Any Bren Ten fans here?

[bac1023]

Let’s see them!

Here are mine...certainly one of the coolest handguns ever and a 1980’s icon. :)

1983 SM and 1984 SFL


https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/HxlNsg.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnHxlNsgj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/3JVO1Z.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po3JVO1Zj)



https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/BSkvZB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plBSkvZBj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/KEhkWW.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plKEhkWWj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/JZDGdv.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmJZDGdvj)





https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/YranAP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnYranAPj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/pPSWLY.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnpPSWLYj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/UHMqAz.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poUHMqAzj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/s8iZxs.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pns8iZxsj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/dd1Dph.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/podd1Dphj)






https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/R55Vp7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnR55Vp7j)

[Blackbag]

Honestly, I felt cooler just opening this thread and seeing your pistols!

[LittleLebowski]

*like*

[MolonLabe416]

We had a little gun show here in Saint Helens a couple of months ago. And by little, I mean like 20 tables. There were two on display (not for sale).

[Trooper224]

Beautiful examples as always. Coolest? Since I've a actually shot one, I'd call it one of the biggest turds of the 80s. I understand the nostalgia, but the overall fascination with this clunker makes the mind boggle.

[bac1023]

Beautiful examples as always. Coolest? Since I've a actually shot one, I'd call it one of the biggest turds of the 80s. I understand the nostalgia, but the overall fascination with this clunker makes the mind boggle.

I hear you, but they have tons of cool factor. I buy most guns for quality, these are just cool.

[JonInWA]

Hey, at least bac1023 has at least one magazine for his.....

Best, Jon

[Gadfly]

That stainless frame with blue slide is ALL kinds of sexy. (When Sig started making stainless slides on black frames, it always looked wrong.)

The Adult in me knows they are trash, but the kid in me still wants one... and a 1076... and a 1006...

[JonInWA]

My inner kid itch for this sort of gun would probably be satisfactorily scratched with a current CZ 97 B or BD...

Best, Jon

[Gary1911A1]

Great pistols. About as close as you are likely to get right now is one of the Witness Pro in 10MM, but there is hope a reproduction of the Bren Ten will be available this year. It will use Witness Megar 10MM Magazines instead of the original magazines to my disappointment, but at least magazines will be available.

[Lester Polfus]

Great pistols. About as close as you are likely to get right now is one of the Witness Pro in 10MM, but there is hope a reproduction of the Bren Ten will be available this year. It will use Witness Megar 10MM Magazines instead of the original magazines to my disappointment, but at least magazines will be available.

Really? From who?

Of course, I just sold my Glock 20 and am in the middle of divesting all the 10mm support gear when this news rolls in...

[RAM Engineer]

Great pistols. About as close as you are likely to get right now is one of the Witness Pro in 10MM, but there is hope a reproduction of the Bren Ten will be available this year. It will use Witness Megar 10MM Magazines instead of the original magazines to my disappointment, but at least magazines will be available.

Vltor finally going to put something out?

[bac1023]

No

It’s a Chuck Warner gun. Not exactly a Bren Ten, but pretty close.

[MattyD380]

Beautiful examples as always. Coolest? Since I've a actually shot one, I'd call it one of the biggest turds of the 80s. I understand the nostalgia, but the overall fascination with this clunker makes the mind boggle.

I’ve heard references to the questionable quality control/quirks... but what exactly was wrong with them? And yes... for looks, “post-industrial hand cannon chic” never goes out of style.

[retdusm]

I had one in ‘84 or ‘85. Mine had a .45 conversion kit that included barrel,slide and a .45 magazine. Thought it would work for my soon to be starting job with the Marshals Service but the 2 mags was all I could get. The 45 mag would work with 10mm ammo and I don’t recall any function issues but things like the thumb safety looked really fragile.Also have some of the original Norma ammo downstairs in 170 jpg and 200 grain fan.Finally traded it for a sack full of guns at the Roanoke gun show in ‘86 or ‘87. A colt delta Elite was one gun I got in the trade.

[SAWBONES]

I well remember the Bren Ten and Col. Cooper's endorsement of it in the latter '80s, as a sort of "long range equivalent of the .45 Auto".

I also remember the initial but short-lived enthusiasm for the guns (there were several models) when Dornaus and Dixon were unable to supply magazines.

Yours is a rarity and a true period piece.

[Trooper224]

I’ve heard references to the questionable quality control/quirks... [b]but what exactly was wrong with them?[b] And yes... for looks, “post-industrial hand cannon chic” never goes out of style.

