Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Bren Ten

The Bren Ten is a chambered in , manufactured by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc. from 1983 to 1986. Developed in collaboration with renowned firearms expert , who envisioned a high-performance .40-caliber handgun cartridge delivering a 200-grain at 1,000 fps, the Bren Ten drew design inspiration from the Czech while incorporating innovative features for the era. It utilized a short-recoil, locked-breech operating system with double-action capability for the first shot and single-action for follow-ups, weighing 38 ounces (unloaded) with a frame paired to a blued carbon-steel slide to prevent galling. Key elements included a 5-inch barrel with screw-in bushing and Power-Seal for enhanced velocity, a loaded-chamber indicator, adjustable rear sights, and a selective magazine catch, all fed by a standard 10-round double-stack magazine. Variants encompassed the full-size , a 4-inch model, limited .45 ACP conversions like the Special Match (250 units), and rare prototypes such as the Pocket Model (2 units). The pistol gained widespread cultural prominence through its starring role as the sidearm of Detective Sonny Crockett in the 1980s television series , where two chromed blank-firing versions were custom-made, though they suffered reliability issues during filming. Despite initial hype and a launch price of $500 in 1984, production totaled only about 1,500 units due to severe supply chain problems, including delays in magazines from Italian manufacturer Mec-Gar and shortages of subpar components amid cash flow crises. These issues culminated in the company's bankruptcy in 1986, leaving many customers without magazines or full support, though the 10mm Auto cartridge endured and influenced later firearms like the . Subsequent revival efforts by firms such as Peregrine Industries and Vltor Weapon Systems have been announced but have yet to yield completed production models as of 2025.

History

Development

Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises was founded in December 1979 by Thomas F. Dornaus and Michael W. Dixon with the goal of developing a new that would surpass the capabilities of the standard service handgun. The company drew significant inspiration from firearms expert , who advocated for a more powerful combat to address perceived limitations in the .45 ACP's performance. This led to the initial prototype, designated the "Combat Service Pistol 80," which was chambered in .45 ACP and aimed at providing enhanced reliability and for military and use. Cooper later renamed the prototype the Bren Ten. By 1983, the project evolved with the adoption of the newly developed cartridge, a collaboration between of and , designed to deliver superior velocity and energy over the while maintaining controllability in a service-sized . The Bren Ten became the first production chambered for this cartridge, with Dornaus & Dixon securing an exclusive contract from Norma to load the ammunition specifically for their design. The pistol's architecture was based on the Czech CZ-75's short-recoil, locked-breech operating system, but incorporated key modifications such as a frame to reduce wear and improve durability, along with refined including a higher angle and ambidextrous controls for better handling under stress. Initial prototypes underwent rigorous testing in 1983, where they demonstrated promising accuracy and power, prompting to endorse the design publicly. In a Guns & Ammo article in 1984, Cooper praised the Bren Ten's potential as the ideal modern combat , highlighting its balance of firepower and shootability, which helped generate early interest among enthusiasts and professionals.

Production

The Bren Ten was manufactured by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc. at their facility in , spanning the period from 1983 to 1986. Production emphasized high-quality frames machined to precise specifications, though the company relied heavily on outsourced components, including magazines produced by Mec-Gar in , which frequently caused assembly and delivery delays. Slides were fabricated in-house or through specialized machinists to accommodate the double-action/single-action mechanism and chambering. Overall output totaled an estimated 1,500 completed units, with serial numbers ranging from 0001 to approximately 2500; however, numerous gaps existed in the sequence due to incomplete assemblies stemming from disruptions and financial constraints. First deliveries occurred in late to fulfill advance orders taken the prior year, with peak production activity in amid growing demand fueled by media exposure. The pistols were distributed primarily through select U.S. dealers, navigating domestic regulations while facing export limitations under federal guidelines. Initial manufacturer's suggested retail price stood at $500 in 1984, reflecting the pistol's premium positioning, but escalating scarcity drove prices above $1,000 by 1986 as production faltered. Dornaus & Dixon filed for in 1986, abruptly ending the original run and leaving many orders unfulfilled.

Design Features

Architecture and Materials

The Bren Ten features an all-stainless constructed from corrosion-resistant material, paired with a slide to mitigate between the components during operation. This combination results in a two-tone appearance, with the frame typically exhibiting a or brushed finish on flat surfaces and media-blasted rounded areas for enhanced grip texture. The unloaded weight of the is approximately 36 ounces, contributing to its robust feel suitable for the chambering. The pistol's ergonomics emphasize a natural grip angle inspired by the CZ-75 design, with checkered walnut grips available in smooth or 20 lines-per-inch patterns for improved control. The frame includes a checkered front strap and backstrap to aid handling, while the overall dimensions—8.75 inches in length and 5.5 inches in height—accommodate a high grip position. The 5-inch barrel is secured by a fixed, screw-in bushing with Power-Seal rifling for enhanced velocity and consistent alignment and reliability in short-recoil operation. Sights consist of adjustable three-dot combat-style units as standard for precision targeting. Finish options for the slide include blued or hard-chromed treatments, enhancing durability and aesthetics while maintaining the pistol's distinctive profile. Safety features incorporate an external , a frame-mounted thumb safety that is reversible for left- or right-handed use, and a slide-mounted crossbolt block to prevent accidental discharge, along with a loaded-chamber indicator.

