year or two later, the pawn shop had sold it for $2000, bought it back for $500 and sold it again for another $2000.

This time around, if it every actually works. I won't be first in line to get one. I'll let all the bugs/kinks get worked out first.