One of the things El Patrone liked abouth the CZ75 was its ergonomics. Unfortunately, most of that feel seemed to be lost in translation with the Bren Ten. In handling it was a real clunker of a gun. It also had questionable features, like the drum style safety lock on the slide. Most of all, the QC just wasn't there. Workmanship was shoddy and the quality if the small parts was subpar. I've read that the ones used on Miami Vice could hardly get through a scene without something breaking. It was one of those great ideas that turned out to be totally underwhelming in execution.

[bac1023]

They are definitely more conversation pieces than they are shooters, but they have a ton of cool factor and mystique. They are icons. Only 1500 or so built when you combine all the variants. The Special Forces Light shown above is one of only 75.

Case in point, I posted a few Sphinx as well, which are infinitely higher quality, better shooting pistols.

Look which thread gets all the attention... :cool:

[JonInWA]

So, should we be waiting for a thread on the similarly iconic (at least in someone at Colt's mind...) period Colt 2000 with metal frames and polished to the nines?

Just giving you a hard time, bac1023. Your collection, comments and images are much appreciated.

Best, Jon

[entropy]

39009

[Inkwell 41]

I got overly hopeful for the VLTOR project. Spotted it a SHOT, the last, or next to last one held in Orlando. Good thing I'm used to disappointment.

Still have an original owners manual, somewhere. Nice stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[bac1023]

So, should we be waiting for a thread on the similarly iconic (at least in someone at Colt's mind...) period Colt 2000 with metal frames and polished to the nines?

Just giving you a hard time, bac1023. Your collection, comments and images are much appreciated.

Best, Jon

Don’t laugh

I had one of those. The first year was the metal one. :)

[MattyD380]

One of the things El Patrone liked abouth the CZ75 was its ergonomics. Unfortunately, most of that feel seemed to be lost in translation with the Bren Ten. In handling it was a real clunker of a gun. It also had questionable features, like the drum style safety lock on the slide. Most of all, the QC just wasn't there. Workmanship was shoddy and the quality if the small parts was subpar. I've read that the ones used on Miami Vice could hardly get through a scene without something breaking. It was one of those great ideas that turned out to be totally underwhelming in execution.

There's something about the look of it that just appeals to me... really "machine-y" and heavy duty. Just steel and power. Too bad the execution sucked. I'd be interested to see the remake, if it ever happens.

[Trooper224]

There's something about the look of it that just appeals to me... really "machine-y" and heavy duty. Just steel and power. Too bad the execution sucked. I'd be interested to see the remake, if it ever happens.

If I found one at a decent price I'd snap it up, just for old times sake. This gun will never see manufacture again.

[GardoneVT]

Perhaps this is the voice of heresy, but what can a new-spec Bren Ten do that a Tanfoglio 10mm can’t do for way less money and much better ergonomics + reliability? You can even cosplay Sonny Crockett at the range with the two tone Elite Match.

[bac1023]

Perhaps this is the voice of heresy, but what can a new-spec Bren Ten do that a Tanfoglio 10mm can’t do for way less money and much better ergonomics + reliability? You can even cosplay Sonny Crockett at the range with the two tone Elite Match.

Cause those aren’t as cool. They’re just a dime a dozen Tanfo. People like the Bren Ten’s styling and if it’s ever remade to higher standards, there will be a waiting list.

[Trooper224]

Perhaps this is the voice of heresy, but what can a new-spec Bren Ten do that a Tanfoglio 10mm can’t do for way less money and much better ergonomics + reliability? You can even cosplay Sonny Crockett at the range with the two tone Elite Match.

Absolutely nothing and the Tanfo will work better.

[Trooper224]

Cause those aren’t as cool. They’re just a dime a dozen Tanfo. People like the Bren Ten’s styling and if it’s ever remade to higher standards, there will be a waiting list.

Yes, there'd be a waiting list, but it would be fairly short and wouldn't come close to the capital needed to fund such a start up, as numerous companies have discovered with everything from the Bren Ten to the Merwin and Hulbert. It's an incredibly difficult task to accomplish, even with a modern and innovative design like the Hudson H9, let alone a dinosaur like this. Here in 2019, the percentage of the shooting public who knows or cares about the Bren Ten is stark. Those who do are a few old grey hairs (or no hairs like me) who's interest is based entirely on nostalgia.

[Hambo]

Beautiful examples as always. Coolest? Since I've a actually shot one, I'd call it one of the biggest turds of the 80s. I understand the nostalgia, but the overall fascination with this clunker makes the mind boggle.

Hater.