Operating Mechanism

The Bren Ten employs a double-action/single-action with an external hammer, allowing for versatile carry options including "cocked and locked" with the hammer back or in double-action mode for the first shot. The trigger features a relatively heavy double-action pull transitioning to a lighter single-action pull, providing controlled operation suited to its powerful 10mm chambering. The pistol operates on a short-recoil locked-breech system utilizing a falling locking block, derived from the CZ-75 design but with refinements to the block for enhanced reliability under high-pressure loads. Upon firing, drives the and barrel rearward together until the locking block drops, unlocking them and allowing the to continue extracting and ejecting the spent case while recocking the . The frame-mounted thumb safety blocks the sear when engaged, permitting secure carry configurations and allowing the to be manually lowered safely. The spring and guide rod assembly, positioned beneath the barrel in a Browning-style configuration, is specifically tuned to manage the vigorous of 10mm ammunition; a built-in buffer within the slide further absorbs impact at the end of the slide's rearward travel, reducing felt and frame battering. For field disassembly, the pistol is first unloaded and the hammer lowered if cocked, then the slide-mounted takedown pin is removed to allow the slide, barrel, and recoil components to separate from the stainless steel frame, facilitating a process akin to the 1911 but adapted for the Bren Ten's enclosed-slide architecture. An internal firing pin block safety, consisting of a transversely sliding bolt in the slide with a keyhole opening, prevents forward movement of the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled, rendering the pistol drop-safe against inertial discharge even with a round chambered.

Magazines

The Bren Ten employed a double-stack magazine constructed of blued steel, designed specifically for the cartridge with a standard capacity of 10 rounds in full-size models. These magazines, manufactured by the firm Mec-Gar, incorporated integrated feed lips optimized for the rimless 10mm case to ensure proper alignment and feeding within the pistol's short-recoil mechanism. The dual-caliber capability allowed the same magazine to hold 8 rounds of , though the 10mm configuration was primary for standard models. The magazine release featured an extended button positioned on the left side of the frame, promoting rapid reloads by permitting activation without substantially altering the shooting grip. Despite the Bren Ten's design roots in the CZ-75 platform, its magazines were incompatible with CZ-75 pistols owing to modifications in baseplate shape and overall geometry tailored to the larger frame and . Original Mec-Gar magazines were plagued by quality control shortcomings, including inconsistent fit in the magazine well and inadequate durability under the 10mm's high pressures, resulting in frequent feeding failures, distortion after moderate use, and premature wear on the catch mechanism. These reliability concerns stemmed partly from production delays and subpar initial batches, forcing Dornaus & Dixon to seek supplemental supplies; many pistols shipped without magazines, exacerbating owner frustration. Shooters frequently turned to Mec-Gar replacements or American-made alternatives for improved performance. Following the original production run, aftermarket magazines in or nickel-plated finishes became available to enhance resistance and longevity, often addressing the original flaws. Extended 15-round appeared sporadically but proved rare and generally unreliable due to feeding inconsistencies. Today, Bren Ten magazines remain a collector's item, with functional examples commanding premium prices owing to their and .

Specifications

Dimensions and Capacity

The standard Bren Ten features an overall length of 8.75 inches, a barrel length of 5 inches, a of 5.5 inches, and a width of 1.3 inches. Unloaded, the weighs 38 ounces, constructed primarily from in a short-recoil operated . The double-stack magazine design provides this 10-round capacity, with an external button release and no internal magwell for compatibility with the pistol's architecture. Additional measurements include a sight of 6.88 inches, offering comparable to a full-size but with a wider to accommodate the double-stack configuration.

Ballistics

The Bren Ten's ballistics were centered on the cartridge, with a standard load consisting of a 180-grain jacketed hollow-point (JHP) achieving a of 1,250 feet per second (fps) from its 5-inch barrel, delivering approximately 624 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of . Full-power Norma loads pushed a 200-grain to around 1,200 fps, yielding about 640 ft-lbs of energy, and provided an effective combat range of up to 50 yards. These performance levels established the 10mm as a high-energy round capable of sustained fire from the pistol's 10-round capacity. Recoil characteristics for the Bren Ten were notable, with energy estimated at 11-12 ft-lbs for typical 180-grain loads, moderated by the all-steel and an integrated slide buffer that helped control muzzle flip during rapid fire. In ballistic gelatin tests, expanding 10mm bullets from the Bren Ten penetrated 12-18 inches, offering superior depth compared to standard 9mm loads while being comparable to +P ammunition in terminal performance. The cartridge operated within SAAMI maximum pressure limits of 37,500 , allowing the Bren Ten to handle full-power loads without compromise, in contrast to the FBI's later adoption of reduced-velocity specifications around 950-1,000 for the same 180-grain bullet to mitigate concerns. This design emphasis on robust pressure tolerance contributed to the pistol's reputation for reliable cycling under high-intensity conditions.

