What gun did 007 use?

The Iconic Firearms of 007: A Journey Through the James Bond Universe

James Bond, the legendary secret agent created by author Ian Fleming, has been synonymous with high-stakes espionage and gadgetry since his first appearance in the 1953 novel "Casino Royale". As the iconic spy’s career spanned numerous adaptations on screen and print, one essential component of his character has remained constant – his trusty sidearm. But what gun did 007 use throughout his various adventures? In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of Bond’s weaponry, from the early years to the modern era, and decode the code of the various guns that made his reputation as a world-class operative.

Early Years: Beretta M1934 (1953-1954)

Bond’s inaugural appearance in "Casino Royale" found him relying on the Beretta M1934, a Italian semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. This handgun, adopted by the Italian military, provided Bond with a reliable and effective sidearm during his mission to take down Le Chiffre.

Enter Walther: PPK/S and P38 (1954-1960s)

As the James Bond film series gained popularity, Sean Connery’s portrayal of the suave secret agent solidified the character’s on-screen presence. The Walther PPK/S, Bond’s first cinematic handgun, debuted in "From Russia with Love" (1963) and remained a faithful companion until "You Only Live Twice" (1967). The PPK/S, a hybrid of the earlier PPK and the more powerful PPK/S models, served as Bond’s primary firearm.

The Walther P38, featured in "Goldfinger" (1964), briefly became Bond’s go-to weapon, although it ultimately yielded to the PPK/S. Both Walther handguns left a lasting impression on the 007 franchise, earning the iconic designation as "the Bond gun".

Exploding Guns: PPK and the Silencer (1967-1981)

Bond’s love affair with the Walther PPK continued through "You Only Live Twice", before transitioning to the more reliable Walther PPK, sans the "S" designation, in "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971). This PPK variant remained in use during "Live and Let Die" (1973), "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974), and "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977). A detachable silencer occasionally made its appearance in these films, allowing Bond to remain silent and deadly.

Innovations and the Long Slide: SIG-Sauer P228 (1989-2008)

The franchise took a departure from traditional Beretta or Walther firearms with "License to Kill" (1989), as Bond traded his PPK for the SIG-Sauer P228, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. This Austrian-made semi-automatic pistol, first introduced in the late 1980s, presented a more futuristic and reliable alternative for the secret agent.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the SIG-Sauer P228 accompanied Bond through various missions in "GoldenEye" (1995), "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997), "The World Is Not Enough" (1999), and "Die Another Day" (2002). The gun’s versatility, precision, and ergonomic design made it a favorite among fans and an essential part of the 007 arsenal.

The Modern Era: Beretta 90Two (2012-present)

Bond’s journey into the modern era of firearms led to a temporary return to Beretta with the introduction of the Beretta 90Two, the official Bond gun since Skyfall (2012). Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, this semi-automatic pistol offers enhanced accuracy and flick-locking system, further solidifying Bond’s position as a cutting-edge operative.

In recent adaptations like "Spectre" (2015) and "No Time to Die" (2021), Bond continues to utilize the Beretta 90Two, refining his marksmanship and adapting to new circumstances with the reliability of his sidearm.

In conclusion, James Bond’s affinity for a variety of firearms throughout his on-screen adventures is a testament to the franchise’s willingness to evolve with changing times. From the humble Beretta M1934 to the sleek SIG-Sauer P228, each weapon played a vital role in the development of 007’s persona, becoming an integral part of his iconic arsenal.