Well, we have an excuse for being at least one day late; we did not want to make a post on April Fool’s Day… but we did want to make another post to assure everyone that the Fortis Pistol is alive and well, it has not fallen victim to “the Curse”.
Okay, so here is the real deal: Unless you have been living in a cave, in the remote mountain regions of Asscrackistan, you know that there has been an overwhelming surge in the sales and demand for anything firearms related… this demand started last November and curiously skyrocketed around the third week of January, only weeks after we returned from SHOT ’09.
Of course Vltor has a great deal of product that sits at the top of this burgeoning demand, but a lot of folks may not know that there are many goodies under our roof that are not found on the Vltor website – many of these lesser known items are delivered on government contracts and naturally take priority.
So… to be perfectly honest, with the onslaught of orders for existing products, we did push the Fortis to back of the table a bit, but it is still on the table and headway is still being made. Here is a quick update: All of the final design work to the frame has been finished, and the frame is production ready; the grips have been redesigned with a slight change to the “swell” which fills the hand much better (really, really nice); the production barrels are done; and several other little spring/screw/clip things have been finalized.
We have also increased the size of our production facility and have spent many hours designing new fixtures and tooling, we have given a lot of attention to increasing our production ability and we are installing a few million dollars worth of new machinery, most of this with an eye exclusively on the production of the Fortis Pistol.
Rest assured, the Fortis is still going to happen, but also rest assured that the time we temporarily took away from the Fortis has been well spent; we have been able to continue answering the phones, shipping product and most importantly filling contract orders to get essential product to our war fighters.
Great to hear we will have the Vltor Fortis. I will be one of the first to order a model. I’m thinking the Vice Model, but I may just get them all. Thanks for the update!
Eric:
Many sincere thanks for the update. As a patient man, my interest in acquiring the Fortis is not slacked at all and I’m pleased that your team is refining the details now and not leaving it to your customers to ‘wring out’ the issues. I appreciate that this project is the culmination of your long-standing interest in this pistol and that this is a ‘labor of love’. You will notice that the Fortis now has a Wikipedia page and I believe that the demand will be strong when you begin to take orders.
Thanks for the update! I’m eager, but patient. I’d rather it take you two more years(though I hope not!!) if it means releasing a flawless pistol.
I’ve waited 23 years for a “Sonny Crockett” gun, I can wait a few more months….
Any chance of some test firing videos?
Thanks for the update, Eric. Hopefully, it will help most folks stay encouraged about the very important work that is going on at Vltor and ease their minds regarding the Fortis and appreciate your obvious and unwavering commitment to bringing it to full fruition.
Patience, Grasshoppers…
For the rest, perhaps it will help them to gain a more realistic and broader perspective on things and preclude getting their knickers in a twist any more than they already have…
Water in the Desert.
Please hurry for the love of God! I can only watch so many Miami Vice reruns to get my “Fortis Fix!”
Eagerly awaiting the release and thanks for the update.
Eric,
thanks for the update. I can not wait to get my 2 Vice Models in 45 ACP. Keep up the good work. Keep updating all of us. Duane
I check this every day, I appreciate the update and I just wanted to let you know how excited i am for the Fortis
“Asscrackistan”? Now THAT’s funny!!!!!
I’m also excited and eager for this project to come to fruition. Its my sincerest hope that the current political climate…and firearms detractors in Washington won’t make it impossible for an “average” joe to afford one of these. Recent trends in ammunition availability and cost are somewhat disconcerting.
I may be the only guy here who couldn’t care less about Miami Mice or Sunny Cricket.
The Fortis interests me for one reason only. Every time that I put the magazine in my pistol, cycle the slide, and put it in the holster, that may be the day that someone innocent person will go home or not, solely determined by that round resting in the chamber going where it is needed and striking hard enough to do the job.
I currently carry a Gunsite Service Pistol. Colonel Cooper said that the only thing better was the Bren Ten Concept and the full-house 10mm. If the Guru thinks it’s better, then it’s what I want to have on the day that everything depends on THAT ONE ROUND.
So, the sooner that I have a Fortis in the holster, the sooner that I will have something better than what I have now. Please don’t take any more time than you have to.
Thanks for the update how about a pic or two. Could you not be so long on the next one.
Semper Fidelis
Thank you for the update! I am firmly in the “take your time, make it perfect” camp.