Variants

Standard Models

The served as the foundational full-size variant of the Bren Ten pistol, produced by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises as a heavy-duty semi-automatic chambered in for defensive and service use. It featured a 5-inch barrel, an overall length of 8.75 inches, and a weight of 38 ounces, with a frame and a matte finish slide that could be blued or stainless for corrosion resistance. The pistol employed fixed combat sights and a 10-round double-stack , emphasizing reliability with full-power loads despite a high derived from its CZ-75-inspired design. Serial numbers for these models used prefixes such as "83SM" or "84SM," denoting the production year (1983 or 1984) and Standard Model designation, followed by a sequential number. Introduced in 1983, the Standard Model represented approximately 70% of total Bren Ten output, with deliveries beginning in 1984 amid initial manufacturing challenges like magazine supply issues from supplier Mec-Gar. Minor cosmetic and functional variations emerged over production, including improved slide serrations in later examples and optional adjustable rear sights for enhanced accuracy. A limited number of commemorative or presentation models, such as the Dual-Master with special finishes, were produced, though exact quantities for variants like those with ivory grips and gold accents remain unverified beyond small runs. The Marksman Special Match, a .45 ACP conversion of the Standard Model, was produced in 250 units without the Bren Ten markings. Overall, around 1,050 Standard Model pistols were made before the company's bankruptcy in 1986, making them the most common yet highly collectible configuration today.

Compact Models

The compact models of the Bren Ten were designed for applications, featuring size reductions while preserving the base architecture of the double-action/single-action mechanism and chambering. The primary compact variant, known as the model, incorporated a 4-inch barrel and a reduced height of approximately 5 inches, along with a 10-round double-stack magazine capacity; it weighed about 34 ounces and was introduced in 1985. These models were offered in two finishes: the Special Forces Light with a hard-chrome slide and frame, and the Special Forces Dark with a blued slide and black-oxide frame. Compared to the standard models, the compacts utilized a shorter recoil spring to match the reduced barrel length and featured adjusted rear sights for the shorter sight radius, though they retained the same DA/SA action with the Bren Ten's characteristic higher , which exacerbated muzzle flip in the smaller configuration. A further miniaturized iteration, the Pocket Model, employed a 3.86-inch barrel and an even more abbreviated grip accommodating an 8-round , resulting in an overall length of 7.25 inches; only 2 units were produced. Compact and Pocket models together accounted for less than 20% of the Bren Ten's total run of around 1,500 pistols, contributing to their rarity and elevated collector value, often fetching premiums over standard variants at auction. The shorter barrels in these models heightened recoil sensitivity due to the potent 10mm and diminished , with representative 180-grain loads achieving about 1,100 from the compact frame.

Accessories

The Bren Ten was supported by a range of factory and accessories designed to improve carry, handling, and customization, with many leveraging the pistol's 1911-style frame and construction for compatibility and durability. Factory options included custom holsters from Bianchi, such as the Model UM92I universal military holster, which accommodated the Bren Ten alongside other large-frame semi-automatics like the series. Leather shoulder rigs were also offered for versatile carry configurations. The decocker feature facilitated safe reholstering in these holsters by allowing the hammer to be lowered without firing. Optional grip panels enhanced and , with Hogue providing standard black fiberglass-reinforced grips featuring a non-slip pebble pattern and a Bren Ten "X" medallion. White variants simulating were available but are extremely rare today. Herrett supplied walnut grips in checkered or smooth finishes with rhodium-plated medallions, often adding a $50–$100 and appealing to collectors. The stainless finish of the Bren Ten required tailored cleaning kits to prevent and maintain its polished appearance, emphasizing the need for accessories suited to its material. Sights were a key area for upgrades, as early production models used flat-top slides with setscrew rear sights, while later versions incorporated click-adjustable rears for improved precision. Aftermarket enhancements included Bo-Mar adjustable rear sights for finer and elevation control, along with fiber-optic front sights to boost low-light visibility. Extended magazine releases and slide stops were available as factory or custom options to aid reloads and operation. Compensators were rare, typically limited to integral muzzle designs on custom builds to mitigate recoil from the powerful 10mm cartridge. Threaded adapters for suppressors existed but were uncommon due to the caliber's and limited suppressor options at the time. Following the discontinuation, support expanded, with companies like Cylinder & Slide providing parts and modifications compatible with the Bren Ten's architecture, such as tuned triggers and polished internals. Modern adaptations include non-original rail adapters added to the dust cover or frame for mounting weapon lights, reflecting ongoing collector interest despite the pistol's short production run.