[bac1023]

Yes, there'd be a waiting list, but it would be fairly short and wouldn't come close to the capital needed to fund such a start up, as numerous companies have discovered with everything from the Bren Ten to the Merwin and Hulbert. It's an incredibly difficult task to accomplish, even with a modern and innovative design like the Hudson H9, let alone a dinosaur like this. Here in 2019, the percentage of the shooting public who knows or cares about the Bren Ten is stark. Those who do are a few old grey hairs (or no hairs like me) who's interest is based entirely on nostalgia.

Well I’ll remember that as prices continue to climb into the stratosphere. The Bren Ten is iconic and regardless of how it’s built, it will always have a strong following.

[Trooper224]

Well I’ll remember that as prices continue to climb into the stratosphere. The Bren Ten is iconic and regardless of how it’s built, it will always have a strong following.

Apologies if I seem to be raining on your parade. I agree that it's an iconic piece and quite valuable as a collectable. Its value is intrinsic due to an association of time and place, not from any worth as a qualitative firearm. A new one would never reach that level of status as a rarity and be a turd as a practical weapon. As always, your examples are premium. Still, I disagree that it has a strong following. It surely does, among the rather finite group that collectors like you make up. But, in the gun world at large it's a total nonstarter, which is why at least three attempts at starting a reissue have fallen completely flat. It's not personal, it's reality.

[bac1023]

Apologies if I seem to be raining on your parade. I agree that it's an iconic piece and quite valuable as a collectable. Its value is intrinsic due to an association of time and place, not from any worth as a qualitative firearm. A new one would never reach that level of status as a rarity and be a turd as a practical weapon. As always, your examples are premium. Still, I disagree that it has a strong following. It surely does, among the rather finite group that collectors like you make up. But, in the gun world at large it's a total nonstarter, which is why at least three attempts at starting a reissue have fallen completely flat. It's not personal, it's reality.

It doesn’t need to have a large following. I said it has a strong following. The collectors that seek them give it its value. There will always be collectors of historic firearms. Nothing finite about it.

Collector value of guns built long before the Bren Ten continue to rise.

I’m fortunate enough to own examples of all the world’s finest pistols. I know what the Bren is and what it isn’t. I like them for what they are.

[GardoneVT]

Cause those aren’t as cool. They’re just a dime a dozen Tanfo. People like the Bren Ten’s styling and if it’s ever remade to higher standards, there will be a waiting list.


Tanfoglio Elite & Stock pistols are not common in the US, even on the competition circuit.
It’s a relevant point since any Bren Ten reissue has to compete with it; I doubt any company has the resources of scale to build a good Bren Ten reissue for a street price of $800.

[LockedBreech]

Always makes things better to have a surprise bac1023 post!

[bac1023]

Tanfoglio Elite & Stock pistols are not common in the US, even on the competition circuit.
It’s a relevant point since any Bren Ten reissue has to compete with it; I doubt any company has the resources of scale to build a good Bren Ten reissue for a street price of $800.

I’ve seen quite a few around. They aren’t rare guns by any means.

That said, they do shoot well. That’s not really the point of the thread. No hard core Bren Ten guy is going to to satisfied with a Tanfo. Kind of apples and oranges

[jellydonut]

Oh, hey, anyone remember the public relations trainwreck that was the years-on-end on-again-off-again Vltor Fortis? What a disappointment.

[JSGlock34]

Oh, hey, anyone remember the public relations trainwreck that was the years-on-end on-again-off-again Vltor Fortis? What a disappointment.

Pfft. Before the Vltor attempt to resurrect the Bren Ten there was the Peregrine Falcon debacle...

[bac1023]

Oh, hey, anyone remember the public relations trainwreck that was the years-on-end on-again-off-again Vltor Fortis? What a disappointment.

Yeah that was a joke

[Lester Polfus]

I once wrote a dark fantasy novel where one of the protagonists had a Bren Ten and several extra magazines. One of my savvy readers told that was the most unrealistic part of the book.

[Bucky]

Well I’ll remember that as prices continue to climb into the stratosphere. The Bren Ten is iconic and regardless of how it’s built, it will always have a strong following.

Do you think a newly made one today would garner the same value and respect?

[JonInWA]

Do you think a newly made one today would garner the same value and respect?

Think Hudson H9 is my thought...(well, Hudson H10?)

Best, Jon

[Trooper224]

Do you think a newly made one today would garner the same value and respect?

No, it won't and that was a large part of the point I was trying to make. Whatever following the Bren Ten has is entirely due to nostalgia and its association with a particular 80s television show. It has absolutely nothing to do with its worth as a weapon. A new Bren Ten will have none of that association and it will only be seen as a "copy". That value through intrinsic association won't be there. We see this in every hobby and field of study. Vintage is hot right now in the watch world and every retro release is met with a certain amount of disdain from the community and seen as a "rip off". The new Sig P210 has seen the same criticism from collectors. It's not a "real" P210 like the old ones, regardless of any real quality factors. These are just two examples.

