The Guns Of James Bond

FLEMING TO BOOTHROYD, 31ST MAY

"I really am most grateful for your splendid letter of May 23rd.

"You have entirely convinced me, and I propose, perhaps not in the next volume of James Bond's memoirs but in the subsequent one, to change his weapons in accordance with your instructions.

"Since I am not in the habit of stealing another man's expertise, I shall ask you in due course to accept remuneration for your most valuable technical aid.

"Incidentally, can you suggest where I can see a .38 Airweight in London? Who would have one?

"As a matter of interest, how do you come to know so much about these things? I was delighted with the detailed explanation of how the holster operates and greatly impressed. If ever there is talk of making films of some of James Bond's stories in due course, I shall suggest to the company concerned that they might like to consult you on some technical aspects. But they may not take my advice, so please do not set too much store by this suggestion.

"From the style of your writing it occurs to me that you may have written books or articles on these subjects. Is that so?

"Bond has always admitted to me that the .25 Beretta was not a stopping gun, and he places much more reliance on his accuracy with it than in any particular qualities of the gun itself. As you know, one gets used to a gun and it may take some time for him to settle down with the Smith & Wesson. But I think M [ Bond's chief in the Secret Service, always referred to by the initial] should advise him to make a change, as also in the case of the .357 Magnum.

"He also agrees to give a fair trial to the Berns-Martin holster, but he is inclined to favour something a little more casual and less bulky. The well-worn chamois leather pouch under his left arm has become almost a part of his clothes, and he will be loth to make a change, though, here again, M may intervene.

"At the present moment Bond is particularly anxious for expertise on the weapons likely to be carried by Russian agents, and I wonder if you have any information on this.