Manufacturing Challenges and Legacy

Issues Faced

The Bren Ten encountered significant magazine supply challenges during its production run, primarily due to reliance on an manufacturer that failed to deliver components on time or in sufficient quantities. This resulted in delivery delays of 6 to 12 months for many customers and forced Dornaus & Dixon to ship some pistols without magazines or with vouchers, exacerbating customer dissatisfaction and reliability concerns as poorly tolerated magazines often caused failures to feed. The delays were further complicated by the government halting shipments, classifying the magazines as materials. Reliability problems further plagued the , with early units experiencing cracking and breakage under the of full-power 10mm loads, compounded by inconsistent in outsourced components. Poor parts fitment contributed to malfunctions during firing. The high power of the 10mm cartridge accelerated wear, and while the was designed to enhance , it proved inadequate against these forces in the rushed environment. Financial strains intensified these issues, leading to poor and operational disruptions. By late 1985, investor lawsuits compounded the cash shortages, culminating in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1986. suffered from inconsistencies in outsourced parts, such as frames and slides, which exhibited poor fitment and casting defects. Market dynamics added pressure, with overwhelming preorder demand—fueled by endorsements from figures like —outstripping the company's ability to supply reliable units, resulting in backlogs and lost sales. The introduction of the in 1987 provided stiffer competition by offering a more established 10mm platform from a major manufacturer, diverting interest as Bren Ten production faltered.

Discontinuation and Collectibility

Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc., the manufacturer of the Bren Ten, filed for in 1986 amid severe financial pressures stemming from production delays, problems, and unfulfilled orders, leading to the complete cessation of operations and of assets with no further pistols produced. Following the , the company's remaining inventory of completed Bren Ten pistols continued to be sold through distributors into 1987, while enthusiasts later assembled additional examples from surplus parts kits acquired during the process. Today, the Bren Ten holds significant collectibility due to its limited production run of approximately 1,500 units and its historical role in popularizing the cartridge, which has seen enduring influence in modern firearms such as the 20. Values as of 2025 typically range from $4,000 for examples in good condition to over $10,000 for new-in-box models. Auction sales at Rock Island Auction Company in 2024 averaged around $4,500 for standard models in varying conditions, with premium examples like the "Light" variant fetching $12,925; recent 2025 data shows used prices ranging $4,000–$9,200. New-in-box units command the highest prices due to their scarcity and pristine preservation. Despite its production flaws, the Bren Ten has achieved cult status among collectors for its innovative design and cultural prominence, notably from its exposure in the television series .

Resurrection Attempts

Following the 1986 bankruptcy of Dornaus & Dixon, several efforts were made to revive the Bren Ten design, though none succeeded in commercial production.

Early Revival Efforts

In the 1990s, entrepreneur Richard Voight acquired the rights through bankruptcy proceedings and established Peregrine Industries to resurrect the pistol as the , a handgun closely resembling the original Bren Ten. With involvement from original designers Tom Dornaus and Michael Dixon, Peregrine built approximately 50 prototypes for extensive testing, including durability trials. However, the project stalled due to funding shortages and technical challenges, resulting in no commercial units as of the early 2000s.

Vltor Fortis

On February 1, 2008, Vltor Weapon Systems, based in , announced the Fortis Pistol Project as a modern resurrection of the Bren Ten , utilizing contemporary CNC machining for improved precision and reliability. The initiative sought to capitalize on the renewed interest in the cartridge, driven in part by the enduring popularity of the 20 , while securing licensing rights to the original Bren Ten patents to address potential concerns. Key design enhancements included an optional polymer frame for reduced weight, upgraded magazines incompatible with the originals to enhance feeding reliability, and an integrated on the frame for mounting optics and accessories, all while preserving the CZ-75-derived ergonomics and 10mm chambering of the foundational Bren Ten model; a variant was also planned in standard and compact configurations. Non-functional mockups were showcased at the 2008 to gauge interest, followed by functional prototypes at the 2009 event, demonstrating the pistol's all-steel slide operation and double-action/single-action trigger system. Despite initial enthusiasm, the project faced mounting challenges, including the 2008-2009 economic downturn's impact on manufacturing costs and unresolved legal complexities surrounding patent usage and branding rights, leading to repeated delays. Although Vltor acquired rights to the Bren Ten name on July 27, 2009, for potential rebranding, the initiative was ultimately abandoned without production, with the last public update in 2015. The Fortis project generated considerable buzz within the firearms community, highlighting ongoing demand for high-capacity handguns, but its failure prompted Vltor to redirect resources toward their core rifle accessory products, such as AR-15 components, where the company continues to specialize.