A new Bren Ten would receive the same response and for every hundred people who'd say they'd buy it maybe one actually would. In the niche world of collectors there might be a strong interest, but that won't provide enough capital to sustain the effort. There's a reason why every start up that's tried to resurrect it has failed. None of this makes the original less valuable as a collectable. Like all vintage things, it's valued more as a talisman than a tool and there's nothing wrong with that. I have plenty of guns in my own safe that fit that category.

[bac1023]

Do you think a newly made one today would garner the same value and respect?

No Bucky, but they will certainly get away with selling them for a good deal more than a Tanfo 10mm.

[bac1023]

No, it won't and that was a large part of the point I was trying to make. Whatever following the Bren Ten has is entirely due to nostalgia and its association with a particular 80s television show. It has absolutely nothing to do with its worth as a weapon. A new Bren Ten will have none of that association and it will only be seen as a "copy". That value through intrinsic association won't be there. We see this in every hobby and field of study. Vintage is hot right now in the watch world and every retro release is met with a certain amount of disdain from the community and seen as a "rip off". The new Sig P210 has seen the same criticism from collectors. It's not a "real" P210 like the old ones, regardless of any real quality factors. These are just two examples.

A new Bren Ten would receive the same response and for every hundred people who'd say they'd buy it maybe one actually would. In the niche world of collectors there might be a strong interest, but that won't provide enough capital to sustain the effort. There's a reason why every start up that's tried to resurrect it has failed. None of this makes the original less valuable as a collectable. Like all vintage things, it's valued more as a talisman than a tool and there's nothing wrong with that. I have plenty of guns in my own safe that fit that category.
Having been a serious collector for many years, there’s no doubt a new Bren Ten will need to be priced a lot lower than what the D&D Bren Ten brings. I also don’t see it as a large production gun, unless a big dollar company builds it, which I doubt.

They will still sell for a considerable sum. The originals are unobtainable to most people who either can’t find or can’t afford them. It’s going to cost a company money to tool up and build them and that will be passed along to the customers. There WILL definitely be a waiting list, unless they are mass produced, which is very highly doubtful.

The Bren is a very unique looking gun and that will be a selling point.

As for the P210, it’s apples and oranges. The American models use a cheaper design and are built with MIM parts. A new Bren should be a much higher quality gun than the original, unlike the P210A, which is nothing of the sort.

[ralph]

Having been a serious collector for many years, there’s no doubt a new Bren Ten will need to be priced a lot lower than what the D&D Bren Ten brings. I also don’t see it as a large production gun, unless a big dollar company builds it, which I doubt.

They will still sell for a considerable sum. The originals are unobtainable to most people who either can’t find or can’t afford them. It’s going to cost a company money to tool up and build them and that will be passed along to the customers. There WILL definitely be a waiting list, unless they are mass produced, which is very highly doubtful.

The Bren is a very unique looking gun and that will be a selling point.

As for the P210, it’s apples and oranges. The American models use a cheaper design and are built with MIM parts. A new Bren should be a much higher quality gun than the original, unlike the P210A, which is nothing of the sort.

I kinda agree with trooper, the Bren10 was cool in the day, hell, I even wanted one.. but as was pointed out, the demand for a remake, reissue, whatever you want to call it, just isn't there. Nobody is going to sink millions into a startup for a pistol that never got all the problems completely worked out. I remember when Mauser in the 70's was making Lugers..I had a friend that had one, and I got to put 3 of the 6 rounds it ever fired through it.These were very high quality pistols, and they functioned perfectly. Problem was, as Mauser figured out rather quickly, they were labor intensive to make, lots of hand fitting on the toggle, Mauser made them for about 2-3 years and threw in the towel.. To make a higher quality, reliable, Bren 10, I could see it costing north of $2500, and I just don't see people lining up to buy at that price, especially when there's too many better pistols around for less. The cool factor goes only so far, and the cool factor alone won't be enough to support someone making these, and keep them in business.. You're lucky you have two wonderful examples complete with magazines, that alone puts you about a lightyear ahead of those who bought the pistol, without the mags on the promise that the mags would be delivered "later" later never came.. IMO, maybe it's time to let the Bren 10 fade into the past...

