Literary James Bond's Best Pistol: the ASP

Published on September 30, 2024
Duration: 14:14

This guide details the unique features of the ASP 9mm pistol, as discussed by Ian McCollum and Caleb Daniels on Forgotten Weapons. It focuses on understanding the 'Guttersnipe' sight system, the pistol's 'melted' edges for concealed carry, transparent grips for round counting, and other modifications like the bobbed hammer. The information is derived from expert analysis of a firearm featured in James Bond's literary adventures.

Quick Summary

The ASP 9mm, a custom Smith & Wesson Model 39, features unique transparent Lexan grips for round counting, a 'Guttersnipe' channel sight for rapid acquisition, and 'melted' edges for snag-free concealed carry, making it a distinct firearm for literary James Bond.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Bond's Literary Firearms
  2. 01:03Historical Context: The Switch from PPK
  3. 02:18Technical Overview of the ASP
  4. 03:44The Guttersnipe Sight and 'Melting'
  5. 05:23Custom Accessories
  6. 07:51Range Testing and Performance
  7. 11:42Conclusion and Book Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the ASP 9mm unique compared to other firearms?

The ASP 9mm, a custom Smith & Wesson Model 39, features unique transparent Lexan grips for round counting, a 'Guttersnipe' channel sight for rapid acquisition, and 'melted' edges for snag-free concealed carry.

Why did James Bond's literary version switch from the Walther PPK to the ASP?

The literary James Bond adopted the ASP 9mm due to concerns about the Walther PPK's reliability, influenced by real-world jamming incidents, leading author John Gardner to seek a more modern and dependable sidearm.

What is the 'Guttersnipe' sight system on the ASP 9mm?

The 'Guttersnipe' sight is a non-electronic, channel-based sighting system on the ASP 9mm designed for fast target acquisition at close distances. It requires a specific aiming technique and may initially result in a higher point of impact.

Who designed the ASP 9mm pistol?

The ASP 9mm pistol was designed by Paris Theodore, who heavily modified the Smith & Wesson Model 39 base model with over 200 changes focused on concealability and improved functionality for law enforcement and special operations.

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