Later Efforts

In the , Italian manufacturer Tanfoglio produced the Witness Elite Match in , a robust all-steel double-action/single-action derived from the CZ-75 design that echoed the Bren Ten's foundational but represented an independent evolution rather than a direct revival. Similarly, other firms explored CZ-75 pattern pistols chambered in , capitalizing on the cartridge's growing popularity without attempting to replicate the Bren Ten's specific features like its extended slide rails or proprietary magazine system. A more explicit resurrection effort emerged in 2021 when pistolsmith Chuck Warner, operating under the banner of Elite Warrior Armament (later rebranded for the project), announced the Combat Service Pistol (CSP)—a modern take on the original Bren Ten prototype initially conceived in .45 ACP before shifting to 10mm. The CSP was planned to include versions in both .45 ACP and 10mm Auto, retaining the Bren Ten's ambidextrous controls and high-capacity double-stack frame while addressing historical reliability issues through updated materials and machining. However, the project stalled shortly after announcement, with no prototypes advancing to production by 2025 due to funding constraints and logistical hurdles typical of small-scale custom firearms ventures. Beyond these initiatives, individual gunsmiths have undertaken limited custom builds, converting CZ-75 variants or fabricating small runs of Bren Ten-inspired pistols, though none achieved mass-market viability owing to the niche demand and specialized expertise required. Key barriers to broader revival include the expiration of core Dornaus & Dixon in the —such as U.S. 4,726,136 for safety mechanisms, filed in 1984 and expired after 17 years from issuance—eliminating obstacles but exposing designs to high retooling costs for obsolete machinery and competition from established 10mm offerings like the Glock 20 and P220. As of 2025, no active manufacturing of Bren Ten pistols or direct derivatives exists, leaving the platform confined to collector circles. Enthusiast communities continue to explore workarounds, such as 3D-printed grips and non-functional parts shared on specialized modeling repositories, sustaining interest without commercial output.

Cultural Significance

In Popular Media

The Bren Ten gained significant visibility through its prominent role in the television series , where it served as Detective Sonny Crockett's primary sidearm during the first two seasons (1984–1986). Portrayed by , Crockett wielded customized versions of the pistol, featuring a hard-chrome finish to enhance on-screen visibility during night scenes and modifications to fire .45 ACP blanks for safer filming, though these alterations sometimes led to malfunctions. The weapon's sleek, stainless two-tone aesthetic complemented the show's neon-drenched portrayal of 1980s underworld excess, amplifying its cultural resonance despite the pistol's brief production run. In film, the Bren Ten appeared as the Peregrine Falcon variant in (1993), wielded by F. Murray Abraham's character, John Practice, during a satirical sequence parodying action tropes. This cameo further cemented the pistol's status as a hallmark of 1980s-style firepower in , where its 10mm chambering evoked dramatic for high-stakes confrontations. The Bren Ten's media exposure, particularly via , played a key role in popularizing the cartridge among enthusiasts, even as production issues limited real-world availability. Custom prop versions, including engraved or specially finished models for television, highlighted its adaptability for visual storytelling. Today, replicas and original examples appear in collections such as the NRA National Firearms Museum, preserving its legacy as an emblem of 1980s pop culture flair.

Influence on Firearms Design

The Bren Ten's introduction of the cartridge in played a pivotal role in popularizing the round among law enforcement and civilians, setting the stage for its adoption by the FBI in 1989 following the 1986 Miami Shootout, which highlighted the inadequacies of the FBI's then-standard 9mm and sidearms and led to the agency's adoption of the 10mm cartridge using the Model 1076 pistols. This momentum continued with the release of the 20 in 1990, which further entrenched the 10mm in the market and indirectly influenced the development of the +P loading as a toned-down alternative after the FBI reduced the 10mm's power due to excessive recoil. The pistol's all-steel, double-stack frame design, derived from an enlarged CZ-75 platform to handle the 10mm's pressures, inspired subsequent manufacturers to produce similar robust configurations in high-power calibers. Italian firm Tanfoglio developed the Witness series—imported by EAA in the U.S.—as a direct successor, offering an all-steel, double-stack 10mm pistol with comparable dimensions and capacity that addressed some of the Bren Ten's production shortcomings while retaining its beefed-up CZ-75 aesthetics. The Bren Ten's slide-mounted decocker, allowing safe hammer drop on a loaded chamber, contributed to the trend of integrating such mechanisms into double-action/single-action service pistols for enhanced carry safety without manual hammer lowering. Ergonomically, the Bren Ten's 17-degree grip angle from vertical, combined with a deep beavertail tang and thumb safety, provided a natural pointable stance that echoed 1911-style controls while accommodating the double-stack frame, influencing the handling characteristics of 1990s combat-oriented handguns designed for tactical use. Despite its innovations, the Bren Ten's persistent magazine reliability issues—stemming from inconsistent manufacturing and inadequate heat treatment—exposed vulnerabilities in high-capacity pistol magazines for powerful cartridges, prompting aftermarket developers to prioritize more durable, precision-engineered options that became standard for 10mm platforms. The cartridge's enduring appeal has seen a notable resurgence in the 2020s, with manufacturers like introducing the XD-M series in 10mm around 2019, offering modern polymer-framed options with 15+1 capacity that trace their lineage to the Bren Ten's original vision of a versatile, high-performance defensive round.