[bac1023]

I kinda agree with trooper, the Bren10 was cool in the day, hell, I even wanted one.. but as was pointed out, the demand for a remake, reissue, whatever you want to call it, just isn't there. Nobody is going to sink millions into a startup for a pistol that never got all the problems completely worked out. I remember when Mauser in the 70's was making Lugers..I had a friend that had one, and I got to put 3 of the 6 rounds it ever fired through it.These were very high quality pistols, and they functioned perfectly. Problem was, as Mauser figured out rather quickly, they were labor intensive to make, lots of hand fitting on the toggle, Mauser made them for about 2-3 years and threw in the towel.. To make a higher quality, reliable, Bren 10, I could see it costing north of $2500, and I just don't see people lining up to buy at that price, especially when there's too many better pistols around for less. The cool factor goes only so far, and the cool factor alone won't be enough to support someone making these, and keep them in business.. You're lucky you have two wonderful examples complete with magazines, that alone puts you about a lightyear ahead of those who bought the pistol, without the mags on the promise that the mags would be delivered "later" later never came.. IMO, maybe it's time to let the Bren 10 fade into the past...

I'm not arguing that point. I'm not even an advocate of it being rebuilt. This thread wasn't about a remake. I honestly don't want to see it and I agree it would cost a fortune for a company to do. However, if someone does it right, I could easily see people shelling out $2500 for one. Especially if its on a limited basis, which I would think would be the case.

I'm not saying it would be profitable for the manufacturer. I'm just saying if done right, I think people would go for it. They buy high end 1911's left and right for more than that and there's absolutely nothing unique about them.

[ralph]

I'm not arguing that point. I'm not even an advocate of it being rebuilt. This thread wasn't about a remake. I honestly don't want to see it and I agree it would cost a fortune for a company to do. However, if someone does it right, I could easily see people shelling out $2500 for one. Especially if its on a limited basis, which I would think would be the case.

I'm not saying it would be profitable for the manufacturer. I'm just saying if done right, I think people would go for it. They buy high end 1911's left and right for more than that and there's absolutely nothing unique about them.

Well, that's the problem, if it's not going to be profitable (and I can't see how) then it's just not going to be done. Until someone could demonstrate that even producing them on a limited run, would be profitable enough to pay for the material, labor, and tooling, it's just not going to happen. It's one thing to have a passion for a design like the Bren 10, but, it's another thing entirely to make them and then try to convince people to buy them.

[bac1023]

Well, that's the problem, if it's not going to be profitable (and I can't see how) then it's just not going to be done. Until someone could demonstrate that even producing them on a limited run, would be profitable enough to pay for the material, labor, and tooling, it's just not going to happen. It's one thing to have a passion for a design like the Bren 10, but, it's another thing entirely to make them and then try to convince people to buy them.

It would need to be a healthy enough company that could give it a run. Vltor would have been ideal, but they flaked.

[10mmfanboy]

Man I wish I had a Bren!

Can you find holster and parts for a tangfolio? Are they actually reliable? I always wanted to try one but never seen one in the wild.

10mm is God's caliber.

[MattyD380]

If the Bren itself is an anachronism today... the 10mm seems to be doing just fine. But when I think of the guns available today to launch 10mm, 1911s, Glocks and an oversized P220 are my main options (Tanfoglio too, I guess). Subjectively, I'm not sure any of those platforms really match the "personality" of the 10mm like the Bren or the Smith 10XXs did.

In a way, I think FK Brno is kinda doing the same thing with the Field Pistol, albeit in a more Euro-refined way. It's the ultimate handgun... ahem... hand cannon. Just like the Bren was supposed to be. But I think the Bren had more swagger. And so did the 1006. The FK has more snob appeal.

So... even if they never remake the Bren, I think there might be interest in something like it: big, sexy service pistol with magnum power. Not sure anyone really sees the Desert Eagle as anything more than a curiosity. Not sure the Coonan has the character.

[Joe in PNG]

I don't know if CZ would, or could- but the 97 would probably also work out as a big, bad 10mm launcher.

[MattyD380]

Yeah. Totally. I bet it would sell. I mean, the Bren had loose roots in the CZ design, anyway (Bren is an homage to Brno, I think).

That's sort of what the Tanfoglio is... but I think an actual CZ would have more appeal.

[Lester Polfus]

People have been asking for a 10mm CZ97 for years, but so far they haven't bit. I'm not sure if CZ has done the market research, and determined it isn't viable, or if they are leaving money on the table.

I'd be super tempted to buy one as a just because gun.

[Joe in PNG]

People have been asking for a 10mm CZ97 for years, but so far they haven't bit. I'm not sure if CZ has done the market research, and determined it isn't viable, or if they are leaving money on the table.

I'd be super tempted to buy one as a just because gun.