KW6,
nope…you’re not the only guy here who doesn’t give a flyin’-flip about “Miami Mice or Sunny Cricket”…that was good, btw…or the grownup “nom de guerre” fantasies surrounding the show, the characters, or the guns they shot…sure, it helped popularize the Bren Ten, but honestly, if all had worked out as it could have, the BT (and the 10mm Auto) would have been firmly on the map and in the shooting community’s hearts and minds…without Miami Vice being anything more than an interesting footnote akin to the interest in S&W Model 29’s because of Dirty Harry or 10mm Pulse Rifles because of Aliens, etc.
Truly, it’s solely about the intent, design, and now implementation, of a vastly superior firearm and an ingeniously designed, incredibly powerful, accurate, and extraordinarily useful/adaptable cartridge, the 10mm Auto.
For nearly 30 years, I was a dedicated 1911 shooter/believer, even had one customized by Paul Liebenberg, a pistol which shoots like a dream. It started out to be a Centimeter project, but when Colt announced a 10mm Auto, it stayed a .45 ACP…a lot of things were happening very fast in the firearms industry in those days. I’ve closely followed the 10mm Auto through it’s development and different iterations and believe the cartridge is far superior to the .45 ACP in EVERY regard!
I also have a Liebenberg customized Colt Delta Elite Gold Cup…sure, it will handle 10mm Auto, but I choose to shoot 40S&W through it because I don’t want to shorten the life-cycle of a very nice gun that was adapted to the 10mm cartridge and not developed for it. The Fortis is designed for the cartridge and is destined to be a much better pistol, all-around, than the 1911 could ever be…and with the determination, dedication, and great priorities that Eric and Vltor demonstrate…the Fortis WILL fulfill that destiny and perhaps even Jeff Cooper’s words will resonate further through the ages as it takes it’s place in history as “The Heir Apparent – The Heir Crowned King”. What a legacy to all those who contributed to it…and to those who finally made it a reality!
In the end…it’s really about the perfect caliber/pistol design…what more significance does it need than that?
I stand by calling it a “Sonny Crockett” gun. That’s how I was first introduced to the Bren 10…
I’m still not sure about full power 10mm as a carry caliber though. Sure it’s powerful, but is it too powerful? Any round can over penetrate, but research seems to indicate the 10mm is practically designed for it….
I suppose 10mm “light” loads would still be a little hotter than 40SW. I don’t know….
For the moment I view the Fortis as a must have novelty, albeit one with tremendous potential!
To No.s 11 and 14: Well I for one probably watched too much Miami Vice during my younger years, but the Fortis certainly interests me for reasons far beyond simple nostalgia. I’ve always been a true believer in the philosophy of ‘go all-out, or don’t go at all’ and the 10mm Auto embodies that idea – and I trust that Vltor will deliver me a weapon that, in capacity,reliability, and ergonomics, will outdo and replace my good old S&W 1006 in every respect.
Patience is a virtue. I trust Vltor to get this thing right and I’m willing to wait, as long as necessary. I’ll keep my money safe and set aside until that time.
I know you guys have more work to do than you’ll ever have time for, but I just wanted to jump in and say I’d kill for a VIS in 308 (dpms side preferably). Love my 556, but a 308 would rock.
Thanks!
I’m also watching this development with some interest.
I always had some interest in the 10mm cartridge and would like to see a good modern platform for it. I am old enough to remember the gun magazine layouts of the Bren Ten and thinking it was a very pretty handgun, and a few years later the Colt Delta appeared.
I like the idea very much: a cartridge producing significantly more power and performance than the .357 Mag or .45 ACP +P, capable of fitting in the 1911 or similar size platforms, though the 10mm cartridge did have a reputation for being a bit too much of a good thing and damaging Bren Tens and Colt Deltas (at least with 1980s metallurgy, perhaps 25 years later we can do better).
I like the platform very much: an all steel handgun with a double column mag, designed to allow the user the option of Condition One carry. Double column mags and a possible .45 ACP conversion are likewise pleasant to contemplate.
I will say that perhaps it is the wrong time for such things. While I’m always happy to see new developments, in early 2009 it’s excruciatingly difficult to get .22 rimfire, at least locally, much less the almost exotic 10mm cartridge. Legislation which we are likely to see very soon indeed may obviate the double-column magazine as well. These things dishearten me. I hope to be proven wrong, of course.
I cant Wait for this pistol, it will go so nice with my other Tens. I love it when the others on the range ask if you are shooting a rocket launcher. this pistol will compleate the set that I am passing on to my children, 1 ten to each of them Five in all. Problem is I think it will be so good I will have to get four more to just be fair. Keep up the good work on all of your projects the men and women over come first. keep them safe.
