Dornaus & Dixon Bren Ten Standard Model 10mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1983 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5422.97
LSB#: 210429CT01
Make: Dornaus & Dixon
Model: Bren Ten, Standard Model
Serial Number: 83SM00946
Year of Manufacture: 1983, ATF Classified C&R
Caliber: 10mm
Action Type: Traditional Double Action Semi-Automatic (DA/SA) with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BREN TEN”. The top of the slide is marked “CAUTION-READ MANUAL” between the ejection port and the rear sight. The right side of the slide is marked “Cal. 10mm AUTO” and “BREN TEN”. The sides of the firing pin block safety are marked “S” and “F” for Safe and Fire, respectively. The underside of the slide is marked “946” towards the rear. The barrel is marked “Cal. 10mm AUTO” over the chamber area. The left side of the frame is marked “83SM00946” on the dust cover and with the Gunsite Raven in front of the slide stop. The frames right side is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”, “PAT. PEND.” and “MANUAL AVAILABLE FROM: / DORNAUS & DIXON ENT., INC. / HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA.”
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a white dot. The front sight is vertically pinned to the slide and the barrel bushing. The rear sight is a square notch with two white dots. The rear sight is screw-adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Hogue combat grips made of fiberglass reinforced nylon. They have a pebbled texture and a Bren Ten “X” medallion. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Slide, Brushed & Matte Stainless Steel Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is intact. “The Bren Ten employs “power seal” rifling as developed by Barret Boots Oberineyer. Unlike conventional rifling which is cut at a ninety degree angle to the bore, the Power Seal rifling is cut at a shallower angle. This sloped surface increases the area available to guide the bullet and is reported to have a number of beneficial effects. First the bullet is less deformed so accuracy is improved. As the bullet seals the bore more completely very little gas escapes hence higher velocity.” (Paraphrased from the article “Peregrine Falcon” by Nigel Milner in the Jan/Feb 1991 issue of “Guns & Weapons” magazine.) There appears to be minor erosion in the bore, but this should prove to be stubborn fouling after a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation on the side faces of the hammer, and the slide. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The ejector is intact. The firing pin block and the safety lever work smoothly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a manual, manual addendum sheet, and a single 10-round magazine. The right side of the magazine body is marked “10mm”, “3” through “10” with witness holes at each number and “FULL” under the “10”. The floorplate has two pins in the floorplate at the front which rest against the bottom of the frame with the magazine fully inserted. The magazine shows minor operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine-plus condition.
Our Assessment: There is a lot of mystique surrounding the Bren Ten semi-automatic 10mm pistol. Col. Jeff Cooper is listed as “the conceptual designer and technical adviser on the Bren Ten Program” (per the 1983 catalog.) Based on the CZ-75, it can be double action on the first shot with second strike capability as well. It is also capable of being carried “cocked and locked” as a single action pistol in the manner of a 1911. Although it shares features in common with the 9mm CZ-75 and the .45 ACP 1911, the Bren Ten is chambered in the more powerful 10mm cartridge. “The Bren Ten was conceived by Jeff Cooper as the ultimate combat pistol and engineered and developed by Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises” (again, per the 1983 catalog.) Its arrival was eagerly anticipated, but was never the commercial success it designer and manufacturer had hoped. The Bren Ten was used by Don Johnson’s character Sonny Crockett during the first two seasons of the TV show “Miami Vice” which helped increase its visibility and desirability. The example in this auction has “83SM00942” serial number, which is consistent with its features. This pistol was made after the introduction if the various design changes to the model, with a trigger stop, additional frame safety marking, screw-adjustable rear sight, and a round-top slide. The pistol doesn’t appear to have seen much use, in Fine to Excellent condition. From 1983 to 1986 a total of only about 1,500 Bren Ten pistols were manufactured in various models, making them a limited production, collectable and highly sought after pistol. Don’t miss this chance! Please see our photos and good luck!