Likewise- it's a big beast of a gun that seems a touch too big for .45, but just right for 10mm for some reason.

[bac1023]

In a way, I think FK Brno is kinda doing the same thing with the Field Pistol, albeit in a more Euro-refined way. It's the ultimate handgun... ahem... hand cannon. Just like the Bren was supposed to be. But I think the Bren had more swagger. And so did the 1006. The FK has more snob appeal.



The FK might have more swagger over time. Until then, its one of the best shooting pistols I ever fired...about as close to perfection as it gets..

:cool:


https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/zAu33v.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pozAu33vj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/CgyG00.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmCgyG00j)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/xldMMu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmxldMMuj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/VAqf7E.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poVAqf7Ej)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/KHaNJd.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poKHaNJdj)

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[GardoneVT]

Putting on my MBA hat for a moment, the fundamental problems with the Bren Ten are twofold:
One is functionality
Two is customer base.

The functionality problem is a showstopper. No disrespect to current owners, but I’ve read documentation to the effect the older models aren't safe to shoot due to suspect metallurgy. Here is a picture of a more obvious example.


http://nordicg3k.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/porous-closeup.jpg

Most affected won’t have visible flaws- until the owner fires one hot 10mm round too many. Making a new one which corrects these flaws and withstands 10mm loadings will cost substantial amounts of investment money . In 1987 10,000 rounds through a weapon between failures was exemplary. Today that’s a market expectation. Making a modern Bren Ten that can go toe to toe with a Glock 20 or Springfield XDm = more investment capital.

Article source; http://nordicg3k.tripod.com/website/id22.html

The other problem is customer base. We can demonstrate this with another Miami Vice favorite- the S&W 645, Crockett’s prop gun after the Bren Ten. Once I went to a local range with my example and met with some S&W reps who coincidentally had a open house day. At the table full of late model M&P 2.0s, the grey haired S&W staff had never heard of the 645; and it was a pistol their own employer built! They spent a decent amount of time checking out my example, as it was the first one they’d seen or heard of in person.

I know here and among gun fans the Bren Ten has a legendary reputation, but to most gun owners it’s an arcane and unknown relic. If the 645 from the same period isn’t even well known among the company’s current staff, there’s no way your typical mass market gun owner would know or care about the Bren Ten. Not without substantial advertising = more investment capital.

The ONLY way I’d see a Bren Ten reissue being profitable is if a firm limited production to 250 or less, lined up a list of VIP gun owners and charged way north of $2500. Likely $5.5K or more per example, complete with engraving & custom hardwood display box signed by Don Johnson. And one high polished magazine :D

[jeep45238]

The FK might have more swagger over time. Until then, its one of the best shooting pistols I ever fired...about as close to perfection as it gets..

:cool:


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Hubba hubba.

[Lester Polfus]

I should get a FK before it sells out and goes mainstream.

[Joe in PNG]

I should get a FK before it sells out and goes mainstream.

And it's not like you really need that kidney anyway.

[MattyD380]

That FK looks... delicious. Also, I'm assuming you've all heard there's a polymer variant available now (or will be soon). It looks nearly as awesome, in a different kind of way.

Back to the 10mm...

I think it's more or less seen as the "magnum" automatic round. Seems to have a sort of reverence, all its own. That said, it doesn't really have a native platform--and that's what the Bren was supposed to be. So, perhaps that's what we're all missing, with the Bren: not necessarily the gun itself (which was clearly flawed), but the idea of purpose-built 10mm... ahem, .40 magnum. At least that's my purely amateur, pseudo-scientific "gun psychology" reasoning.

[bac1023]

That FK looks... delicious. Also, I'm assuming you've all heard there's a polymer variant available now (or will be soon). It looks nearly as awesome, in a different kind of way.


As far as I know, that’s not coming to the States anytime soon.

[Lester Polfus]

I think it's more or less seen as the "magnum" automatic round. Seems to have a sort of reverence, all its own. That said, it doesn't really have a native platform--and that's what the Bren was supposed to be. So, perhaps that's what we're all missing, with the Bren: not necessarily the gun itself (which was clearly flawed), but the idea of purpose-built 10mm... ahem, .40 magnum. At least that's my purely amateur, pseudo-scientific "gun psychology" reasoning.

As someone who just threw my hands up in the air in disgust and walked away from the 10mm Auto, I agree. Most 10mm guns are .45s with different sized holes.

The Glock 20 was theoretically designed around the 10mm round, but it was designed with the 10mm Lite loading in mind apparently, and it most assuredly isn't found of WFN hard cast loads.