References

  1. [1]
    Dornaus and Dixon Bren Ten Pistol - NRA Museums:
    The Bren Ten pistol was designed to be the perfect combat handgun, but faltered in production. The original manufacturer, Dornaus & Dixon, had relied on a ...
  2. [2]
    The Classics: The Bren Ten | An Official Journal Of The NRA
    Sep 6, 2025 · The Bren Ten featured a stainless steel frame paired with a blued carbon-steel slide. In addition to preventing galling, it gave the pistol a ...
  3. [3]
    [PDF] 10MM AUTO - Bren Ten Wiki
    Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises was formed in Decem- ber 1979 with the combined efforts of two men, Thomas. F. Dornaus and Michael W. Dixon, who had decided to ...
  4. [4]
    Bren Tens: History and Development | Rock Island Auction
    Bren Ten Special Forces "Light" pistol, a limited issue example of this famed 80s handgun, sold for $12,925 in RIAC's June 2024 S&C Auction. Redubbed the Bren ...
  5. [5]
    Bren Ten: The Pistol that Pop Culture Made - Collector's Elite Auctions
    Bearing serial number 83SM00150, it is the 150th gun ever made. That makes it one of the first 10 percent to be produced. No matter what the gun, early ones ...
  6. [6]
    The 10mm Auto: History & Performance of a Potent Pistol Cartridge
    Jul 8, 2020 · The Bren Ten, chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge, was introduced in 1983, and Norma of Sweden was contracted to load the ammunition.
  7. [7]
    A History of the 10mm Auto - Guns and Ammo
    May 2, 2016 · The Bren Ten was a CZ 75-based pistol designed around a new and powerful cartridge, the 10mm Auto. The Bren Ten and the 10mm Auto cartridge ...
  8. [8]
    The Bren Ten: A Historical Failure - The Mag Life
    Dec 23, 2021 · In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a California company called Dornaus and Dixon teamed up with Jeff Cooper, yes, that Jeff Cooper, to create a ...
  9. [9]
    GUNS AMMO - Bren Ten Wiki
    Although not financially involved with. Dornaus & Dixon, Jeff did agree to act as ... 40 GUNS & AMMO/AUGUST 1984. The Bren Ten features a unique firing pin lock.
  10. [10]
    Bren Ten pistola in calibro 10mm Auto - All4Shooters.com
    Feb 27, 2020 · The Bren Ten pistol in 10mm Auto was manufactured by the Californian company Dornaus & Dickson Enterprises, Inc. from 1983 to 1986.Missing: history units<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises And The Bren Ten
    Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises was formed in December 1979 with the combined efforts of two men, Thomas F. Dornaus and Michael W. Dixon, who had decided to ...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding
  12. [12]
    Bren Ten Pistol - Modern Firearms
    The Bren Ten is manufactured from stainless steel. It is a recoil operated, locked breech firearm that utilizes Brownings' linkless locking (High Power type).
  13. [13]
    Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises Inc - Bren Ten Wiki
    Jeff Cooper took this and renamed the Combat Service Pistol 80 the Bren Ten. The Bren Ten was produced from 1983 to 1986. They had started taking orders in ...
  14. [14]
    Bren Ten: The Most Tactical Pistol! - Forgotten Weapons
    Sep 30, 2015 · The Bren Ten is an interesting story of handgun development and business failure. The gun was first developed by Dornaus & Dixon.
  15. [15]
    Saturday, July 15, 2006 - Average Joe's Handgun Reviews
    Jul 15, 2006 · The MSRP for a Bren Ten in 1986, the year when production ceased ... MSRP (prices of $1500 were not unheard of). Don Johnson as "Miami ...
  16. [16]
    Resurrection of the Bren Ten
    Stainless steel was used for the frame and a number of small parts. The slide was carbon steel. Some internal parts were carbon and tool steel. This mixture ...
  17. [17]
    The Grandfather of Modern 10mms - The Bren 10 - Athlon Outdoors
    If the Bren Ten looks familiar, that is because its lines nod to the CZ-75. The slide rides inside, and the grip angle feels natural for most shooters. It is a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    The Bren Ten In Detail
    This makes for a alpha-numeric serial number consisting of nine characters total, reguardless of model. These two factors (the frame finish and serial number) ...Missing: range gaps
  19. [19]
    Massad Ayoob: History of the Bren Ten - Gun Digest
