The sad news of several Bren Ten REMAKES!

[The_Shadow]

Some of the 10mm guys may have been in on these attempts to try and obtain a remake of the iconic Bren Ten firearm.

Over the years there were companies and people who were advertising to produce the CLONE of the Bren Ten firearms.
First was the VLTOR/FORTIS starting around March 2008 which dragged on and never happened...

Then there was the CSP (Combat Service Pistol) which Chuck took on February 17, 2018 and he got into a legal situation and that project died as well.  Yes, people lost some downpayment moneys.

Then the latest was the Founders Circle as headed up by Stu, Dec 6th 2021. This goose chase lasted till recently into May 2024 to which he was arrested in this fraudulent case.  It was an outright scam from the start so it seems.

Long stories to each of these and those who had hopes and dreams of getting a quality firearm slated as a Bren Ten Clones and yes, several people lost lots of money as they put up for these projects.  This one remains tied up in court cases for now.

I will say I was one who had followed each of these attempts and yes, I also lost some money.
Live and learn!

If anyone wishes to learn more, I have a bunch of documented materials for each of these that I participated in with my busted dreams!

[sqlbullet]

First off, I will gladly admit that if a quality clone/reproduction of the Bren Ten appeared on the market, this sucker would buy one if it was at all within my means.

But to play devil's advocate a bit...

If I look at the Bren Ten critically, it seems very dated.  What was a revolution and cutting edge in the early 1980's sure seems to be very passed over.  The crossbolt safety and the switchable magazine drop behavior just add un-needed complexity.  The lack of a decock on a modern DA/SA design is a miss. Modern standards for bore axis make the Bren Ten barrel seem like it is perched way up there. The barrel bushing also seems like something modern metallurgy has made into wasted effort.

An additional dagger in the heart of these projects is the existence of the Tanfoglio line of CZ based 10mm options.  I make no pretense that a "Witness" is no Bren Ten, but on the other hand, I have three Witness guns and they are all built like tanks and very solid performers.  And IFG seems to be working much harder than the last importer to ensure the guns that come into the US are well supported and have better last mile QC.

The Bren Ten gave us our beloved 10mm, but I think it's time has passed.  Long live the Bren Ten!

[DenStinett]

I followed CZ Custom down their Rabbit Hole on their CZ97BD 10mm / 45acp to 10mm Conversion until the reality of its cost kicked me in the Nuts

I'll stick with my Delta Gold Cup, Witness and G20 for now

[The_Shadow]

I watch the GunBroker listings and the Bren Tens that come up there are over 10K and even 12K starting bids.  Some people have ponied up some big bucks over the years buying the ones that they could.

Oh well I doubt we will see any more attempts given that people were taken advantage of and loss of funds.

[inv136]

I remember that VLTOR/Fortis Bren Ten and I was eagerly waiting to pre order one. Then, with no warning they dropped the project and everyone that was part of their forum like a hot rock. They finally gave an explanation that the upper mgmt made that stupid decision to screw everyone that was waiting to make a pre order, just because they didn't want to continue the project to fruition in the last lap after they already made the frames and magazines and were entering assembly. What a stupid business decision. What kind of company does this? Anyway, that killed my interest in ever buying anything made by VLTOR. They are persona non grata in my book.

Since those days I've been buying several 10mm 1911s, namely a Night Hawk Custom Recon Enforcer and three Dan Wesson 1911s. All are outstanding 10mm 1911s. But, they're still no Bren Ten. Back in the early 90s I was detailed to Miami and I went to a gun show there. There was an individual selling a Bren Ten. It was the only one that I have ever seen in person and the ergonomics and feel of that pistol was amazing, like a natural extension of your hand. The trigger was also outstanding. Light, probably about 4 lbs on DA with a short pull length that was super smooth, no grittiness at all.

Last year I came into some money (IRS had a glitch in their computers and they delayed my tax refund for a full year and I received two IRS refunds at about the same time) and I placed an order for a new Luger in 10mm from Lugerman.com. I ordered one in stainless steel. This is part of his .45 ACP Luger project and he offers an upgrade to 10mm. Mine should be completed in a month or two, after a 12 month wait. I'm looking forward to that because I've always felt that the Luger was one of the most ergonomic handguns with a natural pointability like the Bren Ten.   

[Ethang]

I sadly fell for each and every one of those attempts..I really thought Chuck was going to get it done. This last one REALLY hurt though. I let my desire for a shootable Bren to cloud my judgement.

