22 replies to this topic

[R]

What is the make and model of the gun that Maurice Binder photgraphed to produce the famous gunbarrel image?

I'd just like to add at this point that I have no idea myself, I just thought that this would be a cool, if obscure, bit of trivia for a Bond fan to have in their possession.

[Tedley King]

Apart from almost making me die of laughter from that question I would think that it is just a circle with rings going round to make it seem like the barrel of a gun, not as such a type or make of gun. I don't think it is the barrel of a Beretta/PPK/P99 etc.

[Double-Oh-Zero]

From what I've read, Binder in fact did use a real gun for the sequence. It's been said that Binder had a meeting with the producers of Dr.No in half an hour, and he was in a rush. I think he just borrowed a gun from London's Piccaldy Square, and then opened up the barrel for the cameraman to shoot the sequence with Bob Simmons. I would think he used some type of rifle or large gun for this. A pistol like a Beretta would seem a little difficult to shoot the scene through.

[Bryce (003)]

Actually, I believe I do know this.

The gun Binder borrowed was .38 Smith & Wesson with a two inch barrel. I'm trying to remember where I picked up this info, but it was from a Bond related publication and an interview with Binder.

[Mister Asterix]

The actual gunbarrel was a still photograph taken through a real gunbarrel. Bob Simmons was then filmed through a hole cut in the photograph. As for the make and model of the gun, I've no idea.

[R]

Originally posted by Bryce (003)
Actually, I believe I do know this.  

The gun Binder borrowed was .38 Smith & Wesson with a two inch barrel. I'm trying to remember where I picked up this info, but it was from a Bond related publication and an interview with Binder.

You know, you saying that has dredged up a siimilar "I know this but can't remember where from" feeling, and that it was a Smith and Wesson. I think it might have been on one of the DVD SE's, but I'll have to check.

[Mister Asterix]

Originally posted by Bryce (003)
Actually, I believe I do know this.  

The gun Binder borrowed was .38 Smith & Wesson with a two inch barrel. I'm trying to remember where I picked up this info, but it was from a Bond related publication and an interview with Binder.

I bet you're thinking of the gun Richard Chopping borrowed to illustrate the cover of the From Russia, With Love first edition.

[Bryce (003)]

Looks like it will be a late night down in the records division.....I've just got to remember and then find the article.

R, Mr. * - Well done! I know the info is something I read as opposed to saw or heard. Something else is tapping my memory about the .38 though.

In my small personal arsenal, aside from the PPK, P-99 and Browning HP, I do have a SW model 36 snub-nose in .38 and (in cleaning) looking down the barrel is part of the inspection process. It looks the right depth and the number of grooves (rifling) is about right when compared to my Bond gun-barrel litho.

Damn! Where did I read this.

*Bryce picks up phone, dials records and lights a cigarette*

[Blue Eyes]

Originally posted by Bryce (003)
I do have a SW model 36 snub-nose in .38 and (in cleaning) looking down the barrel is part of the inspection process.

I'm so glad you added 'in cleaning' to that sentence! I just wish I could get my hands on a PPK out here. I've used quite a few weapons in my time, but a PPK hasn't been one of them

[Bryce (003)]

Considering I've stared down the barrel of one or two guns that I wasn't cleaning, I wanted to make that point.

I've had my PPK for nearly nine years and it is still a great little auto. The P-99 is a bit bulky and doesn't really feature any of the classic Walther lines, but it is a fine weapon.

[Blue Eyes]

The P99 does lack a certain flair . It's alright to look at, but it comparison to the PPK, it doesn't have a 'chich'-like design. It's too comparable to other weapons.

Dare I ask why you stared down the barrell's of guns you weren't cleaning?

[Bryce (003)]

Originally posted by Blue Eyes
Dare I ask why you stared down the barrell's of guns you weren't cleaning?

Once on the job, once in private. Notice I'm still here.

Back to guns. The P-99 may lack the look of the PPK (still my fav.) but, as stated before, it's a nice piece. Although, Bond's is a "military/law enforcement" model which has a larger magazine capacity with a slightly thicker stock/grip as a result.

Mine is a bit slimmer, but still takes 10 in the clip and one in the pipe and the delivery is more like a cinder-block through a plate glass window as opposed to a brick;)

Coupled with a dual safety, great sights, a wide ejection port and a universal acceptance of all known 9mm ammunition it's quite a formidable weapon and certainly a worthy sidearm for any MI6 operative. I understand that a lot of the German police forces are using them as opposed to the Glock's.

[1q2w3e4r]

It is a good weapon, but not too widely used. Personally i think the Sig Sauer P226 or the HK USP especially is a better weapon.

[Blue Eyes]

If I may ask Bryce, how much did you pay for your P99? I can't recally the precise value, but from memory in Austrlia you're looking at a US$3000 for one.

[Bryce (003)]

3K (USD) down under? Seems very high, but I'm not sure of your laws/regs down there.

I've got my own "Boothroyd" I've done all my business with (actually, he's more Lazar these days - it's a good thing) and I got mine for half your quote ($1500) which is expensive by US standards, even for an import. It did get shipped direct from the factory though. The black box with a beautiful Walther logo.

[shaunster_007]

I read on a fan website that the gun used was in fact a .38 Smith and Wesson that was used.

[Roebuck]

Hi Bryce.
Have you heard anything about these new PPK's being manufactured under licence by Smith & Wesson?

Their being marketed as the 'PPK/S' (or someting like that)

[Bryce (003)]

Hey Roebuck -

Up until a few years ago, all Walther pistols were imported in the US by Interarms in Alexandria, VA. I had heard some S&W talk. I'm seeing my "Lazar" later this week to pick a few new clips. I'll find out what's what.

[Red Grant]

Originally posted by shaunster_007
I read on a fan website that the gun used was in fact a .38 Smith and Wesson that was used.

Well I recell Binder told me it was a .38 but not being an expert on guns can't confirm this but that is what I say on my page. I think a lot of people don't think it really was filmed down a gun barrel. The **cough** copyrights **cough* now list it as Iris Logo which is what I think they mean when the gunbarrel image is used.

[Roebuck]

Originally posted by Bryce (003)
I'm seeing my "Lazar" later this week to pick a few new clips. I'll find out what's what.

Much appreciated Bryce.

[General Koskov]

They actually call it an 'iris'? As in a camera shutter-type iris? That's what I used to think it was, but I read the .38 stuff at Maurice Binder's page at The Art of James Bond site.

[Mister Asterix]

I would think the Iris logo would be something else. There are Bond logos that are a silhouette in the center of an iris rather than a gunbarrel. (Sorry, I can't legally show one here. )

[Double-Oh-Zero]

Originally posted by Roebuck
Hi Bryce.
Have you heard anything about these new PPK's being manufactured under licence by Smith & Wesson?

Their being marketed as the 'PPK/S' (or someting like that)

I have read about this on their website, www.waltheramerica.com, and it notes about S&W joining Walther in 1999. Anyway, That's a nice collection you have there, Bryce. Is there another Bond-gun you're planning to add to your collection?