    May 18, 2012 · Its creator, the living legend Jeff Cooper, wrote in his column in the April 2004 Guns & Ammo ... The Bren Ten literally carried Jeff Cooper's “ ...
  20. [20]
    Field Strip: Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises Inc. - Bren Ten - YouTube
    Sep 5, 2024 · In this Field Strip video I demonstrate how to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance the Bren Ten pistol by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises ...Missing: patent slide locking mechanism
  21. [21]
    https://patents.google.com/patent/US4726136A/en
  22. [22]
    What Happened to the Bren Ten? - Pew Pew Tactical
    Nov 12, 2022 · The Bren Ten had a lot going for it and had tons of hype, but then it crashed and burned. Today we are going to explore what happened to the Bren Ten.<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Bren Ten Pistol - Modern Firearms
    Weight unloaded: 1070 g. Length: 222 mm. Barrel length: 127 mm / 5in (also 102 mm / 4in in compact model) Capacity: 11 rounds. The Bren Ten Pistol was ...Missing: specifications dimensions
  24. [24]
    Fast Five: Best 10mm Handguns & Ammo Guide | Gunivore
    Jul 3, 2018 · While the centerfire cartridge was initially marketed for the Bren Ten ... • Height: 5.5” • Width: 1.25” • Weight: 2.4 lbs. (38 oz ...
  25. [25]
    Nine Lives of the 10 mm Auto | An Official Journal Of The NRA
    Jul 18, 2018 · ... Bren Ten is a bright light on the horizon. It could be the dawn of a ... Utilizing what it calls the “Universal Ergonomic Grip” the ...
  26. [26]
    10mm Ballistics - Chart with Velocity, Energy & Drop Data
    Jan 19, 2022 · When 10mm ammo has a 180 grain bullet and 1,250 fps muzzle velocity, its muzzle energy is 624 ft lbs. The 357 Magnum's heavyweight 158 grain ...
  27. [27]
    All About the 10 mm Auto Round | An Official Journal Of The NRA
    Jun 22, 2020 · ... 200-grain 10mm loads can approach and even exceed 1,200 fps. Out of a full-size 1911 they can generate 73-percent more recoil energy than a .
  28. [28]
    10mm vs. 45 ACP: Old Reliable, or New and Undeniable?
    On average, a 45 ACP 230 grain round generates 7.5 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of free recoil energy, whereas the average 10mm 180 grain load generates 11.4 ft-lbs.
  29. [29]
    10mm Auto Ballistic Test with Hornady Ammo
    Mar 23, 2013 · The 10mm Auto test used 155gr, 180gr, and 200gr Hornady ammo. 180gr had 1162 fps velocity, 17.5" bare gel penetration, and 172gr weight ...
  30. [30]
    10mm Auto 160 gr. SCHP - Super Vel Ammunition
    Penetration is exceptional, averaging 15 to 18 inches in ballistic gel. Expansion is dramatic, over .800 caliber with six sharp cutting petals. Our 10mm Auto ...
  31. [31]
    Why 10mm Auto Was a Total Disaster for the FBI - Lucky Gunner
    Sep 4, 2024 · The Swedish ammo company Norma turned the custom hand loads into a more refined factory-made cartridge. Their initial offerings included a 200- ...
  32. [32]
    Bren Ten Buyer's Guide
    250 Marksmans were built, comprising approx. 18% of the total Bren production run. These guns are essentially .45 ACP Standard Models but do not have the Bren ...
  33. [33]
    Bianchi Model UM92I Universal Military Holster w/Trigger Shield ...
    Fits up to 2.25" (58mm) belt. FITS: Most Large Frame 5" Semiautos; BERETTA: 92/96 series 8000F 8040F 92FS/96 Vertec; BREN TEN: M&P ...
  34. [34]
    https://www.gundigest.com/more/classic-guns/what-killed-the-bren-ten
  35. [35]
    Bren Ten Grips
    ¶ Herrett Checkered Walnut Grips · Manufacturered by Herrett · Lacquer finish · 20 lines per inch checkering · Rhodium plated Bren Ten "X" Medallions.Missing: decocker lever thumb groove
  36. [36]
    Home - Cylinder & Slide - Handguns parts and accessories
    Colt "E" Frame (Non Python) Parts · Colt Python Parts · 1911 Reproduction Parts · Barrels/Barrel Bushings/Barrel Links · Ejectors/Triggers/Slide Stops · Firing ...Custom Services · Custom Pistolsmithing · Parts & Accessories · 1911 Parts
  37. [37]
    Forgotten Weapons Calls the Bren Ten "The Most Tactical Pistol"
    Oct 2, 2015 · The Bren Ten can trace the roots of its design back to 1979. It was created by Michael Dixon and Thomas Dornaus of Dornaus and Dixon ...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding
  38. [38]
    https://fenixammo.com/pages/10mm-auto-facts-and-history
  39. [39]
    Firearm Factory of the Month: Dornaus & Dixon