[The_Shadow]

Bogus executive (Gold Coast Manufacturing Inc.) for 'Miami Vice' gun replica producer sentenced to federal prison

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/749021-bogus-executive-for-miami-vice-gun-replica-producer-sentenced-to-federal-prison/

[crockett]

Vltor Weapon Systems acquired the rights to the Bren Ten name a long time ago. The owner promised to make a replica for many years. When it was clear that he wouldn't follow through, I offered to buy the rights to the name and any usable designs from him, in order to finish the project. I talked to him several times, but he didn't want to let go of the rights.

It is sad to see that this iconic firearm and brand name never got a proper, quality iteration. There used to be thousands of enthusiast willing to buy a well made clone. Most of them long dropped off because Miami Vice is now 40 years old. Many Miami Vice fans aren't even around anymore.

[The_Shadow]

I participated in each of these 3 ventures with anticipation of a BREN TEN CLONE purchase.
VLTOR could have easily done this the right way, but they got heavily involved in Military Contracts during the process and stop dead in the water and then sold off the stuff they actually produced.

It was sad that Chuck got wrapped up in the legal process with his family and business which they took away his stuff.  He is trying to rebuild his life ever since he was released.

Founders Circle as headed up by Stu, turned out to be an all-out scam from the get-go!

With that said I was lucky to have gotten a REAL BREN TEN at a great price all while waiting for the VLTOR project to unfold.  I actually passed on a MP5 10mm Clone to buy the Bren Ten at the time.  That turns out to be a great decision over all!

 

[crockett]

I participated in each of these 3 ventures with anticipation of a BREN TEN CLONE purchase.
VLTOR could have easily done this the right way, but they got heavily involved in Military Contracts during the process and stop dead in the water and then sold off the stuff they actually produced.

It was sad that Chuck got wrapped up in the legal process with his family and business which they took away his stuff.  He is trying to rebuild his life ever since he was released.

Founders Circle as headed up by Stu, turned out to be an all-out scam from the get-go!

With that said I was lucky to have gotten a REAL BREN TEN at a great price all while waiting for the VLTOR project to unfold.  I actually passed on a MP5 10mm Clone to buy the Bren Ten at the time.  That turns out to be a great decision over all!

 

My company is in the field, deal with bailments for testing and the DOD myself. I do not recall seeing VLTOR ever getting full system MIL contracts, parts or a few LE orders at best. Back in the day it was clear that he was stuck with other issues. I begged him to sell the rights and it was not a matter of money.

Do you shoot your Ten regularly? Did you make any modifications to combat the shortcomings? I could have both a couple for around 3.5k back in the day, but wasn't the correct model.

[The_Shadow]

The original owner was said to have shot it some although I never knew the original owner (California).  The fellow I bought it from locally purchased it from the original owner sometime back as I had met him on a local forum and made conversations with him at times and he decided to part with.  So this one basically feel into my hands.
I haven't made any modifications to it except purchase an extra magazine and Ted Blocker Shoulder Holster system.

Given the rarity it is more of a safe queen piece for me. Also seeing the prices, they are going for these days it can be quite the investment.  The pistols themselves are upwards of $5K+ and some are even asking $12K and prices of magazines are even north of $580.

I have collected and put together a file of those Bren Tens I have seen come up for sale/auction over the years.  Some of that file was messed up when I suffered a HDD crash.

[crockett]

The original owner was said to have shot it some although I never knew the original owner (California).  The fellow I bought it from locally purchased it from the original owner sometime back as I had met him on a local forum and made conversations with him at times and he decided to part with.  So this one basically feel into my hands.
I haven't made any modifications to it except purchase an extra magazine and Ted Blocker Shoulder Holster system.

Given the rarity it is more of a safe queen piece for me. Also seeing the prices, they are going for these days it can be quite the investment.  The pistols themselves are upwards of $5K+ and some are even asking $12K and prices of magazines are even north of $580.

I have collected and put together a file of those Bren Tens I have seen come up for sale/auction over the years.  Some of that file was messed up when I suffered a HDD crash.

There was a time when I was in total love with the Bren Ten. And everything Miami Vice. I even moved to Miami Beach for 8 years due to the TV show and did the party thing, nonstop. I ran the largest Miami Vice fan forum back in the day - managed to meet up with philip michael thomas. He still lives in Florida, now in Orlando. He changed a lot.

When I found out about the mechanical challenges on the Ten I lost interest and bought a G29 instead lol

Looking back, I'm not even sure what my favorite handgun is. I get free samples, loaners and employee pricing with most well known brands such as Barrett or Wilson Combat. Ever since I slowed down, by a lot.

A Nighthawk Custom in 10mm may be it.