What kind of trigger pull will the fortis have?
Will it come with night sights optional or standard?
Will it have a light rail?
Can’t wait for the pistol to come out. Keep up the good work.
Man, it is starting to feel like 1984 again. I got the money, really got the desire, but don’t know when I will get a pistol.
BTW, these are not about Miami Vice. These are simply one of the best pistol designs to ever come down the pike. I have shot the original, nothing will ever feel so good in your hand, period. Throw in adjustable but robust sights, a trigger & safety system that can be carried cocked and locked or DA, what more could you want?
Think Jeff Cooper not the fictional character Sonny Crockett.
I’m ready when the pistols are ready, hook me up!
Adjustable, no snag, nightsights would be great on a 100 yard magnum pistol. Hope this spitter is as robust as you claim, cause I want to run 10mm+P handloads down her throat. Can’t afford too much commercial ammo considering price and availability, so if you have to handload, why not load them HOT? Was looking at the 5.7 round, and even though it has the range and the speed, it seems more like a mouse gun compared to a heavy bullet 10mm, loaded to maximum pressure. It would be nice to get magnum wheelgun performance out of a slab sided auto-pistol. Has anyone bothered to tell Ted Nugent about this pistol?
I am like most here and quite interested in the outcome of this project. When you get them ready, I will take a Special Forces model and the full size! Get it right and do not be another D&D or Voit, just do not take forever doing it. Fast is slow and slow is fast! I like what I see thus far.
My Favorite pistol to date is a Sig P-226 X-Five because of it’s accuracy, reliability, capacity, and it just plain old feels good in my hand! I will be buying the Sig 45 ACP, 1911-TTT, with the mag well, for the same exact reasons! So, I am not bashing Sig when I say that the lanyard ring found on the butt end of their standard 1911 is a real pain in the palm! I know of no one who likes the way this lanyard ring feels, especially after a couple hundred rounds. Please tell me I don’t see a sharp,goughing,lanyard ring cast into the receivers of the Vltor Fortis? I really want to own and shoot this 10mm pistol, a lot! So, ergonomics and perceived balance and comfort are important with a potent 10mm round, in addition to accuracy, range, and knock down power. I’ve held off from buying any other brand of 10mm because I have faith in Vltor to get it right, and when you do, I’ll bet Sig will be forced to come out with an X-Ten.
Hey
Isn’t it time you throw us a bone. I hope I don’t run out of money before you come to market.
For all of us waiting please give us something to hang unto. Up date have been far and few between
Thanks
I think this is going to be the best handgun for me to carry on duty. I’ve shot the BREN TEN and it felt like a dream,and then became a dream because I ordered one and never got it,we all know why.So please make it real this time.Let me know when you are taking orders,I would like to get one this time.
Keep up the good work PLEASE!
OK….will we be able to place orders to ship to our FFL directly with VLTOR?
Also…wouldn’t it be nice to sneak order offers to the ones who frequent your site and pester you about questions…start at say, serial #5 or 10 and move up from there?
So…just in case we’ll be able to reserve, pre-order or whatever to be the first on the block with one of these modern wonders….that email I left…it’s right.
Any new word?
Will I have one in my hand by Christmas?
Just wanted to let you guys know that I’ve got my money saved and ready for when the Fortis comes out.
I would like one. I don’t want to wait forever, although like everyone else I want one that really works and isn’t a factory recall ( like most Ruger products ). Just try to get the mags out there at least before there is a ban (if there is one which we all hope there won’t be ).
I must say that I want a Vice version, because well who wouldn’t really?
Solve a mystery for me. If you go to the Guns and Ammo website, on the right site of the page are featured videos. In the middle of the three shown to the right (if you look FAST) is what I believe to be either a Fortis or a Bren Ten. I was hoping for some sort of preview video but I cannot find it on the site and if even if you click fast on the picture it puts up a different video.
Am I just inagining I saw the Fortis or Bren?
Mark
Eric:
I don’t want to rock the boat here, nor bother you with e-mails, but I really think your company should focus on getting out an initial run of Fortis pistols soon, so the window of opportunity to introduce this pistol to the public is not lost. If everything has been finalized, I’d start production, if even at a limited pace.
Sincerely…Ted
I believe it is a Bren…it has three lines of text on the side of the frame below the hole for the safety. The few pictures I have seen of the Fortis have had two lines of text in that area.