    Jun 2, 2021 · They found a suitable manufacturing facility (if a bit on the small side) in Hunting Beach, California. Located about a block from Marina Park ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    June Sporting & Collector Auction Realizes $7.37 Million
    Bren Ten Special Forces "Light" pistol, a limited issue example of the famed 1980s handgun, took home $12,925. Another pistol produced in limited quantities ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    BREN 10 New and Used Price, Value, & Trends 2025
    Recently Sold BREN 10 pistolS ; PRICE: $8,691.66, MANUFACTURER: Other Manufacturer ; CONDITION: Used, MODEL: Other Model ; SOLD: 2 months ago, UPC: ; LOCATION: ...Missing: 1983 | Show results with:1983
  42. [42]
    VLTOR FORTIS pistol project first look - Military Morons
    From Vltor's press release on Feb 01, 2008: "Tucson, AZ - Feb 01, 2008 - Vltor Weapon Systems today announced the launch of the Fortis Pistol Project, a ...
  43. [43]
    Vltor Fortis: Bren Ten clone will be in production soon
    Jan 16, 2009 · It will be available in both 10mm AUTO and .45 ACP. It should be on sale later this year (2009).Missing: canceled | Show results with:canceled
  44. [44]
    Vltor Bren Ten | thefirearmblog.com
    Jan 21, 2010 · The Vltor Bren Ten (formally the Fortis pistol) is a clone of the original 10mm Auto Bren Ten. The main differences are, according to the company, tighter ...
  45. [45]
    Vltor Fortis Semi-Auto Pistol: Improved Bren Ten in 10mm and .45ACP
    Mar 12, 2009 · An actual Fortis functional prototype pistol aka modernized and improved Bren Ten pistol, and our visit was even more successful than we thought it would be.
  46. [46]
    What ever happened to Viltor bringing back the Bren Ten?
    Jul 14, 2020 · The next thing I knew, the project was terminated by VLTOR. I read that VLTOR wanted to focus production on other things at the last minute and ...Missing: delays outsourced
  47. [47]
    Bren Ten | Page 6 | 1911Forum
    Dec 28, 2011 · The main complaint I heard when I almost bought one with a Wonder Finish seven years ago happened to be the slide cracking and not the frame.
  48. [48]
    Elite Warrior Armament Custom Hi-Power 9x19mm Semi-Automatic Pistol
    ### Summary of Elite Warrior Armament's Plans for Bren Ten Resurrection
  49. [49]
    Bren Ten - start praying for resurrection - The Firing Line Forums
    Apr 12, 2021 · It's built by Chuck Warner, and called Combat Service Pistol, which is what the .45 ACP prototype Bren was called, before Cooper decided it ...Bren Ten - start praying for resurrection [Archive] - The Firing LineWho's also a big Bren Ten fan? - The Firing Line ForumsMore results from thefiringline.com
  50. [50]
    Best 10mm Pistols & Handguns: Go Big or Go Home
    A thinner, more ergonomic grip module with aggressive texturing and a ... The Bren Ten was the first 10mm and Cooper along with others developed it. It ...
  51. [51]
    Bren Ten - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
    The gun was a bigger and a stronger version of the 9x19mm CZ-75. Col. Jeff Cooper was the design consultant, adding many changes to the original design ...
  52. [52]
    Guns of Pop Culture: "Miami Vice" & the Bren Ten
    Apr 6, 2022 · In this Guns of Pop Culture, we take a look at an iconic cop show of the '80s..."Miami Vice" and the Bren Ten seen in the hands of Crockett.
  53. [53]
    The Rise, Fall — and Rise — of the 10mm - GUNS Magazine
    In the early 1980s, the combined wisdom of Jeff Cooper and Whit Collins created the 10mm Auto cartridge. Dornaus & Dixon introduced their Bren Ten pistol as ...
  54. [54]
    Colonel Cooper's Bren Ten: Shooting Too Close to the Sun (VIDEO)
    May 15, 2013 · Cooper suggested they change the caliber from .45 ACP to a new (and very hot) .40 cal. round and even offered the use of his signature raven ...
  55. [55]
    [PDF] Bren Ten 10mm Combat Pistol
    Several design factors combine to give the Bren Ten its high velocity and low operating pressure. ... locking lugs keep barrel and slide to- gether during ...
  56. [56]
    Springfield Armory XD-M 10mm Pistols Review - Guns and Ammo
    Sep 3, 2019 · Thanks to the full-size grip, the XD-M 10 holds 15 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. The magazine release is ambidextrous, too.
  57. [57]
    FIRST LOOK: The Springfield XDM 10mm Pistol Has Arrived
    The new 10mm features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, an accessory rail and a very ergonomic grip.