1/31/08
- Ever since I saw Sonny Crockett and his Dornaus & Dixon Bren Ten
on the 80's show 'Miami Vice', I've wanted one, but just never got around
to buying one (couldn't afford one back then). For years, the Bren Ten
has remained a controversial and mostly enthusiast pistol, but the design
has now been resurrected, by Vltor
Weapon Systems as the Fortis (Latin for 'strength') Pistol project.
From Vltor's press release:
"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 twwnty-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"
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Feb 06 Press release -
"February 6, 2008
Dear Fortis Enthusiast,
Due to the overwhelming and positive response to the Fortis Pistol
Project, we would like to address some of the questions, comments
and concerns that we received from the 2008 Shot Show.
First and foremost, the Fortis Pistol is neither a concept nor
a “market study”; we are moving forward with the Fortis.
As many people saw at the show, we have finished a great deal
of the design work and are evaluating prototype design models
now. We are taking every possible step to ensure that the Fortis
will incorporate the absolute best materials and manufacture technique
available.
As part of a leading aerospace manufacturer, Vltor is able to
use state of the art computer simulations for design testing,
stress analysis, and geometric dimension and tolerance testing;
furthermore, the Fortis will undergo extensive range testing and
evaluation, to ensure that the final release product is worthy
of the place it will take in the handgun world.
We are not yet ready to commit to a release date for the Fortis…
we have learned from others in the industry that announcing a
release date this early most often leads to one of two things:
The release date is missed, causing discouragement and anxiety
in buyers, or the product becomes a “rush job” to
meet the release date. We will avoid the old axiom that there
is never time to do it right, but always time to do it over –
and take the time to ensure that the Fortis is done right the
first time. With that said, we expect that the first release of
the Fortis will be around the end of the year.
As for the estimated price of the Fortis, this can set the same
type of trap as guessing a release date – or goal is to
bring the base level Fortis to the market, at a price that is
competitive with a mid-level 1911 style pistol.
The First release of the Fortis is being developed in both 10mm
Auto and .45ACP, there will be other calibers available in the
future. Also, while identical in appearance and feel, the first
release will not be a 100% reproduction of the original Bren-Ten
pistol; there are design modifications to improve the strength,
safety and reliability of the pistol. It is too early to say what
parts will be interchangeable between the Fortis and the original
Bren-Ten.
After the first release of the Fortis, we will offer other models
and levels of finish in the Fortis line. In addition to compact,
tactical and lightweight designs, we will offer an exact reproduction
of the original Bren-Ten as a legacy collector.
It has always been a policy of Vltor Weapons to avoid certain
ad hoc news venues; while internet forums and public message boards
are great for much of the information they provide, it is all
to often impossible to establish what information is accurate
and what is not – therefore, any news about the Fortis that
comes from rumor control is exactly that: rumor.
We have established an official website at www.fortispistol.com
that will be the only official source of information on the Fortis
Pistol Project – we will update the information there as
needed, and will try our best to keep you up to date as development
and manufacture continues. Please check there for any questions
you might have in the future and thank you for you interest in
the Fortis and your support in making an American dream happen.
This message was automatically generated and we hope that it answers
any questions you may have. Please do not reply to this email,
all you will get is this same auto-generated message.
Thank you for your interest.
Respectfully,
Eric S. Kincel
General Manager
Vltor Weapon Systems
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I, for one, am excited. Shown below are Vltor's CAD model renderings
of the Fortis pistol.
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