If somebody were to design a 10mm gun around a 200 grain WFN bullet going 1100 to 1200 FPS, that would be awesome.

[MattyD380]

As someone who just threw my hands up in the air in disgust and walked away from the 10mm Auto, I agree. Most 10mm guns are .45s with different sized holes.

The Glock 20 was theoretically designed around the 10mm round, but it was designed with the 10mm Lite loading in mind apparently, and it most assuredly isn't found of WFN hard cast loads.

If somebody were to design a 10mm gun around a 200 grain WFN bullet going 1100 to 1200 FPS, that would be awesome.

Yeah, I had a less than optimal 10mm experience myself. Had a Smith 1076. I loooved the gun. I shot it well. Loved the power. Loved the heavy-duty, industrial aesthetic. But then it started having arbitrary FTFeeds. Changed some springs. Still happened. Guys on the Smith forum said I might be limp wristing it. Maybe. But either way, if a gun is that sensitive to a sub-optimal input... not what I'm looking for. And again, the large-frame 3rd gens were designed around the .45ACP, evolving from the 645--which I currently own and have found to be unflappably reliable.

It was kind of disappointing because I had plans to take it on some trails/camping trips. Oh well. Ended up taking my 645.

[Stephanie B]

I should get a FK before it sells out and goes mainstream.

And it's not like you really need that kidney anyway.

And half of your liver. $8,500 for the gun (https://www.gunsamerica.com/933331934/Fk-Brno-Combat-Field-Pistol-7-5mm-FK-6-Barrel-16-1.htm)? One is up on GB (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/818590548) for less.

$75 for a box of ammo (http://www.buyfkammo.com/)? No dies?

Jeez. That's pretty damn pricey,

[bac1023]

And half of your liver. $8,500 for the gun (https://www.gunsamerica.com/933331934/Fk-Brno-Combat-Field-Pistol-7-5mm-FK-6-Barrel-16-1.htm)? One is up on GB (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/818590548) for less.

$75 for a box of ammo (http://www.buyfkammo.com/)? No dies?

Jeez. That's pretty damn pricey,

I got mine for $7250.

When you think about the capabilities of the gun, it’s not bad really. Especially when people spend a half a million dollars on a shotgun.

[Lester Polfus]

And half of your liver. $8,500 for the gun (https://www.gunsamerica.com/933331934/Fk-Brno-Combat-Field-Pistol-7-5mm-FK-6-Barrel-16-1.htm)? One is up on GB (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/818590548) for less.

$75 for a box of ammo (http://www.buyfkammo.com/)? No dies?

Jeez. That's pretty damn pricey,

Yeah.

Guess I'll just have to stick with my plebian .357, and my ratty ass pawnshop Mossberg 500.

[Stephanie B]

I got mine for $7250.

When you think about the capabilities of the gun, it’s not bad really. Especially when people spend a half a million dollars on a shotgun.
Well, the rules are different for hedge-fund guys and those whose titles start with “HRH”..... ;-)

[Lester Polfus]

Well, the rules are different for hedge-fund guys and those whose titles start with “HRH”..... ;-)

And guys who routinely drag their guns through the puckerbrush while getting rained on.

[ralph]

Well, the rules are different for hedge-fund guys and those whose titles start with “HRH”..... ;-)

Is'nt that the truth..There's a place about 25 miles north of me where I buy my reloading stuff..A few years back when primers were hard to come by, and everyone was price gouging this place did'nt..primers would come in every so often, and they sold them at the regular price, that's why I buy from them. Anyway, these folks are shotgun people, they don't know anything about shooting handguns, or rifles, they have a nice showroom, full of shotguns.. and only shotguns.. and I've seen a few deals in there, they have shotguns that are priced north of $20,000, and they sell a few every year..That just boggles my mind..

[JonInWA]

I was kinda quasi-interested in some of the 10mm revolvers that have started to come out, and even (although a bit more tepidly) some of the 10mm semi-autos. Then out of curiosity, I went to Hornady's ballistic charts. For most practical purposes, 10mm is pretty much on parity with .357 magnum. Since I have some pretty decent .357 magnum revolvers on hand, my interest level rapidly cratered.

And then to rub salt in the wound, just read some of GJM's postings on Underwood Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator ammunition in 9mm and .40 chamberings....

I'll leave the 10mm exotica to others, since my niche needs are adequately covered with what I've got on hand...

Best, Jon

[P.E. Kelley]

Just a FYI...I bet we will see a Bren 10 (won't be called that) before too long.

10mm, 9x23, and 45acp. maybe 38 super.

[MattyD380]

Just a FYI...I bet we will see a Bren 10 (won't be called that) before too long.