VLTOR… I have some money with your name on it…. Please build me one of those fancy 10MM blasters… Over…
Are you showing the fortis at NRA convention how about some pics and an update. We are waiting and I know you want to get this right but hey be good to your customers don’t be like EAA
Thanks
Any news or updates? You should strike while the iron is hot.
I need to know when can I get the Fortis Bren Ten Pistol “Miami Classic”? I am trying to be patient but with the current administration in office, we may need to act swiftly before it’s no deal! We the people of the 10mmTalk.com want to Know!
The curse begins…
I’ve been watching this since the beginning. In fact, I was the first reply posted on this blog. But, I just remembered something my momma taught me; “if it sounds to good to be true…..”. I hate this blasted curse.
I’ve decided this project is vaporware and don’t care about any more updates save one: what is the commercial launch date of the Fortis? If not soon, I’ll be spending the cash I’ve saved up elsewhere and will revisit this ‘project’ in a couple yrs.
You people have no faith. I think Eric knows better than we do about their “window of opportunity”. I’m sure they have it under control. Everyone should know by now that they only give updates every 2 months not to mention they stated that they probably wont release it until the end of this year. Just relax.
OK do we get a buy it date in June 2009 or 20??. Or just buy 10mm
from Glock, Colt and S&W. Or 10mm revolvers from Smith & wesson. Or 45 acp’s from all manufacturers. I’ll will wait for the next update. Than buy my guns.
Well I’ve been enjoying my Witness 10mm and I have shot the S&W 610. I still want the Fortis. I’ve been saving the brass for reloading because the price of a box around here is about $38.00. A big jump since last year. Anyway build it right and they will come. I’d rather have it done right the first time than to keep sending it back. Knowing all the care you’re taking makes me all warm and fuzzy. I’ll get at least one when you finish them. Most likely two.
I saw a post in the Bren10 website that there was a rumor about a 9×23 chambering. The 9×23 Winchester is a GREAT but under appreciated cartridge that needs a new platform. I have a 1911 in 9×23 and love it. A Fortis in 9×23 would be excellent. With all the other demands on your time I hope Vltor can get the Fortis in production and available as soon as possible.
Thanks
THE CURSE CONTINUES!!! VILTOR IS PROBABLY NOY EVRN GOING TO MAKE THIS PISTOL
OK Eric….we need another update! Please tell us that the Obama admin. hasn’t revoked VLTORs manufacturing license. Hillary says the FORTIS is an evil weapon…
Tell us some new good news!!!
(the sound of crickets chirping)
I own and love the feel of the Bren Ten, but the slide is cracked. Will replacement slide for the original Bren Ten be available.
I don’t understand why this blog can’t be updated at least once or twice a month. Surely SOMETHING is happening. Even a small update regarding where the process is at would be nice. Hearing nothing only leads to negative speculation. C’mon guys, tell us something…
I agree…with this much interest in a project, a little more information here on the blog would be nice.
This is the longest I have waited for an update and I check this site every day.I have talked up this gun to about 4 or 5 dealers and they were very interested in the gun and they told their people so whats going on guys? I hope you do not become like D&D Inc. with the BREN TEN and the Fortis does not happen.Please give us an update soon so I don’t look like a fool to my friends.I’ve wanted to buy a 10 MM for a long time to carry as an on duty gun,I really like that Cartrige.So please tell us something so I do not go some were else.
I am tired of the constant, near daily updates. I realized you stated that this would be a “real time look into the development of a advanced pistol” but it is too much. Too many pictures, too much information, too much responding to feedback. I realize that times are great right now and it is clear by your actions that even after you release the weapon your customers service will be right on top of any requests that might be made, but what happens if times turn bad? What happens if you start to concentrate more on plastic buttstocks and military contracts rather than the people whom you have repeatedly told to wait as the release date is pushed ever further into the future? I know, I know, it will never happen. Still, you never know.
So… we’ve come this far, is this as far as we are going to go?
Start calling and emailing the company, I seriously doubt they are checking these comments. With all the feedback here they would have answered by now if they were…. I appreciated the claims that they were making sure everything was right before production, but lets face it, they had the designs to start with and are just making improvements, not starting from scratch! Lets go, boys!
Is this how customer service is going to be. What is the matter with you people. Don’t you care about your hard core customers. You want my money or what. Bad business bad business hey is some one awake in there
JD
They are in there and Eric does read the post. I am confident that Vltor is getting ready to please us and excite the firearm community with their unveiling. When? Your guess is as good as mine. My guess is 9/16. I hope I’m wrong, because I want mine now. Buy your ammo (if you can find some) or get to reloading. The original ten is back.
