James Bond Today: What Firearm Would 007 Carry?

James Bond, the legendary secret agent created by Ian Fleming, has been a source of inspiration for many and has evolved over the years. If Fleming were to re-write James Bond today, what firearm would 007 carry, and why would he choose that particular weapon?

Evolution of James Bond's Firearm Arsenal

When Fleming created James Bond, he incorporated various firearms into the character's arsenal. For instance, in Casino Royale, Bond had a "38 Colt Police Positive with the sawn barrel" under his pillow and a "long barreled Colt Army Special .45" in his car. Later, in Moonraker, Bond used a Colt Detective Special, and it was Dr. No that introduced the infamous Walther PPK to the Bond canon. At different times, Fleming also mentioned Bond using a Savage 99F and a .308 Winchester.

However, while these firearms are iconic, they were not specifically designed for assassination. This highlights the flexibility and adaptability of Fleming's Bond; he would use whatever firearm was most appropriate for the scene. Fleming's non-specialized nature in firearms meant that the choice could vary widely, ranging from concealed carry options to more specialized weapons for specific missions.

Qualities of a Spy's Handgun

Considering the modern context, what qualities would a pistol designed for James Bond today need to possess?

A pistol used by a spy like James Bond should ideally:

Be easily concealable. Not weigh too much. Have a threaded barrel or the option to retrofit with one. Be adaptable with optical sights (optics ready).

With these criteria, the Springfield Hellcat OSP emerges as an ideal choice. However, Fleming might never choose the Hellcat for a specific reason, which will be discussed shortly.

The Glock 19: A Modern Choice

Given that Fleming was a British naval intelligence officer, it is reasonable to assume that he would have known the modern UK military firearms. Today, the British armed forces primarily use Glock 17s, supplemented by Sig Sauer P226s and Glock 19s or Sig Sauer P228s for enhanced concealment. Considering this, the most likely choice for Ian Fleming today would be a Glock 19.

The Glock 19 is a highly versatile and reliable firearm, chambered in 9mm Parabellum. This ammunition is readily available worldwide, making it an easy choice for a global agent like James Bond. Additionally, the Glock 19 is widely used, with millions of units in circulation, making it easy for Bond to acquire or exchange during his missions.

Why Fleming Might Not Choose the Glock 19

Despite the Glock 19 being a perfectly suitable choice for modern Bond, Fleming might not choose it for a few reasons:

Fleming's preference for a more classic or iconic weapon might guide him towards the Walther PPK, which has a rich history in the Bond canon and an emotional significance. The desire to include a more specialized or less common firearm might drive Fleming to choose a different model. For instance, he might opt for a unique or 'cool kid on the block' weapon like the .30 Super Carry, which would add a touch of intrigue and surprise to Bond's arsenal. For practical reasons, Fleming might also consider the firearm's availability and accessibility, especially if he wants to include moments where Bond might need to procure or exchange his weapon quickly.

In conclusion, while the Glock 19 is a reasonable and practical choice for modern Bond, Fleming's unique style and the evolving nature of Bond's character would likely lead him to select a firearm with deeper symbolism or a more unexpected twist.