10mm, 9x23, and 45acp. maybe 38 super.

Hmm. Interest piqued.

Anything specific in mind? Or just a general sense of things to be?

Either way, I too would love to see something do what the Bren Ten was supposed to do, 30 some years ago. I don't really care what it's called. But if it looked something like the Bren... I'd be game.

[BillSWPA]

Just a FYI...I bet we will see a Bren 10 (won't be called that) before too long.

10mm, 9x23, and 45acp. maybe 38 super.

At the risk of derailing the thread, what are your (or anyone else’s) opinions of 9x23? How would it compare to 10mm?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bac1023]

Sorry to bring back my old thread, but I recently managed to find a pair of original Herrett Bren Ten wood grips from the 1980's and wanted to share. :)

I put them on my Special Forces Light...and love the look! :cool:



https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/4PpqNK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm4PpqNKj)

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[Bucky]

Sorry to bring back my old thread, but I recently managed to find a pair of original Herrett Bren Ten wood grips from the 1980's and wanted to share. :)

I put them on my Special Forces Light...and love the look! :cool:


Never apologize for sharing awesome pics such as these.

Looks great!

[Sal Picante]

At the risk of derailing the thread, what are your (or anyone else’s) opinions of 9x23? How would it compare to 10mm?

It certainly is loud... What?

[Patrick Taylor]

Pfft. Before the Vltor attempt to resurrect the Bren Ten there was the Peregrine Falcon debacle...

The Peregrine Falcon was a fellow named Voit. Sporting goods Voit.....www.voit.com

The Clinton era savings and loan crash killed the project before it really got started.

[Patrick Taylor]

At the risk of derailing the thread, what are your (or anyone else’s) opinions of 9x23? How would it compare to 10mm?

Factory loads were to the 357sig level more so than the 10mm. Handloading or maybe some of the custom reloading companies ammo might get the 9x23 up over the sig round a bit more.

[Bucky]

Factory loads were to the 357sig level more so than the 10mm. Handloading or maybe some of the custom reloading companies ammo might get the 9x23 up over the sig round a bit more.

Factory Winchester had 9x23 125 grain bullets going 1475 FPS. Not sure any mainstream ammo makers have .357 Sig reaching that.

[Patrick Taylor]

Factory Winchester had 9x23 125 grain bullets going 1475 FPS. Not sure any mainstream ammo makers have .357 Sig reaching that.

Winchester claims 1450fps for the 125 gr load and does not specify barrel length...Shooting times testing the ammo and measured 1445fps from a 5 inch Nowlin barrel in a 1911.

Lucky Gunner tested the 357sig 125gr ammo from a 4.5 inch barrel glock and measured 1368fps to 1423fps depending on maker. Several smaller makers claim 1450 just as Winchester does for their 9x23 but I have yet to fire any of those.

Barrels vary as do chronographs but unless you disagree with "the 9x23 is more to the 357sig power level than the 10mm" what point were you trying to make?

[Bergeron]

I like 10mm, more than what is probably rational. I admire the Bren as a part of the 10mm story, but any new entrant (or re-entrant) into the market is going to have be real clear about what their design can do that can't be done by either Glocks or 1911s.

[Rock185]

I remember those wood grips for the Bren Ten, but don't think I've seen a picture of a set for some time. Pretty neat I think.

FWIW, I had an early Bren Ten. Certainly an interesting historical artifact of interest to some in the shooting/collecting community, especially those, me included, interested in the 10MM cartridge. I've had several 10MM pistols and revolvers since. I think some of the post Bren Ten guns chambered in 10MM are actually better guns than the Bren Ten. I wouldn't be interested in acquiring another original, or resurrected, Bren Ten, but collector appreciation$$$$ of the originals is undeniably impressive...

BTW, I met Mr. Dornaus and Mr. Dixon, toured the plant, worked their booth at SHOT one year, etc. D&D didn't like having to include that cross bolt safety in the slide. Also met their attorney, who insisted that the gun have a positive firing pin safety. The attorney prevailed.

[Inkwell 41]

When Vltor debuted their prototype at SHOT waaaay back when, I got excited. A year passed, another, and another, it’s been over a decade now. Wish I could say that I’ve moved on, but I still want one.... for no other reason than I want one.

I hope Patrick Kelly is right.

[Joe in PNG]

It would appear that a CZ97 in 10mm is available (sometimes) from CZ Custom (https://czcustom.com/new-firearms/cz-pistols-custom/czc-97b-10mm.html).

Considering the original Bren 10 is CZ-75 based, I'd consider this to be the modern version.