Could it be we’ve heard nothing because the next post will be the annoucement of the release date? We can only hope.
Yes Eric does read these as I got and email from Him. But a little ecouragement once a month would go a long way with a pic or 2. I know how busy he must be and I want to thank him for the email. It is real hard to stand in the corner on your head and hold your breath. I do want an American made pistol to be the best it can be. But we all hate waiting with little to no input
from his company. I still got my money and I’m still waiting As they said in the service a bitchen Marine is a happy Marine.
JD
I wasn’t old enough to purchase a Bren Ten when it first came out, though I bought one many years later. I too share the frustration of many potential Fortis owners. I almost wish we didn’t have this blog. If I went to the SHOT Show in ‘08 and saw that VLTOR was going to build a “new” Bren Ten. My interest would be piqued. If it took a year or two for it to come out, so be it. When it did, I would be ready to buy one. But now I find myself checking this site daily, hoping for a glimmer of hope the next blog entry will say: “The pistol is ready to ship. Gentelman, place your orders.” I hope Eric gives us some good news this month.
Please just say anything so we know this project has completely disappeared. Is there anybody out there?
I have heard that Vltor has actually contracted with a major Chinese firearms manufacturer in Lhong Dhong Manchuria, to mass produce this pistol, which is currently under production. I have also heard that the design has been upgraded. The new release pistol will be called the ‘Flaming Phoenix’, and it will have a stainless steel sleeved, carbon fiber barrel, and it will be capable of firing both 10 MM auto rounds and 40 S&W rounds from the same gun. I also heard that it will come with adjustable green laser sight ‘Photon Grips’ and a iridium ghost ring rear sight assembly with replaceable diopters, and three magazines. I’m so excited about this new gun, I have wet dreams just thinking about it. I’ve decided to go with the Miami Vice Retro model with the zebra striped grip panels, and the two stage competition trigger. I do wish that Vltor could have been more responsible, by letting us know about their change in plans. Loyalty has a price guys, just tell us the truth. Oh yeah, I’m still counting on reserving my own cereal number. So, what happened to that offer Vltor? Cat got your tongue?
We are now all familiar with the rubber glove job now!
I mean so we know it hasn’t disappeared. Still hoping.
Gentlemen:
I am disappointed. I am stationed in Korea with the US Army, 2 years down, 1 more to go. BTW, there is no private ownership of firearms allowed in Korea….it sux!!!
I am coming home on leave next month.
For 2 years, you have “teased” us with this and that. So far, a few videos, 2008 and 2009 Shot Shows, and I heard the NRA Convention.
Yet, nothing for sale. No product. This, IMHO, is going the way of the Peregrine Falcon.
I was hoping to pick one up while on leave next month. I guess, sadly, I will have to wait.
I hope you hurry, I expect the current administration and House/Senate to pull some stunts soon, covertly or overtly.
Again, PLEASE HURRY UP!!! The minute it is released for pre-order, all will be forgiven from me, and I plan on ordering a few. And finally retire my Holy Grail, my Bren Ten that is “Viced”, to safe-queen status.
Is anyone really surprised at there have been delays? Have you all not dealt with the gun industry before? Do you not remember previous experiences (regardless of the manufacturer) where NO ONE DOES ANYTHING ON SCHEDULE?
I fully expected this and accounted for it. Add to it, that this company has no track record as a complete gun manufacturer and it’s not surprising the schedule is slipping. In fact, we should all be amazed if we see it by the middle of NEXT year.
BTW, does anyone remember the last bank scandal that hit right around the time of the Peregrine? Talk about curses.
IMHO, the worst part of this process has been the utter silence of the marketing department. April 2nd was the last post… 60+ days… talk about your poor communications. This does not bode well for customer service AFTER the gun is released, does it?
Can you just get rid of this website. I will just stick with my Delta’s.
Lou you hit the nail on the head. we’re all patient and willing to wait. The failure to communicate is the real concern here…
Emailed Eric today, he said update is coming very soon! Project is still going forward. Stay tuned…We all know how bad the waiting game sucks.
I think any kind of update would be great. I just hope they havent given us one because they are super busy and not because of the dreaded curse everyone fears. All in all I think they have it together over there and we will all be pleased with the final product. Unfortunately we will can only wait, unless someone wants to call Vltor directly and try to get some answers.
65 unanswered posts. Wow. I am really disappointed. If the gun ever appears will I buy one? Probably, yet I do have to wonder now as do so many others about the customer service.
I work in a customer service industry, and the biggest thing we talk about is –wait for it– COMMUNICATION. Good news, bad news, launch, delay, doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re talking to your customer.
I’ve writen this before here, what a lucky company to have people checking every day waiting to be able to order what will surely be a $1000 dollar product. So thats what $65,000 worth of sales right here? And for each of us who post how many never get past just looking at the 4/2 page and move on.
We deserve better.
JOB OPENING?
Somebody should hop over to Tucson and volunteer to post updates.
I assume Vltor is just too busy.
Vltor Weapon System
3735 N Romero Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705-3031
DAB
Just remember fellow shooters, good things come to those who wait. I’d rather wait a little bit and get a fine quality pistol from VLTOR, that has had the proper range testing, and had the bugs worked out of it, than experience the problems that the original Bren Ten owners experienced at the time of purchase, or when they found their pistols were breaking with no source for service or parts. So Eric tell the boys to take their time and get it right. And once they do..I’ll be sending a check and a serial # request.
How about a new update – still waiting to get hold of one! or two! or three!
Looking forward to any additional information you could post on a possible release date?
“The Antithesis of Chaos”?
You have Chaos.
After 25 years I sold my new in box BrenTen SFL. Knowing the Bren would be a collectors piece and the predictability of D&D’s demise, I purchased soley for the investment. I was fortunate to shoot other Bren’s and don’t miss the ole safe queen’s absence. I see that this company unlike the others that tried to resurrect the BREN has a sound financial management plan in effect and I believe the FORTIS will arrive as promised. Unlike the BREN, I will purchase several of the FORTIS pistols and look forward to owning and shooting them. I understand the angst many of you feel…. after all we are not getting any younger. As for myself, a FORTIS with all the new advances in technology is a gun enthusiasts dream come true! Until then I will have to be satisfied with shooting my Sig, Colt’s, Browning, Smith & Wesson’s, Remington’s, Valmet, Benelli, Beretta, and Rugers’s. Vltor, let me know if and when I can get on a preferred customer list and if you can support this product with customer service, parts and warranty service should the need arise. Like many others I’m ready to purchase when you are ready to sell!
Once a Marine Always A Marine “SEMPER FIDELIS!”
NO B.S GET ER DONE!
At least let us know your’e reading the blog.
Hey
“Born on the 4th of July” has a nice ring and could turn out to be a real Dandy
Great date for an all American Gun
JD
One thing is for sure, they need to provide email updates for those of us interested. Me, like a lot of folks intend on buying a couple.
I am hoping for an update soon.
Hopefully this project has not reached the end of the road. The fact that VLTOR will not even update the blog after three months however is very disappointing…
I am impatiently waiting for an update. I plan on purchasing a Fortis for a duty weapon. What’s going on hee folks?
Since Viltor has not updated site it must mean that there was a “MAJOR ” design flaw in the pistol making it dangerous? what else could it be? GO buy a Colt or glock for a 10mm
So where is it already?
We need some more pics, promises, something… I think I’m going to buy some giant wheels for my ‘85 caprice instead.
By not going forward with information Vltor is starting to make me think they are not going forward with this project, at least not until sales of the products they already have start to slump.
Perhaps they are trying to be as much like Dornaus & Dixon as possible to be “true to the original”.
FWIW, just found an entry on the THR Forum dated yesterday. A forum member states he talked to a “Vltor Fortis Technician.” Basically, orders will be taken around Christmas of this year.
Will this ever be available to Canadians? I would pay twice the American price in American dollars for any and all models of the Fortis in 10mm.
My guess is they are busy with defense contracts, which is where the money is. Fortis is the frosting, not the cake. May also have found a flaw during testing that needs redesign. If that’s the case we can thank them.
Vltor is too busy to spend 10 minutes to update a blog for 4 months?
I also suspect that there are serious flaws in the design, or other news that would not go over well with the “marketing exercise” of the website This Fortis appears to be dead before arrival, and Vltor are doing nothing to educate us on what is going on. So I’m not going to check this damn site daily anymore because if it does actually show up in the marketplace I guess I’ll eventually get one – but today I ordered a Commander 1911 because I need a gun not teasing. This whole process has left quite a bad taste in my mouth.
I’m sure that if this damn thing does ever get updated the comments will disappear!
They are still moving forward. Could see pre ordering around Christmas time. Don’t give up yet. It would be really nice though if they would just update the blog!
No news means you should be creative and invent some. Start ridiculous rumors fostered by fantasy, fetish, or foolishness, just to let Vltor know how you really feel about being enticed and teased, only to be neglected and abandoned on this forsaken site. Don’t we all feel a little like we’ve been had, as in duped? Obviously, Vltor must have layed off whoever used to be responsible for customer relations concerning this pistol, and I do suspect any subsequent service problems, related to this phantom pistol, will be handled in the same neglectful and indifferent manner. This stone wall routine of the customer/client base has gone past the point of absurdity. Evidently Vltor, as ludicrous as it may sound, just plain old don’t give a tinker’s damn about any of us common folk. If they were the least bit concerned about their Company Image, and their Public Relations, they would have already extended the common courtesy of responding to our multiple requests for a production update and a targeted delivery date. It just defies logic when you think about it. Why would a company treat their potential customers in such a rude manner? Guess we’ll all have to wait until the 2010 GUN SHOW to get the next installment. I should take the money I set aside for this phantom pistol and buy TWO 10mm Glocks, one full size and one subcompact for concealed carry, and stop lusting after the Mythical Fortis. Life is too short to waste time waiting for the unknown.
Well I guess it will not be the 4th. If it had a few warts so be it. But a paragraph or two to keep the troops informed would be better then this. A note to let us know what’s going on.
Eric does read the email as I have gotten some back. Just it would be nice to know as my money is burning a whole in my pocket. Just had to put in a new A/C shit happens and money goes.
Should I have money now or start saving towards Christmas or in the spring of next year or Christmas next year. Just a word or two sorry to be Bitchin
JD
It’s sad, that’s all I have to say, for all of us.
Give us something. “Throw me a bone!” (Dr. Evil)
To paraphrase Robin Williams, “under the definition of vaporware in the dictionary, it reads see Fortis”. Possibly the folks who are supposedly doing the testing & development of the unit are actually located in Asscrackistan, an area of the world where bombing something back to the stone age is an upgrade.
If any one is listening out there, consider the fact that this is getting really old. If you cannot or will not complete this in some sort on timely manner, please just say so. That’s life I guess. At least then everyone being lead by the carrot in front of their face can just put this tease behind them and move on.
Bruce
Looks like by the time this thing comes out, we will all be carrying PHASERS!
Just treat us like adults and potential customers and quit the Barnum and Bailey circus sideshow here.
Leadership and management professors could use Vltor’s Fortis Weblog for a case study on how not to treat people.
I’ve been watching this site for a while and I like to be updated on weapons information too, I’ve been looking at multiple sites and how their rifle or pistol has been developing. Now knowing that I am willing to wait for a good product. Vltor DOES NOT need to have a webpage on how they are developing their pistol and we should be thankful that they have given us a chance to have an insight. All the negative comments really should stop and those who write them need to start acting their ages instead of the sum of their age. Its bad when someone needs to remind others what manners are. I would just suggest to wait, what harm is it to any of us if it is created or not. I’m extremely interested in the pistol and want one too, but I’m not going to bash a company on their blog because they don’t update the site.
So to all that want to bash Vltor, HAVE SOME MANNERS!
You guys are a joke.Why don’t you do us all a favor and just shut this website down.
Do I win anything for being the 100th reply to the last post? A trip to Vltor to pick up my gun? Plus the first serial number? That’s Awesome! Thanks. Let me know when to book my flight and I’ll let you know my chosen serial number. This is awesome. I can’t believe I won.
Update please… the last one was in april.
You guys are a joke Why don’t you just pull this website down
“We’ve come this far”…
Well…that sounded promising at one point, unforunately very long ago and when both Eric and Vltor still had some credibility. Sure, it’s a business…but aside from govenrment contracts, businesses survive by their customers…and they thrive because of BOTH the product/services they provide to those customers are of good quality. Treating potential customers like crap will lead to the same end as D&D as they dicked around and the customer was left holding the meaningless paid order form/receipt and listening to the same tired kind of empty words. This goes beyond business…it involves demonstrated actions and integrity that, so far, has been sadly and pathetically lacking in the department of being candid with us…and it would be kind of twistedly amusing if it weren’t so tragically pathetic, because it goes directly against the stated intent and purpose of this “weblog” that you’re so proud of!
Big words, broken assurances, curt interactions and childish fits…in the face of these things, exactly what would you expect Vltor/Eric? Convince us that the patience exhibited by your potential customer base as “we’ve come this far” slogging through your knee-deep expulsion of BS is worth something a bit more substantial that fertilizer and gained wisdom from once again, some of us becoming annoyingly reacqauinted with the addage that if it quacks like a duck…
Please for the love of God, update the blog!!!
Still nothing? This is not cool.
guess this was just a publicity stunt to gain attention to vltors products, They probably never were going to make the pistol and used old photos of production from D&D
My thousand bucks just went for a Stag Arms 4L! I pick it up tomorrow! I live 10 minutes away from Vltor and they would not even let me see or hold a prototype that everyone at SHOT 09 got to see and hold. I’m not dropping that kind of cash for this sort of customer service!
Well, another voice from the peanut galley heard from.
B.
Manners is the point exactly. Vltor does appear to be quite short on manners, when they can’t show the slightest coutesy of responding to the questions their invited guest bloggers pose. It’s pretty much a tease situation in progress here, and it obviously vexates some, while it only frustrates others, and some may even be amused. However, I must agree that it matters not whether we kvetch, or just kibitz, we might as well go pound sand for all Vltor cares. I still think two 10MM Glocks in your hands, compared to one Fortis in the bush, deserves some serious consideration.
The way I see it, no news is good news. If we give Vltor the benefit of the doubt — and I think we should — there is no reason to doubt the progress they have made nor their intentions to bring the Fortis to market. I’ve been coveting a Bren for 25 years, and am thrilled about what Eric and his people are doing. I’m glad for what they have told us related to their priorities and demands. At least that lets us know why this is taking longer than any of us would like. Surely in due time, when there is something meaningful to say, they’ll let us know the status of the Fortis. As far as I’m concerned, if taking their time means a great product, then I’m in favor of that. Let’s be patient, and cut Vltor a little slack.
At least we are getting some good information here. It seems like VLTOR is on top of this. That is encouraging. I can’t wait.
Wake me up if they ever actually produce any of these things.
I don’t buy the excuse that they are too busy making other stuff on contract — once the tooling and molds are set up, the computer does the work, giving them plenty of time to develop a new product which is supposed to sell for A THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH, while pumping out their other stuff.
So, since these only exist in someone’s imagination, what other full-house 10mm pistols are worth looking at? Tanfoglio?
Please Eric another update!
I just got a 10mm Glock…will I still buy a Fortis, if THEY EVER COME? YES!! I have to agree with the negative posters. The company owes potential customers updates. Some folks will have to scrape by to afford one anyway and have saved their money to buy. All this waiting they could have bought something else.
You have to get this thing out before the anti gunners start trying to force their agenda.
I will not add any other smart ass comments, but GIVE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS respect.
Saw this on Bren 10.com.May shed some light on the FORTIS.
http://nordicg3kscommunity.yuku.com/topic/1740/t/The-VLTOR-Fortis-WILL-be-manufactured.html
I looked at the forum and was not really impressed with the given time frame of not in a few months, but before two years. However, I did like what someone said about Glock’s prototype being done in 3 months. I highly doubt the Fortis will come close to Glock quality anyways. I was never a Glock fan, but have had three and currently own two which happen to be a 10mm. There are too many good gun makers out there using proven designs and high technology to use the excuse of making the gun right! Come on!!!
Bottom line when gun was shown at the Shot show it should have been just about ready for production and sale. You do not treat perspective buyers in the manner this firm has. You can defend their position if you want, but most that are aggravated have that right as a consumer.
Fortis needs to quit jacking it’s potential customers around and give a concrete date. If they are running into financial problems or design problems just say so. Honesty and being upfront is best.
I really hope this pistol makes it to the market because I really want one and possibly two, but since waiting for this dream, I have purchased 3-4 high dollar firearms that could have bought me at least three of the Fortis. So the company has lost 3K worth of sales from me in past several months.
I am still patiently looking forward to the Fortis and hopefully a replacement extractor for my Bren Ten.
Having waited 20 years or so already, I can wait a little bit longer for a Ten done right. I am so glad that someone has the desire and means to make this come true.
And having worked on DoD projects for even longer than that, I can appreciate that Eric might get a little busy now and then. The business is screaming in some areas and drying up in others. Keeping good people employed and the Warfighter supplied is noble work.
I recently found out VLTOR was based in my home town of Tucson (having just bought some of your parts for a new AR-15 build) and now I see that you are making copies of the Bren 10?
I could not be happier! I missed the original Bren’s by virtue of my age, and then never saw a single Peregrine copy. I will have to buy one each, 10 mike and 45 acp, full size pistols…. they are the only things I’d replace my CZ 75 with!
I am looking forwards to having my own pistols from a manufacturer I trust, from the city I love! Rock on!